AudioCircle
Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Danny Richie on 5 Feb 2014, 12:19 am
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Yes, you reading this right! I am seriously considering selling my company; GR Research. I don't have to sell it, but I looking to position myself in a way that will allow me to move beyond selling products and more towards a product development and design role. Other motivating factors will be outlined below.
Some brief history: GR Research is now today and in its past been a very successful venture. The company has made me a very good living for many years and has provided well for my family. Operating GR Research has allowed me to work from home and be with my kids everyday as they grew up. I consider this the greatest blessing, and just one of the advantages this type of self employment has blessed me with. I have enjoyed my customer base and made many new friends. Unfortunately many high end audio companies in the marketplace have seen an economic downturn in recent years. All the while GR Research has done very well comparably. With brick and mortar audio stores struggling and closing the doors, there has been a shift away from buying in the retail market and going with reputable online companies like GR Research. Currently we are in a good position for the existing market as GR Research doesn't rely on traditional stores for sales. And GR Research has become a known go to company for the DIY market segment.
From a more personal perspective helping people create and own something that they love has been very rewarding. Meeting new people and making new friends that are all over the country, and in many other countries, has been great as well. Exhibiting at shows has also allowed me to meet many great people that share the goals of the attaining the highest level of music reproduction. And all of the awards and accolades from the shows are a side note compared to the great time spent with friends and customers.
So the question many of you may have is why would I sell GR Research? Here are some of my reasons to move beyond ownership of the company.
I enjoy challenges. I look for new challenges, always. Designing the next best something is where my mind is all the time. And I really love coming up with and working on new designs. And if this is what I really enjoy doing then I have to make more time for it.
For 2014 I have a ton of new design work lined up from several companies. And I really need to devote more time to my design work. I may even launch a new product line of completed loudspeaker designs. And I might even launch some new products in various other countries soon. New stones are being laid. And I'd still love to design new future GR Research products.
A thriving business like GR Research involves answering phone calls, e-mails, and posting regularly on the forums. That can be very rewarding as well, but it does require spending more and more time that takes away from my future design work and goals. And yes, packing orders everyday means GR Research is making good money. But sometimes for me, making money isn't everything. Because of the success of GR Research I have no financial burdens. If the business continues to grow at its current rate, then I will be greatly limiting my time to take on my future challenges. These challenges are where my real passion is versus just making money in a product offering based business.
Lastly, I both play and coach soccer and have done so for many years. There is a strong possibility that I might even consider coaching full time at high school or college level. This is something that I can only do if I am in a design role capacity versus owning and running a day to day business operation. I'd like to take advantage of the time I have to be more involved in playing and coaching soccer. It's what keeps me young at heart and makes me happy.
As of today, I am offering the right person a very lucrative deal on the ownership of GR Research. This Includes complete ownership of the GR Research name, the website, the inventory, and all of my support. As stated earlier, this is a money making business. It has taken years to build a customer base and clientele that contacts me from all over the world. Success at this level is something that is not very easy to obtain nowadays even with a good presence on the internet. Good reputations take a long time to develop. I have also amassed a considerable amount of inventory that encompasses the bases for the selling price. So please realize, I am not looking to just give this business away. But it will be sold for a very fair price considering it's market value and assets.
And I admit that I have not been a great marketer of GR Research. Given a choice of helping a customer or packing and filling orders verses working on web page development and marketing has always left web page development and marketing on the back burner. Someone with a greater level of marketing expertise could likely take the business and run with it.
If you think that you may be the right person to operate and own GR Research, then let me know. I am looking for the person(s) who have a passion for high end audio and want to continue building the GR Research brand. I already had a buyer lined up, but unfortunately health related issues resulted in this buyer having to back out. So I am now making this offering public. If you feel you are the right person for the job then please feel free to contact me if you are interested.
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Wow!
Good luck with any future endeavors!
Hope you can find somebody with passion and knowledge willing to take this on. It has been so nice having access to both your knowledge and experience and it will be sad to see you go.
Have you thought about just taking on a partner who could handle the day to day as well as marketing while staying on as the designer?
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Wow!
Good luck with any future endeavors!
Hope you can find somebody with passion and knowledge willing to take this on. It has been so nice having access to both your knowledge and experience and it will be sad to see you go.
Have you thought about just taking on a partner who could handle the day to day as well as marketing while staying on as the designer?
I really won't be going so to speak. I'll still be here for support. Plus posting on the forums is part of what I consider the fun part. So, I won't be disappearing.
I haven't really considered the partner idea. It started out that way and didn't work out too well at the time. So I am really not considering going back to that arrangement. I wouldn't mind staying on as a consultant or something. But that's about it.
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Well Danny,
I certainly understand what you are talking about as a long time small business owner. I too have been able to stay home and watch my daughter grow up and I too have been growing to such a point that I'm not really doing what I like to do. Too much paper work and not enough time with people or working on ideas. I think your wise not to partner up again, I started out that way too and it didn't end well. Once on my own everything fell into space. I got a sinking feeling reading your post, I really enjoy my time here and would hate to see it change too much. I don't blame you for wanting to do more of what you enjoy doing and hey, we only live once. Good luck and hopefully you'll find a good fit with someone you can work with. I for one hope you're around here for a long long time.
Greg
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Danny,
This is one the most interesting threads I've seen on AC in a long while. Your heart is really in this, and that's way too rare these days. Please send me a personal message sometime. Hope everything works out for you without waiting too long for the right answer/people.
-Tommy O
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Guess the Corvette and the big roll of bubble wrap don't play too well together :lol:
Appreciate where you are trying to go. You will have accomplished something if you
can transition this to somebody else and keep everybody happy.
I can't think of anything harder to transition to a new owner than a one man
company.
With regards to your earlier partner, as I understand it, he was a designer also.
Maybe a partner specialized in marketing/operations might work a little better.
Just a thought. Good luck.
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Well Danny,
I certainly understand what you are talking about as a long time small business owner. I too have been able to stay home and watch my daughter grow up and I too have been growing to such a point that I'm not really doing what I like to do. Too much paper work and not enough time with people or working on ideas. I think your wise not to partner up again, I started out that way too and it didn't end well. Once on my own everything fell into space. I got a sinking feeling reading your post, I really enjoy my time here and would hate to see it change too much. I don't blame you for wanting to do more of what you enjoy doing and hey, we only live once. Good luck and hopefully you'll find a good fit with someone you can work with. I for one hope you're around here for a long long time.
Greg
+1
GR Research just wouldn't be the same without Danny Richie. The products are your designs. Just as designs have come and gone over the years, at some point the current models will no longer be viable. Without new designs of the same or higher caliber and price points to replace them that would be the end of GR Research.
I too understand your desires. The skill set, desire, and drive needed to get a new company up and running to the point that it matures are very different from what is required to successfully run a mature company, as are the rewards provided.
From a purely selfish standpoint I hope you don't go too far.
Good luck
Mike
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I got a sinking feeling reading your post, I really enjoy my time here and would hate to see it change too much. I don't blame you for wanting to do more of what you enjoy doing and hey, we only live once. Good luck and hopefully you'll find a good fit with someone you can work with. I for one hope you're around here for a long long time.
Greg
+1 . Very well said.
Whatever ends up happening , I hope it all works out for you Danny and tha it allows you to have the time to do what works for you . For all of us, we can only hope that whoever ends up taking over your bussiness follows your lead and continue to offer us all the great products ad support like you've been doing.
It's great to know that you are planning to stay on in a supprt role and will continue on with the forum.
Man, trying to be happy for you but can't seem to shake that sinking feeling Greg mentioned ....
-jay
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No need for any sinking feelings. I won't be far. And I'll still be glad to design new designs and new models for GR Research. That's the part I want more time for. I can design new product while someone else works on the selling end, packing, shipping, etc.
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Well, life is full of surprises. I certainly didn't see this one coming. Hope that this works out in a satisfying way for you. Just so happens, my daughter is looking for a soccer coach!
Scott
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Danny, I want to wish you the best with all of your future endeavors. Life is short. And you need to pursue your passions. That's what makes life worth living.
And, of course, I look forward to hearing and hopefully owning some of your future designs.
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No need for any sinking feelings. I won't be far. And I'll still be glad to design new designs and new models for GR Research. That's the part I want more time for. I can design new product while someone else works on the selling end, packing, shipping, etc.
Good news for everyone :green:
-jay
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Wow! The only thing that would surprise me more would have been if the Broncos nearly got shut out in the Superbowl. :duh:
I understand that you want to move on and be able to devote more time to R + D, but couldn't you have just hired someone to man the phones and ship stuff out?
Anyway, please stick around here, as we love picking your brain.
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Good news for everyone :green:
-jay
Hahaha I was just about to start a petition to make sure that Danny changes his mind and doesn't sell :P
May the x-otica design survive!! :D
On a slightly less selfish note, I am extremely happy for you Danny and I wish you all the best with your future projects. You are following your heart and honestly I find this quite inspiring
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Wow! The only thing that would surprise me more would have been if the Broncos nearly got shut out in the Superbowl. :duh:
I understand that you want to move on and be able to devote more time to R + D, but couldn't you have just hired someone to man the phones and ship stuff out?
Anyway, please stick around here, as we love picking your brain.
+1. Hire a business manager. Off to the lab you go. Problem solved.
I cannot think of any small audio company sell off that didn't result in the owner/founder becoming a marginalized figurehead that eventually quits in disgust. Kloss, Bozak, Hafler, Marantz... They all got screwed. New regime tells the "founding father" how valuable his/her input will be, how they will be shaping future product development, yada yada yada. Then the first "initiative" announced is "cost cutting", because to them, it's just a business, not a labor of love. I agree with Skiman. On the other hand, if you just want to "chuck it all" and be a "hired gun", that's fine too.
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Danny, I've enjoyed our long-term relationship, from back when I built those enormous Alpha LS cabinets for you. I understand why you want to get out from under the daily grind of paperwork, packing, shipping, ordering components, etc. At your stage of success you should be handling the strategic R&D rather than the tactical operations.
If you don't receive a reasonable buyout offer near term, I suggest hiring one of two types: a recent retiree who still wants to work and enjoys working with people and overseeing a successful operation, OR a recent college grad with a business degree who would work for a modest salary for the opportunity to run a business and some day have that very important entry on his/her resume.
God bless you, your family and your future ventures!
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WOW, simply WOW.
I had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn't April already.....
I've been a long time lurker to this site but just VERY recently a registered member. This feels like such a bummer, but I completely understand the reasoning behind the decision.
I hope nothing but the best of luck in your future Danny!
I really like Hanks alternatives below.
If you don't receive a reasonable buyout offer near term, I suggest hiring one of two types: a recent retiree who still wants to work and enjoys working with people and overseeing a successful operation, OR a recent college grad with a business degree who would work for a modest salary for the opportunity to run a business and some day have that very important entry on his/her resume.
I assume Danny has explored so many options already.
God bless and good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D
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Danny,
I actually think this is a smart move man!
You are better off working on designs and doing what you do best rather than filling orders, updating sites etc etc...
If I was in a different position, id be all over this!
Ron
New Record Day -vinyl reviews and more
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Hi Danny and all Audio Circle members.
I am up top my third businesses; with the first one, I had a partner but only one week later, I had to buy his shares back to kick him out, cost my lots of $ $ $.
I ran the business all by myself for a year, then hired employees and secretary and the business started to grow to a point that I was putting 80 hours a weeks and neglecting my wife and children, then I close the business and went working for my ex-boss. The a few years later, I started another business, again all by myself, but after a years or so a ex co-worker came to see me and I offer him a 50/50 partnership and it work well for 12 years, (He took care of accounting and sales of parts, I was doing the technical part designing, repair, installation.) then I wanted to take a new challenge, do something completely different, so I came to Vietnam and started with my wife (She’s my boss, no kidding) a business importing and selling professional photographic equipment. (Bowens, Manfrotto, Phase One, LEE, B+W and more)
I choose with my wife to stay small and after 18 years, I am still in business, minds you, I think at 65 years old it’s time to think seriously about my retirement.
I’ve always enjoy working in something I like.
I always wanted to be small.
Danny, I understand the move you want to do and I agree 100% with you.
Still working in the same field of work is a good idea, because we all know that you are good at what you do.
I wish you luck and I think getting someone (Employee or partner) for GR Research might be a good idea.
Guy 13
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Danny,
I'm saddened that you plan to sell your company, but I certainly understand your reasons for wanting to do so. I want to wish you the very best in your new endeavors and hope that it will allow you more time for product design and development. Thank you for all your help and contributions to the DIY audio community. Also, for all the wonderful speaker system designs that you have developed so far. I feel confident that you will be selling your business only to someone who has as much passion about speakers and helping others as you do. The only thing that concerns me is hopefully the products want take a big price increase once the business is sold.
Ron
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Danny I hope you find a buyer and move forward as you dream. Best of luck!!
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Danny,
I'm saddened that you plan to sell your company, but I certainly understand your reasons for wanting to do so. I want to wish you the very best in your new endeavors and hope that it will allow you more time for product design and development. Thank you for all your help and contributions to the DIY audio community. Also, for all the wonderful speaker system designs that you have developed so far. I feel confident that you will be selling your business only to someone who has as much passion about speakers and helping others as you do. The only thing that concerns me is hopefully the products want take a big price increase once the business is sold.
Ron
Congrats on :having both the expertise and focus to build the company in the first place
:the degree of success you've had to be able to sell it
:the desire to stay connected to something you love.
I'm sure it'll remain in good hands. There are enough knowledgeable people on these forums to put together a pretty impressive "A List" of folks to go to get the best bang for the buck in the audio industry, and it sounds to me like you're going to remain one of them. And "out sourcing" the grunt work and sticking with what you love just makes the whole picture that much brighter.
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Danny,
I'm so happy for you. If anyone deserves to do what you'd like to do, it's you. For me, you've been a light in a very dark place. You've always been an inspiration to me and I'm sure to many, many others. The person I truly trust on all matters of audio is you. You're an up front guy and your honesty are to be admired. I never had a feeling of being talked down to when I'd e-mail you.
I hope you find someone who can take complicated issues and explain it so the average person would understand as you have for us. May your future be so bright that you need to wear shades every waking moment. Again, I'm so happy for you!!!!
Steve
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Danny,
I'm so happy for you. If anyone deserves to do what you'd like to do, it's you. For me, you've been a light in a very dark place. You've always been an inspiration to me and I'm sure to many, many others. The person I truly trust on all matters of audio is you. You're an up front guy and your honesty are to be admired. I never had a feeling of being talked down to when I'd e-mail you.
I hope you find someone who can take complicated issues and explain it so the average person would understand as you have for us. May your future be so bright that you need to wear shades every waking moment. Again, I'm so happy for you!!!!
Steve
From what I read in the initial post, I wouldn't be surprised to be seeing even more of Danny in this forum if he get's the right deal.
If you can free up some time by somehow farming out some tasks that are LESS fun, get some reward back, and do more of what you enjoy more - then why not go for it? Looks like a no brainer to me.
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I hope things go well for you, Danny. You have a lot of skill and experience and the drive to take adavantage of it. Frankly, you are such an integral part of your company, I don't see how it would survive without you. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best.
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From what I read in the initial post, I wouldn't be surprised to be seeing even more of Danny in this forum if he get's the right deal.
If you can free up some time by somehow farming out some tasks that are LESS fun, get some reward back, and do more of what you enjoy more - then why not go for it? Looks like a no brainer to me.
During a season, being a head coach is a full time job.
I hope you're right :thumb:
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Wish I could buy your business. Loudspeaker building has been my passion since I was about 11. Manufacturing is NOT.
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This is a huge shocker to me. I love GR Research and Danny's work in general. While I don't follow audio as much these days, I always check out Danny's new projects. I don't really see the value in selling GR vs simply opening a company and contracting Danny for work to be quite honest. I think Danny's best course would be to work a deal with someone like Parts Express or Madisound (assuming they're still around). All of the cool design work and they're already set up for that scenario. No idea if they'd be interested but it would be great for all. Good luck to everyone going forward and enjoy life however you choose to.
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I don't really see the value in selling GR vs simply opening a company and contracting Danny for work to be quite honest.
Starting a new company takes years to develop. In this economy chances of success of a new start up in this industry are slim. GR Research is a well established business that is doing well even in this difficult economy. A new owner would be walking into a business with an immediate profit stream. That doesn't happen with a start up.
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Danny best of luck whatever you decide. You are a talented honest Man who has made many happy and fed your family. If it were me, instead of selling a respected and valuable business why not consider hiring a person on salary to run it. No loss of your baby and time for other ventures or consulting.
There has to be someone out there in your area qualified for such. Lots of unemployed people out there. Do not give up the Ship yet my friend. Again best of luck with your decision.
charles
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Danny best of luck whatever you decide. You are a talented honest Man who has made many happy and fed your family. If it were me, instead of selling a respected and valuable business why not consider hiring a person on salary to run it. No loss of your baby and time for other ventures or consulting.
There has to be someone out there in your area qualified for such. Lots of unemployed people out there. Do not give up the Ship yet my friend. Again best of luck with your decision.
charles
Speaking only from my own experience, running a business (even the smallest and least successful ones such as my own) is a major hassle unless you just enjoy all the extra administrative work involved. Then add in even ONE worker - there's just so much extra stuff to deal with that is totally unrelated to what most people loved about their work in the first place that at some point you just want to be rid of that extra stuff that has no relation whatsoever to what you really love to do. Best scenario in that situation would be to offload the extra stuff in such a way as to allow you to stay involved in what you love about your work, and the best way to do that sometimes is to sell the business, remain involved in the field and serve as a consultant to the business.
But, bottom line, it's Danny's business. I'm confident that it will work out and that he'll get a deal that's best for all involved and that these forums will continue to provide invaluable information for those of us interested in all aspects of this industry/hobby/obsession..
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The best thing about GR research is, well, Danny! Danny you have been great to work with and always available to answer my questions. Whoever steps in to fill your shoes will need to bring their A game regarding customer service!
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The best thing about GR research is, well, Danny! Danny you have been great to work with and always available to answer my questions. Whoever steps in to fill your shoes will need to bring their A game regarding customer service!
+1 :thumb:
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The best thing about GR research is, well, Danny! Danny you have been great to work with and always available to answer my questions. Whoever steps in to fill your shoes will need to bring their A game regarding customer service!
+1 :thumb:
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:)
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Well, being able to do business with a company as reliable and helpful as GR is rare. Being able to be part of a forum directly related to said business is even more rare. Congrats to your past and future success. Just hope I can get super v bottoms before it is too late. Hahaha.
Ben
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If it weren't for you Danny, I guess myself and others would never have had the foundation laid for our bass-shy main speakers (panels, ribbons, and mini-monitors). Life without quality music is not worth living!
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Congratulations on your decision, Danny! Instead of going out the bottom like so many startup audio companies who fail, you are going out on top, towards something even better. You've mastered your business and are now ready for a new chapter, something new to master, to evolve beyond what you are now. I wish you the best, and I know you will be a great success in whatever you do.
Rich
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Really wish you the best of luck Danny in whatever ends up coming out of this! I can completely see your reasoning behind the move and hope it is as profitable and rewarding for you as GR has been.
Scott
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That's too bad. I wish there were more start up companies in the usa, that would see more growth and stability. GR seems like a very good company that deserves the best.
I hope it all works out for the best. We need more businesses, good businesses, based right here, in the USA.
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The buyer will need to possess both the technical knowledge and business acumen that Danny does. There aren't a lot of guys like that around.
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I suggest you do the unselling kind of thing. Hire a person to do all the things you don't want to. Give a low base pay and profit sharing. Do a short term contract of a few months at a time. If the business is that successful, then you can afford it. If the guy works out, then setup an equity for work program that slowly makes him a partner then whole owner with you on a consultant basis. I am sure there are plenty of us audionuts who would take it on.
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The challenge with these small business is the value is tied directly to the owner. How many companies have we seen just shut down when the owner died or decided to get out of the business. The two that immediately come to mind are AudioConcepts and VMPS.
I agree with others. The easier route may be to find someone to help you out to free up time so you can have more time to focus on the things in life that will bring you more joy.
Danny - I hope you find a suitable buyer. It would be sad to not see the huge investment you have made continue to flourish.
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Do the takers have to be Texas natives?
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Do the takers have to be Texas natives?
knock - knock - opportunity is knocking Tyler!
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knock - knock - opportunity is knocking Tyler!
I know, I know. :o
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Do the takers have to be Texas natives?
Hey, it couldn't hurt.
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This is a wonderful opportunity you are offering. For someone like me, I can't uproot to Texas. I'm too in love with the GF :duh:
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This is a wonderful opportunity you are offering. For someone like me, I can't uproot to Texas. I'm too in love with the GF :duh:
Just bring her down for a visit. :thumb:
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Mine loved Austin when we went there for South-by-Southwest. There's also a good record store (Waterloo) in Austin, and of course Rythmik! Too bad so few college-age youngin's are into good sound, 'cause the University of Texas is there as well.
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She has family in Houston who are wanting to grow :) A trip may be in the near future.
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We have WAY too many people moving to Austin: 400 to 700 people per week! Still the fastest growing city in the country. I'm looking for the gate and am going to padlock it.
Native Texan would be the best bet.
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We have WAY too many people moving to Austin: 400 to 700 people per week! Still the fastest growing city in the country. I'm looking for the gate and am going to padlock it.
Native Texan would be the best bet.
Austin = New California (one of)
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We have WAY too many people moving to Austin: 400 to 700 people per week! Still the fastest growing city in the country. I'm looking for the gate and am going to padlock it.
Native Texan would be the best bet.
If the rest of the people in the US only knew what it cost around here for housing, they'd be stunned.
Hank if you need to move to the Northern part of the state let me know. Housing is a buyers market right now.
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A friend of mine in Austin bought a three bedroom house there for $80,000. The same house in L.A. is about $400,000!
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A friend of mine in Austin bought a three bedroom house there for $80,000. The same house in L.A. is about $400,000!
Let me show you what $400,000 will get you around here.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/804-E-Texas-Ave_Iowa-Park_TX_76367_M86964-47172?row=6
Property Details
HISTORICAL TWO STORY HOME, BUILT FOR W.F. GEORGE, RECEIVED THE WICHITA COUNTY HERITAGE SOCIETY PRESERVATION AWARD IN 2008. THIS GEORGIAN COLONIAL HOME OFFERS FORMAL LIVING AND DINING ROOMS, FAMILY ROOM, GAME ROOM, OFFICE AND BASEMENT. LARGE EATIN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND AND BUTLER�S PANTRY. ISOLATED DOWNSTAIRS MASTER SUITE. 5 BED, 3 BATH, 3 LIVING AREAS. DETACHED GARAGE, SHOP, AND APARTMENT ALL SITUATED ON 4ACRES
General Information
Beds5 Bed
House Size4,384 Sq Ft
Price$399,000
Property TypeSingle Family Home
Stories2
Here is a good pic.
(http://gr-research.com/other/newpic1.jpg)
It belongs to my Mom and Dad. If this were in the Dallas area it would be a 2 million dollar home.
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I'm guessing that would be your Vette in the picture?
Although I don't remember yours being that vintage.
I like that "Large Eatin Kitchen", don't you know that's
a Texas thing ya all!
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Let me show you what $400,000 will get you around here.
Here is a good pic.
(http://gr-research.com/other/newpic1.jpg)
It belongs to my Mom and Dad. If this were in the Dallas area it would be a 2 million dollar home.
Very nice vette! The house is fab too!
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Several people have asked about our inventory level. I don't want to throw out numbers online but I can tell you that aside from what I stock in my office and garage there are three 40 foot ocean freight containers and one 20 foot ocean freight container that is completely full of inventory.
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Seeing such a beautiful home at such an amazing price makes me sad :sad:
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Blessing upon all of your endeavors Danny and all I can say is I am excited for you and sad for me :(
May HE be with you in all you do.
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Life is short, live your dreams.
I would not be surprised if some company will not grab Danny and he will be the next Andrew Jones. Danny is that good, probably better. :thumb:.
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http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/804-E-Texas-Ave_Iowa-Park_TX_76367_M86964-47172?row=6
(http://gr-research.com/other/newpic1.jpg)
Love the color of the Vette :thumb:
Seems to me, I remember seeing a similar colored pair of Super V's , were those your personl speakers for a while Danny ?
-jay
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Love the color of the Vette :thumb:
Seems to me, I remember seeing a similar colored pair of Super V's , were those your personl speakers for a while Danny ?
-jay
I did have some Super-V's in a lighter Yellow.
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I'm reading this thread and man, this sounds perfect for us (Skiing Ninja Systems). Those of you here that know of us know that we have expertise in all the areas needed to make this work - and I love that Danny stays in the business doing what he does best and what he loves - rare indeed.
To make this happen, we will need capital of course. I'm thinking crowdfunding with indiegogo.com. They love this sort of thing there and I've seen several audio companies do very well (check out Geek Pulse's near 1.2M funding!).
So, would you all support such an endeavour? It should be a win for Danny, you, and us.
What perks would you like to see? :)
The Ninja & Mrs. Ninja
Sean & Sarah Ries
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How about discounts on parts for funders?
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Great idea Hank. Sounds good to me...
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Danny's business, at least as I see it, has been primarily based on selling kits based on his designs. While this has apparently been successful, offering finished speakers would open up a potentially much larger market. I think a partnership with Outofthewoods would be a natural. A room at RMAF using Danny's friends' gear would really kick it off.
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A meeting with Ruben has already been scheduled :)
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Keep us informed. There are probably others like me who may be interested but have no clue as to how something like this works or how to participate.
Mike
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i like the idea. keep me posted !!!!
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No worries. I'll keep the community informed!
Keep us informed. There are probably others like me who may be interested but have no clue as to how something like this works or how to participate.
Mike
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Crowdfunding according to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowdfunding
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Sean. Dude. Sweet. There would be no better person to carry this on. I hope Danny continues to design inexpensive options only available via GR.
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Sean. Dude. Sweet. There would be no better person to carry this on. I hope Danny continues to design inexpensive options only available via GR.
+1. I have conducted business with both Skiing Ninja & GR Research, and would do so again.
Danny and Sean are class acts, and they both have a passion for great "bang for the buck" improved sound.
Being able to take Danny's impressive speaker line kits, and also offer them as assembled speakers would be a natural progression with Sean's skills. I hope it works out !
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Sean, you were the first person that came to my mind when Danny first posted this. I was hoping that you were interested, since you have the knowledge and expertise to continue this operation. I am really glad you are interested, and I would be willing to donate. Good luck Sean!
Mark Chaffin
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Good luck Sean! I will watch this thread (or any other that involves it) to see what is going on. Hope that something can be worked out.
Danny designing, Reuben doing cabinetry (for those interested), and you handling things (with possible crossover upgrades/modifications)??????
:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
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I like this more and more. Three AC Friendly experts. Bring on the investment phase. I can already read the Mrs Ninja product descriptions.
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Moderators, if this post is inappropriate then please it
"...offering finished speakers would open up a potentially much larger market."
Yes but... that comes with it's own downsides Unless you would be building
each speaker to order with reasonable lead times. I think that a large part of
why many of us are here is because GR Research is different from most other
audio companies. Danny gives DIY'ers a slice of high-end at an affordable cost.
That he shares truely useful knowledge quite openly is priceless. I feel that
making available flat-packs for most of GR Research's designs might be a
less risky investment and be more inline with Danny's current business model?
A question for Danny and the builders: Has previous runs of flat-packs been
worthwhile?
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Moderators, if this post is inappropriate then please it
"...offering finished speakers would open up a potentially much larger market."
Yes but... that comes with it's own downsides Unless you would be building
each speaker to order with reasonable lead times. I think that a large part of
why many of us are here is because GR Research is different from most other
audio companies. Danny gives DIY'ers a slice of high-end at an affordable cost.
That he shares truely useful knowledge quite openly is priceless. I feel that
making available flat-packs for most of GR Research's designs might be a
less risky investment and be more inline with Danny's current business model?
A question for Danny and the builders: Has previous runs of flat-packs been
worthwhile?
If you guys have built speakers, then you know the interest in lower dollar ones, as far as your time, isn't that practical. It doesn't take that much more time for large speakers than it does bookshelves once you got production operations going, yet the bookshelves aren't worth nearly as much. Here's the thing, whether or not it's in a price range everyone wants, it's going to be something Danny's mind deliberately cooked up with a lot of intention after years of compromise with other companies completed speakers. And yet you won't ever be able to say there isn't serious quality and intention behind the kits.
Too much merger in business tends to dilute some aspects. Danny's been at the fore front of offering maybe the best DIY kits for quality and service, for a lot of years. He hasn't been fooling around with dependency on others. A lot of young business minds are interested in dependencies, but I got to tell you where I live is RIPE with it. What I can also tell you is that it doesn't pull as much weight as things people straight up want. There's idea appeal, and there's money actually spent; they're not the same thing. A great example is community anything shops/studios, if there isn't a very large backer that wants it to simply exist, then it won't. We're over-burden with ideas and things to do anymore, but what we actually spend money on and do reflects a better picture than what we tend to say. That being said I think some of you might be under-crediting the community on AudioCircle, because no matter how good of a contributor Danny is, not even he would be encouraged to do so if the patronage was a headache.
The flat packs are great, utterly unbeatable at the price! Perhaps having them built into the website would be very nice. That being said, what kind of technology might be employed in the future to change all of this? That question I love.
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I meant that offering finished speakers in addition to the kits that the present 'business model' does could increase sales. And so could offering flat packs. Skiing Ninja (Sean) and Outofthewoods (Ruben) are within an hour or so of each other here in Colorado, and both have established an excellent reputation for their work, so it seems like a natural pairing. I have met and know both personally, and they deserve, for lack of a better term, success in this potential partnership.
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I could be wrong but I think the intent of Sean offering finished speakers would be in addition to the kits. That would make GR products available to most everyone, not just DIY'ers
I realize there are already those who build GR products for customers but the average audio enthusist may not reazize this and unless they do some research, probably won't know it and may end up looking else where.
If finished speakers were also available they might be a popular alternative and bring in new customers....
Let's just hope the additonal costs of offering dinished speakers can be offset by the sales of those speakers so , wouldn't want to see the DIY kits take a price jump to help offset the costs .
Would be great if it all works out :thumb:
-jay
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DOH !! beat me t it
I like the flat packs idea btw :)
-jay
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For each of Danny's designs, Reuben could offer cabinets from flat-pack to fully assembled and finished, and everything in between. Sean could offer a range of options on the components at different price points, from entry-level to completely trick. Sounds great!
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Someone better ask Reuben if he wants to make completed cabinets :lol:
There's a few complications to that plan, given that GR Research is in Texas. It actually sounds less like GR Research needs to change much, and more like Sean and/or Reuben could be purchasing parts in greater numbers in order to make completed units. I'm not sure how Danny handles resale like this, however. Consider this, shipping has to be kept down. It's best to never have to send wood more than once after you've bought it. Otherwise you're utterly murdering any sort of respectable price and profit.
Otherwise you're looking at having someone else make the cabinets, to ship out of Texas. Basically what could be done is Sean and/or Reuben could retain exclusive rights to non-custom resale, of GR Research kits as complete speakers. That sounds like a plan, for those that want excellent speakers pre-made. The shipping is kept to a minimum, as in no more than ordering from a distributor, and control over customization doesn't bounce around so a price point people can appreciate is achieved, with the level of skill and care with customer service being retained in the appropriate place.
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For each of Danny's designs, Reuben could offer cabinets from flat-pack to fully assembled and finished, and everything in between.
Actually, that is exactly what I do now, though not exclusively for Danny's designs.
I'll be speaking with Sean this afternoon, so we'll see what the idea is.
Thanks!
Ruben
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Good luck Sean! I will watch this thread (or any other that involves it) to see what is going on. Hope that something can be worked out.
Danny designing, Reuben doing cabinetry (for those interested), and you handling things (with possible crossover upgrades/modifications)??????
:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
We have always thought our trifecta of talents would be the best for everyone in the audio hobby.
Mrs. Ninja
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Note that crowd-funding efforts tend to work best around specific products that spark excitement.
The guys who make the DaVinci DAC made waves with a low-cost DAC/headphone amp combo.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gavn8r/geek-a-new-usb-awesomifier-for-headphones?ref=live
Neil Young also recently made waves with an audiophile ipod-like player.
http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/29/neil-youngs-ponoplayer-passes-5m-in-kickstarter-pledges/
In my experience you need a well-defined product -- people say, "I want to buy that now." So they're willing to donate to either support that product or, more likely, get it once it's completed.
But it's tricky for speakers. The Geek Out and Neil Young player are an easier sell as gadgets. Most of the speaker-related products on these sites are gimmicky or not audiophile (e.g. bluetooth alarm clocks). Speakers are hard because people just see them and have to take your word that they sound good. It's harder to make the product immediate and compelling.
So the question is: how can you get the glitz factor going? Some ideas:
-- An upgradeable "hackable" line of speakers, appealing to DIY nerds (the same people who like to hack their android phones). Perhaps a crossover design that enables people to swap in different caps and hear the difference.
-- a beautifully designed, super-high-value all-in-one package, including a T-amp and DAC integrated into the cabinets of the LGKs or the XLS series. Make them look awesome in terms of veneer / presentation, which will help.
-- Danny can legitimately lay claim to offering some of the best values ever offered in speakers. Perhaps one could enable crowdfunders to get the "greatest deal of all time" by funding his next high-end product. Crowdfunders get it cheap, and then Carnegie or Serenity subsequently sell at a much higher price.
Just tossing out ideas. The main point is that you have to pop on these sites. If you do, though, you can create a lot of excitement.
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A quick note: The new Skiing Ninja website is up. Take it for a spin www.skiingninja.com
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Looks nice Sean. :thumb:
Good to have you back in the game. :D
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Good to have you back, Sean. And hopefully, you Reuben, and Danny to work something out. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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Some good thoughts here - thank you!
Ninja
Note that crowd-funding efforts tend to work best around specific products that spark excitement.
<snip>
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Spoke with Danny yesterday - man our indiegogo campaign is going to be killer! Not sure if I should reveal what perks were are working on but lots of custom stuff being spoken about!
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Make sure you run it long enough that those of us who are going to have to give all our cash to the IRS have two or three months to rebuild the bank account so we. Can participate at the level we would like to.
Mike
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Excellent point!
Make sure you run it long enough that those of us who are going to have to give all our cash to the IRS have two or three months to rebuild the bank account so we. Can participate at the level we would like to.
Mike
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Aside from great deals on parts at GR, there will be a several loudspeakers you will only be able to get through this Indiegogo campaign. We are so excited to have the audio community come together to help Danny, allow us to purchase his inventory an run GR while he will be able to design more and move the industry forward. With us taking over the website, social media, day-to-day operations, inventory control and ect... we will still be working closely with Danny in product development and in our community efforts.
We hope you will join us in helping Danny and getting the campaign out to as many in the community as possible.
Mrs. Ninja and The Ninja
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Hmmm, so for those of us who'd like to invest but can't for one reason or another, we won't be able to buy certain kits ? How much of an investment are we talking about to be able to have access , has that been determined yet ? Is there any time frame for this yet ?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not "complaining" ( you guys and Danny have every right to do this as you see fit), it's just more of a concern. As someone who has come to really appreciate Danny's designs and low cost kits that give us access to high end audio, I look forward to building more in the futre, I'm sure you can see what I'm wondering about .
There are a lot of GR Research customers out there who are always anxious for new designs but may not be able to invest to get them,
I'm sure there are going to be others "worried" as well
-jay
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Hmmm, so for those of us who'd like to invest but can't for one reason or another, we won't be able to buy certain kits ?
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Don't worry about that - we are just trying to debut some cool stuff - and we are trying to have it at a special price as a thanks. Stuff should be available after the campaign.
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How much of an investment are we talking about to be able to have access , has that been determined yet ?
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We are still running the numbers but there will be 'perk' levels from $5 on up. The stuff Mrs. Ninja was talking about is still in planning.
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Is there any time frame for this yet ?
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Not yet - but we are getting close.
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There are a lot of GR Research customers out there who are always anxious for new designs but may not be able to invest to get them,
I'm sure there are going to be others "worried" as well
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Nothing to worry about there. What Danny thinks up will be around for you :)
Ninja
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Cool, good to know Sean , thank you for the reply :thumb:
I didn't realize the campaingn "contributions" could start so low, I was thinking minimums would be signifigantly more... looking forward to hearing the details as you guys work it out
-jay
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Mrs. Ninja: "We hope you will join us in helping Danny and getting the campaign out to as many in the community as possible."
I'm in and ready to invest! (the IRS didn't get all my money :-) )
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Mrs. Ninja: "We hope you will join us in helping Danny and getting the campaign out to as many in the community as possible."
I'm in and ready to invest! (the IRS didn't get all my money :-) )
You Betcha! I am running numbers getting together with industry ....(well everyone) to spread the word. I want this BIG and I want Danny set for a long time so we can see really.... and in the voice of Ed Sullivan, really big numbers... to get the Indiegogo campaign getting his design career off with a bang.
Great GR products mixed with great Skiing Ninja service and I think we have a WINNER!!!!!
Mrs. Ninja
PS Please support us anyway you can and we will let you know how very soon and in many ways.
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I'm looking forward to this. Incentive 'gifts' are nice, too. I, too, was surprised contributions could be as low as $5. I had expected $100 (or higher) minimums. This will be my first crowd funding effort--even after the IRS and Oregon's Dep't of Revenue did horrible things to my finances. :duh: :x
:thumb:
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"Please support us anyway you can and we will let you know how very soon and in many ways."
I'm ready to invest.
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Investing is tough. Must be careful of securities laws.
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Investing is tough. Must be careful of securities laws.
Huh? Are you talking about in the context of an Indiegogo campaign?
-Jim