Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

From: Bob Spidell <[email-masked]> PSXUUk33bYJnnINufDn0NFlUFQJX0quuNkbj5LxASMt8ndRl3VxwZf4MQKyshHPvPNOfcKwhbC1HPoEsQ6kTHF89D2rqE98k8wo=
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:48:04 -0700

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I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up independent 
businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case here, 
but these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then 
pawning the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital 
systems). I have a personal experience: I went to the same optometrist 
for over 30 years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small 
one, like this appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd 
trade articles off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra 
attention (at times, his staff would have to pull him out of our 
conversations). After he was acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the 
staff was really trying to expedite all appointments; I suspect--but 
don't know for a fact--he was on a some sort of quota or mandatory 
revenue system. I've heard lots of similar stories and I can't think of 
any where a product or service has been improved after the money boys 
took over. Anybody?

OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only way 
some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.

Bob

On 6/20/2024 9:11 AM, richard mayor wrote:
> Just saw this article in the latest issue of Hemmings.
>
>
> Scan 9.jpeg
>
>
>
> Richard Mayor
> [email-masked]
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Support Team.Nethttp://www.team.net/donate.html
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    I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up independent
    businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case
    here, but these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big
    cut then pawning the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see:
    rural hospital systems). I have a personal experience: I went to the
    same optometrist for over 30 years, then he sold out to one of
    these; a relatively small one, like this appears to be. He was a
    'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade articles off-hours and he
    always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at times, his
    staff would have to pull him out of our conversations). After he was
    acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the staff was really trying
    to expedite all appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a
    fact--he was on a some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system.
    I've heard lots of similar stories and I can't think of any where a
    product or service has been improved after the money boys took over.
    Anybody?<br>
    <br>
    OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only
    way some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.<br>
    <br>
    Bob<br>
    <br>
    <br>
    <div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 6/20/2024 9:11 AM, richard mayor
      wrote:<br>
    </div>
    <blockquote type="cite"
      cite="mid:[email-masked]">
      <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8">
      Just saw this article in the latest issue of Hemmings.
      <div><br>
      </div>
      <div><br>
      </div>
      <div><img alt="Scan 9.jpeg"
          src="cid:[email-masked]" class=""></div>
      <div><br>
      </div>
      <div><br>
      </div>
      <div><br>
        <div>
          <div>Richard Mayor</div>
          <div><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:[email-masked]">[email-masked]</a></div>
          <div><br>
          </div>
          <br class="Apple-interchange-newline">
        </div>
        <br>
      </div>
      <br>
      <fieldset class="moz-mime-attachment-header"></fieldset>
      <pre class="moz-quote-pre" wrap="">_______________________________________________

Archive: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys">http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys</a> <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys">http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys</a>

<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:[email-masked]">[email-masked]</a>
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</pre>
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_______________________________________________

Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys

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From: <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2024 14:26:39 -0700

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Bob and all:

=20

FWIW I attended the California Healey Week last month in San Luis Obispo =
and had an extended conversation with two young people who work for Moss =
Motors during the car show.=20

=20

They did mention the then-upcoming changes, and I expressed my hope that =
it does not diminish our sometimes strained customer =
=E2=80=98love-hate=E2=80=99 relationship with Moss. After some =
conversation about what I meant by that, we did have the opportunity to =
discuss their thoughts about Moss=E2=80=99 future.=20

=20

The short of it was they both expressed confidence in the organization =
going forward. Let=E2=80=99s hope they are right, for their sake and the =
customers=E2=80=99 sake too!

=20

-----------------------------------

All the best,

=20

Al Fuller

=20

From: Healeys <[email-masked]> On Behalf Of Bob Spidell
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 AM
To: [email-masked]
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

=20

I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up independent =
businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case here, =
but these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then =
pawning the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital =
systems). I have a personal experience: I went to the same optometrist =
for over 30 years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small =
one, like this appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd =
trade articles off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra =
attention (at times, his staff would have to pull him out of our =
conversations). After he was acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the =
staff was really trying to expedite all appointments; I suspect--but =
don't know for a fact--he was on a some sort of quota or mandatory =
revenue system. I've heard lots of similar stories and I can't think of =
any where a product or service has been improved after the money boys =
took over. Anybody?

OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only way =
some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.

Bob

Just saw this article in the latest issue of Hemmings.=20

=20

=20

=20

=20

=20

Richard Mayor

=20

=20

=20

_______________________________________________
=20
Archive: http://www.team.net/pipermail/healeys =
http://autox.team.net/archive/healeys
=20
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/healeys
=20
http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/healeys/[email-masked]
=20

=20

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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue =
vlink=3Dpurple style=3D'word-wrap:break-word'><div =
class=3DWordSection1><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>Bob and all:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>FWIW I attended the =
California Healey Week last month in San Luis Obispo and had an extended =
conversation with two young people who work for Moss Motors during the =
car show. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>They did mention the =
then-upcoming changes, and I expressed my hope that it does not diminish =
our sometimes strained customer =E2=80=98love-hate=E2=80=99 relationship =
with Moss. After some conversation about what I meant by that, we did =
have the opportunity to discuss their thoughts about Moss=E2=80=99 =
future. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'>The short of it was =
they both expressed confidence in the organization going forward. =
Let=E2=80=99s hope they are right, for their sake and the =
customers=E2=80=99 sake too!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>-------------=
----------------------<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>All the =
best,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p>&nbsp;</=
o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Al =
Fuller<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p><div><div =
style=3D'border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in =
0in 0in'><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span><=
/b><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> =
Healeys &lt;[email-masked]&gt; <b>On Behalf Of </b>Bob =
Spidell<br><b>Sent:</b> Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 AM<br><b>To:</b> =
[email-masked]<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors =
merger<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'>I'm generally not in favor of private =
money snarfing up independent businesses, larding them up with =
debt--dunno if that's the case here, but these guys like to use =
OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then pawning the remains off to =
'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems). I have a personal =
experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30 years, then he =
sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, like this appears to =
be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade articles off-hours =
and he always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at times, his =
staff would have to pull him out of our conversations). After he was =
acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the staff was really trying to =
expedite all appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was =
on a some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots of =
similar stories and I can't think of any where a product or service has =
been improved after the money boys took over. Anybody?<br><br>OTOH, this =
is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only way some of them =
can survive at all. Time will =
tell.<br><br>Bob<br><br><o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=3DMsoNormal>On =
6/20/2024 9:11 AM, richard mayor wrote:<o:p></o:p></p></div><blockquote =
style=3D'margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><p class=3DMsoNormal>Just =
saw this article in the latest issue of Hemmings. <o:p></o:p></p><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><img width=3D1280 height=3D828 =
style=3D'width:13.3333in;height:8.625in' id=3D"Picture_x0020_1" =
src=3D"cid:[email-masked]"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p><div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal>Richard Mayor<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><a =
href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">[email-masked]</a><o:p></o:p=
></p></div><div><p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><pre>___________________________=
____________________<o:p></o:p></pre><pre>Support Team.Net <a =
href=3D"http://www.team.net/donate.html">http://www.team.net/donate.html<=
/a><o:p></o:p></pre><pre>Suggested annual donation=C2=A0 =
$12.75<o:p></o:p></pre><pre><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></pre><pre>Archive: <a =
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ail/healeys</a> <a =
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ive/healeys</a><o:p></o:p></pre><pre><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></pre><pre><a =
href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">[email-masked]</a><o:p></o=
:p></pre><pre><a =
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[email-masked]

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From: "Leonard Hartnett" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2024 14:32:56 -0700

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Bob"  Once upon a time, there was a family owned hardware store in the city=
 where we lived for 40+ years.   Then Home Depot, Walmart, etc. moved in.  =
I cannot attest to any facts but I believe that that competition with its b=
uying power was what made them become an ACE hardware store.  Thankfully, I=
 have not seen any major changes in service or product.  Several times, whe=
n unable to find what I am looking for at the major chain store, the salesp=
erson will recommend that I go to that local store, still referring to it b=
y its original name, not an Ace store.   It is still part of the history of=
 the city.  I was able to buy two (2) wood screws that I needed, not a pack=
 of 6 or more.  I now refer to it as a museum. 

              The Other Len
1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8
                HBJ8L39031
              224,925  miles

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bob Spidell 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 AM
  Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

  I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up independent busin=
esses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case here, but these =
guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then pawning the r=
emains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems). I have a=
 personal experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30 years, the=
n he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, like this appears to=
 be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade articles off-hours an=
d he always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at times, his staff=
 would have to pull him out of our conversations). After he was acquired, h=
e seemed harried and I felt the staff was really trying to expedite all app=
ointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was on a some sort of q=
uota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots of similar stories and I =
can't think of any where a product or service has been improved after the m=
oney boys took over. Anybody?

  OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only way som=
e of them can survive at all. Time will tell.

  Bob

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
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<DIV><FONT size=3D2 face=3DArial>Bob"&nbsp; Once upon a time, there was a f=
amily 
owned hardware store in the city where we lived&nbsp;for 40+ 
years.&nbsp;</FONT><FONT size=3D2 face=3DArial>&nbsp; Then Home Depot, Walm=
art, etc. 
moved in.&nbsp; I cannot attest to&nbsp;any facts but I believe that that 
competition with its buying power was what made them become an ACE hardware=
 
store.&nbsp; Thankfully, I have not seen any major changes in service or 
product.&nbsp; Several times, when unable to find what I am looking for at =
the 
major chain store, the salesperson will recommend that I go to that local s=
tore, 
still referring to it by its original name, not an Ace store.&nbsp;&nbsp; I=
t is 
still<FONT size=3D2 face=3DArial> part of the history of the city.&nbsp; 
</FONT>I&nbsp;was able to buy&nbsp;two (2) wood screws that I needed, not a=
 pack 
of 6 or more.&nbsp;&nbsp;I now refer to it as a museum.&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2 face=3DArial></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2 
face=3DArial>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Other Len<BR>1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII 
BJ8<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
HBJ8L39031</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2 
face=3DArial>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
224,925&nbsp; miles</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2 face=3DArial></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE 
style=3D"BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: =
0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
  <DIV 
  style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>Fro=
m:</B> 
  <A title=[email-masked] href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">Bob =

  Spidell</A> </DIV>
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=[email-masked].=
net 
  href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">[email-masked]</A> </DIV>
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 =

AM</DIV>
  <DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors=
 
  merger</DIV>
  <DIV><BR></DIV>I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up 
  independent businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the ca=
se 
  here, but these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut =
then 
  pawning the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital 
  systems). I have a personal experience: I went to the same optometrist fo=
r 
  over 30 years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, =
like 
  this appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade arti=
cles 
  off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at ti=
mes, 
  his staff would have to pull him out of our conversations). After he was =

  acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the staff was really trying to exp=
edite 
  all appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was on a some =
sort 
  of quota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots of similar stories =
and I 
  can't think of any where a product or service has been improved after the=
 
  money boys took over. Anybody?<BR><BR>OTOH, this is a small, specialty 
  business, and it may be the only way some of them can survive at all. Tim=
e 
  will tell.<BR><BR>Bob<BR><BR><BR></BLOCKQUOTE><div id=3D"DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40=
BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
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[email-masked]

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---

From: Bob Spidell <[email-masked]> oFstQSYY2Lo9xEf438mpnJlKaQY33jpZl6UdVOTQlhihZZwANYdz7qTQbIu+DjoQvzF7kMBgSfGoXuw8UYrSdlDSyBpoiH52EgJp1O3Jq9c9+J8Cx9zCYmFs jje3B83x7TV46XGa4TECMA==
Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2024 18:33:46 -0700

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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--------------ipWlNUbTrqAKH791nfuNltjH
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Ace is definitely a cut above the big box stores for service and 
selection (stores are much nicer too). But, prices are higher. They're 
they only place around here to get Stihl equipment.

On 6/23/2024 2:32 PM, Leonard Hartnett wrote:
> 
> Bob"  Once upon a time, there was a family owned hardware store in the 
> city where we lived for 40+ years.   Then Home Depot, Walmart, etc. 
> moved in.  I cannot attest to any facts but I believe that that 
> competition with its buying power was what made them become an ACE 
> hardware store.  Thankfully, I have not seen any major changes in 
> service or product. Several times, when unable to find what I am 
> looking for at the major chain store, the salesperson will recommend 
> that I go to that local store, still referring to it by its original 
> name, not an Ace store.   It is stillpart of the history of the city. 
> I was able to buy two (2) wood screws that I needed, not a pack of 6 
> or more.  I now refer to it as a museum.
>               The Other Len
>     *To:* [email-masked]
>     *Sent:* Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 AM
>     *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger
>
>     I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up
>     independent businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's
>     the case here, but these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff,
>     taking a big cut then pawning the remains off to 'the greater
>     fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems). I have a personal
>     experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30 years, then
>     he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, like this
>     appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade
>     articles off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra
>     conversations). After he was acquired, he seemed harried and I
>     felt the staff was really trying to expedite all appointments; I
>     suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was on a some sort of quota
>     or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots of similar stories
>     and I can't think of any where a product or service has been
>     improved after the money boys took over. Anybody?
>
>     way some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.
>
>     Bob
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> AVG logo <https://www.avg.com/internet-security> 	
>
> www.avg.com <https://www.avg.com/internet-security>
>
>
> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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    Ace is definitely a cut above the big box stores for service and
    selection (stores are much nicer too). But, prices are higher.
    They're they only place around here to get Stihl equipment.<br>
    <br>
    <br>
    <div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 6/23/2024 2:32 PM, Leonard Hartnett
      wrote:<br>
    </div>
    <blockquote type="cite"
      cite="mid:E4D714E630724D71BC62A5BF4A43479D@MargaretPC">
      <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8">
      
      <meta content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" http-equiv="Content-Type">
      <meta name="GENERATOR" content="MSHTML 9.00.8112.16819">
      <style></style>
      <div><font size="2" face="Arial">Bob"  Once upon a time, there was
          a family owned hardware store in the city where we lived for
          40+ years. </font><font size="2" face="Arial">  Then Home
          Depot, Walmart, etc. moved in.  I cannot attest to any facts
          but I believe that that competition with its buying power was
          what made them become an ACE hardware store.  Thankfully, I
          have not seen any major changes in service or product. 
          Several times, when unable to find what I am looking for at
          the major chain store, the salesperson will recommend that I
          go to that local store, still referring to it by its original
          name, not an Ace store.   It is still<font size="2"
            face="Arial"> part of the history of the city.  </font>I was
          able to buy two (2) wood screws that I needed, not a pack of 6
          or more.  I now refer to it as a museum. </font></div>
      <div> </div>
      <div><font size="2" face="Arial">              The Other Len<br>
          1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8<br>
                          HBJ8L39031</font></div>
      <div><font size="2" face="Arial">              224,925  miles</font></div>
      <div> </div>
      <blockquote
style="BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
        <div style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </div>
        <div
style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><b>From:</b>
          <a title="[email-masked]"
            href="mailto:[email-masked]" moz-do-not-send="true">Bob
            Spidell</a> </div>
        <div style="FONT: 10pt arial"><b>To:</b> <a
            title="[email-masked]"
            href="mailto:[email-masked]" moz-do-not-send="true"
            class="moz-txt-link-freetext">[email-masked]</a> </div>
        <div style="FONT: 10pt arial"><b>Sent:</b> Sunday, June 23, 2024
          11:48 AM</div>
        <div style="FONT: 10pt arial"><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Healeys] Moss
          Motors merger</div>
        <div><br>
        </div>
        I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up
        independent businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if
        that's the case here, but these guys like to use OPM--laying off
        staff, taking a big cut then pawning the remains off to 'the
        greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems). I have a
        personal experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30
        years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one,
        like this appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and
        we'd trade articles off-hours and he always seemed to give me a
        little extra attention (at times, his staff would have to pull
        him out of our conversations). After he was acquired, he seemed
        harried and I felt the staff was really trying to expedite all
        appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was on a
        some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots
        of similar stories and I can't think of any where a product or
        service has been improved after the money boys took over.
        Anybody?<br>
        <br>
        OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the
        only way some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.<br>
        <br>
        Bob<br>
        <br>
        <br>
      </blockquote>
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[email-masked]

--===============4036611980062283211==--

---

From: Michael Oritt <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:20:16 -0400

--===============0570471350220190776==

--0000000000009bf526061ba37b7e
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Moss's acquisition of Rimmer Bros. and the phenomenon of Ma & Pa hardware
stores' becoming part of the Ace brand are both examples of the
acquisition/consolidation trend that now dominates business and
professional organizations, including physicians, dentists, veterinarians,
CPA. attorneys, hospitals, funeral homes, pharmacies, specialty retail
stores, restaurants, etc. etc.--you name it and and you don't have to look
very hard to find an example of where an individual proprietorship is now
owned by or affiliated with some larger conglomeration.   The former owner
has moved to Florida and oftentimes his place has been taken by someone who
was flipping burgers last week.

In almost all cases the promise of better prices resulting from "economy of
scale" never materializes and personal relationships and quality of service
suffer because of sales quotas that must be achieved or due to limitations
placed upon time that can be spent with a customer, client or patient.  My
local Ace now has about 25% of its square footage devoted to either
its "outdoor department" or what I call a home store. Many of the retail
sales personnel know a lot less than I do about what they are selling. Big
Box "hardware" stores are even worse with employees who receive little
training and little or no experience.  Plus you can only buy fasteners in
prepacked quantities to defeat shoplifters and in plastic enclosures that
defy opening without a box cutter or the like.

True story:  I once went into a national hardware chain store in need of a
nail set.  When I was unable to find one I asked a young sales clerk for
help and he told me they only sold nails by the box.

Best--Michael Oritt

On Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 9:11=E2=80=AFAM Bob Spidell <[email-masked]> =
wrote:

> Ace is definitely a cut above the big box stores for service and selectio=
n
> (stores are much nicer too). But, prices are higher. They're they only
> place around here to get Stihl equipment.
>
>
> =EF=BB=BF
> city where we lived for 40+ years.   Then Home Depot, Walmart, etc. moved
> in.  I cannot attest to any facts but I believe that that competition wit=
h
> its buying power was what made them become an ACE hardware store.
> Thankfully, I have not seen any major changes in service or product.
> Several times, when unable to find what I am looking for at the major cha=
in
> store, the salesperson will recommend that I go to that local store, stil=
l
> referring to it by its original name, not an Ace store.   It is still
> part of the history of the city.  I was able to buy two (2) wood screws
> that I needed, not a pack of 6 or more.  I now refer to it as a museum.
>
>               The Other Len
> *From:* Bob Spidell <[email-masked]>
> businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case here, but
> these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then pawni=
ng
> the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems). I
> have a personal experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30
> years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, like thi=
s
> appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade articles
> off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at
> times, his staff would have to pull him out of our conversations). After =
he
> was acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the staff was really trying to
> expedite all appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was o=
n
> a some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots of
> similar stories and I can't think of any where a product or service has
> been improved after the money boys took over. Anybody?
>
e
> of them can survive at all. Time will tell.
>
> Bob
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>  <https://www.avg.com/internet-security>
>
> <#m_-3333072200707433328_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>
>
> Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/healeys/[email-masked]
>
>

--0000000000009bf526061ba37b7e
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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"color:#3333ff">Moss&=
#39;s=C2=A0acquisition of Rimmer Bros. and the phenomenon of Ma &amp; Pa ha=
rdware stores&#39; becoming part of the Ace brand are both examples of the =
acquisition/consolidation trend that now dominates business and professiona=
l organizations, including physicians, dentists, veterinarians, CPA. attorn=
eys, hospitals, funeral homes, pharmacies, specialty retail stores, restaur=
ants, etc. etc.--you name it and and you don&#39;t have to look very hard t=
o find an example of where an individual proprietorship is now owned by or =
affiliated with some larger conglomeration.=C2=A0 =C2=A0The former owner ha=
s moved to Florida and oftentimes his place has been taken by someone who w=
as flipping burgers last week.</div><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"c=
olor:#3333ff"><br></div><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"color:#3333ff=
">In almost all cases the promise of better prices resulting from &quot;eco=
nomy of scale&quot; never materializes and personal relationships and quali=
ty of service suffer because of sales quotas that must be achieved or due t=
o limitations placed=C2=A0upon time that can be spent with a customer, clie=
nt or patient.=C2=A0 My local Ace now has about 25% of its square footage d=
evoted to either its=C2=A0&quot;outdoor department&quot; or what I call a h=
ome store. Many of the retail sales personnel=C2=A0know a lot less than I d=
o about what they are selling. Big Box &quot;hardware&quot; stores are even=
 worse with employees who receive little training and little or no experien=
ce.=C2=A0 Plus you can only=C2=A0buy fasteners in prepacked=C2=A0quantities=
 to defeat shoplifters and in plastic enclosures that defy opening without =
a box cutter or the like.</div><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"color:=
#3333ff"><br></div><div class=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"color:#3333ff">Tru=
e story:=C2=A0 I once went into a national hardware chain store in need of =
a nail set.=C2=A0 When I was unable to find one I asked a young sales clerk=
 for help and he told me they only sold nails by the box.</div><div class=
=3D"gmail_default" style=3D"color:#3333ff"><br></div><div class=3D"gmail_de=
fault" style=3D"color:#3333ff">Best--Michael Oritt</div></div><br><div clas=
s=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">On Mon, Jun 24, 202=
4 at 9:11=E2=80=AFAM Bob Spidell &lt;<a href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]=
">[email-masked]</a>&gt; wrote:<br></div><blockquote class=3D"gmail_q=
uote" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,2=
04);padding-left:1ex"><u></u>

 =20
   =20
 =20
  <div>
    Ace is definitely a cut above the big box stores for service and
    selection (stores are much nicer too). But, prices are higher.
    They&#39;re they only place around here to get Stihl equipment.<br>
    <br>
    <br>
    <div>On 6/23/2024 2:32 PM, Leonard Hartnett
      wrote:<br>
    </div>
    <blockquote type=3D"cite">
     =20
      =EF=BB=BF
     =20
     =20
     =20
      <div><font size=3D"2" face=3D"Arial">Bob&quot;=C2=A0 Once upon a time=
, there was
          a family owned hardware store in the city where we lived=C2=A0for
          40+ years.=C2=A0</font><font size=3D"2" face=3D"Arial">=C2=A0 The=
n Home
          Depot, Walmart, etc. moved in.=C2=A0 I cannot attest to=C2=A0any =
facts
          but I believe that that competition with its buying power was
          what made them become an ACE hardware store.=C2=A0 Thankfully, I
          have not seen any major changes in service or product.=C2=A0
          Several times, when unable to find what I am looking for at
          the major chain store, the salesperson will recommend that I
          go to that local store, still referring to it by its original
          name, not an Ace store.=C2=A0=C2=A0 It is still<font size=3D"2" f=
ace=3D"Arial"> part of the history of the city.=C2=A0 </font>I=C2=A0was
          able to buy=C2=A0two (2) wood screws that I needed, not a pack of=
 6
          or more.=C2=A0=C2=A0I now refer to it as a museum.=C2=A0</font></=
div>
      <div>=C2=A0</div>
      <div><font size=3D"2" face=3D"Arial">=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=
=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0 The Other Len<br>
          1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8<br>
          =C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=
=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0 HBJ8L39031</font></div>
      <div><font size=3D"2" face=3D"Arial">=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=
=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0 224,925=C2=A0 miles</font>=
</div>
      <div>=C2=A0</div>
      <blockquote style=3D"border-left:2px solid rgb(0,0,0);padding-left:5p=
x;padding-right:0px;margin-left:5px;margin-right:0px">
        <div style=3D"font:10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </div>
        <div style=3D"font:10pt arial;background:rgb(228,228,228)"><b>From:=
</b>
          <a title=3D"[email-masked]" href=3D"mailto:bspidell@comcast=
.net" target=3D"_blank">Bob
            Spidell</a> </div>
        <div style=3D"font:10pt arial"><b>To:</b> <a title=3D"healeys@autox=
.team.net" href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]" target=3D"_blank">healeys=
@autox.team.net</a> </div>
        <div style=3D"font:10pt arial"><b>Sent:</b> Sunday, June 23, 2024
          11:48 AM</div>
        <div style=3D"font:10pt arial"><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Healeys] Moss
          Motors merger</div>
        <div><br>
        </div>
        I&#39;m generally not in favor of private money snarfing up
        independent businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if
        that&#39;s the case here, but these guys like to use OPM--laying of=
f
        staff, taking a big cut then pawning the remains off to &#39;the
        greater fool(s)&#39; (see: rural hospital systems). I have a
        personal experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30
        years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one,
        like this appears to be. He was a &#39;car guy,&#39; into VW vans, =
and
        we&#39;d trade articles off-hours and he always seemed to give me a
        little extra attention (at times, his staff would have to pull
        him out of our conversations). After he was acquired, he seemed
        harried and I felt the staff was really trying to expedite all
        appointments; I suspect--but don&#39;t know for a fact--he was on a
        some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system. I&#39;ve heard lots
        of similar stories and I can&#39;t think of any where a product or
        service has been improved after the money boys took over.
        Anybody?<br>
        <br>
        OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the
        only way some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.<br>
        <br>
        Bob<br>
        <br>
        <br>
      </blockquote>
      <div id=3D"m_-3333072200707433328DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2=
">
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From: ahbn6--- via Healeys <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:20:44 -0400

Another true story.  I went to the local Pep Boys store years ago to get some 30 wt non-detergent oil for my tranny and was told by the clerk that it was stopped manufactured years ago.  This was confirmed by the "manager"  I then went to an Advance auto parts and bought a quart. Back to Pep Boys, showed them the oil and was told that it was a discontinued item and should not by used. Idiots. I put another 5,000 miles on my Healey. They lost a customer for life.
John Sims
www.healey6.com
Matawan, NJ
-----Original Message-----
From: Healeys <[email-masked]> On Behalf Of Michael Oritt
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2024 10:20 AM
To: Bob Spidell <[email-masked]>
Cc: [email-masked]
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

Moss's acquisition of Rimmer Bros. and the phenomenon of Ma & Pa hardware stores' becoming part of the Ace brand are both examples of the acquisition/consolidation trend that now dominates business and professional organizations, including physicians, dentists, veterinarians, CPA. attorneys, hospitals, funeral homes, pharmacies, specialty retail stores, restaurants, etc. etc.--you name it and and you don't have to look very hard to find an example of where an individual proprietorship is now owned by or affiliated with some larger conglomeration.   The former owner has moved to Florida and oftentimes his place has been taken by someone who was flipping burgers last week.

In almost all cases the promise of better prices resulting from "economy of scale" never materializes and personal relationships and quality of service suffer because of sales quotas that must be achieved or due to limitations placed upon time that can be spent with a customer, client or patient.  My local Ace now has about 25% of its square footage devoted to either its "outdoor department" or what I call a home store. Many of the retail sales personnel know a lot less than I do about what they are selling. Big Box "hardware" stores are even worse with employees who receive little training and little or no experience.  Plus you can only buy fasteners in prepacked quantities to defeat shoplifters and in plastic enclosures that defy opening without a box cutter or the like.

True story:  I once went into a national hardware chain store in need of a nail set.  When I was unable to find one I asked a young sales clerk for help and he told me they only sold nails by the box.

Best--Michael Oritt

On Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 9:11 AM Bob Spidell <[email-masked] <mailto:[email-masked]> > wrote:

	Ace is definitely a cut above the big box stores for service and selection (stores are much nicer too). But, prices are higher. They're they only place around here to get Stihl equipment.

		 
		Bob"  Once upon a time, there was a family owned hardware store in the city where we lived for 40+ years.   Then Home Depot, Walmart, etc. moved in.  I cannot attest to any facts but I believe that that competition with its buying power was what made them become an ACE hardware store.  Thankfully, I have not seen any major changes in service or product.  Several times, when unable to find what I am looking for at the major chain store, the salesperson will recommend that I go to that local store, still referring to it by its original name, not an Ace store.   It is still part of the history of the city.  I was able to buy two (2) wood screws that I needed, not a pack of 6 or more.  I now refer to it as a museum. 
		 
		              The Other Len

			----- Original Message ----- 
			From: Bob Spidell <mailto:[email-masked]>  
			To: [email-masked] <mailto:[email-masked]>  
			Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 AM
			Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

			I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up independent businesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case here, but these guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then pawning the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems). I have a personal experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30 years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, like this appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade articles off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at times, his staff would have to pull him out of our conversations). After he was acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the staff was really trying to expedite all appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he was on a some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots of similar stories and I can't think of any where a product or service has been improved after the money boys took over. Anybody?
			
			OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only way some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.
			
			Bob

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From: Bob Spidell <[email-masked]> S9v2NOJS/d0LmEpZ/Sl5oyferXgdLD6IioJeEvAQKTB6s6wDHhclp0wPxuC25boOFz+4UAtabb63G1MuptD6ZSFfzUKaVr+puJ8=
Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 07:00:28 -0700

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-8">
  </head>
  <body>
    I still check out Jalopnik (don't ask me why; I really don't know).
    I just came across this; the comments section is germane to this
    thread:<br>
    <br>
<a class=3D"moz-txt-link-freetext" href=3D"https://jalopnik.com/heres-why=
-so-many-people-are-quitting-big-youtube-car-c-1851566397">https://jalopn=
ik.com/heres-why-so-many-people-are-quitting-big-youtube-car-c-1851566397=
</a><br>
    <br>
    <br>
    <div class=3D"moz-cite-prefix">On 6/24/2024 8:20 AM, ahbn6--- via
      Healeys wrote:<br>
    </div>
    <blockquote type=3D"cite"
      cite=3D"mid:[email-masked]">
      <pre class=3D"moz-quote-pre" wrap=3D"">Another true story.  I went =
to the local Pep Boys store years ago to get some 30 wt non-detergent oil=
 for my tranny and was told by the clerk that it was stopped manufactured=
 years ago.  This was confirmed by the "manager"  I then went to an Advan=
ce auto parts and bought a quart. Back to Pep Boys, showed them the oil a=
nd was told that it was a discontinued item and should not by used. Idiot=
s. I put another 5,000 miles on my Healey. They lost a customer for life.=

John Sims
<a class=3D"moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href=3D"http://www.healey6.com">www=
=2Ehealey6.com</a>
Matawan, NJ
-----Original Message-----
From: Healeys <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href=3D"mailto:healeys-b=
[email-masked]">&lt;[email-masked]&gt;</a> On Beha=
lf Of Michael Oritt
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2024 10:20 AM
To: Bob Spidell <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href=3D"mailto:bspidel=
[email-masked]">&lt;[email-masked]&gt;</a>
Cc: <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]=
am.net">[email-masked]</a>
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

Moss's acquisition of Rimmer Bros. and the phenomenon of Ma &amp; Pa hard=
ware stores' becoming part of the Ace brand are both examples of the acqu=
isition/consolidation trend that now dominates business and professional =
organizations, including physicians, dentists, veterinarians, CPA. attorn=
eys, hospitals, funeral homes, pharmacies, specialty retail stores, resta=
urants, etc. etc.--you name it and and you don't have to look very hard t=
o find an example of where an individual proprietorship is now owned by o=
r affiliated with some larger conglomeration.   The former owner has move=
d to Florida and oftentimes his place has been taken by someone who was f=
lipping burgers last week.

In almost all cases the promise of better prices resulting from "economy =
of scale" never materializes and personal relationships and quality of se=
rvice suffer because of sales quotas that must be achieved or due to limi=
tations placed upon time that can be spent with a customer, client or pat=
ient.  My local Ace now has about 25% of its square footage devoted to ei=
ther its "outdoor department" or what I call a home store. Many of the re=
tail sales personnel know a lot less than I do about what they are sellin=
g. Big Box "hardware" stores are even worse with employees who receive li=
ttle training and little or no experience.  Plus you can only buy fastene=
rs in prepacked quantities to defeat shoplifters and in plastic enclosure=
s that defy opening without a box cutter or the like.

True story:  I once went into a national hardware chain store in need of =
a nail set.  When I was unable to find one I asked a young sales clerk fo=
r help and he told me they only sold nails by the box.

Best--Michael Oritt

On Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 9:11=E2=80=AFAM Bob Spidell &lt;<a class=3D"moz-t=
xt-link-abbreviated" href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">bspidell@comcas=
t.net</a> <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href=3D"mailto:bspidell@comc=
ast.net">&lt;mailto:[email-masked]&gt;</a> &gt; wrote:

=09
	Ace is definitely a cut above the big box stores for service and selecti=
on (stores are much nicer too). But, prices are higher. They're they only=
 place around here to get Stihl equipment.
=09
=09
=09
	On 6/23/2024 2:32 PM, Leonard Hartnett wrote:
=09

		=EF=BB=BF=20
		Bob"  Once upon a time, there was a family owned hardware store in the =
city where we lived for 40+ years.   Then Home Depot, Walmart, etc. moved=
 in.  I cannot attest to any facts but I believe that that competition wi=
th its buying power was what made them become an ACE hardware store.  Tha=
nkfully, I have not seen any major changes in service or product.  Severa=
l times, when unable to find what I am looking for at the major chain sto=
re, the salesperson will recommend that I go to that local store, still r=
eferring to it by its original name, not an Ace store.   It is still part=
 of the history of the city.  I was able to buy two (2) wood screws that =
I needed, not a pack of 6 or more.  I now refer to it as a museum.=20
		=20
		              The Other Len
		1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8
		                HBJ8L39031
		              224,925  miles
		=20

			----- Original Message -----=20
			From: Bob Spidell <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href=3D"mailto:bs=
[email-masked]">&lt;mailto:[email-masked]&gt;</a> =20
			To: <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href=3D"mailto:healeys@autox=
=2Eteam.net">[email-masked]</a> <a class=3D"moz-txt-link-rfc2396E=
" href=3D"mailto:[email-masked]">&lt;mailto:[email-masked]=
t&gt;</a> =20
			Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2024 11:48 AM
			Subject: Re: [Healeys] Moss Motors merger

			I'm generally not in favor of private money snarfing up independent bu=
sinesses, larding them up with debt--dunno if that's the case here, but t=
hese guys like to use OPM--laying off staff, taking a big cut then pawnin=
g the remains off to 'the greater fool(s)' (see: rural hospital systems).=
 I have a personal experience: I went to the same optometrist for over 30=
 years, then he sold out to one of these; a relatively small one, like th=
is appears to be. He was a 'car guy,' into VW vans, and we'd trade articl=
es off-hours and he always seemed to give me a little extra attention (at=
 times, his staff would have to pull him out of our conversations). After=
 he was acquired, he seemed harried and I felt the staff was really tryin=
g to expedite all appointments; I suspect--but don't know for a fact--he =
was on a some sort of quota or mandatory revenue system. I've heard lots =
of similar stories and I can't think of any where a product or service ha=
s been improved after the money boys took over. Anybody?
		=09
			OTOH, this is a small, specialty business, and it may be the only way =
some of them can survive at all. Time will tell.
		=09
			Bob
		=09
		=09
		=09

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