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| GMC Vendors [message #75846] |
Sat, 06 March 2010 22:26  |
Michael Bozardt
Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas
Karma: 1
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Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI conventions?
In my seven years in the GMCMI, I have never seen anyone from Cinnabar, Golby, Gateway, Guske Sales or Zip Dee Awnings and others.
Thank goodness Jim Kanomata, Jim Bounds, Alex and Jeff Sirum, Frank Jenkins, Dick Paterson, Dave Lenzi, Paul Bennett, JR Slaten, Steve Ferguson, Ken Henderson and some others do come, and regularly.
Sure, cost is a factor-it is expensive to attend, the trip will not pay for itself, but the benefit of face-to-face and later referrals is invaluable and not attainable any other way on a large scale. Your story as a vendor cannot be told if you are not there. For example, I think Cinnabar has products we can't even imagine are still being produced like the plastic springs that hold the window screens in place. They could also explain their price structure which I hear murmuring about in GMCers I talk to. Since they are not getting wealthy off us, I suspect there are valid reasons for their pricing. Do you know about their newsletter for GMC motorhomes? Great source of information and how to fixits-$10 for six issues per year.
Gateway has a nice mailer with some products listed with prices. I doubt that is all they carry but who knows? I never hear anything about Golby but he is still in business, I think. Guske sells the day/night shades custom made for the GMC motorhome, including for windshields. Ardemco makes holding tanks and water tanks for us. There are others from the aluminum intake manifold to Ragusa's step, aluminum trans pan and final drive cover(JimK sells but where is the factory rep?)
How about tow dolly and tow bar factory reps, the satellite and electronics people, shops that paint coaches.
You know, when you attend a major RV show, there are factory reps everywhere, what about us? As we have conventions all over the country, if they can't make all of them, why not the ones closest to their location?
To be honest, the conventions cost much more than I take in sales there, but I have people calling me from all over because someone who was at the convention told them about GEMRECS. Let's open this topic up for discussion and look for ways to intice them to come.
Michael at GEMRECS
[Updated on: Sat, 06 March 2010 22:30] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75852 is a reply to message #75846] |
Sat, 06 March 2010 22:42  |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Why should they attend when majority of the people at the convention
buys from them and do not give a hoot about the participating vendors.
There are at least 20% of the attendees that never visit the vendors
at the convention.
On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 8:26 PM, Michael Bozardt <ilse@earth-comm.com> wrote:
>
>
> Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI conventions?
>
> In my seven years in the GMCMI, I have never seen anyone from Cinnabar, Golby, Gateway, Guske Sales or Zip Dee Awnings and others.
> Thank goodness Jim Kanomata, Jim Bounds, Alex and Jeff Sirum, Frank Jenkins, Dick Paterson, Dave Lenzi, Paul Bennett, JR Slaten, Steve Ferguson, Ken Henderson and some others do come, and regularly.
>
> Sure, cost is a factor-it is expensive to attend, the trip will not pay for itself, but the benefit of face-to-face and later referrals is invaluable and not attainable any other way on a large scale. Your story as a vendor cannot be told if you are not there. Â For example, I think Cinnabar has products we can't even imagine are still being produced like the plastic springs that hold the window screens in place. They could also explain their price structure which I hear murmuring about in GMCers I talk to. Since they are not getting wealthy off us, I suspect there are valid reasons for their pricing. Do you know about their newsletter for GMC motorhomes? Â Great source of information and how to fixits-$10 for six issues per year.
>
> Gateway has a nice mailer with some products listed with prices. I doubt that is all they carry but who knows? Â I never hear anything about Golby but he is still in business, I think. Guske sells the day/night shades custom made for the GMC motorhome, including for windshields. Â Ardemco makes holding tanks and water tanks for us. There are others from the aluminum intake manifold to Ragusa's step, aluminum trans pan and final drive cover(JimK sells but where is the factory rep?)
>
> How about tow dolly and tow bar factory reps, the satellite and electronics people, shops that paint coaches.
>
> You know, when you attend a major RV show, there are factory reps everywhere, what about us?
>
> To be honest, the conventions cost much more than I take in sales there, but I have people calling me from all over because someone who was at the convention told them about GEMRECS.
> Let's open this topic up for discussion and look for ways to intice them to come.
> Michael at GEMRECS
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75859 is a reply to message #75846] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 04:01 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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>
> Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why some of
> the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI conventions?
>
I have a little bit different take on this:
We need our vendors more than they need us. I , for one, appreciate that
our vendors have hung in there with us for 56 years. Almost all of them
advertise in the GMCMI (one good reason to support GMCMI) even though we are
a small part of their total business.
We GMC owners are many things, largest group in FMCA, fastest motor home in
the world, etc, but we are a legacy group. We are getting new owners,
continously upgrading, and making changes, but we are not spending hundreds
of thousands of dollars with our vendors.
It just may be it is our fault they are not attending our meetings. Maybe
we should be reaching out to invite them, tour their facilities ( when we
are in their areas). I often have a hard time getting rallys to even have
a vendor night where vendors can show and talk about their products.
I just feel we should do more to encourage and support our vendors, maybe
not just expect more from them.
gene
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75861 is a reply to message #75846] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 06:55 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Good question Michael.
I would suspect that one reason a lot of them don't come is because
no one asks them. I am guilty of that but only when it comes to tech
sessions for GMCWS. I would suspect that another reason is because
most small businesses can't function without the owners present. A
good example is the COOP. A few years back it took a minimum of
$300/day just to keep the doors open, I don't want to know what the
cost is now. I also remember a time when a COOP employee decided to
"retire" while the owner was attending a convention and the employee
departed with a lot of high dollar electronics. If you've ever been
to one of these businesses, particularly as a customer, you know that
you wanted the work done yesterday because of the limited amount of
time you yourself can take off from work. That also limits the amount
of time the owner can spend "away" from his livelihood.
The common thread here is "us". We are a (to put it nicely) a
"frugal" bunch of do-it-yourselfers and many of us live on fixed
incomes. We have X amount of dollars to spend on these things and the
cost of the ralleys, and getting to and from them eats away at those
dollars.
We are blessed to have vendors that do attend. Just take a look at
the tremendous amount of inventory Jim K. shows up with. I imagine
that the huge weight of his trailer/towed is partly responsible for
more than one engine failure that seems to give so many of us humorous
fodder for this net.
I try to buy something from each vendor present at rallys and I can
say in all honesty, I still have "stuff" I haven't installed yet. The
bottom line here is for YOU to SUPPORT these guys!
On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 9:26 PM, Michael Bozardt <ilse@earth-comm.com> wrote:
Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why
some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI
conventions?
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75873 is a reply to message #75861] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 10:56 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Steve and others,
Thanks Steve for laying out what you did, it is right on! When I leave the shop, I have found that I would be better served just shutting it down because what it takes to get back in there is just too difficult and the situation your outlined costed me over $3000 to replace what that guy "took".
Also your explaination that largly speaking the frugalness of the GMC club community limits the exposure of my company to the community. Saying that-- heck, I am one of those people too cause I own and drive a GMC but the reality is not many people buy enough stuff to make it feasable to spend the time and $ it takes to participate.
I was trying to make a trip to the WS rally in May to deliver the 23 Duramax but as it turned out the logistics did not work out so no go on that idea. Looks like this year I will not be able to participate in rallies at all other than the weekenders with the local Sunshine Statesmen schedule.
I wish I could figure out how to do things differently but the reality is the numbers do not work & I no longer have the ability to "just do it". It is a downward spiral I know but if it "ain't there it just ain't there"! Am I crying poor mouth, no I'm just stating fact. Jim K. has taken the baton of being a supplier of parts to you guys-- hey I have not backed away from it but with Jim actually showing up at rallies you guys are screwing yourself if you do not support him and his focus. Personally I just cannot do it.
I have some things to offer you guys and I solucit your business, just because I do not show up does not mean I don;t love ya. Life sucks then you deal with it!
Jim Bounds
------------------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 7:55:17 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
Good question Michael.
I would suspect that one reason a lot of them don't come is because
no one asks them. I am guilty of that but only when it comes to tech
sessions for GMCWS. I would suspect that another reason is because
most small businesses can't function without the owners present. A
good example is the COOP. A few years back it took a minimum of
$300/day just to keep the doors open, I don't want to know what the
cost is now. I also remember a time when a COOP employee decided to
"retire" while the owner was attending a convention and the employee
departed with a lot of high dollar electronics. If you've ever been
to one of these businesses, particularly as a customer, you know that
you wanted the work done yesterday because of the limited amount of
time you yourself can take off from work. That also limits the amount
of time the owner can spend "away" from his livelihood.
The common thread here is "us". We are a (to put it nicely) a
"frugal" bunch of do-it-yourselfers and many of us live on fixed
incomes. We have X amount of dollars to spend on these things and the
cost of the ralleys, and getting to and from them eats away at those
dollars.
We are blessed to have vendors that do attend. Just take a look at
the tremendous amount of inventory Jim K. shows up with. I imagine
that the huge weight of his trailer/towed is partly responsible for
more than one engine failure that seems to give so many of us humorous
fodder for this net.
I try to buy something from each vendor present at rallys and I can
say in all honesty, I still have "stuff" I haven't installed yet. The
bottom line here is for YOU to SUPPORT these guys!
On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 9:26 PM, Michael Bozardt <ilse@earth-comm.com> wrote:
Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why
some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI
conventions?
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75875 is a reply to message #75873] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 11:27 |
van.one
Messages: 70
Registered: March 2010
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Steve and whomever it may concern:
Here is a new recruit, just got signed on, and does not yet own a GMC. If
you know of anyone who might have one for sale please give him/her this
address:
J. Leon Vanlandingham
513 Windjammer St.
Norman, OK 73072
van.one@cox.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Bounds" <gmccoop@yahoo.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 10:56 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
Steve and others,
Thanks Steve for laying out what you did, it is right on! When I leave the
shop, I have found that I would be better served just shutting it down
because what it takes to get back in there is just too difficult and the
situation your outlined costed me over $3000 to replace what that guy
"took".
Also your explaination that largly speaking the frugalness of the GMC club
community limits the exposure of my company to the community. Saying that--
heck, I am one of those people too cause I own and drive a GMC but the
reality is not many people buy enough stuff to make it feasable to spend the
time and $ it takes to participate.
I was trying to make a trip to the WS rally in May to deliver the 23 Duramax
but as it turned out the logistics did not work out so no go on that idea.
Looks like this year I will not be able to participate in rallies at all
other than the weekenders with the local Sunshine Statesmen schedule.
I wish I could figure out how to do things differently but the reality is
the numbers do not work & I no longer have the ability to "just do it". It
is a downward spiral I know but if it "ain't there it just ain't there"! Am
I crying poor mouth, no I'm just stating fact. Jim K. has taken the baton of
being a supplier of parts to you guys-- hey I have not backed away from it
but with Jim actually showing up at rallies you guys are screwing yourself
if you do not support him and his focus. Personally I just cannot do it.
I have some things to offer you guys and I solucit your business, just
because I do not show up does not mean I don;t love ya. Life sucks then you
deal with it!
Jim Bounds
------------------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 7:55:17 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
Good question Michael.
I would suspect that one reason a lot of them don't come is because
no one asks them. I am guilty of that but only when it comes to tech
sessions for GMCWS. I would suspect that another reason is because
most small businesses can't function without the owners present. A
good example is the COOP. A few years back it took a minimum of
$300/day just to keep the doors open, I don't want to know what the
cost is now. I also remember a time when a COOP employee decided to
"retire" while the owner was attending a convention and the employee
departed with a lot of high dollar electronics. If you've ever been
to one of these businesses, particularly as a customer, you know that
you wanted the work done yesterday because of the limited amount of
time you yourself can take off from work. That also limits the amount
of time the owner can spend "away" from his livelihood.
The common thread here is "us". We are a (to put it nicely) a
"frugal" bunch of do-it-yourselfers and many of us live on fixed
incomes. We have X amount of dollars to spend on these things and the
cost of the ralleys, and getting to and from them eats away at those
dollars.
We are blessed to have vendors that do attend. Just take a look at
the tremendous amount of inventory Jim K. shows up with. I imagine
that the huge weight of his trailer/towed is partly responsible for
more than one engine failure that seems to give so many of us humorous
fodder for this net.
I try to buy something from each vendor present at rallys and I can
say in all honesty, I still have "stuff" I haven't installed yet. The
bottom line here is for YOU to SUPPORT these guys!
On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 9:26 PM, Michael Bozardt <ilse@earth-comm.com> wrote:
Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why
some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI
conventions?
--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75877 is a reply to message #75875] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 11:33 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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way to go Leon.
glad you got connected, did Dave help you?
Leon has lots of questions folks, and he has some special requests about his
GMC to be,
so ask on Leon.
welcome
gene
On Sun, Mar 7, 2010 at 9:27 AM, J. Leon Van landingham <van.one@cox.net>wrote:
> Steve and whomever it may concern:
>
> Here is a new recruit, just got signed on, and does not yet own a GMC. If
> you know of anyone who might have one for sale please give him/her this
> address:
>
> J. Leon Vanlandingham
> 513 Windjammer St.
> Norman, OK 73072
> van.one@cox.net
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Bounds" <gmccoop@yahoo.com>
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 10:56 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
>
>
> Steve and others,
>
> Thanks Steve for laying out what you did, it is right on! When I leave the
> shop, I have found that I would be better served just shutting it down
> because what it takes to get back in there is just too difficult and the
> situation your outlined costed me over $3000 to replace what that guy
> "took".
>
> Also your explaination that largly speaking the frugalness of the GMC club
> community limits the exposure of my company to the community. Saying that--
> heck, I am one of those people too cause I own and drive a GMC but the
> reality is not many people buy enough stuff to make it feasable to spend
> the
> time and $ it takes to participate.
>
> I was trying to make a trip to the WS rally in May to deliver the 23
> Duramax
> but as it turned out the logistics did not work out so no go on that idea.
> Looks like this year I will not be able to participate in rallies at all
> other than the weekenders with the local Sunshine Statesmen schedule.
>
> I wish I could figure out how to do things differently but the reality is
> the numbers do not work & I no longer have the ability to "just do it". It
> is a downward spiral I know but if it "ain't there it just ain't there"! Am
> I crying poor mouth, no I'm just stating fact. Jim K. has taken the baton
> of
> being a supplier of parts to you guys-- hey I have not backed away from it
> but with Jim actually showing up at rallies you guys are screwing yourself
> if you do not support him and his focus. Personally I just cannot do it.
>
> I have some things to offer you guys and I solucit your business, just
> because I do not show up does not mean I don;t love ya. Life sucks then you
> deal with it!
>
> Jim Bounds
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 7:55:17 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
>
> Good question Michael.
> I would suspect that one reason a lot of them don't come is because
> no one asks them. I am guilty of that but only when it comes to tech
> sessions for GMCWS. I would suspect that another reason is because
> most small businesses can't function without the owners present. A
> good example is the COOP. A few years back it took a minimum of
> $300/day just to keep the doors open, I don't want to know what the
> cost is now. I also remember a time when a COOP employee decided to
> "retire" while the owner was attending a convention and the employee
> departed with a lot of high dollar electronics. If you've ever been
> to one of these businesses, particularly as a customer, you know that
> you wanted the work done yesterday because of the limited amount of
> time you yourself can take off from work. That also limits the amount
> of time the owner can spend "away" from his livelihood.
> The common thread here is "us". We are a (to put it nicely) a
> "frugal" bunch of do-it-yourselfers and many of us live on fixed
> incomes. We have X amount of dollars to spend on these things and the
> cost of the ralleys, and getting to and from them eats away at those
> dollars.
> We are blessed to have vendors that do attend. Just take a look at
> the tremendous amount of inventory Jim K. shows up with. I imagine
> that the huge weight of his trailer/towed is partly responsible for
> more than one engine failure that seems to give so many of us humorous
> fodder for this net.
> I try to buy something from each vendor present at rallys and I can
> say in all honesty, I still have "stuff" I haven't installed yet. The
> bottom line here is for YOU to SUPPORT these guys!
>
>
> On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 9:26 PM, Michael Bozardt <ilse@earth-comm.com>
> wrote:
> Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why
> some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI
> conventions?
>
> --
> Steve Ferguson
> '76 EII
> Sierra Vista, AZ
> Urethane bushing source
> www.bdub.net/ferguson/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2726 - Release Date: 03/06/10
> 07:39:00
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75880 is a reply to message #75846] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 11:48 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold a large rally concurrently with and adjacent to a large RV industry convention, invite all the participating parts vendors who would otherwise not pay attention to our group, and also give the vendors like the Jim's access to other OPM's (Original Parts Manufacturers) and perhaps another group or two similar to ours, such as the Air streamers and maybe the teardrop fanatics (or ???). Those at GMCMI who arrange the rally could reach out to those other user groups and invite them. Yes it is nice to be in our own world, but our vendors would be stronger if they had the increased user base that other vintage RV nutcases like ourselves could add. Prices may even get better for us. Specialization and over competition in a diminishing market is not exactly a vehicle of growth.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75894 is a reply to message #75880] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 13:43 |
GMCNUSA
Messages: 283
Registered: August 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold a large rally concurrently with and adjacent to a large RV industry convention, invite all the participating parts vendors who would otherwise not pay attention to our group,
Just Maybe?
Maybe the classic RV groups as in motor homes, trailers, etc. and GMCers can have one rally together where vendors of all kinds of replacement parts, upgrades and the things we all need or use are invited. This "rally" could be like a small FMCA function where we park together or mingle but the common interest is old and or classic RVs of any type. Maybe with 300 or alot more attendees we could attract more interest in our coaches and what is available by getting more exposure in the media and other forms of RVing.
Larry Dilk
Indianapolis, IN
76 Eleganza II
Patterson 455,Turbo City TBI,
Just LOVE It!
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75895 is a reply to message #75894] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 13:49 |
GMCNUSA
Messages: 283
Registered: August 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Just Maybe?
Maybe the classic RV groups as in motor homes, trailers, etc. and GMCers can have one rally together where vendors ........
The above "Just Maybe" sounded a little smart alecky it was meant to be a very hopeful maybe. I didn't like the way it read after I posted and wanted to clarify.
Larry Dilk
Indianapolis, IN
76 Eleganza II
Patterson 455,Turbo City TBI,
Just LOVE It!
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75897 is a reply to message #75873] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 14:21 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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The margin that we do at the convention looks great, but once you
figure in the round trip of the container, additional help at our
booth, it does not pencil out. We never look at the expense of our gas
and convention expense as I feel that we would spend it if we went
there as just a member.
This time Grace will need to fly back to her job so there is another expense.
Bottom line is this: Having the main Corporation that can support my
hobby is great and lots of fun.
We receive tons of support from the other vendors so were able to give
back more than others.
Again, we are donating over $2000 in major parts for the raffle.
We go there to the International because we enjoy seeing the people
that we have gotten to know and the fun we have with them.
We do not have the time to see the sights as I need to get back to my
shop and Grace need to go to her agency.
On Sun, Mar 7, 2010 at 8:56 AM, Jim Bounds <gmccoop@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Steve and others,
>
> Thanks Steve for laying out what you did, it is right on! When I leave the shop, I have found that I would be better served just shutting it down because what it takes to get back in there is just too difficult and the situation your outlined costed me over $3000 to replace what that guy "took".
>
> Also your explaination that largly speaking the frugalness of the GMC club community limits the exposure of my company to the community. Saying that-- heck, I am one of those people too cause I own and drive a GMC but the reality is not many people buy enough stuff to make it feasable to spend the time and $ it takes to participate.
>
> I was trying to make a trip to the WS rally in May to deliver the 23 Duramax but as it turned out the logistics did not work out so no go on that idea. Looks like this year I will not be able to participate in rallies at all other than the weekenders with the local Sunshine Statesmen schedule.
>
> I wish I could figure out how to do things differently but the reality is the numbers do not work & I no longer have the ability to "just do it". It is a downward spiral I know but if it "ain't there it just ain't there"! Am I crying poor mouth, no I'm just stating fact. Jim K. has taken the baton of being a supplier of parts to you guys-- hey I have not backed away from it but with Jim actually showing up at rallies you guys are screwing yourself if you do not support him and his focus. Personally I just cannot do it.
>
> I have some things to offer you guys and I solucit your business, just because I do not show up does not mean I don;t love ya. Life sucks then you deal with it!
>
> Jim Bounds
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 7:55:17 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
>
> Good question Michael.
> I would suspect that one reason a lot of them don't come is because
> no one asks them. I am guilty of that but only when it comes to tech
> sessions for GMCWS. I would suspect that another reason is because
> most small businesses can't function without the owners present. A
> good example is the COOP. A few years back it took a minimum of
> $300/day just to keep the doors open, I don't want to know what the
> cost is now. I also remember a time when a COOP employee decided to
> "retire" while the owner was attending a convention and the employee
> departed with a lot of high dollar electronics. If you've ever been
> to one of these businesses, particularly as a customer, you know that
> you wanted the work done yesterday because of the limited amount of
> time you yourself can take off from work. That also limits the amount
> of time the owner can spend "away" from his livelihood.
> The common thread here is "us". We are a (to put it nicely) a
> "frugal" bunch of do-it-yourselfers and many of us live on fixed
> incomes. We have X amount of dollars to spend on these things and the
> cost of the ralleys, and getting to and from them eats away at those
> dollars.
> We are blessed to have vendors that do attend. Just take a look at
> the tremendous amount of inventory Jim K. shows up with. I imagine
> that the huge weight of his trailer/towed is partly responsible for
> more than one engine failure that seems to give so many of us humorous
> fodder for this net.
> I try to buy something from each vendor present at rallys and I can
> say in all honesty, I still have "stuff" I haven't installed yet. The
> bottom line here is for YOU to SUPPORT these guys!
>
>
> On Sat, Mar 6, 2010 at 9:26 PM, Michael Bozardt <ilse@earth-comm.com> wrote:
> Haven't heard it discussed often, but I can't help but wonder why
> some of the largest GMC motorhome vendors do not attend the GMCMI
> conventions?
>
> --
> Steve Ferguson
> '76 EII
> Sierra Vista, AZ
> Urethane bushing source
> www.bdub.net/ferguson/
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>
>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75902 is a reply to message #75894] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 14:40 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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On Mar 7, 2010, at 2:43 PM, Larry and Cheryl Dilk wrote:
>
>
> Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold a large rally concurrently
> with and adjacent to a large RV industry convention, invite all the
> participating parts vendors who would otherwise not pay attention to
> our group,
>
>
> Just Maybe?
> Maybe the classic RV groups as in motor homes, trailers, etc. and
> GMCers can have one rally together where vendors of all kinds of
> replacement parts, upgrades and the things we all need or use are
> invited. This "rally" could be like a small FMCA function where we
> park together or mingle but the common interest is old and or
> classic RVs of any type. Maybe with 300 or alot more attendees we
> could attract more interest in our coaches and what is available by
> getting more exposure in the media and other forms of RVing.
> --
> Larry Dilk
> Indianapolis, IN
> 76 Eleganza II
> Patterson 455, TBI,
> Just LOVE It!
Great idea, Larry.
Please let us all know when you have it all set up and we will come.
It takes many weeks of time to set up a GMC rally. God only knows how
much time and money you will have to spend to get this type of a
gathering set up.
That is why GMCMI pays our Convention Manager.
Good luck!
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75904 is a reply to message #75846] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 15:19 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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It's a great and I would like to see it happen as I'd love to see the others, but the coordination when dealing with multiple hobby groups will take the "hobby" right out of it for you. Just today at my Buick club we were talking about trying to get together a race day with the Corvette guys and it all sounded great at first but putting into reality is different and 'lots of guys interested' boiled down to 3 in their group. I'll stay optomistic though.
A few years ago I was at Cinnabar just before Berrian and I asked the main parts guy if they were going to the ralley and he just said no. No real attitude or anything, just no. I think it's the dollars and cents of the venture and knowing they have certain parts no one else does. I think the good will and personal touch that say the Jims bring, in the long run, goes a long way toward building a long term loyalty and even if they can't show a profit on the show days/trip, it's hard to measure what they are selling in parts and services in the years that follow that they may have otherwise not gotten by the personal exposure. For example, I found out about Dave's FE parts with his neet display and when the time comes, he is where I will go to get them.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75908 is a reply to message #75894] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 15:38 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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This is what I was getting at.
| GMCNUSA wrote on Sun, 07 March 2010 12:43 |
Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold a large rally concurrently with and adjacent to a large RV industry convention, invite all the participating parts vendors who would otherwise not pay attention to our group,
Just Maybe?
Maybe the classic RV groups as in motor homes, trailers, etc. and GMCers can have one rally together where vendors of all kinds of replacement parts, upgrades and the things we all need or use are invited. This "rally" could be like a small FMCA function where we park together or mingle but the common interest is old and or classic RVs of any type. Maybe with 300 or alot more attendees we could attract more interest in our coaches and what is available by getting more exposure in the media and other forms of RVing.
|
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75951 is a reply to message #75908] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 20:40 |
shawnee
Messages: 422
Registered: February 2004
Location: NC
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
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| Chr$ wrote on Sun, 07 March 2010 16:38 |
This is what I was getting at.
| GMCNUSA wrote on Sun, 07 March 2010 12:43 |
Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold a large rally concurrently with and adjacent to a large RV industry convention, invite all the participating parts vendors who would otherwise not pay attention to our group,
Just Maybe?
Maybe the classic RV groups as in motor homes, trailers, etc. and GMCers can have one rally together where vendors of all kinds of replacement parts, upgrades and the things we all need or use are invited. This "rally" could be like a small FMCA function where we park together or mingle but the common interest is old and or classic RVs of any type. Maybe with 300 or alot more attendees we could attract more interest in our coaches and what is available by getting more exposure in the media and other forms of RVing.
|
|
If you want to see some of these large vendors I suggest you attend a FMCA convention. Camping World,Roadmaster tow bars, and a lot of other vendors are there. There are regional and full FMCA conventions all over the country. Most of the vendors are slanted toward the big rigs but there a lot of things that pertain to our coaches.
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
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| Re: GMC Vendors [message #75952 is a reply to message #75846] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 20:45 |
nchapekis
Messages: 165
Registered: February 2004
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
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| Michael Bozardt wrote on Sat, 06 March 2010 23:26 |
In my seven years in the GMCMI, I have never seen anyone from Cinnabar, Golby, Gateway, Guske Sales or Zip Dee Awnings and others.
|
The Guskes are in their 80s and I don't think they travel long distances anymore, but they are still regulars at the Great Lakers rallies. I know they don't make the blinds they sell but operate more like distributors, and based on their prices I don't think they make a whole lot of profit. My guess is that they just enjoy being of service to the GMC community.
Nick Chapekis
Ypsilanti, MI
former owner - 78 Kingsley
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75960 is a reply to message #75951] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 22:59 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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The Sunshine Staesmen have had our Feb. rally about as near as we could get without being there. This year we put up a GMC display and brought a coach there to the FMCA convention as a display. We had a great time, had many people stop by and one actually did drive over to our rally from the FMCA rally. So you, that would be a great thing-- maybe have a GMCMI convention at an FMCA rally-- could happen. There was a time when "non GMC vendors" were not welcome-- we've come a long way baby and I like it! The more the better
Jim Bounds
-----------------------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Gene Dotson <shawnee@charter.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 9:40:29 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
Chr$ wrote on Sun, 07 March 2010 16:38
> This is what I was getting at.
>
> GMCNUSA wrote on Sun, 07 March 2010 12:43
> > Perhaps it would be a good idea to hold a large rally concurrently with and adjacent to a large RV industry convention, invite all the participating parts vendors who would otherwise not pay attention to our group,
> >
> >
> > Just Maybe?
> > Maybe the classic RV groups as in motor homes, trailers, etc. and GMCers can have one rally together where vendors of all kinds of replacement parts, upgrades and the things we all need or use are invited. This "rally" could be like a small FMCA function where we park together or mingle but the common interest is old and or classic RVs of any type. Maybe with 300 or alot more attendees we could attract more interest in our coaches and what is available by getting more exposure in the media and other forms of RVing.
If you want to see some of these large vendors I suggest you attend a FMCA convention. Camping World,Roadmaster tow bars, and a lot of other vendors are there. There are regional and full FMCA conventions all over the country. Most of the vendors are slanted toward the big rigs but there a lot of things that pertain to our coaches.
--
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements
New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75962 is a reply to message #75952] |
Sun, 07 March 2010 23:25 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
My problem is, I'm not afraid to say it, projects we take on can get so involved and so difficult to stay on time, most people will tell you this if they do the work themselves. At this point in my life, it's difficult to get away especially for an extended length of time. I'm jelous!. Vacations are rare. Maybe someday...
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Nick Chapekis <chapekis@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 9:45:32 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
Michael Bozardt wrote on Sat, 06 March 2010 23:26
> In my seven years in the GMCMI, I have never seen anyone from Cinnabar, Golby, Gateway, Guske Sales or Zip Dee Awnings and others.
The Guskes are in their 80s and I don't think they travel long distances anymore, but they are still regulars at the Great Lakers rallies. I know they don't make the blinds they sell but operate more like distributors, and based on their prices I don't think they make a whole lot of profit. My guess is that they just enjoy being of service to the GMC community.
--
Nick Chapekis
Ypsilanti, MI
78 Kingsley
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75968 is a reply to message #75962] |
Mon, 08 March 2010 06:42 |
Carleton Douglas[1]
Messages: 174
Registered: March 2006
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
How about 7 years, that is what I got into this project and hope to
use it this season.
On Sun, Mar 7, 2010 at 10:25 PM, Jim Bounds <gmccoop@yahoo.com> wrote:
> My problem is, I'm not afraid to say it, projects we take on can get so involved and so difficult to stay on time, most people will tell you this if they do the work themselves. At this point in my life, it's difficult to get away especially for an extended length of time. I'm jelous!. Vacations are rare. Maybe someday...
>
> Jim Bounds
> -----------------------
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Nick Chapekis <chapekis@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 9:45:32 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
>
>
>
> Michael Bozardt wrote on Sat, 06 March 2010 23:26
>> In my seven years in the GMCMI, I have never seen anyone from Cinnabar, Golby, Gateway, Guske Sales or Zip Dee Awnings and others.
>
> The Guskes are in their 80s and I don't think they travel long distances anymore, but they are still regulars at the Great Lakers rallies. I know they don't make the blinds they sell but operate more like distributors, and based on their prices I don't think they make a whole lot of profit. My guess is that they just enjoy being of service to the GMC community.
> --
> Nick Chapekis
> Ypsilanti, MI
> 78 Kingsley
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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--
Carleton Douglas
73 custom, by myself
Prescott, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors [message #75973 is a reply to message #75968] |
Mon, 08 March 2010 08:34 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
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Hey and I have 2 hands just like you so why should it take me less time. Yes, I have done enough of them so I should know what to do-- at least what not to do but just knowing that there are parts logistics, unexpected results, unexpected repairs needed and damage found. Holidays, weekends, rainy days, cold (man I hatwe that), having to look over workers shoulders, backing up when something does not work-- did I miss something. man, I wish all i had to do is source a part, get some, put them in a box, call up UPS and collect some money. Jim K. is working hard to try and make ends meet doing that as a mainstay-- I gave up on that a couple of years ago, the numbers just don;t jibe for the organisation I have.
Labor is a killer to have as your prime work, it wears you down and take so much of your time that you really cut into your life and that is my problem. I really wish I could just pack up 2 or 3 times every 6 months, close down for 10 days each time and make the big rallies. I have a great time when I do give up and just go but if I did that much more than I do there would not be any business to go back to. Take the hassles Michael had trying to clear the water in the puddle he was trying to make with GMCREC--- it became a life, not a passtime and I told him if he kept going it would increase in the time required to keep up with it. A junk yard of any sort is a full time job. You go out to a junk yard, look around and don;t see where the time is being spent-- but it is.
We have coaches all over the lot in various stages of repair, each one of them is a project and all of them are needed to pay to keep the shop running. I am not complaining, I love doing this but in that it is not easy work. It is dirty, rusty, grease covered, hidden problems and issues, people trying to get their moneys worth while others try and get more than they are due. I document everything I do, I post a pile of it. There is no doubt as to the work we do. We make mistakes but always do our best to fix them and always, always make sure we are the best value we can be.
This is a hard way to make a buck-- it is not a windfall, I or Jim K. my bet is too are not making a killing-- please, you guys need to understand this. I have people come back from rallies where people say "Oh, Jim charges too much". I have to let that roll off my back, shows me how out of touch people can be! If you have that feeling, look carefully at what things cost today-- food, gas, insurance, shoes (not made in China), all of it. I'm pleasede Jim K. can make the rallies--- I just cannot. I want to, that has nothing to do with it, I cannot. You need to make it worth Jim's time to go and make the rallies something to go to and see because he is working hard to do that. If I can get a little ahead--- yea right!
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Carleton Douglas <aecsdouglas@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, March 8, 2010 7:42:10 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
How about 7 years, that is what I got into this project and hope to
use it this season.
On Sun, Mar 7, 2010 at 10:25 PM, Jim Bounds <gmccoop@yahoo.com> wrote:
> My problem is, I'm not afraid to say it, projects we take on can get so involved and so difficult to stay on time, most people will tell you this if they do the work themselves. At this point in my life, it's difficult to get away especially for an extended length of time. I'm jelous!. Vacations are rare. Maybe someday...
>
> Jim Bounds
> -----------------------
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Nick Chapekis <chapekis@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 9:45:32 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC Vendors
>
>
>
> Michael Bozardt wrote on Sat, 06 March 2010 23:26
>> In my seven years in the GMCMI, I have never seen anyone from Cinnabar, Golby, Gateway, Guske Sales or Zip Dee Awnings and others.
>
> The Guskes are in their 80s and I don't think they travel long distances anymore, but they are still regulars at the Great Lakers rallies. I know they don't make the blinds they sell but operate more like distributors, and based on their prices I don't think they make a whole lot of profit. My guess is that they just enjoy being of service to the GMC community.
> --
> Nick Chapekis
> Ypsilanti, MI
> 78 Kingsley
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> List Information and Subscription Options:
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>
--
Carleton Douglas
73 custom, by myself
Prescott, AZ
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