RobbW

Ray, Please allow me to expand upon what FRT007 wrote.

There is plenty of forgiveness here on this forum. Eric got himself in a bind, similar to Gary, and many of us are now impressed with the way he is turning a very difficult situation around. He is EARNING our respect by communicating openly about his situation, and working off past orders with integrity. I give him credit for doing the right thing when it is hard. That's a real mark of character.

Gary was in a similar situation of getting behind on orders way past due. Instead of asking patience and forgiveness, he spent over two years making excuses (too many orders, too many phonecalls, too many emails, no good leather [not confirmed by other top makers], "your order is finished and shipping", "your order is going into acrylic dip this weekend", "your order is 1 week out", "your order is 2 weeks out", etc.--everything and everyone but Gary are to blame according to him). I thought it was just me, but he reported being hundreds of orders behind. Other customers are reporting similar experiences to mine.

Instead of coming clean and working off old orders, Gary deliberately took new orders and new money. Next he started filling new orders for CCA ahead of private customers! CCA is receiving entire shipments, while customers who have been waiting a LONG time are left dangling in the wind.

Then, after over 2 years of waiting and a minimum of inquiring emails on my part, Gary cancels my order with him. Apparently it's not "convenient" for him to be reminded of just how far behind he is. It's easier to run from the situation, rather than face it with integrity like Eric. I get the sense Gary is in denial about the nature and extent of the situation when he fills orders for CCA ahead of private customers. Everyone seems to "get it" but him.

Gary would have our respect, and this thread never would have needed to be created, if he had earned respect by admitting mistakes, and communicating in an open and HONEST way what he was doing to catch up. Instead there has been a wall of silence, and the brief communication that does come through are Remy and Gary playing "good cop/bad cop" ("the order's on it's way", "I'm forcing Gary to work out in the shop"--then no order appears.

I saved all of the correspondence Gary/Remy and I have had. Gary is not responding here because he cannot deny the facts which have been reported by many, and which are 100% true.

Forgiveness is definitely granted here, but not to those who continue to abrogate personal responsibility, dig their own holes and make things worse for themselves, their customers, and the community.