Updates on Stewart

I finally came across a link to the news story about Stewart's death:

LINK

Schertz heist victim is identified by police

Web Posted: 11/06/2007 09:17 PM CST

Express-News

A 45-year-old man killed during a failed robbery of a gaming business in Schertz has been identified.

The Schertz Police Department said Stewart Edelman was working at 500 Schertz Parkway at 3 a.m. Monday when three men entered and demanded money.

After their demands were not met, one attacker used the butt of a gun to hit an employee in the head. Shots then were fired, killing Edelman. The men fled in what witnesses described as a dark sedan. Edelman was declared dead at the scene, city spokesman Brad E. Bailey said.

Schertz police are investigating and ask for anyone with information about the slaying to call (210) 619-1200.

Our shop is arranging a collection for Stewart's family. The shop will match the donations made. It won't bring him back, but it will help the survivors with their loss. Post up a response or email me if you're interested in donating.

R.I.P. Stewie

One of our delivery personnel was shot and killed earlier this week. I have no other details other than I will miss Stuart and his sense of humor. I enjoyed his presence whenever he came by. He was on the mend from a broken arm and should have been returning to work soon. I know everyone who knew him at the shop will miss him. I know his family will feel his loss deeply.

Goodbye Stewie. Godspeed. Keep the rubber side down into eternity.

Owners...

I'm rarely impressed with owners. Most have the agenda of making the most money right now instead of considering the long-term effects of reputation and customer service. I've wondered about that with these new owners...

However, when I saw our millionaire owner working with a coworker to assemble a major unit (meaning a bike, boat or 4-wheeler), I knew that he was different. Even if he's not hands-on all the time, he's willing to get his hands dirty on occasion. It's a sign that he's a real human being, which is more than I can say for other owners I've met in the past (without getting specific).

A person who will get in the trenches to understand and empathize tends to be more reasonable to deal with than someone who is "above" his employees. It's not a rule, but it can help. This and other things I've seen lend hope to this cause.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this pans out in the long run...

How do you spell "Dissapointment?"

I don't usually publish my rants, though I'll occasionally write them.

I'm very disapointed with a couple of our shop's suppliers. The manufacturer (*cough* *cough* Yamaha *cough*) made me jump through all kinds of hoops to get a special order made for a customer - and I documented all of this - and the order still got completely fubared. Another supplier provided fallacious tracking information for a bike in service that made us create another order (since the first part supposedly wound up in the wrong state). Customer service was already closed by the time we discovered this, which is why we placed the second order...

Both instances were met with apathy and unwillingness to provide even mediocre customer support. The first customer got his parts too late (despite paying for fast delivery). The second customer got his parts early, but we were stuck with extra parts or a restocking fee. So if you ever wonder why prices are so high at dealerships... The cost of doing business can be pretty high, sometimes.

A Funny Wednesday

Wednesdays aren't always fun. But during the week, things can slow down at the shop, and a few moments of idle time can turn into a ball of laughter.

Motorcycles come in large cardboard boxes reinforced by a metal cage to which the bike and its not-yet-assembled components come attached. These boxes, if one is careful, can be removed largely intact. One of the PDI (pre-delivery and inspection) guys took one of these boxes, cut out a couple windows, made a swinging door and drew a doorknob on it. Passing by, I added a sign hanging from the doorknob that said, "Home sweet home." We were planning on using a large piece of styrofoam to make a chimney, but I got called away before the "house" was completed. They disposed of it before I could snap an incriminating picture!

One of the mechanics got a haircut last night - if you could call it a haircut. The sides of his head were shaved and the middle patch was pushed up into a pointy mohawk. You can't really tell anything is unusual since this usually very conservative fellow almost always wears his hat. But, he is young. Naturally, this spurred some competition with one of the "older" mechanics who decided to shave his long wavy hair off the sides of his head, too. Naturally, it was a big mess. When he told his wife about it, I'm sure she thought he was kidding. I'm wagering the rest of the mop will be gone tomorrow at her urging.

So when I come home, my wife and I decide to watch a little television. Starting a few months ago, a comercial she absolutely hates (and I think is funny) comes on. She uses the DVR remote to mute the tv. I use the tv remote to un-mute it. Well, we discovered that the television will mute/unmute about three times a second. Today, the mute wars escalated to using the volume button on a commercial I didn't want to listen to and she thought would be funny to make me hear it! I would mute the television only to have her simply turn the volume up. So not only would the tv get unmuted, it would be louder than before I muted it! Since two can play at that game, I hit the volume down button. Aha! Turning the volume down overrides turning the volume up! But I'd let off for a few seconds and she'd turn the volume up again! Mind you, we were laughing hysterically the whole time - I was in danger of a hernia by the time the show came back on. (Whoever says commercials aren't as entertaining as programming has never watched tv with my wife!)

I'm glad that I'm surrounded by people with a good sense of humor. I take myself seriously too often, so I look forward to and enjoy the many laughs provided by the fun people around me.

Good night!

Musings from the Toy Store (Part B)

Well, the big bang is over. This past weekend (and the one before that) we celebrated our grand opening. Even though I was there for every glorious minute, I missed just about every glorious minute.

I won't mind sharing what I know happened, however:

• Thousands of hot dogs and drinks
• Thousands of people consuming said hot dogs and drinks
• Three different music stations (and even more advertising)
• A couple rock bands
• The Toyota Yamahauler (a tricked-out 4 wheel drive Tacoma)
• Red Bull, Monster and No Fear energy drinks
• Hundreds of giveaway tee shirts and helmets
• The "sphere" - where three bikers on minis rode round and round and upside down...
• The same minis were doing jumps on a ramp in the parking lot
• Rudy's barbeque
• Lots and lots of noise from lots and lots of people
  
• Loki (yes, that's my coworker's name) taking lots of pictures in-between selling accessories
• The occasional system crash
• Actually finding parts that the aforementioned system said we had
• Discovering parts we had checked in a month ago had completely disappeared from the system (and re-entering them)
  
• The rewording of a popular song to say, "Lightspeed is broken, broken..."
• Long days, late nights and the hope that Saturday would bring a two day weekend.

So, will normalcy arrive Tuesday? Hm. I don't know about "normalcy," but I imagine that things will be shaping up nicely in the weeks to come. My parts room is finally becoming organized, we're overcoming the technical difficulties. Even service is getting the parts they need to function (which is a pretty big deal with the $30 oil change special... but that's a topic for another day). My hours will soon return to "normal" which means smaller pay checks, but time to mow the yard and work on household chores. Everyone rejoices!

Musings from the Toy Store (Part 1)

We had our first successful day of business Saturday, but we closed for Monday and Tuesday to work on inventory.

Why, you ask, would we do such a thing? I cannot share such a thing publicly, except to say that I've been having to work very hard, very well, and largely without much assistance until recently. I've done my job well and as specified, but some things are just out of my domain of influence, no matter how well (or poorly) I do them. It seems that my job should have only one result; it's only a question of how long it takes. I've done my part right, but there are other technical issues which continue to haunt us.

Now, my poor managers (I'm breaking out the violin) have been incredibly stressed out. I was stressed out until I realized that I wasn't a manager. I'll do as much as I can in my role - and I'm fulfilling my responsibility. But I can't help anyone beyond that role - and my help isn't desired. So, contrary to my instinctual desire to contribute to a working solution, I've detached myself from trying to solve the problems (though there's nothing I can do about it now except what I've been doing all along) and let those responsible for them deal with it. That makes all the overtime and just plain old work so much easier! I can't say that the attitude is right, per se, but it helps me cope.

I've finally brought the FJR to the shop twice since I started working at the new place. I park it outside the window right in front of a brand new 2007 silver FJR AE. She doesn't like it and is upset that I'm taunting her with the possibility of trading her in for a younger model. (First the XT, then the FJR, right? The garage has gotten a lot more empty lately...) Regardless, it's just plain good to ride to work again. I've had to dodge a lot of rain lately, but that's okay, too.

Now if I could just get the grass mowed...

Progress takes time... and overtime!

I've heard about 80 hour work weeks. I never thought I'd work one.

I worked about 75 hours last week, typically 14 hours per day, with less time on Sunday and Monday. I managed to get off a short ride, a trip to church with my wife and a nice dinner (with the same wonderful person) Sunday. That's probably the most we've done together since I got back from Wisconsin. (To clarify, I rode alone and met her for the other activities later).

In fact, it was the only riding I've done since I've been back. The FJR was a little tickled when I sold the XT (she had been jealous for a long time) but the long absence from riding has changed her mind. I think she suspects that she will be sold next, replaced by a younger model.

But I can't do that yet. I still need to fix the damage from "Bambi" and hit the forums and see if I can pick up some clean saddlebags and used exhaust. If I do manage to do that, I wonder if I'll still want to sell her?

It's nice to have the space in the garage. I wonder what will happen next? Regardless, it won't happen for a while; I can't do anything 'till the store opens and I probably won't have time to do any work at home for another couple weeks.

Checking In?

Checking In!?
From the movie Spaceballs

We've finally obtained occupancy and are able to start "moving in." I'm checking in all kinds of new merchandise as it arrives, though we're still waiting for some of the displays to be finished. With the building nearly ready and one of the vendor rooms partly stocked (think of how WalMart will have shops inside the main store) I'm wholly impressed. It's incredible. This is motorcycle shopping on a whole new level.

I've been told to keep details mum until we open, so I'm not going into greater detail. You'll just have to see for yourself!

The old location will stay open - at least for a while - since the place is leased on a contract. It will sell used bikes and discount apparel and accessories.

It's very good to have started moving in. We're in the process of doing something new, big and amazing.

Getting in Shape for the Move

I am ready to move to the new store. Of course, I only speak for myself and not our inventory.

I've also enjoyed the benefits of exercising each morning - and I'm not referring to the customer who wants a part for their bike - but doesn't know what kind of bike it is. (Insert emoticon of :facepalm or :headbrick !)

I started Tuesday morning (which is my Monday, for those not familiar with how most motorcycle shops keep their hours) when I woke an hour early and figured, why not start now? I had been putting it off - hoping that the Spurs would quickly win the national championship and my sleep schedule would return to routine... But since I was awake and wanted to stretch my legs, I managed to get in a good workout following the exercises from a book I had not very recently acquired (but decided I would follow "when I got around to it.")

The results are amazing. I had forgotten how good I feel after exercising. Never mind the health benefits - I'm more alert at work, well focused and sleep better at night. I have been slowly weaning myself from the computer ritual first thing in the morning and now it's paying off.

If I can keep this up, I will probably reward myself with a hiking trip to Big Bend in the late fall. Maybe even make the voyage to Daytona for Biketoberfest? Who knows? I might even get to see family for Thanksgiving!

Long Days

Yesterday was a 12.5 hour day. I've known this shop to have 14 and 16 hour days when it was a sole proprietorship, but... I'm just a bit tired.

I knew I wouldn't ride this morning because of how I felt riding home last night. You gotta listen to your body or you'll pay for it! On the other hand, a nice storm front with lots of rain behind it is moving in this morning, so that's just additional motivation to take the cage.

I got my official date where I will start working at setting up inventory at the new shop: June 5. I will be there 5 or 6 days a week until the shop officially opens in late June. Unfortunately, I will miss my uncle's wedding June 9. A special lack of gratitude goes out to all the contractors who delayed our opening by four more months. On the other hand, I am very exciting to get into the new building. As for now, I am working diligently to organize and reconcile the inventory at the current location to make the transition as smooth as possible.

It's been hot (and it's getting hotter and more humid each day as we approach summer) working in my little "hallway." Soon we'll be in the new building out of the heat. (I hope!)

I've been told that if I keep my current schedule, I won't have to work extremely long hours. I can only say, "We'll see!"

News Flash: 50% of Americans are Below Average

...as the old joke goes. And if the American population's intelligence was normally distributed, then I'd have to agree. However, working with the public every day makes me wonder: just how stupid is average?

Don't get me wrong, I love my job. But people... people can really suck. I need to go for a ride.

Sarcasm

I've noticed that the people I work with use sarcasm a lot. I've been in other work environments where sarcasm is prevalent. It can be hard to deal with when you don't know a person is just kidding around. But I can understand the desire to be or seem "mean" given the challenging circumstances where we work.

However, when dealing with customers, one must tread lightly. Some people don't appreciate adult humor (I'm not going to elaborate) and some people won't figure out a joke unless they're quickly told it's a joke. As a practice, when I kid someone - anyone - I try to let on to my humor as quickly as possible to prevent the feeling of getting "highbrowed" or insulted.

Of course, of all the people there, I'm the most serious of the bunch, so I suppose that it concerns me more than the rest. *Sigh*

Shop Rant

So I am temporarily behind the parts counter until we move to the new location. I'm answering phone calls and providing parts service to customers.

First, there's the (other) brand-loyal people that will spend $15,000+ on a superfluous motorcycle and have the nerve to be a penny pinching cheapskate for every part and accessory. It cracks me up and saddens me to see expensive bikes with cheap tires or botched modifications because the owner couldn't bring him/herself to spend the money to do a proper job.

Secondly, I was not aware of how much rudeness and time-wasting comes from the telephone. People asking for parts that cannot be described over the phone, not knowing what bike they have, hanging up in the middle of a sentence... Saying "hello" and "goodbye" is common etiquette, isn't it?

Then I suppose that the people that do this aren't smart enough to realize that we indeed have caller ID. And if you're enough of a jerk, then maybe you really do deserve to pay too much for your parts. Or maybe you do deserve to have your parts arrive later than usual. And maybe your friends and associates know you're a jerk and take that into consideration when you complain - because you probably complain about everything!

Even though the sign at the front of the building says "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone," I think there is more satisfaction in taking that person's money, especially when the (exceptionally more likable) person right next to him gets a better deal.

Sure, this is just a rant. People get mad or screw up. That's understandable. Treating people like dirt is intolerable - from either side of the counter. I've always striven to excel at respectfulness; perhaps my personal high standards are too much to ask from common consumers? I doubt it. People enjoy helping others. When jerks try to take that away, let the chips fall where they may... Nobody wants to help a jerk. But anybody will take his money.

FJR Oil

I overheard a conversation the other day: a guy calls in to the shop and asks the parts guy what kind of automotive oil he can use in his FJR. The parts guy tells him, "any kind, sir - if you don't mind replacing your clutch a lot sooner!" I think the caller hung up on the parts clerk, but I can just hear the caller saying - "that's not what I red on teh internet!"

|\/|0R0|\| !!!!

Just because you read it, leet, doesn't mean it's true. You gotta be smarter than your tools!

As for what kind of oil to use in your bike - use what your motorcycle owner's manual tells you: stick to motorcycle specific oil of particular viscosities! Me? I used semi-synthetic oil (Motul) after I had 10,000 miles on the bike and change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. Before that I used Yamalube 20w40 per factory specs, and I still use Yamalube to top off the oil during changes. I found a Purolator Pure One oil filter that fits perfectly and costs less than dealer's cost on a Yamaha OEM replacement filter. As a testament to both the bike and the oil, I have virtually no oil consumption at over 50,000 miles.