49 and soon to be unemployed

Lost the lease on my bodyshop business, for the first time in my 49 years, I'm soon to be unemployed (no, I will not collect, even if I could) . Scary thought in this economy, but as I have never been in this position, I'm positive that I will find something else to do so I can continue to provide for my family. Just needed to get this off my chest this AM as I now have to figure out how to explain it all to my employees that we are shutting down this Friday (yes, I am searching for another location, but have been doing so for 4 months now without any luck). I had given them a few warnings that it could happen, but now, it has......

Auction information can be found by CLICKING HERE

Bill S.

Super bummer, Bill!!!!! What the heck is up with your landlord? Saw a way to run you off and collect higher rent or what?????

Good luck to you Bill, Is it a zoning thing (both your shutting down and problems finding a new location)?

Really sorry to hear this, Bill. Didn't you mention another shop nearby losing their lease, too? You would think that any property owner would be happy to have a good tenant who keeps current on the rent. Sorry to hear, but as you say it may be an opportunity for better things. Hope you can find a suitable place in a good location. Any possibility of leveraging this into building to suit?

Lousy time of year to become un-employed.. (is there a good time?)

Hope you can find or make a situation for continued success and care for your family!

IF you have good employees and enough customers, there must be a path to keep the business open...of course, this is probably coming up on the slow time for your business BUT.....you have to decide if closing or continuing is the best path for your situation. Moving stuff to a storage place is not really an option.....maybe, if your local town folks have any spin on the ball, you could contact them and describe how many jobs will be lost, etc. Usually, local governments dont give a rat's hiney about business in their jurisdiction.

Body shops are usually the target of the zoning zombies anyway.....maybe you should PM Uncle Bob and ask his advice since he too owned a body shop.

mike in tucson

Sorry to hear this... I worked at a plant that closed you just get sick to the stomach, hope things work out

Spent the day working on the Shelby, got the stripes installed, tomorrow I'll work on the front end wiring and lights. First dry day before the auction I'll load it on the trailer and take it home. Will of course have to deal with my continued packing up of my office, files, personal belongings, etc.....

Bill S.

sorry to hear of your problem,bill..Not good at all..Been there,sort of..was made redundant about ten days before Christmas,once..Not a happy feeling..You obviously have a good reputation,so,I hope it means someone will help you out in finding a new shop..

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Originally Posted by lamin8r

sorry to hear of your problem,bill..Not good at all..Been there,sort of..was made redundant about ten days before Christmas,once..Not a happy feeling..You obviously have a good reputation,so,I hope it means someone will help you out in finding a new shop..

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If it happens, it happens, if not, perhaps I'll finally figure out what I want to be when I grow up :D



Bill S.

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Originally Posted by mrmustang

If it happens, it happens, if not, perhaps I'll finally figure out what I want to be when I grow up :D



Bill S.

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Ha...Sometimes its a path that is pushed onto you,,and you find another opportunity which has been there all along,,just that you havent seen it..Has happened to me..Spent 25 years in the body/paint industry,,and a small detour into the fiberglass industry some years ago,has,for the last seven years or so,has become a full time business..Still enjoying it..

Started out as a car mechanic, Chevy dealer, heavy line, years later and 4 job code changes. Today sherif and admin of my own data center, downtown Atlanta for a major communication company. Sometimes life knows your path and pushes you in directions unknown. It is all about attitude and coping with adversity. I am very sorry to here about the demise of your shop and wish you the best.

Best regards,
pepi

Sorry to hear that Bill. Never any good time to go looking, but often works out for a better 'thing'. Keep us posted.

=================================

You could always emigrate.
New Zealand's a nice place to live I understand.
Particularly the Taranaki area...

(Just being facetious...)

Good luck with finding new premises.

.

Bill, I had crap happen to me like that all my life and every time, I popped out on the other side doing better than before. If you want to change the line of business you've been doing, the secret is "Find a need and fill it". It's time to network with the people in your County. Ask everyone you come into contact with "what kind of a business would you support in this community. What's missing here?" If you ask enough people, you'll get a consensus. Either that or someone will recognize that you have talents they could use and pay you fairly for. Don't harbor any negative thoughts in that computer between your ears. GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT.

No negatives, no doom and gloom, just closure.

As for moving, while that is on the table (shoved in to a small corner of it), if we do decide to do so "she who must be obeyed" has asked for a move to an area with 3 seasons.

Otherwise, it's dark here this AM, clearly we have power, but I have not been out to survey the house or business properties. Going to make myself some breakfast, then head out to do both. Hopefully my friends and neighbors faired well.

Bill S.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrmustang

No negatives, no doom and gloom, just closure. As for moving, while that is on the table (shoved in to a small corner of it), if we do decide to do so "she who must be obeyed" has asked for a move to an area with 3 seasons. Otherwise, it's dark here this AM, clearly we have power, but I have not been out to survey the house or business properties. Going to make myself some breakfast, then head out to do both. Hopefully my friends and neighbors faired well.
Bill S.

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Hopefully you'll find nothing but wet streets this morning, and the power will remain secure in your area.

On your wife's "3 seasons" request, if you want to play a bit you might tell her that you've found a place that might be a fit up near the Canadian border where it goes from Spring right into Fall, then into six to eight months of Winter, and ask if that's what she had in mind?? :rolleyes: You might want to be ready to duck, tho'....:LOL::LOL:

Bill, altho I don't know you, from what I can see in these posts - - - - I believe that you and your family will make it just fine, even tho there may be some tuff times, your perserverance, family, friends and faith can and will help you thru it.

God Bless Y'all,
meller

You Sir, have the attitude that made this great country great! Look forward. Do not dwell on the past but for fond memories. March on and start the next chapter in your life!

You will succeed!

Keep God in your heart.

Well, complete devastation at the house this morning (see attached picture) ;)

Attachment 56566

Small tree branches down at the shop, no damage to either or otherwise.


Bill S.

Three seasons???Which one is she not wanting??? Dare I guess winter. You sir will do fine.

No pearls of wisdom different from what others have contributed, but sorry you weren't able to pick your own terms/shot.
In addition to maintaining your good attitude, you're fortunate to be at a good age.............old enough to have gained some life wisdom/experience, and young enough to be able to put it to good use. Sort it out, pick up the pieces, and get crackin'!