Dear Veda, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's never easy to say good-bye to one so close. I hope that you have been able to keep up your health and strength through this difficult time. It pleases me to know that Jim enjoyed the 'List'. I enjoy it too. I hope you'll become an active part of it, whether you decide to run your business while hiring help, or learn to do the work yourself. The list has a lot to offer, technical help, the occasional laugh, and some friends that really do exist on the other end of that phone line. Definitely get together with your local PTG chapter if you can. It doesn't cost that much to join. If you're thinking of hiring someone to do the initial technical and tuning work, there's nothing that says you couldn't hire several people to do a little work as opposed to one person to do a lot of work. Those that are the most knowledgeable probably have other businesses of their own that they either have built or are building. By all means, learn the technical end of tuning and repair. It will be of value to you, even if you don't do it all yourself. I know of a dealer in my area who has almost no technical knowledge whatsoever. It is a definite handicap for him. I suspect you already have some technical knowledge from having been with Jim for so many years. At less than 50 years old, I see no reason to feel "too old" to do most anything you really wanted to do with this business. You already have a very big start having most of the tools, parts, supplies and equipment. To replace all that stuff would probably amount to $10,000 or more, definitely a handicap when most people start out. And you already have a customer base. That might be an even bigger handicap for a newcomer. Learning is a matter of putting yourself at the right places at the right times and exposing yourself to useful information. The national PTG convention is coming up in Arlington, VA (July 5 - 9). There are classes on almost anything you could imagine. If you have Jim's old Journals, there are ads in the back for video tapes that would probably be a big help to you. There are many books available, some through the PTG, and others through various supply houses that could be helpful. There's always the 'List' here if you need someone to point you in the right direction. If you can get involved with your local chapter, there are probably people there who you can turn to when you need something. I've found that as a member of the local chapter, many of these people have become my friends, many of which I wouldn't hesitate to ask if I had a problem. (I hope if they would have a problem, that they wouldn't be shy about asking me either. After all, we're friends.) Veda, I wish you good fortune, whatever direction you decide to travel. It's not something anyone else can decide for you. But we're all here if there's anything we can do for you. Keep in touch. Best wishes, Brian Trout Quarryville, PA btrout@desupernet.net
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