Will This Recession Turn Into a Depression?

[xrac]

Will This Recession Turn Into a Depression?

 

Will This Recession Turn Into a Depression? - Asylum.com

[Joe Marconi]

You know, at the start of this year I would have told you that we have turned the corner. But, it seems that those companies that have a good handle on business and provide the very best in customer service will be fine. However, I see the economy taking its toll on a lot of businesses that were weak to begin with. For those, it will be hard to ride the storm. We are not out of the woods yet and will take some time for the economy to recover. It may never be the way it was either. Especially with the current administration.

[xrac]

More unfavorable news:

 

Consumer Confidence Takes a Plunge

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/75148/consumer_confidence_takes_a_plunge.aspx

[Joe Marconi]

More unfavorable news:

 

I always fear consumer confidence. To me, it's the one indicator that can have the biggest negative impact. Bad news spreads fast and people react more to the perception than actual events.

[Gonzo]

I always fear consumer confidence. To me, it's the one indicator that can have the biggest negative impact. Bad news spreads fast and people react more to the perception than actual events.

 

 

Bad news travels fast... that's so true... I sometimes wonder if a lot of people always live in fear and doubt rather than in confidence and working towards the future.

 

One comedian I heard years ago made the joke that all his relatives hid in the cave while the big old dinasour walked by looking for any easy meal... If they didn't hide they were dinner...

 

That could be true... but I think aggresive thinking, working out problems and dealing with the pitfalls is part of business.

"If ya can't stand the heat... get out of the kitchen."

[Joe Marconi]

Bad news travels fast... that's so true... I sometimes wonder if a lot of people always live in fear and doubt rather than in confidence and working towards the future.

 

One comedian I heard years ago made the joke that all his relatives hid in the cave while the big old dinasour walked by looking for any easy meal... If they didn't hide they were dinner...

 

That could be true... but I think aggresive thinking, working out problems and dealing with the pitfalls is part of business.

"If ya can't stand the heat... get out of the kitchen."

 

There is a lot of truth to what you say, but today with all segments of the auto industry...from quick lubes to transmission shops, to muffler shops and new car dealers....wanting of peice of our service pie, it is not getting any easier.

[xrac]

Howard Davidowitz: U.S. Economy "Is a Complete Disaster"

 

The U.S. economy is in shambles and Americans will continue to see high unemployment and lower living standards in the years to come, Howard Davidowitz tells Henry and Aaron in the accompanying clip. Davidowitz lays much of the blame for the economy's woes at the feet of the Obama administration, which he calls "the worst of my lifetime."

 

howard davidowitz u.s. economy "is a complete disaster": Tech Ticker, Yahoo! Finance

[Jeff]

I am about 2 minutes from bankruptcy. The south florida economy sucks. And this particular area if at a reported 13% unemployment. I beleive its closer to 20% when ya read between the lines. I have been in Florida since 93 and never seen it like this. I am seriously considering closing up and heading back to the Buckeye.

[xrac]

I am about 2 minutes from bankruptcy. The south florida economy sucks. And this particular area if at a reported 13% unemployment. I beleive its closer to 20% when ya read between the lines. I have been in Florida since 93 and never seen it like this. I am seriously considering closing up and heading back to the Buckeye.

 

Sorry to hear that! I know a insurance agent in South Florida who has been cold calling small businesses. He says what he is doing is really tough because almost none of the businesses he is calling on are making any money at this time. Fortunately unemployment where I am at is not that high (about 8%).

 

What type of problems are you having? Car count? Back outs? Competition? etc?

[Gonzo]

Sorry to hear that! I know a insurance agent in South Florida who has been cold calling small businesses. He says what he is doing is really tough because almost none of the businesses he is calling on are making any money at this time. Fortunately unemployment where I am at is not that high (about 8%).

 

What type of problems are you having? Car count? Back outs? Competition? etc?

 

 

Jeff, hang in there... I've been 2 minutes away from bankruptcy for 25 years.... LOL But aren't we all....LOL so don't feel bad... it's all in a day.

 

"Like a duck on pond.... graceful on the top side where all can see... and paddlin' like hell underneath it all...." Gonzo

Edited July 2, 2010 by Gonzo

[xrac]

Jeff, hang in there... I've been 2 minutes away from bankruptcy for 25 years.... LOL But aren't we all....LOL so don't feel bad... it's all in a day.

 

"Like a duck on pond.... graceful on the top side where all can see... and paddlin' like hell underneath it all...." Gonzo

 

Jeff, if it is any consolation we went through a three year period where we were losing money and were actively trying to sell our business.

[Joe Marconi]

Jeff, we have all been there. The auto business is so tough and can beat you up on the best of days in the best of times. What issues are you having? Is the high umployement? Is it that people are afraid to spend? Or?????

[Jeff]

I just cant handle it anymore. I Started in 2004 and we had 3 hurricanes in 2 years. Folks dont fix cars when the roof is missing! Then when it seemed it was gonna get better the markets crashed. Florida overall comes in as the third worse after Nevada and California. The killer is low car counts and high rent. I have looked for less expensive shops but everyone thinks their bldg and location is the most valuable. My nut is 5200 a month, dont seem like much. I figuer 3 cars a day at 180 per would cover and make a check. I have been avg 2 cars a day at 150-160. At 60% gross profit it aint cuttin it. I have sent out mailers, passed out cards, give away teasers, etc. I considered runnin necked down Hwy 1, figured it would get me some free news coverage . Ultimately it comes down to I am broke. The first sign of insanity is doing the same thing everyday and expecting different results. I have family in Ohio, born and raised there. I have associates there checking on shops and homes to rent. I spoke to a friend that is a sales rep for NAPA that tells me the good shops are doing well. To add the cherry to the top my ladyfriend of 12 years has asked me to move out, says she aint happy anymore. Between the personal and business stress I have met my match. I will admit my defeat, retreat and regroup. Thanks for the kind words and support. It will probably take me a month or two to get it all done so I will still be checking in. Thanks!

[xrac]

Jeff, what part of Ohio are you from?

[Jeff]

Joe I believe it a combination of things. The local unemployment is said to be 12-13%. But a recent paper article figured it closer to 20-20% after taking into account those who fell of the unemployment rolls and were no longer looking for work. We also are very seasonal here with the "snowbirds" coming in late Sept and staying into April. But our illustrious leaders decided to raise taxes on property that was not decalred a pemanent residence there by driving many of them to sell or just not come back. Then when the housing bubble burst a lot of folks just walked away and went back to where they came from. Last year was the first time in Florida history there was a decline in population. I suppose there are a lot of other things but it is mostly unemployment and HIGH taxes.

[Jeff]

Jeff, what part of Ohio are you from?

Madison, Clark county. I tell folks Springfield cause most never heard of South Charleston.

[Joe Marconi]

Joe I believe it a combination of things. The local unemployment is said to be 12-13%. But a recent paper article figured it closer to 20-20% after taking into account those who fell of the unemployment rolls and were no longer looking for work. We also are very seasonal here with the "snowbirds" coming in late Sept and staying into April. But our illustrious leaders decided to raise taxes on property that was not decalred a pemanent residence there by driving many of them to sell or just not come back. Then when the housing bubble burst a lot of folks just walked away and went back to where they came from. Last year was the first time in Florida history there was a decline in population. I suppose there are a lot of other things but it is mostly unemployment and HIGH taxes.

 

Jeff, I am not going to be one of those guys who will attempt to try to analyze your problem and give you a magic bullet. I have too much respect for you and that would not help matters. After reading your situation I truly believe that you are in a tight spot and it must be eating you up inside. I remember in the early 90’s when the whole world came crashing down on me and I could not make payroll. I good week was when I could pay my 2 mechanics, but still did not have enough money in the bank account to bring a check home to my wife and three little kids. We all know how humiliating that is for a man, don’t we. So please, with all due respect, I do know how you must feel and I wish I could help.

 

Are there any other businesses or shopping mall in the area you can go to and try to work out a deal with them? Do you specialize in any area that you can market to other businesses or other shops? I am just trying to see if there is any way you can find new work.

[Gonzo]

Jeff, I am not going to be one of those guys who will attempt to try to analyze your problem and give you a magic bullet. I have too much respect for you and that would not help matters. After reading your situation I truly believe that you are in a tight spot and it must be eating you up inside. I remember in the early 90's when the whole world came crashing down on me and I could not make payroll. I good week was when I could pay my 2 mechanics, but still did not have enough money in the bank account to bring a check home to my wife and three little kids. We all know how humiliating that is for a man, don't we. So please, with all due respect, I do know how you must feel and I wish I could help.

 

Are there any other businesses or shopping mall in the area you can go to and try to work out a deal with them? Do you specialize in any area that you can market to other businesses or other shops? I am just trying to see if there is any way you can find new work.

 

 

Jeff, I would have to agree with Joe on this one. I've been there... making the last job of the week just to make payroll and not enough left over for the guy who started the whole thing... ME. I feel your pain buddy... I wish I could help... but that's not possible... but I can give you moral support to let you know that things DO turn around... If you can hang in there... I'm sure things will work out for the best.

 

Keep your chin up.. just remember .. it's not your fault... it's more likely the economy that brings you to this decision.

Check and see if there are other shops in the area that you could "farm" jobs for. Go to the used car dealers, stop by the vo-tech schools... car rentals, check with plumbing,electrcial and or any other business that would have a fleet of trucks.

 

There might still be a way to get thru this. Even if you have to move back home... I think you'll keep all that you've done as part of a learning experience and will be able to see any pitfalls in the future... life is a learning experience... and this is one of them.

 

Good luck my friend... I'm pullin' for ya. Gonzo

[Joe Marconi]

Jeff, I would have to agree with Joe on this one. I've been there... making the last job of the week just to make payroll and not enough left over for the guy who started the whole thing... ME. I feel your pain buddy... I wish I could help... but that's not possible... but I can give you moral support to let you know that things DO turn around... If you can hang in there... I'm sure things will work out for the best.

 

Keep your chin up.. just remember .. it's not your fault... it's more likely the economy that brings you to this decision.

Check and see if there are other shops in the area that you could "farm" jobs for. Go to the used car dealers, stop by the vo-tech schools... car rentals, check with plumbing,electrcial and or any other business that would have a fleet of trucks.

 

There might still be a way to get thru this. Even if you have to move back home... I think you'll keep all that you've done as part of a learning experience and will be able to see any pitfalls in the future... life is a learning experience... and this is one of them.

 

Good luck my friend... I'm pullin' for ya. Gonzo

 

Gonzo is right, it's not your fault....if we could we would be right there in the trenches with you. The key thing is to do something. My father (a World War II vet) said that in battle when all things seemed impossible and it looked liked the end was near, the only thing that kept most of them alive was to do something, anything. When you are pinned down with bullets whizzing past you, it's hard to make a move. But if you stay there trapped, you will surely die. In business the same is true.

 

Just get out there, pound the pavement, go to every business, school, organization, church and hand out your business card.

 

Do something, don't get pinned down! And please, use this forum as somewhere you can let off some steam and vent. It will do a world of good and actually, the process of venting may reveal possible solutions.

[Jeff]

Thanks guys. I have been trying to get "outside" work. The downside to all that is with the dealer closings in the area there are several "shed" shops that are working for $20-$30 an hour and using/selling "discount" parts at cost. I have offered my services at 20-30% discounts and still cant match what the under-the-table guys are doing. Quality has gone out the window. And with the advent of OBD2 the dealers are keeping work in house. All factory scanners now have OBD diagnostics. Believe me I would much rather stay in the sun than go back north to fight the tornadoes and blizzards . I have started over before and believe me I have learned. I could fill a book on philosophy and business. I guess the biggest mistake I made was not looking far enough into the future and not planning for the very worse. Just 5 years ago I had over 80k in the bank. On paper I am worth a 1/4 mill. It aint funny but I still laugh. I believe my faith and GOD will take me where I need to go. I will succed!

Have a Great 4th and thanks again. I will be watching, if not from the front, then from the sidelines.

[Joe Marconi]

Thanks guys. I have been trying to get "outside" work. The downside to all that is with the dealer closings in the area there are several "shed" shops that are working for $20-$30 an hour and using/selling "discount" parts at cost. I have offered my services at 20-30% discounts and still cant match what the under-the-table guys are doing. Quality has gone out the window. And with the advent of OBD2 the dealers are keeping work in house. All factory scanners now have OBD diagnostics. Believe me I would much rather stay in the sun than go back north to fight the tornadoes and blizzards . I have started over before and believe me I have learned. I could fill a book on philosophy and business. I guess the biggest mistake I made was not looking far enough into the future and not planning for the very worse. Just 5 years ago I had over 80k in the bank. On paper I am worth a 1/4 mill. It aint funny but I still laugh. I believe my faith and GOD will take me where I need to go. I will succed!

Have a Great 4th and thanks again. I will be watching, if not from the front, then from the sidelines.

 

 

Jeff, it takes a real man to admit when 'he' alone is repsonisble for the world around him, and you are that man. Just one more thing to add; you mentioned faith and God, that will help you too. You need to be positve, it's not how hard you get knocked down, it's how quick you get to your feet and how you react that will make the difference.

 

Enough said, no matter what happens from this day on, I know you are already headed in the right direction.

[Jeff]

Hey Folks. Just dropped in to give ya'all an update. Landlord came in Tues and asked me to move out. Figuered something was up when they wanted me to pay month to month when the last lease ran out. At least it gave me the direction and answer I was searching for. Gonna spend next week in Ohio looking around. Hope to at least find a job at a dealership. If it all works out run back to Fl grab a 28foot Budget truck load up and run back to Oh. Unload. grab a bus ticket, run back to Fl and get my p/u and go back. Kinda reminds me of my days of over the road truckin. The landlord askin me to move out actually brought some relief. We were able to work out aa deal on a lift for the past due rent. Really werent lookin forward to tearin down a 4 post! Anyhow all is good and I am planning to reopen in a year or so in the Buckeye. As I stated before I have learned a great deal from this experience and will be better equipped for the next go. And you can bet I will be checkin in here for advice and direction. I was once told that to be sucessful you must learn to use OPM (ther peoples money) and OPB ( other peoples brains). I am sure there aint no one in here ready to finance an auto repair shop that is not theirs! But the brain power in this forum is far above par! THANK YOU one and all! Have a great Day! Jeff

[Gonzo]

Hey Folks. Just dropped in to give ya'all an update. Landlord came in Tues and asked me to move out. Figuered something was up when they wanted me to pay month to month when the last lease ran out. At least it gave me the direction and answer I was searching for. Gonna spend next week in Ohio looking around. Hope to at least find a job at a dealership. If it all works out run back to Fl grab a 28foot Budget truck load up and run back to Oh. Unload. grab a bus ticket, run back to Fl and get my p/u and go back. Kinda reminds me of my days of over the road truckin. The landlord askin me to move out actually brought some relief. We were able to work out aa deal on a lift for the past due rent. Really werent lookin forward to tearin down a 4 post! Anyhow all is good and I am planning to reopen in a year or so in the Buckeye. As I stated before I have learned a great deal from this experience and will be better equipped for the next go. And you can bet I will be checkin in here for advice and direction. I was once told that to be sucessful you must learn to use OPM (ther peoples money) and OPB ( other peoples brains). I am sure there aint no one in here ready to finance an auto repair shop that is not theirs! But the brain power in this forum is far above par! THANK YOU one and all! Have a great Day! Jeff

 

Sorry to hear this news... but, it sounds like you have your future game plan mapped out. Good luck, and stay in touch.

If ya ever make it to Tulsa, come by and say HI.

"Keep it between the ditches and off the tow trucks." Gonzo

[xrac]

That is both good and bad news. Now at least you can move on. The second chapter on this saga will be better than the first. Stay strong!

[Joe Marconi]

Hey Folks. Just dropped in to give ya'all an update. Landlord came in Tues and asked me to move out. Figuered something was up when they wanted me to pay month to month when the last lease ran out. At least it gave me the direction and answer I was searching for. Gonna spend next week in Ohio looking around. Hope to at least find a job at a dealership. If it all works out run back to Fl grab a 28foot Budget truck load up and run back to Oh. Unload. grab a bus ticket, run back to Fl and get my p/u and go back. Kinda reminds me of my days of over the road truckin. The landlord askin me to move out actually brought some relief. We were able to work out aa deal on a lift for the past due rent. Really werent lookin forward to tearin down a 4 post! Anyhow all is good and I am planning to reopen in a year or so in the Buckeye. As I stated before I have learned a great deal from this experience and will be better equipped for the next go. And you can bet I will be checkin in here for advice and direction. I was once told that to be sucessful you must learn to use OPM (ther peoples money) and OPB ( other peoples brains). I am sure there aint no one in here ready to finance an auto repair shop that is not theirs! But the brain power in this forum is far above par! THANK YOU one and all! Have a great Day! Jeff

 

Sorry to hear the news…however, some of the best things in life come out of hard times. We tend to learn more from failure than success. Remember, it’s not how hard you get knocked down; it’s how quick you get back on your feet. I have a strong feelings you are going to be fine.

 

Good luck and keep in touch. Stay part of ASO too, we all want to hear from you and keep tabs on you. Ok?

[xrac]

Consumer Confidence Continues Declines

 

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/75700/consumer_confidence_continues_declines.aspx

[RickM]

Jeff, if it is any consolation we went through a three year period where we were losing money and were actively trying to sell our business.

 

 

Xrac, I'm sure Jeff is as interested as I am in what you did to turn things around. I'm not to the point of wanting to sell but you sure didnt hear me say I'd turn down an offer.

[xrac]

Xrac, I'm sure Jeff is as interested as I am in what you did to turn things around. I'm not to the point of wanting to sell but you sure didnt hear me say I'd turn down an offer.

 

Unashamedly I will say I hired a world class service manager and 90% of the credit goes to him. Over time we got rid of all the help we had before he came. We hired better qualified people with better skills and attitudes and paid them better. We expanded our service offerings and developed a very positive and up beat attitude. We cultivated positive relationships with key vendors. We worked hard on customer service. We did women's seminars. We learned how to sell and how to properly present the need. We concentrated advertising where it seemed most effective and jazzed up our ads and offers. We have tried to offer something catchy and different from what competitors are offering. How about a camel and a gas pump and something about beating the pump. We did that in one ad. How about my picture on the face of a ten dollar bill that was actually a coupon. We have used that as well. We started opening at 7:00 a.m. in the morning. We started rotating our work schedules so a tech gets at least one 3 day weekend per month. We became better organized.

[Joe Marconi]

Unashamedly I will say I hired a world class service manager and 90% of the credit goes to him. Over time we got rid of all the help we had before he came. We hired better qualified people with better skills and attitudes and paid them better. We expanded our service offerings and developed a very positive and up beat attitude. We cultivated positive relationships with key vendors. We worked hard on customer service. We did women's seminars. We learned how to sell and how to properly present the need. We concentrated advertising where it seemed most effective and jazzed up our ads and offers. We have tried to offer something catchy and different from what competitors are offering. How about a camel and a gas pump and something about beating the pump. We did that in one ad. How about my picture on the face of a ten dollar bill that was actually a coupon. We have used that as well. We started opening at 7:00 a.m. in the morning. We started rotating our work schedules so a tech gets at least one 3 day weekend per month. We became better organized.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you hired the right person to manage the business and hired the "right people". Too many of us have this notion that our entire business world revloves around us and we (because we are the owners of the business) are solely responsible for its sucess. While this is true to some extent it is not the whole picture.

 

When Yogi Berra was asked, "What makes a great coach", Yogi replied, "Great players". It's the people around you that make you great. Yes, you need to do your job, but to be really successful, there has to be a team effort.

[RickM]

Unashamedly I will say I hired a world class service manager and 90% of the credit goes to him. Over time we got rid of all the help we had before he came. We hired better qualified people with better skills and attitudes and paid them better. We expanded our service offerings and developed a very positive and up beat attitude. We cultivated positive relationships with key vendors. We worked hard on customer service. We did women's seminars. We learned how to sell and how to properly present the need. We concentrated advertising where it seemed most effective and jazzed up our ads and offers. We have tried to offer something catchy and different from what competitors are offering. How about a camel and a gas pump and something about beating the pump. We did that in one ad. How about my picture on the face of a ten dollar bill that was actually a coupon. We have used that as well. We started opening at 7:00 a.m. in the morning. We started rotating our work schedules so a tech gets at least one 3 day weekend per month. We became better organized.

 

Thanks for the insight, I believe that is the key to a lot of my problems. Better organized and more positive attitude. I feel like I will see a big difference if I can get my shop back to looking like and acting like a Professional Repair Facilty instead of the good ole boy garage. Even more reason to come and see how you guys operate right?

[xrac]

Steve Wynn Takes On Washington

 

http://www.infowars.com/steve-wynn-takes-on-washington/

 

You have got to watch this!

[xrac]

This is not good news.

 

The Federal Reserve's words made it clear today that it is concerned about the slowing pace of economic recovery. The Federal Reserve confirms that the economy is slowing once again."Today's statement was about as worried a statement as I've seen since, well, we were back in a recession," said Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi.

 

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/federal-reserve-acknowledges-economic-slowdown-interest-rates-low/story?id=11370095

[Joe Marconi]

This is not good news.

 

I judge the economy by consumer confidence. And I can tell you first hand that it's low. My customer are very concerned over the state of the nation and blame a good portion on the current administration. I think we are in tough times the next few years. It will somewhat stabilze as we adjust, but it will be tough.

[Jeff]

Ok folks I am back. I guess I let my emotions get the best of me! I did go to Ohio to find out that the hourly rate that was being offered was much less than I was expecting. And most were only taking apps, not really hiring. I did have a nice vacation and time to refect and get my "head on straight". Came back to Florida with a renewed outklook. I am revamping my business. Found a much smaller shop with a much lower rent. Eliminated some overhead expenses and such. I also have been rethinking my personal goals as well as the business. I am offering some new services, such as mobil repair. And I know it has been debated to death and is not a popular subject but I have been installing customer supplied parts. I feel personally whatever I need to do to make it thru this "recerssion" and still be in business coming out the other end is what I will do. The bills must be paid and the cars must come thru the doors. I dont advertise installing customer supplied parts but if asked, OK. I am also offering less expensive parts at a reduced warrenty. Again, whatever it takes. Hopefully this will keep me going till the clouds clear and it all recovers. From the looks of some of the prior post it may be a few years. All I can say at this point is Pull in the reins, bury the spurs and hang on for a ride!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Joe Marconi]

Glad to hear from you! Welcome back!

 

I understand you need to do what you need to do in order to survive, but I still am not a fan of installing customer supplied parts. Do I do it on occassion...yes. But it's not the rule and my customer understand that. I had a customer come in just today, he tried to install his own shocks and found all the bolts seized. Now, he is embarrssed and asks me to install the shocks he bought already. Of course I am not going to refuse him.

 

Just put togther a game plan and do what is profitable. Stay away from things that are not profitable for you. Stick with with and "ride" it out. It will come around...it always does.

 

Good luck!

[xrac]

Ok folks I am back. I guess I let my emotions get the best of me! I did go to Ohio to find out that the hourly rate that was being offered was much less than I was expecting. And most were only taking apps, not really hiring. I did have a nice vacation and time to refect and get my "head on straight". Came back to Florida with a renewed outklook. I am revamping my business. Found a much smaller shop with a much lower rent. Eliminated some overhead expenses and such. I also have been rethinking my personal goals as well as the business. I am offering some new services, such as mobil repair. And I know it has been debated to death and is not a popular subject but I have been installing customer supplied parts. I feel personally whatever I need to do to make it thru this "recerssion" and still be in business coming out the other end is what I will do. The bills must be paid and the cars must come thru the doors. I dont advertise installing customer supplied parts but if asked, OK. I am also offering less expensive parts at a reduced warrenty. Again, whatever it takes. Hopefully this will keep me going till the clouds clear and it all recovers. From the looks of some of the prior post it may be a few years. All I can say at this point is Pull in the reins, bury the spurs and hang on for a ride!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

Jeff, you have had the misfortune of being caught in one of the worst pockets of this bad economy. However, it will not stay that way for ever. Do what you have to in the short term but keep your eye on the future. You are an experienced, resourceful, warrior.

[DewayneP]

Jeff, I see that you are in Florida. That is one of the hotbeds of mobile repair. I tried that up here in NY and just couldn't get it to work, but from what I understand it works very well down there. The people in FL already know about how it works and are willing to use it (mobile repair). I think that will help you out a lot. Compared to the other shops on AutoShopOwner I am very small and because of that I have a relationship with my customers beyond just as a customer. Because of this I have installed customer supplied parts. I make sure that they know they are paying for the labor if the part doesn't fit, doesn't work, is of poor quality and doesn't last, etc.. I also make sure, on those jobs, to follow the flatrate to a "T" and if the job goes longer they get charged actual hours. You have to do what you have to in order to stay afloat. If that means scaling back, longer hours for you, etc then that's what you have to do. This isn't a time for you to dig in your heals and say "I won't change". Do what you have to to get through this and when you come out on the other side you'll be a better man for it and your business will be stronger.

[xrac]

WASHINGTON – The number of people in the U.S. who are in poverty is on track for a record increase on President Barack Obama's watch, with the ranks of working-age poor approaching 1960s levels that led to the national war on poverty.

 

Census figures for 2009 — the recession-ravaged first year of the Democrat's presidency — are to be released in the coming week, and demographers expect grim findings.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100911/ap_on_bi_ge/us_poverty_in_america

[xrac]

[Joe Marconi]

 

When do you think America will wake up? When it's too late?

[Jeff]

Sadly a huge part of the American population has become sheep. They wait to be led and when in distress run pell-mell with no direction. One of the memories I have of the Presidential election is after Obama gave his accetance speech in Chigago The news camera zoomed in on a woman seemingly overcome with joy. Tears streaming down her face she looks directly into the camera and said "Now someone will help me make my mortgage payment". This economy will not recover till those in power realize that bail-outs (read false economy) will not help. We need to limit imports, lower corporate taxes (for american made goods) and reopen american factories to put americans back to work. Those who took home loans and then inflated the value of their property by tackin secon and third mortages and then pissed the money away on toys and vacations should not be rewarded. We are looking at the largest "wealth redistribution" scam ever perpetrated against the working americans. Remember VOTE EM ALL OUT IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[xrac]

Sadly a huge part of the American population has become sheep. They wait to be led and when in distress run pell-mell with no direction. One of the memories I have of the Presidential election is after Obama gave his accetance speech in Chigago The news camera zoomed in on a woman seemingly overcome with joy. Tears streaming down her face she looks directly into the camera and said "Now someone will help me make my mortgage payment". This economy will not recover till those in power realize that bail-outs (read false economy) will not help. We need to limit imports, lower corporate taxes (for american made goods) and reopen american factories to put americans back to work. Those who took home loans and then inflated the value of their property by tackin secon and third mortages and then pissed the money away on toys and vacations should not be rewarded. We are looking at the largest "wealth redistribution" scam ever perpetrated against the working americans. Remember VOTE EM ALL OUT IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Cuba is realizing that the answer is not in government spending and is laying off 500,000 workers. Their roles are to be filled by PRIVATE INDUSTRY. Our government is headed the opposite direction.

[Gonzo]

Cuba is realizing that the answer is not in government spending and is laying off 500,000 workers. Their roles are to be filled by PRIVATE INDUSTRY. Our government is headed the opposite direction.

 

 

Before this country was a country... Pioneers crossed this rugged land in search of a better life for themselves and their families... I don't recall anyone ever giving them a handout. I'm pretty sure each and ever step they took was of their own free will and thru their sacrifices they accomplished one great thing... This country ... as far as I see it... hand outs and "gimmies" are for the weak... This country wasn't started by the weak...

 

We need to get back to that thought process and not look for hand outs as a way of making our lives better.