I`m saying goodbye...

**TSC17** · 05-28-2010, 06:10 AM

Hello everybody!

As many of you already know, I`ve been working in the motorcycle business for about 22 years now...the past 9 as a Regional Sales and Marketing Manager responsible for roughly 700 dealerships, 13 District Managers, and many many millions of dollars in sales.

At the same time I have been running my rapidly expanding detailing business at nights and on weekends, and have been working extensively on writing articles for DI at the same time (about 70 so far this year).

Throw in a family with young kids, and you can imagine that it`s been a 7-days a week endeavor for a long time. Something had to go to maintain my sanity.

Since I have so many years invested in the motorcycle industry...a steady (and healthy) paycheck, 401K, and a nice title, it was actually a pretty simple decision to make.

I have decided to say goodbye...to the motorcycle industry! You probably thought I was going to say goodbye to detailing, right? :chuckle:

The demand for my services has grown at an exponential rate, particularly in the Exotics market. I`m usually booked months in advance even during the cold Ohio winters.

The demand for articles through DI has grown at an equal pace, and I`ve even been asked to author some projects in a major print publication as well.

Despite the fact that I have held a "solid" job in the motorcycle industry for a long time, I will have many more opportunities and the ability to grow my own business(es) by making this change. I also have some other (very) big projects in the works for the automotive / detailing industry that I will be focusing on now that I have the time available (just 2 or 3 jobs is easier to manage than 3 to 4!).

So the moral of the story here for part-time detailers out there...don`t be afraid to cut the umbilical cord and create your own futures! When you plan properly and build a strong network, you can create plenty of opportunities for yourself. If you sit back and wait for "it" to come to you, then it probably won`t.

Live the dream my friends!

Best regards,

Todd Cooperider

**MichaelM** · 05-28-2010, 06:16 AM

I`m loving the entrepreneurial spirit! Best of luck.

**Deep Gloss Auto Salon** · 05-28-2010, 07:16 AM

Hey Todd,

I am very happy for you that you are able to pursue what really makes you happy... Congrats for staying busy during the harsh winters, that is a feat in and of itself!

I wish you nothing but the best!

Jason

**RaskyR1** · 05-28-2010, 07:16 AM

I know I`ve already said this to you, but best of luck to you Todd! :spot

P.S. Any chance you can still hook a brother up on motorcycle accessories?

hehehe, j/k!

**JohnKleven** · 05-28-2010, 07:41 AM

We`re glad to hear that here on Autopia Todd. I wish you continued success.

John

**imported_sharpie98** · 05-28-2010, 08:10 AM

it`s good to hear you say your staying, I look forward to your articles they help out alot. best of luck in the future

**gmblack3** · 05-28-2010, 08:21 AM

Hard work does pay off.

Congrats Todd on all of your success!

**maxepr1** · 05-28-2010, 08:33 AM

Well the motorcycle industry is losing a good man, but we in the detailing industry are gaining a good man! All that hard work is paying off Todd when you have to make decisions like these, you know your doing things right! Family comes first, and in this day and age family usually suffers(sad but true). You only know what is right for you and your family. But you know that your decision is got the support of your family and us your extended family! I don`t really need to wish you luck, your already a lucky man!!

**TSC17** · 05-28-2010, 08:44 AM

Thanks to everybody for all the great support. It always has been, and always will be greatly appreciated!

Originally Posted by maxepr1

Well the motorcycle industry is losing a good man, but we in the detailing industry are gaining a good man! All that hard work is paying off Todd when you have to make decisions like these, you know your doing things right! Family comes first, and in this day and age family usually suffers(sad but true). You only know what is right for you and your family. But you know that your decision is got the support of your family and us your extended family! I don`t really need to wish you luck, your already a lucky man!!

Thank you! Getting more time to spend with my family was actually the biggest factor in making this decision. I have been doing extensive travel for the past 15 years or so, and I have missed a lot of family activities and stuff that my kids were involved with. My kids are now 9 and 15 and I definitely want to spend as much time with them as I can before they grow up and move on!

There are a lot of upsides to what I`m doing here, but the increased time with the family is the most important of all.

**XL Advantage** · 05-28-2010, 09:04 AM

That is really awesome.

I have started from scratch and operated my own commercial office cleaning business for 6 years now and have been able to provide a living for my family almost the entire time. It has its ups and downs. I wouldn`t trade it for anything and couldn`t imagine working for someone else ever again.

My Dad used to work long hours and we moved about 12-15 times before we settled in Columbus. I don`t remember seeing him much. I made a point to try and find something I could do for a living and still spend a lot of time with my family. The family time has been invaluable. They are only young once.

Good luck to you. I look forward to meeting you someday.

Tim