How's business

[jst8a5.0]

Ok, I heard something POSITIVE on the T.V. tonight. Someone stated that they had posted a record profit for this year. It was very inspiring to hear that a record high was posted in an ocean of record lows.

I recently started my own business and I had no where to go but up since I was on the bottom floor already. Everyone else, please post up something positive you or someone you know has accomplished or set this year.

[Nvrenuf]

Being in the fuel and lubricants business, it was an up and down year for my business. The sumer was very challenging with record high fuel prices. Incorrectly, most people think that high retail fuel prices are good for me. They are not. 6 months ago I was planning for the worst year I would ever see. In fact, I had about the worst 3 months I had ever had in the middle of summer. Surprisingly, oil dropped rapidly, and fuel followed. Now this last month my biggest problem has been trying to spend some money so Uncle Sam could help pay part of it! Was it a record year? No. But it sure ended up to be a succesful year! I can't believe we are putting another behind us

[Ruslow]

My year was not bad still have a house and shop plus all my equipment!So it has been successful for me.another friend Said they had a record year,plus he said when it starts getting tough he hits the show circiut harder.rite now he said he is traveling the entire month of Feb doing shows and product seminiars[sp].Stan

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Things are going great here,There are alot of people building cars and wanting nice Interiors.Most of the shops we work with are still very busy also.I think the custom car market is still going strong.I could hire another guy right now.That's positive

[gearheadgarage]

Proud to say that my shop is reporting higher sales this year as well- steady growth in each of the past 5 years. Despite the rough waters out there, the phone keeps ringing & people keep spending. This industry is a little different than many other markets out there. As car fiends, we are often more emotional than we are practical when it comes to purchases.

I've seen a number of local shops fall out recently, so obviously not everyone is doing well. IMO it comes down to quality of product & builds, combined with customer service. Sometimes recessionary times act as a sort of business Darwinism- survival of the fittest, if you will. He who has the ability to prosper during tough times often inherits the largest market share.

Currently, we're in the middle of 6 MAJOR pro-touring builds, and our shop is full of cars & work. I've got a great group of guys and we're enjoying what we do. Nonetheless, we're seeking out ways for internal improvement & expanding our retail product lines. Who knows how long this economy will falter??

Those of you that run resto/performance shops know how difficult this business can be. If it was as easy as it looks, everyone would do it! For those of you having a tough time, stick with it if it's something you love. As long as you can keep your head above water you can enjoy: the cars are awesome, the customers are the coolest in any market that I've seen, and there's nothing like making/building something that you can be proud of!

[Kendall Burleson]

I'm in the Aircraft bussiness and we are have the worst year I've seen in the last few years. We do interior Retro fit for the Mooney Airplane Co, and they have closed the plant down for a year. So, with that being said, I will get back to my first love of building cars. Now, I'm starting with a clean sheet a new bussiness.To make a "fresh" start I want to finish my projects which I didn't have time to this past year. I was trying to keep the shop and my employees busy. One door closes and another door opens, to work with cars must be my calling because every time I try to get away I end coming back to the passison of speed & horsepower.

[gearheadgarage]

Good luck! It's always a plus when you can do what you love & love what you do!

[Musclerodz]

Originally Posted by Kendall Burleson

I'm in the Aircraft bussiness and we are have the worst year I've seen in the last few years. We do interior Retro fit for the Mooney Airplane Co, and they have closed the plant down for a year. So, with that being said, I will get back to my first love of building cars. Now, I'm starting with a clean sheet a new bussiness.To make a "fresh" start I want to finish my projects which I didn't have time to this past year. I was trying to keep the shop and my employees busy. One door closes and another door opens, to work with cars must be my calling because every time I try to get away I end coming back to the passison of speed & horsepower.

I come from the small aircraft industry and I am very glad I did not have to reply on it this year or I would have been in bad shape. Our family has been in the light GA business for 50 plus years. I have been expecting this pitfall year to come for some time, which is why I started the car business 2-1/2 years ago. I still do own a manufacturing business building wood aircraft propellers that I am trying to sell as the liability is to much deal with anymore.

We (musclerodz) did very well as a whole for the year. I don't know about our profits yet, but I know gross sales is over double 2007.

[jst8a5.0]

6 Pro Touring builds, huh? Sounds like you're having fun! I am glad to hear of all the companies doing so well. Keep posting!

[Steve Chryssos]

We're up 35% YTD over 2007. I credit unique products and a monetary exchange rate that favored our overseas customers. I'm always impressed by Northern Europeans (Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland). Very sharp and polite people. Their english skills are better than most New Yorkers. We also have many happy customers in Australia and New Zealand as well. Add in Canada plus our regular loyal customers and the numbers are there. The motto around here is "%#$! the economy! Nowadays, you can't just bend over backwards to make people happy. We do backflips. Parts are on the shelves and we never B.S. anyone. Provide a 100% money back guarantee. Follow those principles and growth will always be there.

November sales set an all time record. December SUCKED though! So, ehem, please take a moment to check out our website and don't be feel free to use our secure online ordering. www.twistmachine.com

Thank you for your business
/Steve