Forum Replies Created
-
Well put Pete.
My personal story.
In 1982 ,[BC..before children] …my wife Woody and I decided to rent our home and with a couple of backpacks head off on a trip that would take us 50 months of eastward travel around the world….and home.
By 1984 ,when the Olympics was on in L.A. we purchased a one owner ’69 Westphalia and over the next 2 years ,we travelled north south east and west of the USA and Canada.
Whilst working at Paddy Bugatti’s in Aspen ,I was fortunate to meet a customer who explained to me that in all businesses,two of the components are Product and Commodity.
We sometimes get these mixed up.
In life,the commodity is the vehicle that takes us to market….whatever we choose to do.
Thus ,the product is us, and when we realize and accept this fact,we are then forever empowered to forge our own destiny.
After 25 years in the hotel and restaurant business,where I carried the risk and provided the livelihood for many others,I found myself in 1991 unemployed for the first time ever (following the sale of our restaurant) with a larger mortgage,a beautiful wife and two baby girls.
I took about six months of ‘Mental Basket Weaving’ by working part time at the Perth central fruit and vegetable markets as a barrow boy.No employees,no landlord,no general public. Having got my shit together, I went back to the ‘I am the product’ discussion,and my earlier training as a signwriter and began my chalkboard business. At times it can be frustrating working solo,in a non collaborative environment however the benefit of owning your diary and thus time is the most liberating and fullfilling experience.
I have now been working from home by the Indian Ocean for 32 years,producing a high quality ‘commodity’ for the local hospitality industry.I make the chalkboards,design and draw them and install them.I’ve recently turned 70 and am looking forward to the next exciting 35 ….
Over the years I have seen many really good partnerships ,particularly in the Signage business, flourish with the energy of very talented individuals who at some point decide to separate and do their own thing. Generally ,the outcome is good ,as it is an opportunity for Good Products to grow and provide their own version of their commodity.
I’m currently the Vice President of the Volkswagen Club of Western Australia.The club is now the largest car club in the state ,with around 500 members and over 1000 vehicles,so I do understand the complexities of differing personalities and points of view.
Even though I do drive a Bay Dualcab,I love my daily dose of KCW,so thank you John for keeping this great space open.
Although I have not met any of you , I get the sense that we are amongst good people on here. A huge thanks goes to those who participate and freely share the good times, playing with a variety of VWs wherever you may be.
To The Jones’, Franz and Pat ,you are obviously all good products and I wish you all good vibes and fantastic success in the future.
Cheers….Kim
KIM
Test Pilot @ Submarine Airways