The end

[restoman]

Friday just passed, I closed the doors to MY Classic Auto Body.
It wasn't an easy decision.
I've been there for 7 years, and put one Hell of a lot of time and work into trying to make a go of it. For a couple years, I'm sure my wife thought I had a mistress.
But, with some not-going-to-go-away debt, never-ending cashflow issues, and a bleak economical forecast for Ontario, it was a decision that had to be made.
The hardest part is saying goodbye to three really top-notch employees, and knowing I'll never get to work with them again. The skills, abilities and work ethics of these guys is going to be an asset to whatever employer lands them. It took 7 years to get a good crew, and now they're gone...

Life goes on. It is what it is.

The fallout should be minimal. I'll try my best to make it so.
I've always prided myself on being honest, so I'll do my damnest to individually finish the projects on the go at the shop. Some are close to completion, some not. XL's and DCF's Chargers are both on the list.

So, thanks for the support you folks have given me over the years. It is appreciated.

 

[71dusterman]

A sad hard decision. I feel for you Mike. That place was like a kid to you and I know you will dearly miss it. The ultimate is still you got to make a solid living for yourself and your family. All the best for your future endevers and stay in touch.

 

[Dr.Jass]

Whoa, man... I thought things were looking up of late. I'm very sorry to hear this. Have you made arrangements for new employment?

Damn it. The end of the dream. My heart goes out to you.

 

[dustergal]

Damn man, that sucks... good luck in your future endeavors.

 

[restoman]

Too late, as it happens Doc.
Its hard to explain - we were reasonably busy, had a pretty good rep and some really good, repeat customers. But the bottom line is, cash flow, or the lack of it, killed us.
I'm sure I'll be back in the middle of it again - wife permitting (that's gonna be the hard part, convincing her) - but this time using the hard learned lessons of this business failure.

I could try being a gigolo. I mean, I'm broke now anyway, I may as well have fun at what I'm doing.

 

[greg340 "GREGGLES"]

Man that sux. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision. I've seen some of the great work you've done. Good Luck








Next time just charge XL 3 times as much

 

[J.C. Corbett]

Damn. That just made my heart sink. Those aren't easy shoes to wear. You will recover from this, and much wiser. Ask me how I obtained this knowledge. I'll be thinkin' good thoughts for you.:helpme:

 

[Dr.Jass]

OK, but remember: an unpaid gigolo is just a man-slut, and if the cash flow is backwards you're a john.

 

[Moparlady]

OMG, I'm so sorry! From what I've read on this forum, this was your baby, and you are very, very good at what you do. I'm so sorry these terrible economic times have taken away your dream......you are not alone.
Somehow, most of us always seem to be able to rise from the ashes, and I hope this will be true for you. Keeping good thoughts for you and your family. Any ideas what you will do now?

 

[XLR8R]

Total bummer, Mike. I will try and help if I can, just let me know.
Keep us in the loop!

 

[project74]

That really is sad Mike. Best wishes to your family.

 

[dodgechargerfan]

Complete bummer. A hard decision to make, no doubt.

Keep us posted on the movin' on.

 

[71ChargerRT]

Wow that really hurts. I remember my dad going through that, it was tough even though he saw it coming for 3 or 4 months. Best of luck in your future endeavors Mike.

 

[69.5CUDA]

crap that sucks...hope ya get a silver lining

 

[BootHead]

well crap, good luck with whatever you do. Did any of those dudes offer to come in on weekends and work for beer, now that would be a keeper.

 

[beeper*71]

So sorry to hear of it. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

 

[mr340]

I'm speechless! That really bites, hope things work out for you and you get back into it ASAP. Good Luck and keep us in the loop.

 

[a12bee]

Wow, after the 'vette thread I thought you were good to go but yeah, after what's happened over the last few weeks it will be a miracle if any of the little guys are left standing. Best of luck.

 

[Matt43]

It makes my heart hurt to hear stuff like that, I hope you get back to it in the future. Sooo sorry dude.

 

[Rob R]

Sorry to hear this Mike...but I know how it is...every time I turn around I have $25.000 out...a long time customer drove off into the sunset owing me $14.000...it'll take years for me to recoup that kinda money.
Again...sorry to hear about your shop.