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Dear Everyone, So we hear what is we hear on this board. Some good, some bad about myself. Everyone is titled to their own opinion. I cant sleep thinking about what has been going on lately with myself and business. About 2 months ago i had quite my job at State Farm Insurance Company to start my business for a living. I am almost 24 yrs old. I had worked at SF since 2000. Half way through my career i wanted to start a business of my own now 4yrs later. I am doing what i dreamed.
I had got my 1st 300ZX in 2000 with usual mods and such and limited Z knowledge. Granted we have had 4 Zs in my family in the past 2 Z31s and 2 Z32s. My dad also had a few friends with Zs too. So my passion for the 300ZX has always been in my blood. So now its 2004 i own yet another beautiful Z. This time around i want to make a very strong stated Z. A hope to be a well recognized Z Nation wide. Using this Z as my flagship car for my business (S&A Polishing and FiTec Designs).
In the past i had maxed out credit cards for my other Z. I blew it up, rebuilt it then blew it up again. What luck. Well you learn from your mistakes. As well spending habits for the car. Alot of DYI knowledge has been gained through this experience. Any challege in the car world is pretty much understood. Other Z shops have been well recognized for this knowledge. Just because i dont have a running Z right know doesnt account for much. But guess what i dont have is the pocket book like others do. I pity on people that buy strictly bolt on parts and then do nothing with their car other than to brag that "i have such and such piece on my car". Congratulations you bolted on a hunk of metal. What kind of gratitude can you get by that. I recently asked a person i know locally "why did you put in a CUSCO roll cage if you were not going to drag race, auto cross, road race, or drift your car." His reply "i liked it." These same people have no respect for others when they stem outside of the non bolt on world. All of my business is custom fabrications and detailing.
Congratulations you bought a part from Such and Such Place. I can sell parts too. I can say yes to your so desired needs and ship it. My business is a custom business. Meaning everything is done from scratch. Its what the best do. These people get recognized like Jessy James. When people enter the side of non bolt on parts and cosmetics. Its a different world. Things take time to do them correctly for business to be spread and a good word about yourself.
I have seen business from both sides. Yes i can order a part and expect it to be here in a week or 2 to my place. Guess what its already made part. In my business i have gone futher beyond that of a regular parts store to give a customer exactly what they want. As well as giving my word. I believe some can vouch for the things i have done. But realize that by doing custom work it takes time. Yes i know longer than expected. High demands for custom work do exist for other then looking to have a status symbol. Do you think when impatient people nag about when their stuff is going to be done. And then wonder why it gets messed up. Impatient people should not be in the high tuning department of cars. They always try to blame some one else for their mistakes. Poor planning on your parts results in your mistakes.
I saw some of the wonderful things said about me the past few weeks. Some great and some bad. For those of you who taunt me behind a computer screen good for you. You only make me fighter harder till the time comes when the upper hand is mine when i serve it to you on a chrome plated platter. And when the Z or me is present ill tell you how i really feel. As far now i will not waste time or breath on people that are cowards that hide behind computer screens.
These past few months have been up and down. Its life i know. This is how life will be so this is what i accept for it is. Nobody is perfect i dont care who you are. When i quite State Farm i had been doing business on the side. SF was holding me back from what i wanted to do. I didnt not wanted to be judged by others. Alot of mistakes have been made in the past about how i do business. I have sold many parts as well as done great custom work for people. There has also been a crucial time in my life to make my business better. From those who know me can vouch for me. Those cool people that hide behind computer screens and say how much i suck. You dont know me. As far as im concerned its not your busines so stay out it.
I see more drama on tt.net then i see in a girls bathroom. I dont ever recall seeing a transaction from these people who want to talk about me. If this is the case i believe a reputation system should be put in our files for the classifed sections. I have nothing to hide so i certainly am all for it. Even with the past in there too. Positive and Negative replys should be granted. That way a reputation can be judged through experience. I can see this. To be honest. I have been disorganized with alot of things lately but at the same time made quite a few accomplishments in the past months as well. How i treat customers is how i want to be treated i am not out just to take your money i actually take pride in your business. And nothing says it more better than a completed car that i can say yes i did that work.
My finances. Cry me a river. No this is not some pity shit else i wouldnt be sayin it. You want to know whats up ill tell you. Since i have started my business i need to get organized i have been running my business from one account. So i am not seeing my gains. I have been throwing free shipping forever. Its costing me alot. When i worked at State Farm i hooked up shipping very nice with next day shipping to most places for next to nothing. That luxury is gone now. Cost of materials is somewhat high considering the specialty powders i provide. Some costs are due to machining. Getting the R&D to make good parts costs money. Which i dont have right now. I cant just go out and get a 125K business loan. What accomplishment can be said in that. Hell right now i cant even make my rent payment let alone ship out parts because my checking is in the negative. So i really dont have the money too fork over a digtal camera. It doesnt do me that good anyways because my computer is crap. The pics that i do get i have a friend come over and take for me because he is a really good friend of mine. I have been looking at this for the past weeks and it sucks yes life is kicking me in the ass and the drama on tt.net just adds to the enjoyment of the matter. I just want to say a few more things. Right now i am going through alot of stuff. Alot of what you call "changes and experiences." I got together with a friend to help me with my finances to seperate me and S&A Polishing. So alot of what has been going on is my fault lately. For those who have parts getting done right now. This is why your parts have not gotten to you yet. As well as i am looking for another part time job to help get these orders back to people. I just needed to vent. I think things maybe looking better for me shortly. I just wanted to aplogize for what has been going on. Those who support me its really nice to see these customers and friends looking for me to grow and achieve my dreams of a well respected shop, Z, and owner of all. So there you have it. In the opening with nothing to hide.
Shawn Lane
"Project Defiy" underway
want any custom engine work done?? check out http://sl103.tripod.com
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