Adam

Always knew you were a genius Daryle! 

Thanks for being loyal and caring enough to participate in this conversation, I'm grateful and very appreciative!
 
Friends, we are experiencing growing pains.  Plain and simple.  Our small business is growing, and it hurts a little, and sometimes it hurts a bunch!
 
The marketplace is changing, customer expectations are changing, and we are not able to ignore those changes.  We must also adapt to remain relevant, and as Tim said:  "People don't like change."
 
While we are improving our product line and dialing in our team, I promise we will always provide:
Excellent & friendly customer service. The best products in every category we compete. Talented, knowledgeable, and helpful team members. You have my word. 
 
Thanks again!
 
Adam

Friends, thanks for your loyalty.  Without it, you wouldn't be concerned about the changes to our team.   Thanks for taking notice, and sharing concern!
 
Please, give me a chance to expand....
 
First and foremost we have GREAT people, and I'm humbled to have such incredible team members.  We are a growing company, and as with most growing businesses, ours is evolving.  When I read the Wall St. Journal, and see how many top exec changes are made in these huge companies, it makes my head spin!  We make a few shifts, and our customers take notice!  That's cool, and shows loyalty.
 
We are not alone in experiencing a changing business.
 
As for key team members moving on, there are always several sides to a story.   Here's mine:  I like to see our team members doing exactly what they enjoy doing for us.  That means job descriptions and responsibilities  are fluid, ever evolving.  That lack of structure certainly resulted in us losing some people, and I take complete responsibility for it.  In the future, positions at Adam's will have more structure. 
 
Explaining Dylan is relevant, and current.  He did nearly everything for us, from forum moderation to website maintenance, product development, operations manager to social media, video editing to photography.   The guy literally wore every hat in our job roster, and is an excellent and qualified human.
 
He came to a point in his career where, 'what's next,' wasn't clear.  When he mentioned that he was unhappy several months ago, and that his resume was about to get some refreshing, I supported him.  We don't want unhappy people on our team!  Certainly, Dylan wasn't fired.  He wore every hat in our company but mine, and we parted ways on good terms.
 
In fact, I introduced him to several key players in our industry, and am excited to hear where he lands.   With such a vast experience throughout many of the segments of this industry, I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a consultant to the segment.  Whatever he does, I'm sure he will add value.  I support Dylan 100%, and hope his next position brings him satisfaction.
 
As for the other people, I'll run down the who went where:  After working as a shipper, then product demonstrator at events, Mook one day confessed that he just wanted to detail cars!  That was his passion. Traveling to shows was not good for his home-life, nor pets, and I understand that completely. 
We tried putting a detail shop in the Colorado warehouse. It was not a wildly successful side business, and we supported Mook moving into his own detailing business. We are simply not a service business!  We love and support Mook! 
 
Chase has his own detailing business, and God Bless Him, it's successful!  Spending time on our forum was not happening, and with additions to his family, he needed to focus on his core business.   Everyone loves Chase, what a great guy!  I have a very high respect for Chase, his people skills, product skills, etc. Chase, let's have a beer soon!
 
Lynn came to help us with a variety of things, and her job changed rapidly over the two years on our team.  We tried to find the right slot for her but eventually, we realized our events were killing us.   Wiping people out, not breaking even, and killing our already thin profit margins.  We cut our show expenditures to bring them into line with a company our size.  Lynn was our "show girl," and was released to explore new opportunities.  She was very organized, and left our small business better than she found it.  Thanks Lynn!
 
A few other additions, while we are updating: 
We added a star-spangled Customer Service/ Office Assistant, Bianca, last year.  We moved from a part-time Controller to a full-time CFO, Christian, a needed upgrade for a company our size.  We added a Supply Chain Manager, Scott, another standard move for an operation our size.  You will soon see a new Customer Service team member joining the team.  Look out for two new shipping locations, close to the coasts.  That will help get products into our customer's hands quicker, and with cheaper shipping. Those locations will come with new shipping team members as well. As for putting faces to the people, I'm going to do that next week.  Stay tuned for fresh photos...that's a great idea!
 
Our product line is getting better, more lean.  The Adam's Detailing System will be simpler and require fewer tools an chemicals.   Removing duplicate products will further reduce confusion, and create a more effective detailing process. Removing SKU's that are difficult to manufacture will mean less backorders....that's key!
 
As for our Forum needs, we have many, and need help!  How can we involve you, our friends and detailing experts, to spend more time here?  What's missing that you speak of, and can you help articulate what it might take to bring that back?
 
If you would rather contact me via email, than in this thread, please do.  Honest, hard feedback is welcome.  I can take it, trust me.
 
Thank You Friends.   I hope to continue to earn your business, friendship, and support.
 
Sincerely,
 
Adam Pitale
Chief Detailer, Adam's Polishes
Adam@AdamsPolishes.com
 
P.S:  Here is a recent photo of me with our three children....you asked!
 

Must say, I'm happy to see Dylan land on his feet, and hope he enjoys his new position.  This seems like a very good fit.
 
Go Dylan!

Great news for Dylan!   We are super excited, and wish him the best at Surf City!

Must say, I'm happy to see Dylan land on his feet, and hope he enjoys his new position.  This seems like a very good fit.
 
Go Dylan!

Great news for Dylan!   We are super excited, and wish him the best at Surf City!

Great news for Dylan!   We are super excited, and wish him the best at Surf City!

Great news for Dylan!   We are super excited, and wish him the best at Surf City!

Indeed, we have never had a Cyclo returned, and the 110% guarantee is in tact on every item we sell!  The Flex is a great tool, and once comfortable with it, the only reason I would add a Cyclo would be for regular maintenance.  The Cyclo simply requires less effort to use, and is better in tight spots or a-pillars.
 
We will be in IL a few times this year, and our dealers there have units for demonstration!

Adam's is actually training two new team members this week, and in the future, may well be hiring.   Truth with Dylan's departure:  He was ready to do the NEXT BIG THING, and was not adequately satisfied with his role/ employment here. 
 
We give Dylan TWO MASSIVE THUMBS UP, and have not a cross word to say.
 

Indeed, and polishing with the Swab-Its is another great way to get in those nooks...  Nice Car by the way!!

You got it Rich & Darlene!  Can't wait to see you both!

I'd like to hear more people try the diluted Rinseless Wash and get feedback before we discontinue the Waterless Wash...

Thanks Dave, and your question is extremely valid.  The old 5-Year No-Wax company that has been around forever is interesting.  Consider the following things about a semi-permanent coating:
A protective coating will not prevent surface scratches, as a result of regular washing and wiping. It will not stop paint over-spray, industrial fallout, tree-sap, bug splatter, etc. It will not create a slick long term finish, which will reduce drag, and as a result, scratches. A vehicle stored indoors day and night, will require less maintenance.   Here is the real difference between the idea of a 5-year protection, and our company:
We love washing, drying, cleaning, and detailing our vehicles. It is our form of therapy.  During our work day, we go into the warehouse or garage, and clean a vehicle, or bicycle. We enjoy the increased shine that comes after polishing a vehicle. It' a happy day when our vehicle needs a clay and polish! If we had a protection that we couldn't mess with, we'd be bored silly. Claying, Polishing, glazing, waxing and sealing is one of our favorite things to do! There is no less protection with our system. While a 5+ year coating sounds good in marketing, it goes against our customer's goals:  "Maintain vehicles regularly with excellent products and extreme passion, achieving therapy doing so."
 
That plus, we have never seen any 5-year marketed products last more than 6 months.  About as long as our Liquid Paint Sealant.
 
No disrespect to the long term protection, but the circumstances that are needed to make something last one year, let alone 5 years, rarely happen on earth!
 

Friends, thanks for your loyalty.  Without it, you wouldn't be concerned about the changes to our team.   Thanks for taking notice, and sharing concern!
 
Please, give me a chance to expand....
 
First and foremost we have GREAT people, and I'm humbled to have such incredible team members.  We are a growing company, and as with most growing businesses, ours is evolving.  When I read the Wall St. Journal, and see how many top exec changes are made in these huge companies, it makes my head spin!  We make a few shifts, and our customers take notice!  That's cool, and shows loyalty.
 
We are not alone in experiencing a changing business.
 
As for key team members moving on, there are always several sides to a story.   Here's mine:  I like to see our team members doing exactly what they enjoy doing for us.  That means job descriptions and responsibilities  are fluid, ever evolving.  That lack of structure certainly resulted in us losing some people, and I take complete responsibility for it.  In the future, positions at Adam's will have more structure. 
 
Explaining Dylan is relevant, and current.  He did nearly everything for us, from forum moderation to website maintenance, product development, operations manager to social media, video editing to photography.   The guy literally wore every hat in our job roster, and is an excellent and qualified human.
 
He came to a point in his career where, 'what's next,' wasn't clear.  When he mentioned that he was unhappy several months ago, and that his resume was about to get some refreshing, I supported him.  We don't want unhappy people on our team!  Certainly, Dylan wasn't fired.  He wore every hat in our company but mine, and we parted ways on good terms.
 
In fact, I introduced him to several key players in our industry, and am excited to hear where he lands.   With such a vast experience throughout many of the segments of this industry, I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a consultant to the segment.  Whatever he does, I'm sure he will add value.  I support Dylan 100%, and hope his next position brings him satisfaction.
 
As for the other people, I'll run down the who went where:  After working as a shipper, then product demonstrator at events, Mook one day confessed that he just wanted to detail cars!  That was his passion. Traveling to shows was not good for his home-life, nor pets, and I understand that completely. 
We tried putting a detail shop in the Colorado warehouse. It was not a wildly successful side business, and we supported Mook moving into his own detailing business. We are simply not a service business!  We love and support Mook! 
 
Chase has his own detailing business, and God Bless Him, it's successful!  Spending time on our forum was not happening, and with additions to his family, he needed to focus on his core business.   Everyone loves Chase, what a great guy!  I have a very high respect for Chase, his people skills, product skills, etc. Chase, let's have a beer soon!
 
Lynn came to help us with a variety of things, and her job changed rapidly over the two years on our team.  We tried to find the right slot for her but eventually, we realized our events were killing us.   Wiping people out, not breaking even, and killing our already thin profit margins.  We cut our show expenditures to bring them into line with a company our size.  Lynn was our "show girl," and was released to explore new opportunities.  She was very organized, and left our small business better than she found it.  Thanks Lynn!
 
A few other additions, while we are updating: 
We added a star-spangled Customer Service/ Office Assistant, Bianca, last year.  We moved from a part-time Controller to a full-time CFO, Christian, a needed upgrade for a company our size.  We added a Supply Chain Manager, Scott, another standard move for an operation our size.  You will soon see a new Customer Service team member joining the team.  Look out for two new shipping locations, close to the coasts.  That will help get products into our customer's hands quicker, and with cheaper shipping. Those locations will come with new shipping team members as well. As for putting faces to the people, I'm going to do that next week.  Stay tuned for fresh photos...that's a great idea!
 
Our product line is getting better, more lean.  The Adam's Detailing System will be simpler and require fewer tools an chemicals.   Removing duplicate products will further reduce confusion, and create a more effective detailing process. Removing SKU's that are difficult to manufacture will mean less backorders....that's key!
 
As for our Forum needs, we have many, and need help!  How can we involve you, our friends and detailing experts, to spend more time here?  What's missing that you speak of, and can you help articulate what it might take to bring that back?
 
If you would rather contact me via email, than in this thread, please do.  Honest, hard feedback is welcome.  I can take it, trust me.
 
Thank You Friends.   I hope to continue to earn your business, friendship, and support.
 
Sincerely,
 
Adam Pitale
Chief Detailer, Adam's Polishes
Adam@AdamsPolishes.com
 
P.S:  Here is a recent photo of me with our three children....you asked!
 

Thanks Dave, and your question is extremely valid.  The old 5-Year No-Wax company that has been around forever is interesting.  Consider the following things about a semi-permanent coating:
A protective coating will not prevent surface scratches, as a result of regular washing and wiping. It will not stop paint over-spray, industrial fallout, tree-sap, bug splatter, etc. It will not create a slick long term finish, which will reduce drag, and as a result, scratches. A vehicle stored indoors day and night, will require less maintenance.   Here is the real difference between the idea of a 5-year protection, and our company:
We love washing, drying, cleaning, and detailing our vehicles. It is our form of therapy.  During our work day, we go into the warehouse or garage, and clean a vehicle, or bicycle. We enjoy the increased shine that comes after polishing a vehicle. It' a happy day when our vehicle needs a clay and polish! If we had a protection that we couldn't mess with, we'd be bored silly. Claying, Polishing, glazing, waxing and sealing is one of our favorite things to do! There is no less protection with our system. While a 5+ year coating sounds good in marketing, it goes against our customer's goals:  "Maintain vehicles regularly with excellent products and extreme passion, achieving therapy doing so."
 
That plus, we have never seen any 5-year marketed products last more than 6 months.  About as long as our Liquid Paint Sealant.
 
No disrespect to the long term protection, but the circumstances that are needed to make something last one year, let alone 5 years, rarely happen on earth!
 

BIG NEWS!  Well, not really.....  Our Metal Polishing Towels are being used for everything, so we re-named them.  Hello All Purpose Microfiber Towels!  Also, I knocked the price down a few bucks.....
 
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-840-adams-all-purpose-microfiber-towels-2pk.aspx
 

BIG NEWS!  Well, not really.....  Our Metal Polishing Towels are being used for everything, so we re-named them.  Hello All Purpose Microfiber Towels!  Also, I knocked the price down a few bucks.....
 
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-840-adams-all-purpose-microfiber-towels-2pk.aspx
 

Thanks Dave, and your question is extremely valid.  The old 5-Year No-Wax company that has been around forever is interesting.  Consider the following things about a semi-permanent coating:
A protective coating will not prevent surface scratches, as a result of regular washing and wiping. It will not stop paint over-spray, industrial fallout, tree-sap, bug splatter, etc. It will not create a slick long term finish, which will reduce drag, and as a result, scratches. A vehicle stored indoors day and night, will require less maintenance.   Here is the real difference between the idea of a 5-year protection, and our company:
We love washing, drying, cleaning, and detailing our vehicles. It is our form of therapy.  During our work day, we go into the warehouse or garage, and clean a vehicle, or bicycle. We enjoy the increased shine that comes after polishing a vehicle. It' a happy day when our vehicle needs a clay and polish! If we had a protection that we couldn't mess with, we'd be bored silly. Claying, Polishing, glazing, waxing and sealing is one of our favorite things to do! There is no less protection with our system. While a 5+ year coating sounds good in marketing, it goes against our customer's goals:  "Maintain vehicles regularly with excellent products and extreme passion, achieving therapy doing so."
 
That plus, we have never seen any 5-year marketed products last more than 6 months.  About as long as our Liquid Paint Sealant.
 
No disrespect to the long term protection, but the circumstances that are needed to make something last one year, let alone 5 years, rarely happen on earth!
 

Adam's is actually training two new team members this week, and in the future, may well be hiring.   Truth with Dylan's departure:  He was ready to do the NEXT BIG THING, and was not adequately satisfied with his role/ employment here. 
 
We give Dylan TWO MASSIVE THUMBS UP, and have not a cross word to say.
 

Thanks Dave, and your question is extremely valid.  The old 5-Year No-Wax company that has been around forever is interesting.  Consider the following things about a semi-permanent coating:
A protective coating will not prevent surface scratches, as a result of regular washing and wiping. It will not stop paint over-spray, industrial fallout, tree-sap, bug splatter, etc. It will not create a slick long term finish, which will reduce drag, and as a result, scratches. A vehicle stored indoors day and night, will require less maintenance.   Here is the real difference between the idea of a 5-year protection, and our company:
We love washing, drying, cleaning, and detailing our vehicles. It is our form of therapy.  During our work day, we go into the warehouse or garage, and clean a vehicle, or bicycle. We enjoy the increased shine that comes after polishing a vehicle. It' a happy day when our vehicle needs a clay and polish! If we had a protection that we couldn't mess with, we'd be bored silly. Claying, Polishing, glazing, waxing and sealing is one of our favorite things to do! There is no less protection with our system. While a 5+ year coating sounds good in marketing, it goes against our customer's goals:  "Maintain vehicles regularly with excellent products and extreme passion, achieving therapy doing so."
 
That plus, we have never seen any 5-year marketed products last more than 6 months.  About as long as our Liquid Paint Sealant.
 
No disrespect to the long term protection, but the circumstances that are needed to make something last one year, let alone 5 years, rarely happen on earth!
 

BIG NEWS!  Well, not really.....  Our Metal Polishing Towels are being used for everything, so we re-named them.  Hello All Purpose Microfiber Towels!  Also, I knocked the price down a few bucks.....
 
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-840-adams-all-purpose-microfiber-towels-2pk.aspx
 

BIG NEWS!  Well, not really.....  Our Metal Polishing Towels are being used for everything, so we re-named them.  Hello All Purpose Microfiber Towels!  Also, I knocked the price down a few bucks.....
 
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-840-adams-all-purpose-microfiber-towels-2pk.aspx
 

BIG NEWS!  Well, not really.....  Our Metal Polishing Towels are being used for everything, so we re-named them.  Hello All Purpose Microfiber Towels!  Also, I knocked the price down a few bucks.....
 
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-840-adams-all-purpose-microfiber-towels-2pk.aspx