| Jason- yes the 9/11 event has had significant business impact. Even world-wide. However, it started way before then, i.e.,2001 no bonus's Q1, Q2, Q3. My company and my teams have been hit. It's very hard to decide who's going to be layed off. But if the hard decisions aren't made - everyone loses. I've been cutting operating expenses as much as humanly possible. I cut my dept operating expenses by 75% compared to what was budgeted. This is without losing staff. In the good times we tend to get fat & spend for things that are not really needed, i.e., equipment, travel, etc. It's been a real bitch, but it finally is starting to pay off. Unlike your letter, ours was positive, i.e., post Christmas Q4 bonus for entire company.
I hope the coming year has a positive result for your company. The best thing any employee can do for themselves, their company and their own job security is to stop and look around and say, "How can I help, i.e., work more efficiently, cut operating expenses? How can we do business better at lower cost. etc, etc?" Those who don't think this way are probably doomed to seeing those pink slip's & the heartache of being layed off. Also don't be complacent about your fellow workers attitude. "The world owes me a living" is not the right attitude to survive these hard times. If you let them, they'll drag you down with them.
I also empower my team managers and their team members to control their own destiny and job security. Customer--> Company -->Self. Any one can say "Al- I think that will not work or we need to do this!" Even [:(] "Al you're full of crap!" But then they have to be able support it! [:bigsmile:]
So- Jason, I know you're a smart guy. Don't let the bonus thing drag you down. Yes- the fishing industry is probably taking a bigger hit. But we all need the sanity of what we call "Muskie Fishing". Although some would argue Muskie fisherman are pretty insane. I wish I could afford a new boat, truck, etc. But I know if I keep going w/ positive attitude, I'll achieve my goals. I hope you achieve your's. Giving up guiding for the family is an outstanding statement of your personal integrity & self worth. [:halo:]
Merry Christmas
Al
www.santaisonhisway.com[:bigsmile:] |
| You've all touched on the many ways the event has touched our jobs/businesses. We're on an interesting layer in all this, being an accessory item but very necessary, especially in this time.
What we're seeing is a steady increase in domestic travel. New lakes are being explored in home states, instead of traveling to outside areas to fish. While we initially took a hit like the rest of the industry, we agreed with the rest of the nation and kept plugging ahead.
In the coming month, 35 new and updated maps are being released. Plus, two new muskie books! We're seeing more destination dealers (those on or close to the water) coming onboard. Gas prices are falling as people are becoming more mobile.
Used boat sales are up...new boat sales in several categories are up...and there are other things beginning to show that, as far as our sport goes, it should be a good season.
The largest sporting goods tradeshow is already heavily booked for July, another great indicator that we, on this side of fishing, will not lay down and be force fed the garbage these foreign countries are dishing out.
I applaud the tremendous fellow Wisconsin companies like St. Croix, Mepps, Suick, Mercury and many others who, like us, know you guys count on us. We are all working hard not to let you down.
Mike Michalak
President
Fishing Hot Spots, Inc. |
