I quit my job.....to start a new business. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

powdercoats · 01-18-2004, 04:47 PM

I've been away from the board for awhile. There have been quite a few changes since i'd last been here. I was formerly known as Patton's 70, More of a lurker than a poster. I am working on a 68 SWB with an updated engine/drivetrain (lt1, 4l60e, Disc on all 4).

Anyway.....on to the big news.

After much thought and debate (about a year) I quit my job as a Maintenance Supervisor for a Primary Aluminum Smelter. I was working way too many hours, and was tired of all of the politics involved. The family was suffering through my work schedule and poor attitude. I finally came to teh realization that, in fact, "Money isn't everything". We (Family) decided to strike out on our own and open a powder coating shop (a joint venture with my brother). I know from reading prior posts, all of you on this board are very supportive. We are excited with our new business venture and I felt you-all would be excited as well.

We have moved to a new area and are having a hard time adjusting to weather,area and etc. I am finally able to get to the internet and this board again......so I'll be lurking and posting more in the future. I havent gotten access at the shop yet so I'll have to wait to get home to post.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate your moral support.

Thanks
Steve

*rage'nrat638* · 01-18-2004, 04:59 PM

welcome back from the fox valley area

jmanz69 · 01-18-2004, 05:02 PM

Good luck, and welcome back. Are you opening a production shop or more of a job shop? It seems more and more auto restorers and customizers are using powder coating in their projects. I powder coat at home on a very small scale for my own projects and I love it. I am getting into plating as well. Might be something to also consider. Hope all goes well and you can make it work. If you offer competitive pricing you might be able to get some work from the board. Small parts are what nickel and dime us to death. I know some guys would do it if they had a place they could use that would give them great service and a good price.

I have also thought about ditching everything and starting my own business. You are braver than I am. I am too chicken. If you understand the business, then you can make it work.

Blue Beard · 01-18-2004, 05:08 PM

Good Luck on the new venture..........should be a good choice.

powdercoats · 01-18-2004, 05:15 PM

Thanks guys.

jmanz69: job/batch shop. I am seeing alot of streetrod, race and motorcycle business. we've been up and running for about 4 months. This was an existing business we bought. It wasn't worked like it should have been. i am going to change that. we have some good existing customers we are holding on to as well.

Thanks again for the pep talk....it's much appreciated

krue · 01-18-2004, 05:29 PM

Good luck and tell me how it goes, been thinking about opening a shop myself.

**Joesjunk** · 01-18-2004, 05:38 PM

Good luck to you and your family. Someone has a quote in there signature here thats says " Find a job you enjoy and you will never work again" I believe this is true.

doughby82 · 01-18-2004, 06:59 PM

welcome back from springfield illinois.(just 20 min's from me).are you opening in jacksonville?

Longhorn Man · 01-18-2004, 07:20 PM

Welcome back to the board. (you may remember me as longhornmail)
Good luck on your new buisness. That is a good plan to buy and improve an exsisting buisness. Already have the clientell and maybe even emploies.
You thought about doing buisness over the internet too? Parts shipped to you, powdercoated, and then shipped back to the customer? Could be a PITA with 'window shoppers' but that would help ppl that have nowhere to go in there area, and increase your buisness and productivity too.

powdercoats · 01-18-2004, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Joesjunk: Great quote...I'll have to remember that one.

doughby82: The business has been here for 2 yrs, like I said the previous owner did nothing to promote or go get the business. I hope to make it common knowledge in the surrounding area. We are about 3 blocks from the Morgan Co. Fairgrounds. E-mail me if you need directions.

Longhorn Man: yes that is a great idea....doing business over the internet. When i get the time maybe a website would be in order. We are already doing business with a company in Michigan. They will ship to us for coating and we'll ship parts back. So far it has worked out quite well for us.

I would like to give the business and official "Plug" on this website but am not sure if it would be permissible or ettiquite.

What do you all think???

dinnut · 01-18-2004, 08:41 PM

good luck!i think it is a good idea to do business over the internet. welcome back to the board! a good idea would be to hit the local swapmeets with some examples of the work you do. and sell some stuff already powdercoated.
good luck hope you make it and your business does well!

ckenwright · 01-18-2004, 09:09 PM

Good luck with your business. I am in the process of building a small shed in the back yard so I can start the smae type of business in my garage. I hope it works for you and keep posting progress on the board. You should be able to pst on parts or paint board. Then provide the link here if nothing else.

nu2-72 · 01-18-2004, 09:31 PM

As far as plugging it on the board, I think you just did. LOL

Can you handle a long bed frame? I am just curious as to the size of your shop and the extent of your projects.

race2c · 01-18-2004, 10:31 PM

Good Luck on the business venture from another Central Illinoian, Decatur/ Mt. Zion area, about an 1 hr and a half away. Someday, I may have to come up to see how big the shop is and what you can handle or do.

race2c · 01-18-2004, 10:32 PM

Good Luck on the business venture from another Central Illinoian, Decatur/ Mt. Zion area, about an 1 hr and a half away. Someday, I may have to come up to see how big the shop is and what you can handle or do.

powdercoats · 01-18-2004, 10:44 PM

nu2-72: I suppose I did sort of plug it already. We have a 26' lg x 10' wd x 8' hi curing oven. Plenty of room for a long bed frame. We coat all of Maxim Racing Chassis,Chassis (Sprint cars). As well as Gebhardt's Pro cars (drag racing door slammers, rail dragsters), and as i mentioned before Drive Train Speciaists (axle housings). These are just a few. No parts too big or too small we do em' all. If you have any questions about powdercoating or pricing please feel free to drop me an e-mail (powdercoats@hotmail.com) I'll do my best to respond as soon as possible....... How's that for a plug.

race2c: Please by all means stop by or call, we'd love to talk trucks. We have done some work for people in Decatur before.

70ChevyLongbed · 01-19-2004, 01:13 AM

Powdercoats,

Good Luck! on getting out on your own and Congrats! for it working out already

You might want to check with Josh as far 'advertising' on the board. I’m sure it would be worth it.

J

MAC67 · 01-19-2004, 02:19 AM

hey good deal ,,im in the country around shelbyville illinois,, ill look forward to doing buisness with you in the future

gonebad2 · 01-19-2004, 02:36 AM

Good Luck. I wish you many years of success.

**Canadian694x4** · 01-19-2004, 03:04 AM

I also wish you luck with your new venture!

1970blazin · 01-19-2004, 03:09 AM

My husband and I did the same thing back in '97- started our own welding business. It has been hard work, but it has been great being your own boss....even tho some days it feels like you have 4 different bosses

I hope for great success for you. My only advice is keep your head up and pay your taxes on time

Good luck to you!

boilrman · 01-19-2004, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joesjunk
Good luck to you and your family. Someone has a quote in there signature here thats says " Find a job you enjoy and you will never work again" I believe this is true.

That quote happens to be in my signature.

70c10 · 01-19-2004, 03:12 PM

Good luck with the new business!. This board is a great place to put the word out for your company.

PR454SS · 01-19-2004, 03:16 PM

Good Luck and I wish you all the best.

dion · 01-19-2004, 03:18 PM

Good news, good luck with it. Working for other people really bites.

01-18-2004, 04:47 PM	#1
powdercoats Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central Illinois, Jacksonville Posts: 21	I quit my job.....to start a new business. I've been away from the board for awhile. There have been quite a few changes since i'd last been here. I was formerly known as Patton's 70, More of a lurker than a poster. I am working on a 68 SWB with an updated engine/drivetrain (lt1, 4l60e, Disc on all 4). Anyway.....on to the big news. After much thought and debate (about a year) I quit my job as a Maintenance Supervisor for a Primary Aluminum Smelter. I was working way too many hours, and was tired of all of the politics involved. The family was suffering through my work schedule and poor attitude. I finally came to teh realization that, in fact, "Money isn't everything". We (Family) decided to strike out on our own and open a powder coating shop (a joint venture with my brother). I know from reading prior posts, all of you on this board are very supportive. We are excited with our new business venture and I felt you-all would be excited as well. We have moved to a new area and are having a hard time adjusting to weather,area and etc. I am finally able to get to the internet and this board again......so I'll be lurking and posting more in the future. I havent gotten access at the shop yet so I'll have to wait to get home to post. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate your moral support. Thanks Steve

01-18-2004, 05:08 PM	#4
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Good Luck on the new venture..........should be a good choice. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-18-2004, 05:29 PM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Good luck and tell me how it goes, been thinking about opening a shop myself. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

01-18-2004, 05:38 PM	#7
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,702	Good luck to you and your family. Someone has a quote in there signature here thats says " Find a job you enjoy and you will never work again" I believe this is true. __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

01-18-2004, 06:59 PM	#8
doughby82 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: springfield ill Posts: 836	welcome back from springfield illinois.(just 20 min's from me).are you opening in jacksonville? __________________ springfield illinois 2003 custom (harley)built from scratch 68 swb Last edited by doughby82; 01-20-2004 at 11:56 AM.

01-18-2004, 04:59 PM	#2
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	welcome back from the fox valley area

01-18-2004, 05:02 PM	#3
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Good luck, and welcome back. Are you opening a production shop or more of a job shop? It seems more and more auto restorers and customizers are using powder coating in their projects. I powder coat at home on a very small scale for my own projects and I love it. I am getting into plating as well. Might be something to also consider. Hope all goes well and you can make it work. If you offer competitive pricing you might be able to get some work from the board. Small parts are what nickel and dime us to death. I know some guys would do it if they had a place they could use that would give them great service and a good price. I have also thought about ditching everything and starting my own business. You are braver than I am. I am too chicken. If you understand the business, then you can make it work.

01-18-2004, 05:15 PM	#5
powdercoats Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central Illinois, Jacksonville Posts: 21	Thanks guys. jmanz69: job/batch shop. I am seeing alot of streetrod, race and motorcycle business. we've been up and running for about 4 months. This was an existing business we bought. It wasn't worked like it should have been. i am going to change that. we have some good existing customers we are holding on to as well. Thanks again for the pep talk....it's much appreciated

01-18-2004, 07:20 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Welcome back to the board. (you may remember me as longhornmail) Good luck on your new buisness. That is a good plan to buy and improve an exsisting buisness. Already have the clientell and maybe even emploies. You thought about doing buisness over the internet too? Parts shipped to you, powdercoated, and then shipped back to the customer? Could be a PITA with 'window shoppers' but that would help ppl that have nowhere to go in there area, and increase your buisness and productivity too.

01-18-2004, 07:37 PM	#10
powdercoats Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central Illinois, Jacksonville Posts: 21	Thanks for the replies. Joesjunk: Great quote...I'll have to remember that one. doughby82: The business has been here for 2 yrs, like I said the previous owner did nothing to promote or go get the business. I hope to make it common knowledge in the surrounding area. We are about 3 blocks from the Morgan Co. Fairgrounds. E-mail me if you need directions. Longhorn Man: yes that is a great idea....doing business over the internet. When i get the time maybe a website would be in order. We are already doing business with a company in Michigan. They will ship to us for coating and we'll ship parts back. So far it has worked out quite well for us. I would like to give the business and official "Plug" on this website but am not sure if it would be permissible or ettiquite. What do you all think???

01-18-2004, 08:41 PM	#11
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	good luck!i think it is a good idea to do business over the internet. welcome back to the board! a good idea would be to hit the local swapmeets with some examples of the work you do. and sell some stuff already powdercoated. good luck hope you make it and your business does well! __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-18-2004, 09:09 PM	#12
ckenwright Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 104	Good luck with your business. I am in the process of building a small shed in the back yard so I can start the smae type of business in my garage. I hope it works for you and keep posting progress on the board. You should be able to pst on parts or paint board. Then provide the link here if nothing else.

01-18-2004, 09:31 PM	#13
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	As far as plugging it on the board, I think you just did. LOL Can you handle a long bed frame? I am just curious as to the size of your shop and the extent of your projects. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

01-18-2004, 10:31 PM	#14
race2c <--Thanks 86 Red Bowtie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mt. Zion IL (Home) Stillwater, OK (School) Posts: 140	Good Luck on the business venture from another Central Illinoian, Decatur/ Mt. Zion area, about an 1 hr and a half away. Someday, I may have to come up to see how big the shop is and what you can handle or do. __________________ race2c@aol.com 1941 Willys Coupe--Currently being put together. Willy Works fiberglass car. 1969 Chevy K10 SWB--SOLD!!! 1989 Chevy Silverado Z71 RCSB--SOLD!!! 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix--College Commuter

01-18-2004, 10:32 PM	#15
race2c <--Thanks 86 Red Bowtie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mt. Zion IL (Home) Stillwater, OK (School) Posts: 140	Good Luck on the business venture from another Central Illinoian, Decatur/ Mt. Zion area, about an 1 hr and a half away. Someday, I may have to come up to see how big the shop is and what you can handle or do. __________________ race2c@aol.com 1941 Willys Coupe--Currently being put together. Willy Works fiberglass car. 1969 Chevy K10 SWB--SOLD!!! 1989 Chevy Silverado Z71 RCSB--SOLD!!! 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix--College Commuter



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01-18-2004, 10:44 PM	#16
powdercoats Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central Illinois, Jacksonville Posts: 21	nu2-72: I suppose I did sort of plug it already. We have a 26' lg x 10' wd x 8' hi curing oven. Plenty of room for a long bed frame. We coat all of Maxim Racing Chassis,Chassis (Sprint cars). As well as Gebhardt's Pro cars (drag racing door slammers, rail dragsters), and as i mentioned before Drive Train Speciaists (axle housings). These are just a few. No parts too big or too small we do em' all. If you have any questions about powdercoating or pricing please feel free to drop me an e-mail (powdercoats@hotmail.com) I'll do my best to respond as soon as possible....... How's that for a plug. race2c: Please by all means stop by or call, we'd love to talk trucks. We have done some work for people in Decatur before.

01-19-2004, 01:13 AM	#17
70ChevyLongbed Howzit?!? Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 1,266	Powdercoats, Good Luck! on getting out on your own and Congrats! for it working out already You might want to check with Josh as far 'advertising' on the board. I’m sure it would be worth it. J __________________ Jason Hawaiian-J 70 Longbed, 307, Edelbrock Carb 1404, Edelbrock Intake 2101, Dual Roller Timing chain and gears, 214/214 cam, Comp Roller Rockers, dual Flowmasters. 1999 Chevy Tahoe 2004 Mini Cooper S 71 BMW 2002 - Sold

01-19-2004, 02:19 AM	#18
MAC67 " SHOW ME" Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: shelbyville illinois Posts: 2,624	hey good deal ,,im in the country around shelbyville illinois,, ill look forward to doing buisness with you in the future

01-19-2004, 02:36 AM	#19
gonebad2 Merciless Butcher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CC Nevada Posts: 1,447	Good Luck. I wish you many years of success. __________________ Your Bought And Sold....I Got Your Soul!

01-19-2004, 03:04 AM	#20
Canadian694x4 Born To Lose Club Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta/Oxenden, Ontario, Great White North Posts: 13,308	I also wish you luck with your new venture! __________________ Brian Smith - "Born To Lose" 1969 Chevrolet K10 LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 22 Yrs - 1 of 208 Built & Sold In Canada!- 283 V8/350TH/NP208, 2" All Spring Lift, 32" Good Year MT/R's. 1972 GMC K2500 Custom LWB Fleetside - Proud Owner For 3 Yrs - 1 of 571 Built & Sold In Canada! - 350 V8/SM465/NP205, 4” Rough Country Lift, 33” Interco TSL Thornbirds 2007.5 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 - Proud Owner For 17 Yrs- 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel/Allison 1000, 2" Lift, 33" Mickey Thompson MTZ's. 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700r - Proud Owner For 15 Yrs - ITP Mud Lites. 2015 John Deere 1025R - Proud Owner For 8 Yrs - 24HP Diesel/H120/54D/260B/SB1154.

01-19-2004, 03:09 AM	#21
1970blazin Blazerless:-( Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Olympia WA Posts: 1,612	My husband and I did the same thing back in '97- started our own welding business. It has been hard work, but it has been great being your own boss....even tho some days it feels like you have 4 different bosses I hope for great success for you. My only advice is keep your head up and pay your taxes on time Good luck to you! __________________ 1970blazin 1970 CST Blazer-Orig. Dark Blue-SOLD Progress Pics of Blazer for sale

01-19-2004, 03:12 PM	#23
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Good luck with the new business!. This board is a great place to put the word out for your company. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-19-2004, 03:16 PM	#24
PR454SS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Louisville, TN Posts: 338	Good Luck and I wish you all the best. __________________ PR Too many projects, not enough time! 72SWB 350/350TH, 3500stall,525 lift cam 3:73 posi. Sold! 69LWB Flatbed 350/Super T-10, ported/polished 481 heads, 480 lift cam. 78SWB 468/400TH, ported/polished Alum. heads, 3:42 posi, 3000 stall on 17x8 and 18x9.5's 77 Jeep CJ-5 304V8 fiberglass body on 36" Ground Hawgs

01-19-2004, 03:18 PM	#25
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	Good news, good luck with it. Working for other people really bites. __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

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