Folks, it has come to this, I must choose between my archery business or my "real" job.
For about 3 years, I have spent almost every hour not at my real job in the shop or packaging stuff to ship.
I have loved working with bowyers to get them the best wood and supplies I can .
I will be closing the first of March , I will finish all business I have started as of right now, but will be taking no more on.
After getting organized a bit, I will begin selling off the stock in the shop.
It has been great, but I gotta slow down a little and smell the coffee.
Possibly when I retire from the other job, I can resume business if you will have me, but right now there just isn't enough of me to do both.
Thank you very much for your business and support. I've enjoyed it more than you will ever know.
Thanks!!
kenny
:( Sounds like you had a tuff decision to make Kenny. There is only so much time in the day and time is precious. I haven't gotten to glass bows just yet - (maybe this summer). But I know the great products and service you have provided. Thanks! :notworthy:
Hate to see you go Kenny but it's nice to have a life! Your customer service and products are second to none.
Always wondered how you got any sleep.
Sorry you have to give it up.
Ron
I also wondered how you kept up with everything Kenny. Your excellent, quick service and helping new fellas get what we needed, when we didn't have a clue, will be missed. I understand your decision, life's too short brother.
Kenny, I love you like a brother. I fully understand your decision.. Take care my friend.. Roy
I often thought of going the route you did, would rather do that than make a business of making bows, but kinda chickened-out, and yet envied you. I know it wasn't easy, yet commend you on all the good, hard work you did. There are times, like now, when my 'real work' is slow, that I'd be inclined to step forward to run with that torch, but when I'm busy, I have the opportunity to work a lot of overtime, and would be a bit afraid of disappointing the archery customers then. Perhaps I'm a bit scared of the unknown too? Anyhow Ken, all the best to you... you have absolutely nothing to hang your head about... and hey... keep on whittlin', aye?
I completely understand Kenny. You have to do what the right thing is for you and your family. Your a walking encyclopedia of Bowyer knowledge. I appreciate all the times you have helped me along the way.
Like Roy said I love you and your passion for traditional archery. Your welcome back anytime Bud. Stay Blessed my friend
Shawn
What they said Kenny. I appreciate all your help!
Dang I hate to hear that Kenny but I understand as well. I sure do appreciate all of the help you have gave me. I can't thank you enough for everything. Are you just shutting down the shop or are you leaving the "gang" all together. Sure would be bad not to see ya on here ol buddy. Hope you stay around on here.
Wow Kenny. This is kind of a shocker, but I've often wondered how you did it all. Especially with how quickly you would turn orders around and I know you've spent more than a couple weekends working on orders from me. You definitely need to have time for yourself.
Thanks for all the great supplies you've sent me! My bows have certainly been better with quality materials from you.
Kenny to say I'm stunned is an understatement!. Your service is exceptional, and will be sorely missed, even though I understand your choice.I hope you will take it back up once you see your way clear. I will be back in a flash[ providing I'm still breathing]All the best, mate!
Some decisions in life are tough but I know you have thought it all through and have made a good one. I for one will be ready to continue business as usual when you get things fired back up in the future.
I will also add as others already know...your customer service is awesome and willingness to chat on the phone. Thanks for all the input.
Cameron
damn! glad i got my order in soon enough. your service/materials will be missed. hope things go good for you and you get to spend more time in the woods. btw, what would you recommend best for starting out cutting my own lams?
You are known for having a good product but for being an even better person.
:clapper:
Good luck to you.
Like others have said..I don't know how you had time and energy to work 3 jobs..I completely understand and respect you decision. It was always a pleasure buying supplies from you.
Well I hope you will at least have time to build a few more. Good luck Kenny and hope to see you at MOJAM where I seem to always miss you.
Tough decision I'm sure. I only wish I could have given you more business. You helped me so much with my first bow. Best of luck to you Kenny.
Thanks again
Ben Michels
Kenny I can't say anything better than anyone here has already said. You have gone above and beyond in helping me and many others with your knowledge, time, and materials. It will be a loss but sometimes you need to take time for yourself and your family. I can't imagine the strain of working a full time job and running this second business of your own. Take some time for you and your family and if you decide to get back into it when you retire I will look forward to buying from you again. Take care Kenny.
Hate to hear it Kenny but totally understand. When ya work all the time it's easy to put off about the important stuff. Good luck in the future buddy.
Cory
Kenny,
Thanks for all the help and advice, it is greatly appreciated. Hopefully you will have the time to get in a few more hunts.
while i never got around to doin business with you, I never wondered who id call when i got around to trying a glass bow. im new around here but it didn't take me long to figure out who "the man" was. God bless, take care.
WOW...thats a shocker!!!!man i will miss doing business with you- what little i did- just getting into glass!
where i come from, i cant say it bigger than this...YER A CHAMPION, MATE!! :notworthy:
hope you will stay around- and keep dispensing your expertise.
we will all still be here when you get back to trading again!!
you do realize you have set the benchmark for courtesy, TRUST, and expedience in the trade.
guess bingham's sales are gonna rocket now :D
I only ordered from you once several yrs ago and thought you did a good job. Good luck to you.
Fujimo, I've been in bingams shop several times, they do a good job and are always busy shipping worldwide.
Only you know what's best for you and yours. :thumbsup:
Hate to see you go Ken but understand ! Roy was going to build a GLASS bow since he saw how Good Mine turned out !
Thanks for really great service and help with my first R/D bow from your pattern!
I still feel like I've had a bereavement in the family.Maybe some one else from here might take over Kenny's stock and run it in the interim?My thoughts are with you Kenny, and as others have said thanks heaps for all the help you have willingly provided me in the all too short time I've been dealing with you. Hope you get to kick back, get a few deer and generally enjoy yourself!
Well, it is what I always say, ordinary jobs just take too much time from your " interesting , leisure" time. Best of luck in the future and keep in touch. Old Roy will just go mad if he don't have you to "pick" on. ;) Best wishes. Bue--.
Oh man what are we gonna do without you.I can't imagine Anybody being as helpful as you have been in answering all our questions .your friend .Joe picca
Kenny I haven't known you that long, but, long enough to know you are a genuinely good guy.
You ran your business with more heart and soul than most and it showed, that is something to be very proud of.
Thank you for all the help and great service.
Dang, I was just about to ship some wood to you! Guess I'll need to find a new lam guy.
Seriously, I started a hobby business that started to suck the life out of me too. I loved it, but after a few years I made the same decision and shut 'er down. Wouldn't trade the time I did it, but glad that I stepped back.
Good luck!
-Dave
Sorry to hear that Kenny, but fully understand. I was real pleased with my recent order and figured I'd found a new supplier. It's not worth losing your sanity to keep those hours. Time to sit back and relax a bit.
Good Luck,
Sometimes we need to take a step back in order to move forward. Best of luck to you Kenny!
You got to do what you got to do.
we will miss you help.
Dang Kenny you can't be replaced!!! But I understand what it's like to be so busy there's no time to live. Hope you enjoy the extra time and be sure to let us know when you're back in buiz. Will you have something up when you sell off your extra stock?
i think now that Roy's retired an all, he should watch yer business for you- he is after all a closet glass guy- he just gotta man up, and step out! :D
Fully understand Kenny. Just think, more hunting time!
Like all have said that have ever ordered anything from Kenny, customer service is second to none!
See you in October!
That is a tough decision to make but life is short and you must prioritize time wisely. Best of luck with your new routine. I'm sure it will feel great to get some pressure off.
The REAL reason for Kenny's sabbatical is he couldn't stand the heckling on his super-cool PJ's. Thanks a lot Roy ! :campfire:
OH MAN! Didn't see this coming! Kenny, always enjoyed doing business with you and you always went above and beyond, you will be sorely missed! I honestly didn't know that you were working other jobs, don't know how you did it. Thank you for your excellent service and product, and for being such a great guy! I am certainly not looking forward to getting my lams and such elsewhere. Totally understand though, couldn't imagine that work load on a regular basis.
Thanks again Kenny!!
Nick
im gonna go buy stock in binghams.... cause i bet their business doubles
:biglaugh: hear hear!
Best of luck to you Kenny! Hope you will still have time to make your own bows and post them on the bench. Besides that, you have to stick around to keep Roy in line. :)
You will be missed Kenny. Dealing with you is one of the pleasures of building a bow. Thanks for being there.
Hey guys, I'll still be around. I just need to do a little more living as I go along. Like I said, if I wasn't at work at the " real" job, I was in the shop. After several years of that, I just need to catch up on other things.
I have loved doing business with each and every one of you and have never had a bad deal with anyone on this site that I remember.
I'll be around to keep track of Bro Roy!
Oh, I'll still help ya where I can, for what that's worth!
Thanks for the wellwishes and great support!
Kenny
Well Ole Boy... You better start eating your Wheaties ifin ya expect to keep track of this ole boy... :wavey:
Someone needs to keep track of him Kenny. I thought you were cutting back on your workload :biglaugh:
Glad to hear that!
Thanks for all that you have done Kenny! Truly dunno where to turn now without your services...
Having just started last winter I dont know how far I would have gotten without your help.I just want to say thank you and hope you can enjoy life a little more now.
Good luck in whatever you do. You always have a home back here if things don't work out.
Mike
Having been away from bow building for 13 years, Kenny was my first contact when I found this site. After talking with him I was quickly reminded of why I loved this sport and building bows. Thanks Kenny for relighting the fire in me to build bows again. Your personality and expertise will surely be missed by all of us. I can only imagine the bows you'll be able to build in your "spare-time" now. Thanks again buddy and best of luck.
I've not been at this long, but it seems to me like bowyers everywhere will really miss your services. But real jobs do tend to win most of the time!
Hey guys, I'll still check in, I'm not goin anywhere, just slowin down ...
If I can help, you can still email me .....
Thanks again folks!!
Thank You Kenny, it was great meeting you this fall and being able to see your shop. I am in line to start building the new bow with the wood I received from you. I think I got a pretty great deal from you, I promise to send picture and or bring it down to show you. I am going to take your advice and go collect my own halibut skin. I know what you are going through as I work to much, But for now that is the path I must follow. Enjoy the time and I hope you can get to the things that have fallen by the wayside,Take care,
Good call Kenny. Thanks for starting me on a path I will remain on for life. God Bless you and your family, and remember YOU said we could still email you! :help: :thumbsup: :campfire: :coffee:
QuoteOriginally posted by rockkiller:
Having just started last winter I dont know how far I would have gotten without your help.I just want to say thank you and hope you can enjoy life a little more now.
Couldn't have said it better. Glad you will still be available by email. You are the answer man!
The best to you, Kenny as you slow down and enjoy life. We're only given so long on this earth, and I'm glad to hear you'll be taking advantage of it. I'll tell you one thing, it sure will be difficult to find a better guy to deal with!!
Cheers, Matt
Kenny, I hate to see you go, but I understand. Your customer service was second to none and I will miss doing business with you.
Hate to hear it, but completely understand. Thanks for all your help. Best wishes!!
Sad to hear it, but completely understand. Need time to live too! Thanks for all the help and service, Kenny.
Eric
I understand and I faced much the same situation years ago, Kenny. I used to do magic shows part time.
When I wasn't teaching or preparing to teach, I was working on shows or doing shows.
I just had to stop for my own sanity.
Enjoy.
Jawge
I know how you feel, Kenny.
I teach school, drive a bus route, work a part-time job, and pick up whatever else I can squeeze in.
You are right to put in some time for yourself and the family.
Good Luck!
Stan
Speaking of jobs, I almost lost mine today when I read this. :scared: On a serious note, thank you sir for your great service, awesome product and most of all, for being a mentor.
Bummer, I just figured it out when I click on your link. You always did good work, and great service. I wish I'd have done more with you. -Mike
What a tough decision Kenny. You have the respect and admiration of many folks in the archery world. I look forward to your return as you offer a really superior product. Best wishes and prayers to you and your family.
Thanks guys, it was a hard choice, but just not enuff hours in the day to keep my other job and this also.
The other job makes more money plus benefits so I have to keep it for now,no question...
I really appreciate all the business from all you folks, and hope to run into all of ya somewhere!!
kenny
Kenny,
That's what I like about the USA we have the choice. Wish I would of got more than just glass from you.
I guess Kenny is ok.. :)
I'm a newbie here, but have been Lurking in the background for over a year. so I am familiar with Kenny's work and excellent reputation.
All I can say is I wish I got into this hobby years ago. Maybe by now I would know what I was doing....... :knothead:
But its never to late for an old dog to learn new tricks.
I know what ya mean Kenny. I've had to give up some slefbow shop time and hunting time over the past couple years to keep up with Grandkids and my ever demanding full time job.
I've got 3 bows on the bench unfinished and been working on them for over a year. Hard to keep motivated knowing there are more important things in life than myself and my bows.
It's been great dealing with you Kenny,thanks for all the help and the good talks.Dell.
Ok Kenny now that you have freed up some time are you going to spend a bit more time at MOJAM. I always seem to miss meeting you there.
Heck yes, maybe all day this time, Kelly!!
Awesome I am planning on 4 days if I can!