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Equipment Boards => Track => Topic started by: tenpinspro on February 20, 2007, 02:21:31 AM

Title: Officially done.....
Post by: tenpinspro on February 20, 2007, 02:21:31 AM
As of Feb 19, 2007 my contract with Columbia Industries has been terminated and I have not signed any new contracts (w/ any company) as I type this. Therefore, I am no longer "obligated" to speak on behalf of "ANY" ball company so there shouldn't be any questions concerning my loyalties or ties, simply my opinion. BTW, Carl had to forward my staff termination notice to me because Columbia doesn't have any records of me being on staff, how do you like that?
(*heavy sigh*...amazing)

On edit: Guess this makes me a "free agent" huh?  GONE to the highest bidder!...LOL
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Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion



Edited on 2/20/2007 11:21 AM
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: pnj1967 on February 20, 2007, 10:24:21 AM
WOW, They dont know what they are missing Rick !!!!!!!!!!
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Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.


Users I wont deal with ;

xrage4200; Will waste your time !!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: directdrill on February 20, 2007, 10:24:22 AM
Rick,

Sorry to hear that.  If Ebonite has any sense, they will sign you up again.  I have no doubt with your knowledge, experience and willingness to help, you WILL be signed by another company.  I just hope that it is with Track!  I for one am very grateful and thankful for the help that you and Rick have provided.
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Hook 'em Horns!
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: mrbowlingnut on February 20, 2007, 10:24:32 AM
Go with legends they are within an hour of you.
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: KDawg77 on February 20, 2007, 10:24:45 AM
Well, don't that beat all. That's was nice of them.

Rick,

Sending you a PM on a different topic.

Ken
--------------------
No, my name is not Prince and I'm not particularly funky.
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http://www.pba.com/results/rrscores.asp?Year=&TournamentID=148&RoundID=2
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: tenpinspro on February 20, 2007, 10:30:26 AM
quote:
Go with legends they are within an hour of you.


hmm...I've spoke with Gaylen a couple of times, good guy.
--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion

Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: pnj1967 on February 20, 2007, 10:31:38 AM
Is there any thing from Ebonite, Storm ?  If not they are all making a big mistake.
--------------------
Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.


Users I wont deal with ;

xrage4200; Will waste your time !!!!!!!!


Edited on 2/20/2007 11:50 AM
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: justdale on February 20, 2007, 10:34:04 AM
I too was on Staff with Columbia, and thats how I got my termination, e-mail. Along with Rick I too am a free agent, I really enjoyed working with Chad Murphy and the rest of his staff, they always treated me with respect and professionalism.
Being the only Columbia staff guy in the state of Utah ( Storm Country), it wasn't the easiest thing to stock Columbia in our shop where everyone want Storm, but I did a good job of getting Columbia on the lanes.
Good luck Rick:
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: bgh on February 20, 2007, 10:51:39 AM
Ah! pardon the pun.  A free agent.
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: tenpinspro on February 20, 2007, 10:54:58 AM
quote:
I too was on Staff with Columbia, and thats how I got my termination, e-mail. Along with Rick I too am a free agent, I really enjoyed working with Chad Murphy and the rest of his staff, they always treated me with respect and professionalism.
Being the only Columbia staff guy in the state of Utah ( Storm Country), it wasn't the easiest thing to stock Columbia in our shop where everyone want Storm, but I did a good job of getting Columbia on the lanes.
Good luck Rick:


Same to you justdale, I never received "anything" from headquarters to this date (bag, tote, balls...nothing)  Some staffers received both releases already, that's not fair.  If I don't have these balls in my hand to test, I can't sell them, simple as that.  I refuse selling any new piece to customers if I don't know what they'll do.  If I don't know what the balls do, how can I drill them properly for my customers?  That's not how I run my business.

quote:
Is there any thing from Ebonite? If not they are making a big misteak.


Ebonite cannot make any offers until brand managers are put in place with their business plan.  That may or may not allow for staff positions depending upon budget allowance.  However, I will say that my Ebonite DSM (THE Pam Buckner) has informed me that she would kill me if I even think of leaving.  She's a great lady and I would love to work for her....
--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion

Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: T Brockette on February 20, 2007, 10:58:27 AM
So if Storm comes out with a ball called the Free Agent....will it have your picture on it.  
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Tracy

TEXAS CONNECTION
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: tenpinspro on February 20, 2007, 11:05:25 AM
quote:
So if Storm comes out with a ball called the Free Agent....will it have your picture on it.  


You would think of that wouldn't you?!..LOL No that may cause a loss in sales, unless it sits next to the 3 stooges Viz.

Hey bud, may need your help in Texas, I'm having 2 attorneys review my contract as we speak. Thanks...
--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion

Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: kgee15 on February 20, 2007, 11:06:47 AM
LOL!  Great one T Brockette!

Sorry to hear how they treated you Rick.  I know you'll find a home with either Ebonite or another ball company (still hoping for Roto haha).  Track would be losing a valuable asset.
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Loyal Disciple of Rick Leong
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: T Brockette on February 20, 2007, 11:13:47 AM
Just let me know what I can do to help...........Oh by the way, the ex-wife is an attorney.
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Tracy

TEXAS CONNECTION
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: tenpinspro on February 20, 2007, 11:17:02 AM
quote:
Oh by the way, the ex-wife is an attorney.


PERFECT!..I guess that also explains why you're broke....lol  I'll PM you, thanks.
--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion

Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: SteveAustin2808 on February 20, 2007, 11:53:47 AM
HEY RICK!

Dude, that really sucks! Hate to hear that they didn't even have a record of you being on staff, that shows how messed up that whole company was, I'm really thinking this buyout from Ebonite is going to do nothing but help C300 and Track altogether...I'm keeping my fingers crossed about this...anyway, God Bless You Rick and ded gum it if you ever get a chance, call me..I haven't talked to you in ages!

--Michael--
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--Tag Team Coaching--
"Building Success Stories, One Bowler at a Time!"
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: Rev_O on February 20, 2007, 12:15:03 PM
And another loyalist of the great Track Revolution is gone. Rick, I am truly sorry to be reading this. You were one of if not the key man (el presidente) for Track. You spent numerous hours on here, in your shop, making vids, etc etc etc. Once again, it is proven that being LOYAL gets you no where. Once again Rick, I;'m sorry about you being let go, YOU DESERVE BETTER!!
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Rev-O









Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on February 20, 2007, 01:00:57 PM
"Free" is usually a word that is not used in the same sentence with Rick.

We are both indeed free agents. I am sure I am speaking for both Rick and myself......we are still here to help when we are needed------> with ANY brand.

I appreciate the support that Track has given me in the past and I have no sour feelings about what is occuring now. MOST OF ALL.....you folks on the board have been tremendous through the years. Rick and I have had something in the works for some time. We want to get it correct before "it" is actually viewed by the public. SO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR "TAG TEAM COACHING".

-Carl
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Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio


Tag Team Member #1

TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder

Edited on 2/20/2007 1:58 PM
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: shipper50 on February 20, 2007, 03:21:14 PM
This reminds me of the movie National Lampoon goes to Vegas. You know where Clark is playing blackjack and the dealer says, Hey griswald how about you give me half your money and I take you out back and kick you in the nuts?

Me thinks Rick is needing some ice from the Columbia people?

Sorry to hear this Rick, you have been my main man when it came to advise on Track stuff.

Shipper
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: FBM357 on February 20, 2007, 04:02:00 PM
quote:
Sorry to hear about your recent termination, Rick. But this will lead to something better for you.....I really don't think Track knew what they had when you was with them. You are right......you and carl and a couple of others brought Track up towards the front.

With your knowledge, expertise and willingness to help without being judgmental, cynical and an a55hole, you brought a lot of people on board with you, including me. I want to thank you personally for that. I know for one that I will be emailing the ball companies over the next couple of days gloating about your work ethic, knowledge and influence on the bowling public. You were one of the few IN MY LIFE that has earned my respect.



Yeah, the only driller who needs a stepladder to use the press definitely gets respect in my book!

quote:


Good luck to you and hopefully a ball company will be calling you, asking you to work for them. Maybe they will say some crazy white indian in Oklahoma by the name of Sixcranker was bragging about you and how much of an asset you would be for their company....followed along by a threat that if they don't, a Hitman will be out for blood on them!!


Blood?  "We don't leave no stinkin blood!!!  We sever fingas wid welding torch (burnt ends don't bleed ).... bust kneecaps without leaving any bruises .... finally, use da icepick widouta puncture wound" just to name a few

quote:

And Rick, I am forever your Hitman, where ever you go bud!



Except for the 'head' .. LMAO

V
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Proud member of the Track Revolution - EMERITUS & Hitman

"The PESSIMIST sees difficulty in every opportunity.  The OPTIMIST sees the opportunity in every difficulty!"

Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: pnj1967 on February 20, 2007, 05:22:09 PM
Cant WAIT  Carl !!!!!!!!! Sure glad you guys will still be around.


quote:
"Free" is usually a word that is not used in the same sentence with Rick.

We are both indeed free agents. I am sure I am speaking for both Rick and myself......we are still here to help when we are needed------> with ANY brand.

I appreciate the support that Track has given me in the past and I have no sour feelings about what is occuring now. MOST OF ALL.....you folks on the board have been tremendous through the years. Rick and I have had something in the works for some time. We want to get it correct before "it" is actually viewed by the public. SO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR "TAG TEAM COACHING".

-Carl
--------------------
Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio


Tag Team Member #1

TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder

Edited on 2/20/2007 1:58 PM

--------------------
Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.


Users I wont deal with ;

xrage4200; Will waste your time !!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: Ramtart on February 20, 2007, 08:02:47 PM
Bud,

I am sorry to hear about how you heard about your termination. That was pretty messed up. Dude, I owe a lot to you. From day one, you fixed my span/grip, coached me and taught me a lot. For that, I am forever grateful! You would be a fine addition to Pam's staff, or any staff if that!

Talk to you soon bud & best of luck!
Ramski
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: 9orbetter on February 20, 2007, 08:13:13 PM
Damn the business part of this sport sucks..Give 150% and they rip your guts out. My ex-Track ball driller is now with Morich and he's been trying hard for me to switch. When I spoke with him yesterday, he said get ready for the big closeout sale on Tracks equipment..ouch...I assume I will be selling half my arsenal and switching over pending Ebonite's final plans...the business sucks...
good luck Rick...9

Damnmit just odered a Fury and Horizon Solid..
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We all can hit the pocket,just carry the damn corners  
www.coachscornerproshop.com

Edited on 2/21/2007 4:23 PM
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: Brickguy221 on February 20, 2007, 09:41:30 PM
Rick & Carl, I am sad to see this happen. Both of you guys have been overly great to me over the past 2 1/2 to 3 years or what ever time it has been seen I have known both of you. Neither of you have ever failed to help/teach me something. Even for as many IM's and Emails it seemed to take sometimes, both of you always stayed with me until the questions were answered and problem solved. I just hope all works out for the best for both of you in the end. You two guys really made this Track Forum popular plus somehow you guys all kept peace in the Track Forum without uprisings happening.

I just know that wherever the two of you end up, you guys will have plenty of followers plus it will be a great benefit to that company of whom ever it might be.
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Brick
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: Djarum on February 21, 2007, 02:27:16 PM
I don't know if this is going to be the end of Track, but maybe the track forum. Rick and Carl have put a ton of time and effort in keeping this forum alive. I think they have influenced many people on this board to buy track. In the future, that might not be so, and they may push different balls from other brands.

I personally think this is the biggest marketing blunder in bowling ball history.

Dj
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The views and opinions of Djarum expressed on BallReviews.com do not necessarily state or reflect those of the BallReviews.com.
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: CBowl on February 23, 2007, 05:23:33 AM
I believe a staff player is picked not just by a person's bowling avg or how well they bowl in nationals.  It's how they promote the brand and how they increase sales in their region.  I know of a staff guy who's not a good bowler BUT can sell a alot of balls in his shop.
Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: tenpinspro on February 24, 2007, 01:09:59 PM
Thank you all for your responses.  Carl and I are going to feel things out for a bit and we'll see what happens.  I can't see myself signing with Ebonite/Track right now due to the fact that Aussie has stated there won't be any releases for the next 4 months.  I won't have anything to throw or sell, how "can" I sign?  I have a meeting next month with a Storm VP already, we'll see how that goes.

Aussie, RipARack, 10NDPIT and all previous staffers, good luck to all you guys as well with your future endeavors.  It's been great working with you, thank you all for your help.  I feel we were a pretty good team out here....


--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion

Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: williewc on February 24, 2007, 02:16:45 PM
quote:
I have a meeting next month with a Storm VP already, we'll see how that goes.

would rather see you go to Morich or anywhere but Storm, but good luck with the meeting

i just cant see me throwing smelly balls lol




--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion


Title: Re: Officially done.....
Post by: Xfest on February 24, 2007, 07:01:55 PM
quote:
quote:
I have a meeting next month with a Storm VP already, we'll see how that goes.

would rather see you go to Morich or anywhere but Storm, but good luck with the meeting

i just cant see me throwing smelly balls lol




--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop  
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion





Storm is one of the most popular ball-makers as of right now. They are getting alot of recognition.
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Ebonite Total NV Ebonite Angular One
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"Ey, Yo Crank! What ball was that?"