The true power of Autopia!! My life as I know it

Your story is very inspiring. Congrats on overcoming your demons. I know thats a tough battle to win. Most don't succeed



May you continue to have great success and never forget where you came from



God bless,



Flash :tinfoil3:
 
Barry... it is easy to share one's triumphs and achievements on a public forum... it takes testicular fortitude to bare one's soul and admit their faults.



Thank you for sharing.
 
Barry:

There are few detailers, who's advice and photos of his work are more coveted by Autopian community than you. Your personal story just adds that much more intrigue to the man who's title should be "The Most Interesting Detailer in the World". What REALLY sets you apart is your passion for detailing and the time you have taken to master the "art and science of detailing" as you call it. That's has been my credo for a long time that detailing truly is a "science" and an "art" that does require a certain skill set to develop and master. It can be learned, but the passion part and believing in yourself that you can really can do it and WANT to do it is what separates the wannabes from the truly professional. Your success story involves "personal issues" that you have overcome and undertaking some financial business risk that few wish to take on and even fewer wish to committ to. And you have given credit to the others for contributing to your success, and the fact that you are willing to spend time helping others and giving back to those who want to be like you only makes me admire Barry Theal that much more (whose name I keep spelling incorrectly in other post!).
 
Lonnie said:
Barry:

Your personal story just adds that much more intrigue to the man who's title should be "The Most Interesting Detailer in the World".



That title is already taken. Perhaps he needs to go through knighthood so we can call him Sir Barry Theal. His before and after details are like royalty!



Keep up the awesome posts Barry! Enjoy sitting down with some :pop2:or :beer_yum: after work and spending 20 minutes looking at a detail of yours!
 
This is great, Barry! A truly inspiring story for all. Just goes to show, that if you want something, you have to work for it and never give up and the sign of true passion is the never giving up part.
 
I agree with June bug if there is one thing I know is that the Kids grow up fast. Take time while they are still there. Show them your integrity and your love and they will keep coming back to see you after they move out.
 
It takes a lot of brass to open up their personal history on the internet for the world to see. I applaud you for having the guts to say what you did.



None of us are perfect. We are all flawed, mortal beings with a very limited time on this earth. Following your life's passion is part of what makes life worth living. We all make mistakes but working hard to overcome them, and succeeding.... well, it feels good, doesn't it? You know that your personal success is 100% yours. I have a lot of respect for people who hit rock bottom, realize their mistakes, and work hard to overcome them and better themselves.



Thanks for the post, Barry. It was very inspirational. Keep up the fantastic work.
 
Well it's been a while since I've posted. Normally I just lurk, read, and learn. With that being said I would like to thank you Barry, for writing your thoughts and sharing your personal story with us. I'm very happy Life has rewarded you and your family with all the hard work you put forth.



One thing I would like to share with you, is what I learned from reading your story. (I think it's very important) I guess you can say this is my epiphany, in the sense that each week I will now make it a point to spend some time and reflect back at my actions during the week and see how can I better myself as a person, a father, and dedicated Diesel Mechanic. Like you Barry, I too LOVE my career and look forward to going to work everyday. But as you said, a person can always look back and find ways to humble themselves. I think this is the first time I have learned something from you outside of detailing.....a very valuable lesson in Life.



Thank You Barry. Thank You for the advice, and........for opening my eyes I guess you could say.
 
All Hail the power of Autopia! Great story Barry, inspiring. I too have the passion whether it's working on a 2000 taurus or a 66 Jag. I wouldn't be where I am (7 years now) without this forum. God bless the internet.



Derek
 
I'm glad I had the chance to meet you at SEMA this year and thank you in person for this sharing and moving post.



Mark
 
Barry, how are the benefits. Do you get holidays and paid vacation time? :D



Just kidding! I am jealous of you, I hope to do the same thing once I can finally afford a house with a garage and quit my job! Hopefully within 20 years.
 
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