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STL-Scott

STL-Scott

Member # 006
Location (City)
Columbus, Ohio
And not the kind for the car.

My office is going through a huge slow down right now, and just received an email from the owner that the office is going to be closed between xmas and Jan 4th., without pay (except for the holiday).

I don't see a bright light for the beginning of the new year. This has been coming for some months now and unfortunately the crisis on Wall Street has hit retailers, and real estate developers right in their pocket book. Projected sales forecast are dismal, and people are cutting off new projects or stopping ones in the development stages cold in their tracks.

If anyone hears of any opportunities in a construction related field, please let me know. I don't want to be left behind in this mess. Rather be proactive than reactive.

Don't want to sell my Cobra. But, I may have to. A project in the garage does not put food on the table or a roof over our heads for my family.
 
Sorry to hear it Scott,

I guess we all know it's coming but it's that much harder when you get actual notice that it's happening to you. I know that there is too much retail space now because of overbuilding and developers have a lot of empty spaces in older malls that are killing them. Andy is with a major electrical contractor and the big shots have showed up at job sites the last 3 Fridays to hand the unlucky one's their last check before letting them know that they need to head to the hall on Monday. Unfortunately it's nationwide so working out of town till things get better isn't an option any more and finding anyone who is hiring locally is tough as well. Assuming you don't have a "no compete" in place, I would start with competitors who you have taken work away from, they may want to get you on their team while they can. I think we may be looking at 2 years of downturn before it starts to get better and 3-4 years before we get back to where we were a year ago but I sure hope I'm wrong. Hang in there, you've got talent that someone is looking for, you just need to make the connection.

Good Luck,
Tom
 
Scott,

Sorry to hear that, I will definatly keep my eyes and ears open for you. Have you worked for anyone else in town? I always try to keep contact with former employers for this very reason (plus some of them are good friends).
 
Just a quick thought - but contact Tony Boz right here. He's a builder right? Didn't you do some work for him in the past? Anyway, I'll keep thinking.

Mark
 
Thanks Guys. Not letting this get me down. Still pursuing new work opportunities for my company. Hopefully something new will happen.

Mark - yes - the company I work for did projects for TB.

Craig - previously worked with ADG and KWI (Klitzing Welsch). I heard KWI was going through layoffs recently. CASCO has cut their staff by 25% (had around 150 employed here in St. Louis).

Keeping the fingers crossed...
 
I heard an interesting saying yesterday morning.
"If you focus on the bad, the good will pass you by."

I had to rearrange my vacation with the office closing over the holiday...so I now have next week off, and will be home between the 24th- Jan 4th.

Going to help my wife finish the home remodeling we started over labor day...take some day trips in town...and

Finish as much of my car as I can, budget allowing. I plan to have this thing ready to start by the end of my vacation, may even have the body ready to install. If I have to sell or move it...it will make things a lot easier.

I also responded to an opening for a Facilities Architect at Honda R&D North America. It's in Ohio. We may be relocating due to this economy. Oh well, it's better than working below my potential at Wal-Mart...which would be a trip in and of itsef since I have helped design so many of these.
 
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Hang in there Scott. These are truly difficult times, the worst I have seen in my lifetime. No one knows for sure when the recovery will start to take place but most of the pundits think it will happen the 3rd or 4th quarter of next year with the markets leading by several months.

I retired at the beginning of the year and have seen my net worth decline by at least 35%. In retrospect had I known the economy was going to tank I would have continued to work and probably not bought a Cobra.

Scott you're a young, sharp guy. Keep looking for new opportunities and hopefully we'll get out of this mess sooner than later.

We're in the same neighborhood, if you want to talk call or come by.

Randy
 
Scott,

Hang in there buddy. You are correct, be proactive. One suggestion, though, if it is at all possible keep the car. I am not just talking about the value issue right now. I understand if it is not an option, but when I was going through selling my old business and starting this one it was a very stressful time. As most on this site can tell you, your troubles go away with the turn of the key. It sounds silly, but a drive while things were there worst always seemed to clear my head. Again, if it isn't an option family is always first, but keep your sense of humor and level head. Best of luck!
 
Scott, I've put your name out there to a few of my contractor's, haven't spoken yet to the architects, but can tell you that KdG, SSC or Fortune Wireless are all busy with our projects. I don't pull much weight with them since I don't hire them directly, our Real Estate team does that. Use my name as a reference if you want, I've seen the Troop C headquarters it's awesome, so I know you do good work.

In regards to the car, It's money you've already spent. You will NOT get what you already have in it back. So, is it best to lose money on money you've already spent or to hang on to it and either finish it or hope that the market comes back? I guess don't dwell on it for now, like you said, just keep working on it as time/budget allows. The rest will care for itself.
 
Thanks Tim, appreciate it. If I can make it through the New Yeat at my job...I know there is some work coming out from the State in Jan. that we are bidding on. Similar process to how our team was selected for Troop C. Nothing is gaurenteed, but what is?

My dad has gotten me an early xmas present with the Telorvek wiring system and computer reflash. Should be here sometime in December. So I am really down to about $1k in misc. items I still need to get my car running in it's basic form. Maybe less if I just decide a few of the supplied items are okay. Paint can wait. Always wanted a black car...(gel coat) ;) I don't expect to sell the car right away...but this was my rainy day fund when things were looking good earlier this year and we were double income and expecting larger bonuses. I'm probably a good representation of what is happening across America . Like everyone else, I've seen my 401k go to Sh**.

Oh Well...
 
Scotty I'm at loss on my end to know what to say or do other than to tell you that I love you as a dear & trusted younger brother. I have grown very close to you in a short time & very fond of you. I respect & admire you for the knowledge & expertise that you bring to the table. Not only that I can tell that you are a loving, caring & devoted Husband & father. Keep your chin up big guy. I will pray for you & your family. Your Loving bros. in Christ David. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
 
Scott. Good luck with everything. Unfortunately I'm not in that area of the business anymore. Keep your eye on the prize and it will come. I agree that 401K and such are crap right now, but we have time for them to re-coup. Let me know if there is something I can do to help. As far as selling the car, I'd hate to lose it. I've been having similiar discussions, but luckily it more of a rainy day plan right now. Job market sucks and there is way too much happening right now for anyone to feel comfortable.
 
Okay, I have a gripe to make. Why is it that the term "architect" is so losely used when it comes to the IT industry? There are literally dozens of want ads for:

"Systems Architect"
"Network Architect"
"Senior Internet Systems Architect"

By regulation, an "Architect" is a trained professional, and practices the Art & Science of Building. He or she is one who has undergone advanced level training, either through a combination of post-secondary education, apprenticeship, work experience, and extensive licensure examination. It took me 12 years after high school to earn the right to use the term "Architect" in conjuction with my job. I hold a license to practice Architecture in two states (Colorado & Missouri), and have to complete 24 hours of health, safety & welfare continuing education every two years to renew my license in MO.

I just don't get it. People don't go around losely using the tern Doctor or Attorney and getting away with it. Maybe the Engineers are also in this predicament.

I should apply to every one of these positions and say that I am a real "Architect"...it was in your ad so I thought I would apply...

Anyway, thanks for reading my soap box...Carry on.
 
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Scott,

Is your company involved in any of the projects going on down here right now? It seems they are to type of developments that you have mentioned in the past.
 
CK.-

We've been planning and designing a big Condo project at the Lake...it's associated with a big resturant - JB Hooks. Not sure if it's on again, or off again. Seems like I hear about it from time to time but it never moves forward.

I think thats it for your area. I did two large shopping centers in Columbia between 2005 through early this year. We have also done some work at Mizzou.

I did land a new mixed use project last week for an existing client. Nothing big, but if it pans out its a few months of work.

Meeting with our business manager next week to get together our materials for Federal work. When my wife and I had our own practice in Denver, this was our specialty. With the news of some possible infrastructure initiatives coming out of the transition (Presidential) team the buzz on the street is this may be the ticket for next year to get through until the economy recovers enough that private developers and lending institutions are in a position to start building again. I have a business lunch with an engineering firm that contacted me about joint venturing on some possible projects. Won't know what this is about until Friday.

I also found out my Rock Hill project may start up again in June or July of next year. It was put on hold three weeks ago :(

While the news is not great...there is still some hope!
 
Been There Done That

NETWORK...NETWORK...NETWORK
You have a good start networking by putting your pride to the side and posting on this site.Sounds like you are still employeed but not sure about the future.. trust me, it is easier to find a new career while you are still employeed.
I went thru the exact same scenerio several years ago and that is how I ended up with my own business..figured if I was going to work 12-14 hr days it would be for myself so I could control my destiny.
Keep your spirits up.
Let everyone you know you are seeking ....your pastor, your Dr., your CPA,anyone you come in contact with...maybe even the bagger at Schnucks/Dierbers.
Mike Woley
 
Sounds good. Don't bet on the condo project anytime soon. The developer has other projects that need to be sold before he will break ground on this one. We have four large commercial developments going right now. With a couple more in the works. The stores coming in are ones you have mentioned before(Best Buy, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Petsmart, Menards, etc.) I was just hoping that they were going to have your signature on them. Residential stuff has dried up here also, but the commercial work seems to be strong.
 
Please move this thread to the Paddock

Moderators (Mark/Tim) - Request to move this thread into the Paddock. I have more to post, but want to take this off the public forum side of the site.

Thanks,

Scott
 
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