Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: I'm hanging it up!!!

This is topic I'm hanging it up!!! in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000970

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 11-14-2003, 10:40 PM:

After 29 years of roving around servicing theatres and other commercial sound equipment, I am quitting December 31st.
I have finally gotten burned out with all the BS of doing business! Unfortunately for the small operators like myself, it has become to cost intensive to continue. It seems like every step forward is cancelled by two steps back! The small town theatres just can't afford the cost of this service anymore. And the larger companies are selling at extremely low profit margins or even direct sales from the manufacturers! I have placed my entire inventory of equipment, NOS parts and supplies up for grabs to some local competitors. I have decided to change vocations entirely! (I will be starting a new job in the spring...not related to the theatre industry at all) It will be nice to be able to come home every night and see my wife and kids! No more 2-3 week trips away from home! However, for you old equipment guys, I will be keeping my collection of antique equipment plus the older parts! (Mainly because anyone in the business would not want them anyway) Plus, I am still working on setting up a museum somewhere in the northwest. I will be playing with the old equipment as a hobby only...I have already sold off my entire film collection so...I will still check in here and visit with the many friends I have made over the years, plus if your working on a 1920s or older machine, I will be around casually to help! If no dealers take my offer of my inventory, I will place items for sale on the open market. I want to get my warehouses cleaned out by the end of the year. For my existing customers, I will still be making my last round of service calls during the next few weeks

Posted by Erick Akers (Member # 875) on 11-15-2003, 01:49 AM:

Hi John,

Sorry to see you go; but if you don't enjoy it anymore, it's time to move forward...

But I'm happy for you and I both completely understand as well as appreciate your decision.

I've been there before, and will probably be there again.

Take Care!!!

Erick

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-15-2003, 10:14 AM:

Hi John,
Really sorry to see you go after all these years, we've known each other a really long time, before I even started in this buisness...probably 20 plus years. I did the burnout thing fomr running my own theatre supply before I moved out here to the slower life. On my days off I usually go up in the mountains and chase the coons [Wink]

. What occupation are you going after? I know you are also a mason but thats really heavy duty work that'll take its toll on your body!

Please keep in touch from time to time, and are you letting go of your machinery? I would definately show up for that stuff!

Mark

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 11-15-2003, 10:21 AM:

Thanks guys...Mark, I am going to work for a local LTL truck line..Montana Express
doing twice weekly trips to either Sacramento or Butte, MT. With wednesdays and
weekends off! You know how hard it is to get off the road! I did email Dennis a partial inventory..
I am going to keep the machine shop and my hand tools...I am still dabbling in rebuilding old trucks..
It's just become too much like work and no fun anymore!! Keep in touch!

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 11-15-2003, 01:27 PM:

Although we've talked only briefly John I know you will be missed. I referred Kevin Roudebush to you. He's opening a house in Salem and is looking for some installation help. Have you been in touch with him? Best of luck.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 11-16-2003, 12:13 AM:

John, I am about ready to follow the same path. It will be soon. The industry has been fun for me, for the most part. But it is getting harder and harder for me to maintain an 8 hour shift without being totally exhausted.

It reminds me of some of the lyrics by Niel Young in the song, "Southern Pacific"

"And the tunnel comes
And the tunnel goes
Round another bend
The giant drivers roll.

I rode the Highball
I fired the Daylight
When I turned sixty-five
I couldn't see right.

It was Mr. Jones,
We've got to let you go
It's company policy
You've got a pension though.

Roll on, Southern Pacific
On your silver rails
On your silver rails
Roll on, Southern Pacific
On your silver rails
Through the moonlight.

I put in my time
I put in my time
Now I'm left to roll
Down the long decline."

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-16-2003, 04:03 PM:

Paul, Just quit smoking and you'll feel far better in less than 6 months! That way you'd be good for another 20 years at least [Wink]

.
Mark

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 11-16-2003, 04:33 PM:

Do like I did. I gave up the theater biz and started driving a taxi. Now movies are much more fun.

Dave

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 11-16-2003, 04:36 PM:

John, while I've only met you a couple of times and done a limited amount of biz with you, I found you to be a very honest and good person. I'm sorry you are deciding to leave the biz, however, I totally understand and wish you good luck in your future endeavors.

Mark: You are 100% correct! Paul! Get off your ass and quite that evil weed... NOW!!!! [Mad]

>>> Phil

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-16-2003, 08:42 PM:

Paul do like I do smoke a pipe and drink lots of wine and fine ales [Big Grin]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-16-2003, 09:31 PM:

Paul,
What Gord didn't mention is that the pipe of his has a really, really funny shape to it...and the wine he drinks is all made right in his own basement. Nipper lives down there too when things start a bubblin...... That [beer]

Ale

at the pub down the street from Gord is really good though!!!

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 11-17-2003, 01:04 AM:

John, best wishes for you!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 11-17-2003, 01:48 PM:

quote:
I am going to work for a local LTL truck line..

John, great minds think alike! I drive for US Xpress! I left the service business last year about this time. You gotta do something, though, I know that feeling. I'm having fun being a truck dweller, but I really would rather be working in the movie business (I'm still making the Screen Attractions trailers, so I'm not completely out).

Good luck to you!

Posted by Sam Hunter (Member # 1119) on 11-17-2003, 02:20 PM:

Well John, I hate to see you go but you gotta do what you gotta do and I wish you all the best. [beer]

Keep in touch there buddy [thumbsup]

Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 11-17-2003, 05:21 PM:

John, hopefully you can do a few side jobs and stay in the flow of the biz. Any job gets to be old when you do it day in and day out. I ran photo-labs for over 20 years. Got out, but still work in that industry about 20 hours a week, mainly staying on for tech work and such. Its in my blood, at least I think that is what is in it! I'm tiring of managing a theatre, and would rather learn the technical side of the industry. I currently manage a theatre and do most of their tech work, and of course...use my carpenter skills to boot. I only wish that someone in Wisconsin would take me on as a service trainee. I'd jump at it in a heartbeat.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 11-17-2003, 07:19 PM:

Yeah, Gordon. I did smoke a pipe years ago, but I got tired of geting that damn thing rammed down my throat when I walked into glass doors. [Big Grin]

Posted by Josh Jones (Member # 447) on 11-17-2003, 07:34 PM:

Sorry to see you go John, Best of luck, and thanks for the help over the past few years [Smile]

Josh

Posted by Robert Golding (Member # 746) on 11-21-2003, 03:04 AM:

Have good time in your new life and if you are every down my way please drop in and say Hi, it's been 15 yrs since I've seen you. Again good luck in the future.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 11-21-2003, 01:23 PM:

John, it's going to be a sad day for the industry when you step out. Techs who really care about the small operator are getting harder to find.

When you take a vacation from the new job, maybe you should tour around all your old theatres and actually watch some movies for a change!

Best of luck.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 11-21-2003, 10:19 PM:

Best of luck in your new career. [thumbsup]

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 12-03-2003, 06:28 PM:

Hi John

Sorry to see ya go. I would be interested in some of the older parts to complete my projects, as time allows.

Good luck with your new career!

WK

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-08-2003, 05:25 PM:

Paul if you walked into a glass door with your pipe what were you smoking in it [Big Grin]