Today was my last day of running my business!

[KalamazooKid]

After 33 years I've sold the business to a long time customer who now employs all of my employees and services all of my customers!

Out here in the barn celebrating my last full time day of work with a fine local beverage. From here on out I'm on a consulting contract for two years. The job requires nothing more than to have my phone on and show up for an occasional meeting. [emoji481][emoji41][emoji3590]

 

[Kenna]

Congratulations on being Semi retired! Its working for me so far.

 

[paplinker]

Mark, Congrats!

What was yous business?
If you went 33 years you did something right.

 

[lawandorder]

Congratulations on entering phase one of what I hope is a long, healthy and blessed retirement for you.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Mark, Congrats!

What was yous business?
If you went 33 years you did something right.

International Mail Service in Kalamazoo. We have customers in almost every state and 6-8 foreign countries. COVID was really hard on us (we lost 30% of our business) but we made it and the future for IMS looks really great!

 

[LarryMNH]

Congrats.
I am 70 and I whittled down my CNC Machine Shop to 4 people. This is the best crew I have ever had. They handle almost everything alone. I come in a few hours 3 or so days a week.

Semi-retirement is working great for me.

I compensate them with regular pay and monthly bonuses when they ship over our agreed amount. They do well and I do also.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Well done. That is certainly an enviable position you are now in and it must also be a great relief to you.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

Mark,

Congratulations! You Done Great!

I visited your website and then went to the "About" section. The write up and information was impressive. There aren't a lot of businesses in operation today that are the size of yours, especially those that have successfully had the business in operation for thirty-three years. You are certainly in a great situation now:

1. You sold the business to a Customer, plus

2. All of your employees continue to have their jobs. They have families, too, and (drum roll please),

3. You've signed an agreement to continue on as a business consultant for the new owners for two years.

Now IF the new owners can get their stuff together, perhaps your business will still be in operation fifty years or more from now.


Cheers!

Bill

 

[KalamazooKid]

Thanks Bill. Your item #2 above is probably the most important to me. I had opportunities to sell to competitors but all are in big cities on the coasts or Chicago - they would have shut down our facility almost immediately. I couldn't have had that conversation with the employees.

 

[Ethang]

Thanks Bill. Your item #2 above is probably the most important to me. I had opportunities to sell to competitors but all are in big cities on the coasts or Chicago - they would have shut down our facility almost immediately. I couldn't have had that conversation with the employees.

That is something very rare these days. I applaud you for it. Most would chase that almighty dollar and sell out to whoever offered the most.

Congrats Sir. You are doing it right. Enjoy your retirement.

 

[Eric300]

Congratulations! Enjoy. Cheers!

 

[Rustyt1953]

Whenever I see your username I am reminded of my two pleasant stays long ago in Kalamazoo and visiting 225 Parsons Street.

The first when it was the Gibson Guitar factory and then later when it housed the Heritage Guitar Co.

 

[crazyphil]

Congratulations Mark. I hope you enjoy your retirement. I'm 88 and have
been retired since age 65, so that must be about 23 years. I have always
been just as busy being retired as I was when working. Don't know where
the years have gone, but it's been fun. Hope you have a long retirement
and enjoy it.

 

[Onomea]

Well done, Kid! And a hearty congrats!

 

[Peak53]

Thanks Bill. Your item #2 above is probably the most important to me. I had opportunities to sell to competitors but all are in big cities on the coasts or Chicago - they would have shut down our facility almost immediately. I couldn't have had that conversation with the employees.

From what I've seen business owners who treat their employees with respect, pay them well and recognize achievements gain loyalty AND profitability. Well done!

 

[Buford57]

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H

I hope you enjoy your retirement in Kalamazoo-zoo-zoo-zoo

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Well done, sir!

 

[zwartepiet]

Congratulations Mark!

Your integrity shines through with your concern for your employees and customers!

You're going to love this next step in life!

 

[KalamazooKid]

Congratulations Mark!

Your integrity shines through with your concern for your employees and customers!

You're going to love this next step in life!

Thanks Mark, we need to have coffee some time!

 

[jeffrefrig]

Congratulations on your new life! I have to ask about that table/countertop. It's beautiful; handmade? Only problem is there's only one drink. I love it when people retire on their own terms. And, you took care of your employees. As said up in post #18, the word INTEGRITY. That apparently is obvious. Good luck with any future endeavors. My last day I took a walk around the building where my office, shop, and a boatload of refrigeration equipment was. This was March of 2020; Covid kept all School District employees home, so I was able to reflect, had a beer, walked out and that was that.
Good health to you! Enjoy.
Jeff T.

 

[Golddollar]

Congratulations on your retirement. I retired on December 31, 2015 at 3:30 PM (but who's counting) and never looked back. Now it's your time to do what you want.

And thank you for all of your advise on safes you've given to the Forum.

 

[pharmer]

Congratulations. I planned to "partially retire" about now approaching 70. I fully retired 2 years ago at 68. What was I thinking??? Every day is mine all day, I can do as much or as little as I want. Money is better about $600/mo. more than teaching school as are the benefits. Sounds like you have a plan, coupled with a routine it's the best part of life. Takes about a month of your "day planner" left blank to get used to it. Joe

 

[charlie sherrill]

After 33 years I've sold the business to a long time customer who now employs all of my employees and services all of my customers!

Out here in the barn celebrating my last full time day of work with a fine local beverage. From here on out I'm on a consulting contract for two years. The job requires nothing more than to have my phone on and show up for an occasional meeting. [emoji481][emoji41][emoji3590]

I like the table. My brother whose forum name is "Louisiana Joe" has made several similar to this our of old cypress logs pulled out of Louisiana swamps. Congrats on your retirement. I have been enjoying mine now for a little over ten years. Keep busy and live longer.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated! The "bar" is a slab cut from a 150 year old white pine from northern Michigan (Kalkaska area). My wife asked "why do you need a bar in the barn?" ….. silly her!

Here it is in his shop during the finishing process.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy Mark and a hearty congratulations.

I retired from the 'Force at 48, went to the U. of Wyo for six years, bought a bed & breakfast -- one of three in the state with a liquor license, and retired again at about 64. (Photo was taken the last night I worked.)

I'll remind you of something a good friend told me after I finally retired. "The only problem with retirement is this: there are no days off." I'm so busy now I don't know where I ever found the time to work.

Enjoy yourself.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Ha, thanks Bob! I'm starting by going fishing today. [emoji41]

 

[dave1918a2]

Congratulations, and Kudos for keeping Your employees. Enjoy the relaxation and hopefully some shooting, fishing, and golf.

 

[soFlaNative]

Congratulations and what time does the barn bar open?

 

[KalamazooKid]

Congratulations and what time does the barn bar open?

It used to be 5:00 ….. but I'm gonna try to move away from depending on clocks for anything!

 

[fleabus101]

Won't be long before it's " What day is it ? " Or better what day of the month is it ? LOL.