We're throwing in the towel.

[Matt@RFR]

Well, after taking a day job to pay bills, and still trying to get RFR to fly, the day job went to 50 - 60 hours a week, and I just can't do it. I leave for work at 5:15am, and get home at 5:05pm 5 or 6 days a week. I'm making too many mistakes on customer's projects, and taking WAAAAAAY too long. I don't even enjoy it at this point, and I feel like I'm gonna puke everytime I have to tell another customer that their project STILL isn't done.



We'll be finishing up the few orders we allready have, and then after that, you can still contact us, but it's going to be as your fabricator friend, NOT RFR. I'll take as long as I need to do your project, and you'll be paying via check since I'll be cancelling our credit card services tommorow.

[andrewb70]

Matt,

Sad news indeed. Just remember. Everything that happens, happens for the BEST. I have no doubts that something great will come of this. Keep your chin up.

Andrew

[gmachinz]

Matt-I hate to hear that but I understand. I applaud everyone on this forum who are trying to cut their own niche in this hobby any way they can. I know where you are coming from. I work a regular 40hr./week job, work on side projects, work on my own projects, work on re-finishing my house/garage/shop and am still building my business. It's tuff but you just have to find a way to make it work. Luckily, my wife understands and I have a clear gameplan to stick with. If I could give any advice, it would be to remember people whom you've met who can help you in any future venture and try to keep in touch. I wish you will reconsider in the future and try it again-if you need somebody to talk to, you can gimme a shout-I'd be happy to help you out anyway I can. You've got skills Matt, you can't go out like this. -Jabin 515-979-8602

[Steve1968LS2]

Man, sorry to hear.. its sad to loose good resources like yourself since people with real skills are hard to find out there. Maybe later on it will work out for you.

Stick around though.. Im going to tackle learning to weld and I want advice on how you stack them nickles ;)

[zbugger]

That's too bad Matt. I'll still be looking to you for advice though, and I hope to visit again sometime soon. I gotta see that new puppy of yours.

[awr68]

Well that's too bad....I hope you can try agian in the future...timing is everything!!

Oh, you have mail!!!

[David Pozzi]

Matt,
VERY sorry to hear this! Was it lack of business volume, or were you not able to get the work done fast enough?

I'd hoped to fab some stuff for people when I retire someday... I don't have any CNC skills though.
David

[68LSS1]

I too am sorry to hear that Matt. You've got skills I can only dream off. But I understand you got to do what you got to do to pay the bills. Just don't give up on the dreams, if not for yourself for the rest off us in need (I know it's selfish but it's hard finding someone/place to get fab work done). Good luck, Matt.

[USAZR1]

Sad to hear that,Matt. I was going to talk to you again about building me a stainless tank.
Good luck in your future endeavors.

[Conekiller13]

That's really too bad. Very sorry to hear. I was just telling someone about You as they were looking for some cool fabricated valve covers to.

[MrQuick]

Don't give up,just put it aside for now. I hear Vegas is nice this time of year?

[Poopy]

I know the feeling all to well, being self employed isnt as easy as it sounds, 2003 was my worst year ever, and I'm still trying to catch up from the losses and bills from it. Many times I've wanted to throw in the towel, but havent had the courage to do so. My hat's off to you as I know its a tough thing to do. Take a break, keep your contacts and slowly try to get back into it when you're caught up and ready. I'm reinventing my business this year, after learning everything the hard way.....now i'm having fun again.


Good Luck....


Rob

[David Sloan]

Iam very sorry to here this sad news, But as Andrew said everything happens for a reason. With your talent you can make a nother go of it when you are ready.

Take all that you have learned from this an when you are ready apply it to a bussness again!!
If there is anything we can do to help let us know!!

[ryans67deuce]

I really hate to hear this Matt. I hope you take another shot at it down the road. You have some sick skills and are a true professional.

Ryan

[Hydratech®]

Oh - this isn't good at all !!! Matt is an awesome fabricator - how can this be happening !? Is there ANYTHING that we can do? Could we possibly rally up a "board wide" bunch of work for you? I'm thinking there are SO many people that could use your services, in that maybe we could do a sticky topic(s) and drum up some $$ for RFR?

C'mon guys - he's throwin in the towel because of $$$ - can't we help somehow? Don't we ALL have needs for killer fab work? Matt and I have dealt before, and his honesty and humility is RARE!

I REALLY hate to see this and will do whatever I can to help! This just isn't right! The poor guy has done every thing he knows to do, and I just simply can't take the pain of knowing this is happening - like a fallen hero.

There has GOT to be something we can do here! I feel like we have an obligation as a PT group / forum to support RFR in any way we can!

Anybody else with me? I'll take the first step - Matt, I have various components I could have you fab for Hydratech, e-mail or call me! C'mon guys - we actually collectively have the power to help save RFR - this is no time for apathy!

[ProdigyCustoms]

Hate to hear that. I suspect it is simply a case of not being able to bill the hours it takes to do a project. We have the same problem as it is difficult to charge for every hour.
Maybe RFR and Prodigy need to talk. Florida is kind of nice.

[boodlefoof]

First things first, make sure you are happy! I've had sort of a dream of trying to retire at 50 and start up a hot rod shop... but I have also had thoughts that if I made that a profession I may come to not enjoy it... and that would be a shame.

I'm sorry to hear you need to close up shop, but you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

[MoeBawlz]

Im with Hydratech... From what Ive seen Matt is an awesome fabricator and has a LOT of knowledge. To lose someone like this would be terrible. Matt I applaud you for taking your chances at a buisness. Thats something that I myself as well as im sure many others on this board dream of doing someday. I know that I would hate to see my dreams fall apart, so Id like to do something to help you to keep your dream alive. Matt, what can we do to help?

[toddshotrods]

Wow, sorry to hear this Matt! I am really just echoing the sentiments of the small business owners who have already spoken here but...

I definitely understand your dilemma. I live in a depressed area and custom work usually fall dead last on my customers' lists of priorities. That means when the pinch is on I get squeezed the hardest. A few years ago, I reached my limit too and had to get out for a while. I couldn't stay away and returned to try it again. Sometimes you just have to get out, clear your head, and regroup. There's no shame in that.

Make some money, toss it around in your noggin for a while, and decide where YOU want to go with it in the future. Go back to enjoying custom cars and your skills as a fabricator as a hobby for a while. Sometimes you gotta find a way to fall in love with it all over again.

And PLEASE!!! - Don't make a business decision based on us wanting to capitalize on your personal skills! We'll find a way to get what we want. More importantly, we would rather have you with us as a peaceful and happy friend, than a tired and stressed out resource.

[Martin71RS]

Matt, sad to hear about your situation....but maybe you will get (create) your chance again....
Take care and good luck! Your mental health is also very valuable.....!


Martin