Re: Big changes at TAB GEAR
This is what I meant when I said THANK YOU to all of our customers for their support, it's amazing! Again, I can't personally thank each of you who has taken the time to express your support for us, so I'll just comment on some of the highlights.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, ballsy! Good for you! And it's good news for the rest of us, too. You are so very lucky to be able to keep your family that close. I am absolutely certain that even more success will follow. Let me know if you need anything
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Thanks a lot Graham for the offer sir, I appreciate it and will keep you in mind if something comes up in your department. Hopefully I won't have to talk to you in a semi official capacity.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's great news Tony!!!
Now get to work on my Cordura banana hammock... </div></div>
OH LOOK Jason has a whole new body and outlook on life and he's wanting MultiCam underwear now so he can show off. Dude, if I did do something like that it would NOT, repeat NOT, come with the lifetime replacement warranty! No way would I even think about taking something like that back.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heatseekins</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations!!!
Its a huge step and not taken lightly, that's for sure. In six months you will be asking yourself why you didn't do it sooner! Its awesome feeling to start something from nothing and make it work. Im proud of ya
When work doesn't feel like work then what do we call it? </div></div>
Hi Glen, what do you call it? I call it what my dad does now that he's retired. "Every day is Saturday" it's that good. I'll still put in about the same amount of hours that I have been, but it's all toward TAB GEAR now. I've already caught myself asking " what day is today" The days just run together, and every one is great.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Guns4570</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congrats Tony, I am an loyal customer for your stuff. Your biathlon sling makes carrying a crossbow a breeze....never thought of that use I bet...LOL. </div></div>
Thank you Guns and nope, I never thought about carrying a crossbow with the biathlon sling. I'd like to see some pictures of that if you don't mind.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations, it is a wonderful feeling to be doing what you want, being your own boss, and owning your own business. As a private small business owner myself, I can relate to you. My emotions were mixed with fear, uncertainty, pride and joy...but most importantly for me is the knowledge and satisfaction of self-determination. </div></div>
You're exactly right vkc. There have been many times I've wanted to sling that sewing machine through the window, mainly in the early days when I was teaching myself how to sew. I was just too hard headed and stubborn to give it up. If a guy can stick it out through the first four or five years and has a good product you finally get used to all the hours and hard work and can make things happen, if you're lucky.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well done Tony!!!!! That's a hell of a jump but if anyone can ride that bull it's you and your family!!! Speaking of that, Happy Father's Day to you and your Dad!
Cheers,
Doc </div></div>
Thanks a lot Doc. For those that don't know, I've bounced a lot of ideas off of doc, especially in the first few years of getting started. I appreciate all the time we've spent on the phone doc. Call me if you need anything.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TOPO-sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Awesome news Tony, congratulations to you and your whole family.
With the buyout of Eagle Industries by Alliant, and word on the street their product line will be scaled back to support the overseas made products of Blackhawk, your timing may be spectacular for the US made product segment. Rock on brother.
If you need a rocket scientist to bounce ideas off of, I'm just down the street. </div></div>
I hope your right Topo, we'll definitely be staying "Made in the USA" and not trying to tear your head off with pricing either. I'll keep you in mind too, thank you.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 95LTZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations! One of my most prized pieces is my Red can cover.
Thanks for what you do.
Semper Fi </div></div>
HAAAHaa, I wondered who that was for. It came out pretty nice I thought. I'd like some pictures of that for our website if you don't mind taking some in the field or at the range.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LH Gina</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congrats to the entire Burkes household! Thank you for teaching me HOW to use my TAB sling at the SHOT show. That little impromptu class has made a world of difference in my shooting. I'll be ordering another one with flush cups as soon as my new stock gets here. </div></div>
You're welcome Gina, I'm glad to be able to help you out, although I don't think I had much to do with it, you're doing pretty well on your own at the matches I hear.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sean the Nailer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tony,
For you to be able to "work" with your family is a Blessing in itself. To do so constantly (full-time?) is even greater!!!
We're happy with your products up here, and will be ordering more in time. Keep up the great work.
Sean.
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Thank you Sean. Working with your family does present it's own challenges, but they positive far outweigh the negatives. I'm glad you guys in Canada are using our gear and liking it, we sell quite a bit north of the border.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good news Tony!
I will continue to use your products for as long as they are available to me.
Some of the nicest gear I have is TAB gear products.
You will be happy to hear that even on the other side of world, your products receive great praise. Whenever Im at the range people always ask me where I get your great products from. I tell them, TAB gear ! </div></div>
Thanks vman, like Sean in Canada, we sell a lot of gear to our buddies in Australia too. Thank you for promoting our gear.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gugubica</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hell yeah! Congratulations.
I forgot to grab the bright green sling from you at the Cup, still want one though. I will do my part to make sure you are successful. </div></div>
Man I couldn't believe how popular that lime green sling was. I've got plenty of the webbing, maybe I need to add that color to the product line.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jb1000br</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tony,
Congrats, glad you are finally able to do this. Of course those of us that have known you that long knew this was coming. You are a beast (and I am not talking about your biceps), and will be just fine.
This just reminded me...need to get you the dims for can covers and rifle covers for the Twins
Jason </div></div>
Thank you Jason. For those that don't know it, our SAS1 pattern is based off of a prototype that Jason had come up with on his own about what four years ago now I think. He had a bad experience with another company so we started making the suppressor cover and paying him a royalty on covers sold. We've since bought the rights of the cover from him. I still value our friendship and the help he gave me. Any time Jason, just let me know.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations, and from a little experience. Expect, as a new business owner, expect to spend 60-80 hours a week working during the first few years. However going from PT to FT perhaps the work load will not be as heavy.
But if you do find yourself working many more hours than expected, consider it normal. After a few years it should lighten up.
-Steve </div></div>
Thanks Steve, yes I'm doing at least that now, and I don't see it letting up any time soon either. I've got too many ideas that I need to turn into products. Now I can devote all of those hours directly into TAB GEAR
If I didn't single you out please don't take offense, I appreciate each response. My wife and kids have read this whole thread too and are amazed at the outpouring of support. The only paid advertising we do is here on the Hide, the rest is "word of mouth" You can't get better advertising than that, so please continue to spread the word.
Don't worry we'll definitely be trying to fill some of the gaps that have developed in the gear market just as fast as we can.