02Xtreme07ss

This is as close to 'all things being right in the world' as it gets. Welcome back.

I can assure you that I am not stuck solely on how the recent departure of staff affects 'forum prescense'. In fact, I've said many time that there are plenty of Adam's 'representatives' on forums theses days. Unfortunately, some of them are not really qualifed to do so due to a lack of bonified industry experience. While Adam's has always been targeted to the DIY and enthusiast audiences, that is only one segment of this industry.
 
Am I concerned about the loss of Dylan, Mook, Chase and/or some of the other quality team members on this forum? Absolutely, but I'm more concerned about how the loss of this calibre of staff will affect the entire operation, not just the forum. As Adam himself said, they all wore multiple hats within the company so their loss is far-reaching and not limited to solely this or any other forum. Each of them made significant contribution to where Adam's Polishes is today, whether that be via a forum, at an event, or just by picking up the phone or responding to a customer in need. I'm not saying they can't be replaced, but from where I sit, you have a long way to go to fill those shoes that are no empty. That's reality, not drama.

From the outside looking in, there are a lot of familiar and trusted faces no longer associated with the company. I'm not sure a wholesale exodus or 'prunning', whatever you want to call it, really encourages me to reach for my wallet anymore.

It shouldn't be any surprise that consumer confidence would wane slightly in the light of the departures of so many well respected members of the Adam's team. This is especially true considering that those who have most recently left bled Adam's polishes 24/7/365. Whether their departures were as sudden as they seem (or not as Adam has explained), the seeds of doubt have been planted and only time and continued success by the entire Adam's team will erase those doubts. That is just how it works, Adam's Polishes is not immune to this aspect of business.
 
Yes, almost every single product from Adam's is top notch and I'm sure they will continue to provide the same great results despite the presence of those who have recently departed the team. But products are just part of the equation. If you don't have enough Dylan-s or Mook-s or even Junkman-s out there to effectively promote and advise on those products, all you have is a well-stocked warehouse. People will not be falling over themselves to purchase them if they don't know how good they are and don't feel confident that they are exactly what they need to achieve the results they desire. It's not easy to convince people to drink the Kool-aid, err Detail Spray, nor should they be expected to without a heck of a good reason...regardless of how good it smells.
 
As far as the gaurantee goes, what is it that Chris Farely said about gaurantees in Tommy Boy? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Adam's has one, but the results from the products and advice from past team members is what sold me, not the guarantee. In all the years I've been purchasing products from Adam's (again as a result of Dylan before he was an Adam's employee), I've only had to use that guarantee one time (within the past 6 months), so it really has never played a factor for me in my decision to buy from Adam's.
 
 
 
Nick, you know I consider you to be one of the 3 Amigos, Dylan, Mook, and Nick. I respect your knowledge (and your drive to gain more), your humbleness, and let's be honest, you're a likable guy. I really hope that you aren't internalizing any of the comments here as an indictment of the work that you have done yourself. My comments and I'm sure many of the others being expressed here are simply out of shock and sadness regarding the departure of some of our most favorite Adam's characters.
 
In the past on the TBSS forum, I vented to you that I was/am not a fan of some of the 'additions' to the Adam's team, specifically those who were 'hired' to work the forums, including this one. I always felt that many of them are/were unproven, unknown, and quite frankly pompous. Many of them immediately began puffing out their chests with the Adam's logo emblazoned on it and instantly they were experts often spouting off at the mouth and flat-out providing incorrect information. Someone should have reeled them in from the start, but it never happened. They were left to their own devices and it honestly began to push me away from Adam's alltogether.
 
It is a necessary evil to have 'moderators' on a forum, but sometimes mods need to put a sock in it and simply ensure the rules are being adhered to and keep the site clean, tidy, and safe for all eyes to view. I'm sorry to say, but there are individuals officially associated with Adam's on forums (including this one) that act more like trolls than objective, knowledgeable members of the community they oversee. As I told you before, just because someone has an '@Adams' or 'moderator' title associated with his/her forum name doesn't mean he/she can provide the correct advice nor does it mean that anyone should blindly respect him/her. Respect is earned and I haven't seen a whole lot around here that deserves it lately which is why I have been limiting my time here considerably and more carefully considering my purchases. As I said before, some of these individuals should have been cut loose, but they continue to detract from the Adam's moniker. Combine that with the departure of those who were beloved by many (if not all) and you have a recipe for lowered consumer confidence.
 
I fully expect a time out now.

From the outside looking in, there are a lot of familiar and trusted faces no longer associated with the company. I'm not sure a wholesale exodus or 'prunning', whatever you want to call it, really encourages me to reach for my wallet anymore.

It is not my intention to suggest that the Adam's forum or forums in general are the only form of Adam's Polishes promotion and marketing. It would have been naive for me to suggest or even hint that THIS is the only form of marketing used by Adam's Polishes. It is however one of the most cost effective means of doing so and the one that has the single widest reach and largest audience. Ensuring that the right people are manning this ship is imperative for this form of marketing to be successful.
 
I also didn't say ALL moderators or ALL representatives were guitly of not being 'worthy' (for lack of a better word) to represent Adam's Polishes. I certainly didn't point the finger at anyone specific in my post, but those members of this forum and others who have had unpleasant interactions the 'bad apples' are aware of who they are. I don't need to point them out.
 
To stay on point, I am simply expressing is the fact that Adam built a very well rounded, well liked, and well respected core team of individuals who were responsible for marketing, promoting, and supporting the products in all outlets, whether it be on forums, events, etc. etc. These members became endeard to many, including myself, not just 'on a forum'. When the bulk of those individuals who became the face of the company disappeared, in short order mind you, it has left a void for many. A void that has be filled with doubt and confusion.
 
Over the past 7+ years I've been a pretty darn loyal Adam's customer. My 800+ posts don't reflect my actual usage of Adam's products over that time. I'd be more than happy to provide you or Nick with my account number if you want to look into it yourself and I would hope you would see that my comments are not derived out of malice, but out of concern. Concern that this community and this company has lost a big portion of what made it 'premium' in a short timeframe. It's simply not only about the products, it's the entire package.

It shouldn't be any surprise that consumer confidence would wane slightly in the light of the departures of so many well respected members of the Adam's team. This is especially true considering that those who have most recently left bled Adam's polishes 24/7/365. Whether their departures were as sudden as they seem (or not as Adam has explained), the seeds of doubt have been planted and only time and continued success by the entire Adam's team will erase those doubts. That is just how it works, Adam's Polishes is not immune to this aspect of business.
 
Yes, almost every single product from Adam's is top notch and I'm sure they will continue to provide the same great results despite the presence of those who have recently departed the team. But products are just part of the equation. If you don't have enough Dylan-s or Mook-s or even Junkman-s out there to effectively promote and advise on those products, all you have is a well-stocked warehouse. People will not be falling over themselves to purchase them if they don't know how good they are and don't feel confident that they are exactly what they need to achieve the results they desire. It's not easy to convince people to drink the Kool-aid, err Detail Spray, nor should they be expected to without a heck of a good reason...regardless of how good it smells.
 
As far as the gaurantee goes, what is it that Chris Farely said about gaurantees in Tommy Boy? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Adam's has one, but the results from the products and advice from past team members is what sold me, not the guarantee. In all the years I've been purchasing products from Adam's (again as a result of Dylan before he was an Adam's employee), I've only had to use that guarantee one time (within the past 6 months), so it really has never played a factor for me in my decision to buy from Adam's.
 
 
 
Nick, you know I consider you to be one of the 3 Amigos, Dylan, Mook, and Nick. I respect your knowledge (and your drive to gain more), your humbleness, and let's be honest, you're a likable guy. I really hope that you aren't internalizing any of the comments here as an indictment of the work that you have done yourself. My comments and I'm sure many of the others being expressed here are simply out of shock and sadness regarding the departure of some of our most favorite Adam's characters.
 
In the past on the TBSS forum, I vented to you that I was/am not a fan of some of the 'additions' to the Adam's team, specifically those who were 'hired' to work the forums, including this one. I always felt that many of them are/were unproven, unknown, and quite frankly pompous. Many of them immediately began puffing out their chests with the Adam's logo emblazoned on it and instantly they were experts often spouting off at the mouth and flat-out providing incorrect information. Someone should have reeled them in from the start, but it never happened. They were left to their own devices and it honestly began to push me away from Adam's alltogether.
 
It is a necessary evil to have 'moderators' on a forum, but sometimes mods need to put a sock in it and simply ensure the rules are being adhered to and keep the site clean, tidy, and safe for all eyes to view. I'm sorry to say, but there are individuals officially associated with Adam's on forums (including this one) that act more like trolls than objective, knowledgeable members of the community they oversee. As I told you before, just because someone has an '@Adams' or 'moderator' title associated with his/her forum name doesn't mean he/she can provide the correct advice nor does it mean that anyone should blindly respect him/her. Respect is earned and I haven't seen a whole lot around here that deserves it lately which is why I have been limiting my time here considerably and more carefully considering my purchases. As I said before, some of these individuals should have been cut loose, but they continue to detract from the Adam's moniker. Combine that with the departure of those who were beloved by many (if not all) and you have a recipe for lowered consumer confidence.
 
I fully expect a time out now.

I can assure you that I am not stuck solely on how the recent departure of staff affects 'forum prescense'. In fact, I've said many time that there are plenty of Adam's 'representatives' on forums theses days. Unfortunately, some of them are not really qualifed to do so due to a lack of bonified industry experience. While Adam's has always been targeted to the DIY and enthusiast audiences, that is only one segment of this industry.
 
Am I concerned about the loss of Dylan, Mook, Chase and/or some of the other quality team members on this forum? Absolutely, but I'm more concerned about how the loss of this calibre of staff will affect the entire operation, not just the forum. As Adam himself said, they all wore multiple hats within the company so their loss is far-reaching and not limited to solely this or any other forum. Each of them made significant contribution to where Adam's Polishes is today, whether that be via a forum, at an event, or just by picking up the phone or responding to a customer in need. I'm not saying they can't be replaced, but from where I sit, you have a long way to go to fill those shoes that are no empty. That's reality, not drama.

Not wrong about this one - I've seen it first hand as well.
 
And forums are responsible for many many purchasing decisions and for how the product is perceived - for every voice you hear on this board, there are 30 more reading it who will never sign up or post - they're browsing for insight and looking for that push to pull the trigger on the product.  This forum reaches more people than a folding table display ever could...

It shouldn't be any surprise that consumer confidence would wane slightly in the light of the departures of so many well respected members of the Adam's team. This is especially true considering that those who have most recently left bled Adam's polishes 24/7/365. Whether their departures were as sudden as they seem (or not as Adam has explained), the seeds of doubt have been planted and only time and continued success by the entire Adam's team will erase those doubts. That is just how it works, Adam's Polishes is not immune to this aspect of business.
 
Yes, almost every single product from Adam's is top notch and I'm sure they will continue to provide the same great results despite the presence of those who have recently departed the team. But products are just part of the equation. If you don't have enough Dylan-s or Mook-s or even Junkman-s out there to effectively promote and advise on those products, all you have is a well-stocked warehouse. People will not be falling over themselves to purchase them if they don't know how good they are and don't feel confident that they are exactly what they need to achieve the results they desire. It's not easy to convince people to drink the Kool-aid, err Detail Spray, nor should they be expected to without a heck of a good reason...regardless of how good it smells.
 
As far as the gaurantee goes, what is it that Chris Farely said about gaurantees in Tommy Boy? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Adam's has one, but the results from the products and advice from past team members is what sold me, not the guarantee. In all the years I've been purchasing products from Adam's (again as a result of Dylan before he was an Adam's employee), I've only had to use that guarantee one time (within the past 6 months), so it really has never played a factor for me in my decision to buy from Adam's.
 
 
 
Nick, you know I consider you to be one of the 3 Amigos, Dylan, Mook, and Nick. I respect your knowledge (and your drive to gain more), your humbleness, and let's be honest, you're a likable guy. I really hope that you aren't internalizing any of the comments here as an indictment of the work that you have done yourself. My comments and I'm sure many of the others being expressed here are simply out of shock and sadness regarding the departure of some of our most favorite Adam's characters.
 
In the past on the TBSS forum, I vented to you that I was/am not a fan of some of the 'additions' to the Adam's team, specifically those who were 'hired' to work the forums, including this one. I always felt that many of them are/were unproven, unknown, and quite frankly pompous. Many of them immediately began puffing out their chests with the Adam's logo emblazoned on it and instantly they were experts often spouting off at the mouth and flat-out providing incorrect information. Someone should have reeled them in from the start, but it never happened. They were left to their own devices and it honestly began to push me away from Adam's alltogether.
 
It is a necessary evil to have 'moderators' on a forum, but sometimes mods need to put a sock in it and simply ensure the rules are being adhered to and keep the site clean, tidy, and safe for all eyes to view. I'm sorry to say, but there are individuals officially associated with Adam's on forums (including this one) that act more like trolls than objective, knowledgeable members of the community they oversee. As I told you before, just because someone has an '@Adams' or 'moderator' title associated with his/her forum name doesn't mean he/she can provide the correct advice nor does it mean that anyone should blindly respect him/her. Respect is earned and I haven't seen a whole lot around here that deserves it lately which is why I have been limiting my time here considerably and more carefully considering my purchases. As I said before, some of these individuals should have been cut loose, but they continue to detract from the Adam's moniker. Combine that with the departure of those who were beloved by many (if not all) and you have a recipe for lowered consumer confidence.
 
I fully expect a time out now.

He may have grown into his roll as a member of Adam's team and a presence on this particular forum, but he was highly regarded for his detailing abilities long before he officially joined Adam's. It was his reputation that made it much easier to gain buy-in when he provided advice.

It shouldn't be any surprise that consumer confidence would wane slightly in the light of the departures of so many well respected members of the Adam's team. This is especially true considering that those who have most recently left bled Adam's polishes 24/7/365. Whether their departures were as sudden as they seem (or not as Adam has explained), the seeds of doubt have been planted and only time and continued success by the entire Adam's team will erase those doubts. That is just how it works, Adam's Polishes is not immune to this aspect of business.
 
Yes, almost every single product from Adam's is top notch and I'm sure they will continue to provide the same great results despite the presence of those who have recently departed the team. But products are just part of the equation. If you don't have enough Dylan-s or Mook-s or even Junkman-s out there to effectively promote and advise on those products, all you have is a well-stocked warehouse. People will not be falling over themselves to purchase them if they don't know how good they are and don't feel confident that they are exactly what they need to achieve the results they desire. It's not easy to convince people to drink the Kool-aid, err Detail Spray, nor should they be expected to without a heck of a good reason...regardless of how good it smells.
 
As far as the gaurantee goes, what is it that Chris Farely said about gaurantees in Tommy Boy? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Adam's has one, but the results from the products and advice from past team members is what sold me, not the guarantee. In all the years I've been purchasing products from Adam's (again as a result of Dylan before he was an Adam's employee), I've only had to use that guarantee one time (within the past 6 months), so it really has never played a factor for me in my decision to buy from Adam's.
 
 
 
Nick, you know I consider you to be one of the 3 Amigos, Dylan, Mook, and Nick. I respect your knowledge (and your drive to gain more), your humbleness, and let's be honest, you're a likable guy. I really hope that you aren't internalizing any of the comments here as an indictment of the work that you have done yourself. My comments and I'm sure many of the others being expressed here are simply out of shock and sadness regarding the departure of some of our most favorite Adam's characters.
 
In the past on the TBSS forum, I vented to you that I was/am not a fan of some of the 'additions' to the Adam's team, specifically those who were 'hired' to work the forums, including this one. I always felt that many of them are/were unproven, unknown, and quite frankly pompous. Many of them immediately began puffing out their chests with the Adam's logo emblazoned on it and instantly they were experts often spouting off at the mouth and flat-out providing incorrect information. Someone should have reeled them in from the start, but it never happened. They were left to their own devices and it honestly began to push me away from Adam's alltogether.
 
It is a necessary evil to have 'moderators' on a forum, but sometimes mods need to put a sock in it and simply ensure the rules are being adhered to and keep the site clean, tidy, and safe for all eyes to view. I'm sorry to say, but there are individuals officially associated with Adam's on forums (including this one) that act more like trolls than objective, knowledgeable members of the community they oversee. As I told you before, just because someone has an '@Adams' or 'moderator' title associated with his/her forum name doesn't mean he/she can provide the correct advice nor does it mean that anyone should blindly respect him/her. Respect is earned and I haven't seen a whole lot around here that deserves it lately which is why I have been limiting my time here considerably and more carefully considering my purchases. As I said before, some of these individuals should have been cut loose, but they continue to detract from the Adam's moniker. Combine that with the departure of those who were beloved by many (if not all) and you have a recipe for lowered consumer confidence.
 
I fully expect a time out now.

Oh I know that, but they wouldn't
Back on topic, yet another surprising subtraction from the lineup...interesting to say the least.

By all means I'm not bashing the new guys, they are trying I get it. But going back to the Fire Service... What would happen if I took all the Veteran and Seasoned Firefighters/Officers and replaced them all with guys fresh out of Fire Academy? What I'm saying is Experience goes along way.
 
A slow transition probably would have been better. But from that thread I was talking about from maybe a year ago... 75% of the people on that list have changed.
 
Guess I should stop before I get banned.
 
Just feel let down...

Couldn't have said it any better. Something just feels off about the forum and company now

I couldn't agree more. Sure the products are the same but its not the same people backing them or there to support. 
 
Coming from the Fire Service and knowing what it's like when someone gets promoted, the respect and trust has to be earned. Dylan was here when I first started and at first was always the one to help me. After that Mook came along and it basically became a tag team of the two. Now POOF both gone and no one to trust because, frankly, I just have't seen it and it doesn't seem the same.
 
Really didn't want to say that but I've been holding it back for sometime now.
 
I see questions being answered but they are just answers they aren't in depth explanations like they used to be, if that makes sense. The people that have been around the past few years should know what I mean.

From the outside looking in, there are a lot of familiar and trusted faces no longer associated with the company. I'm not sure a wholesale exodus or 'prunning', whatever you want to call it, really encourages me to reach for my wallet anymore.

From the outside looking in, there are a lot of familiar and trusted faces no longer associated with the company. I'm not sure a wholesale exodus or 'prunning', whatever you want to call it, really encourages me to reach for my wallet anymore.

From the outside looking in, there are a lot of familiar and trusted faces no longer associated with the company. I'm not sure a wholesale exodus or 'prunning', whatever you want to call it, really encourages me to reach for my wallet anymore.

From the outside looking in, there are a lot of familiar and trusted faces no longer associated with the company. I'm not sure a wholesale exodus or 'prunning', whatever you want to call it, really encourages me to reach for my wallet anymore.

But when a few key people, who have always been the same ones that help with problems and about the only ones that ever had an answer and that are looked up to just disappear... Its kind of a downer and creates some speculation/realization.
 
I don't have a problem with change but when a lot of big changes happen at once it makes you stop and take a step back and wonder hmmm.

Definitely hard not to notice there's been a lot of house cleaning.  When you have a small core group of people at one stage of growth everybodys goals and corporate vision may all fall in line for the most part - but as things grow and change, your vision for how things should operate and how future growth can be achieved may fall out of line and folks will seek new opportunities to better match their goals.  Sometimes it's the boss that notices that change in you before YOU notice that change in you and you're shown the door.
 
It's not always an amicable process...and it's not hard to pick up on that vibe here...

tons of change as of late..
 
what's the deal?

You can use IPA, but make sure you have diluted it with distilled water and use a gentle touch. Full strength IPA can cause some paint systems to temporarily swell. I try to stay in the 20-25% dilution of IPA/water. Since IPA has no lubricants in it, so you will more or less be dragging a damp towel across the surface of your paint and the mechanical action could cause some micro-marring to appear. It's OK to use, just make sure you keep the above in mind when doing so.

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Its certainly been a fun run here and I've met a lot of great people, made a ton of connections, and shared some special times with people that I probably otherwise may have never met. Its weird how a little internet community has so dramatically changed my life and the people I'm connected to.
 
I'm more than confident that Nick and the team will carry the torch for me and keep this thing headed the right direction. Matt is going to expand his role here and become more than just our outgoing social media guy... look for these 2 to bridge the gap between our facebook/instagram and the forum and offer you guys even more interaction and fun going forward. They're two creative, friendly, and capable guys and I couldn't ask for better people to step into my role on the forums going forward.
 
Plan next hasn't really been nailed down just yet, but my availability has certainly drawn some attention... I'll be sure to update the team here on where I end up landing and they can pass that info on.
 
Thanks to all of you again for all your kind words and encouragement... I'm sure you'll see more of me in the future and I always welcome you to connect with me online via facebook if you haven't already:
 
https://www.facebook.com/dylan.vonkleist