A topic about a great friend and a true Professional.
#1
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A topic about a great friend and a true Professional.
I have been working in the Automotive tuning industry for many many years now and in that time i have met hundreds, in fact no, thousands of people, as have most folks in their profession.
Of these thousands of people, i dont normal gel too closely with anyone, preffering to keep business and friendships very seperate. I choose to do that for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because you tend to find people leech onto you for what they can get. You can always tell the type after you have made the mistake of letting them get a bit too close...
Phone rings..
New friend X: "Hi stu.. its X... just calling for a chat"
Me: "Hi pal, yadda yadda yadda..."
New Friend: "Yadda yadda.. etc etc"
Me: "Cool well thanks for calling mate, speak soon"
New Friend: "Oh, whilst i remember, since your on, ive got a problem with my car"
This scenario has repeated itself hundreds of times over the years, on the phone, at shows, out for meals, and it really does, (to coin a phrase intoduced by another great friend of mine, "Comedy Dan") Drain the fooking life out of you!!
Anyway, to the point of the topic.
A few years ago now i mapped a fast T4 powered Sapphire for a fella from the midlands. From the very first phone call i liked the chap, he was down to earth, didnt try to tell me my job, but put across his impressive knowlege and understanding sensibly, which is nice as i cant stand it when a customer tries to pretend he knows everything when he clearly doesnt as it makes the job much harder.
So i did the job, he didnt hastle me on the phone all week as some people do, he just came back up north, drove it, said he loved it, paid in full, we chatted and drank tea and he went. As time went by we bumped into each other more and more and spoke quite a bit on the phone about cars and life, with him always offering to pay for the advice and my time, which is not only nice, its also extremely rare as most people appear to think i run a fooking charity helpline and are surprised to not see a "Registered Charity No:" above my reception door.
This fella over the years has brough not only quite a few of his own cars, but also sent me quite a few by recommendation, which again is always nice. I especially like repeat business at it means you are trusted and your work liked, and thats a nice feeling for any tradesman.
Not once, did this guy EVER ask for a discount, and he has spent literally many thousands with me. That gives you an idea of his professional integrity... it came as no surprise for me to learn he is self employed, running his own company, so i guess he knows what a drain hagglers are. lol
So, after bumping into him at more shows, and meeting a few of his pals who are also great people and now good customers too, this fella and I became not only friends, but close friends, he is a fella i never tire of spending time with and one i dont really see often enough and sadly, will likely see a little less of in the future, which is one of the things that has prompted this topic tonight after we had a great curry night with Big Will, Stu@BSC, Steve parsons, Kenny and Comedy Dan on Thursday Night. It was a good night out indeed.
This fella, until recently, ran a window blind and awning supply and installation company in the midlands with his family, and he has obviously done very well out of it over the years, but due to his family moving south to retire he has decided to call it a day, sell the whole thing off and make a break for it and move to the south coast with his family. As a result, he has started another company and will be looking for work in the south coast area, so if anyone needs any blinds or awnings, give this fellas a shout (He can supply details later) as i am sure, from my personal experience, you simply wont get a better deal or a more concientious fitter than Him.
I know this from experience as i have had him do all mine in the new house after my wedding and they are fantastic. Not only supplied at a great price, using top materials and quality installation, but he also upgraded one of the blinds for me as a Birthday present which was an extremnely nice gesture. Its a solar powered remote controlled Velux for my Loft conversion, and its the absolute bollox!!
The fellas name is Steven Whittaker. His username on here is 4x4 Ste and he is one of the best mates a man could have. I am genuinely proud to have him as a friend.
I know your feeling a little down lately mate, but all the stress should be coming to end an now and only good times will remain yeah? See you very soon i hope pal.
I will pop some pics of Steves work up soon.
Of these thousands of people, i dont normal gel too closely with anyone, preffering to keep business and friendships very seperate. I choose to do that for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because you tend to find people leech onto you for what they can get. You can always tell the type after you have made the mistake of letting them get a bit too close...
Phone rings..
New friend X: "Hi stu.. its X... just calling for a chat"
Me: "Hi pal, yadda yadda yadda..."
New Friend: "Yadda yadda.. etc etc"
Me: "Cool well thanks for calling mate, speak soon"
New Friend: "Oh, whilst i remember, since your on, ive got a problem with my car"
This scenario has repeated itself hundreds of times over the years, on the phone, at shows, out for meals, and it really does, (to coin a phrase intoduced by another great friend of mine, "Comedy Dan") Drain the fooking life out of you!!
Anyway, to the point of the topic.
A few years ago now i mapped a fast T4 powered Sapphire for a fella from the midlands. From the very first phone call i liked the chap, he was down to earth, didnt try to tell me my job, but put across his impressive knowlege and understanding sensibly, which is nice as i cant stand it when a customer tries to pretend he knows everything when he clearly doesnt as it makes the job much harder.
So i did the job, he didnt hastle me on the phone all week as some people do, he just came back up north, drove it, said he loved it, paid in full, we chatted and drank tea and he went. As time went by we bumped into each other more and more and spoke quite a bit on the phone about cars and life, with him always offering to pay for the advice and my time, which is not only nice, its also extremely rare as most people appear to think i run a fooking charity helpline and are surprised to not see a "Registered Charity No:" above my reception door.
This fella over the years has brough not only quite a few of his own cars, but also sent me quite a few by recommendation, which again is always nice. I especially like repeat business at it means you are trusted and your work liked, and thats a nice feeling for any tradesman.
Not once, did this guy EVER ask for a discount, and he has spent literally many thousands with me. That gives you an idea of his professional integrity... it came as no surprise for me to learn he is self employed, running his own company, so i guess he knows what a drain hagglers are. lol
So, after bumping into him at more shows, and meeting a few of his pals who are also great people and now good customers too, this fella and I became not only friends, but close friends, he is a fella i never tire of spending time with and one i dont really see often enough and sadly, will likely see a little less of in the future, which is one of the things that has prompted this topic tonight after we had a great curry night with Big Will, Stu@BSC, Steve parsons, Kenny and Comedy Dan on Thursday Night. It was a good night out indeed.
This fella, until recently, ran a window blind and awning supply and installation company in the midlands with his family, and he has obviously done very well out of it over the years, but due to his family moving south to retire he has decided to call it a day, sell the whole thing off and make a break for it and move to the south coast with his family. As a result, he has started another company and will be looking for work in the south coast area, so if anyone needs any blinds or awnings, give this fellas a shout (He can supply details later) as i am sure, from my personal experience, you simply wont get a better deal or a more concientious fitter than Him.
I know this from experience as i have had him do all mine in the new house after my wedding and they are fantastic. Not only supplied at a great price, using top materials and quality installation, but he also upgraded one of the blinds for me as a Birthday present which was an extremnely nice gesture. Its a solar powered remote controlled Velux for my Loft conversion, and its the absolute bollox!!
The fellas name is Steven Whittaker. His username on here is 4x4 Ste and he is one of the best mates a man could have. I am genuinely proud to have him as a friend.
I know your feeling a little down lately mate, but all the stress should be coming to end an now and only good times will remain yeah? See you very soon i hope pal.
I will pop some pics of Steves work up soon.
#3
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From: In the unit, building a 450bhp Time Attack Focus!
Steve, it has to be said mate - you are one of the nicest and most genuine people i've had the pleasure of meeting through this site.
From when i first met you at Stu's wedding, the big night out at Gatecrasher we all did through to the curry night we had the other night it has always been genuinely good times.
Sorry to read that you're feeling down If you ever need a chat or fancy a beer, you know where i am mate
From when i first met you at Stu's wedding, the big night out at Gatecrasher we all did through to the curry night we had the other night it has always been genuinely good times.
Sorry to read that you're feeling down If you ever need a chat or fancy a beer, you know where i am mate
#6
I have met Ste before too (At your wedding Stu ) and he is a top top bloke and very generous!
I wish you all the luck in the world down South, Ste, will hopefully see you again soon
I wish you all the luck in the world down South, Ste, will hopefully see you again soon
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#10
Wow, I dont know what to say I am seriously lost for words, You are a true friend and im glad you are as pleased with the work i have done for you as i have been with the work you have done for me over the years.
You are a top bloke with a top company and deserve all the good things life will bring you
Steve
You are a top bloke with a top company and deserve all the good things life will bring you
Steve
#12
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PassionFords Creator
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From: Blackpool, UK Destination: Rev limiter
Only boring old window blinds to some peple i know, but they change a house and i wouldnt have a window without them. Anyone in the market for blinds will understand...
Front room Bay 1:
Front room Bay 2:
Bedroom Bay 1:
Bedroom Bay 2:
Loft Conversion remote controlled, solar powered Velux.
Loft conversion 2 way opener. Whole unit is attached directly to the window so it still opens fully both ways.
Top products and workmanship at a great great price. Thanks very much Steve.
Front room Bay 1:
Front room Bay 2:
Bedroom Bay 1:
Bedroom Bay 2:
Loft Conversion remote controlled, solar powered Velux.
Loft conversion 2 way opener. Whole unit is attached directly to the window so it still opens fully both ways.
Top products and workmanship at a great great price. Thanks very much Steve.
#17
Originally Posted by markyd3
where abouts on the South Coast????
Steve
#19
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PassionFords Creator
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From: Blackpool, UK Destination: Rev limiter
Originally Posted by 4x4 ste
glad you are as pleased with the work i have done for you as i have been with the work you have done for me over the years.
I must say though mate, after all the cosworths and Mitsi Lancers i have worked on for you over the years, i genuinely didnt think i would ever be doing a Diseasel for you!
Glad you like it pal. They do go well once sorted.
#21
Originally Posted by 4x4 ste
Originally Posted by markyd3
where abouts on the South Coast????
Steve
Good luck with it all m8
#22
nice words stu,,,, now i know who to contact when i need free infomation about my blinds
no seriously top words, alot have been said about you but to say it about anyone else,, well you must be happy
no seriously top words, alot have been said about you but to say it about anyone else,, well you must be happy
#23
Originally Posted by Stu @ M Developments
Originally Posted by 4x4 ste
glad you are as pleased with the work i have done for you as i have been with the work you have done for me over the years.
I must say though mate, after all the cosworths and Mitsi Lancers i have worked on for you over the years, i genuinely didnt think i would ever be doing a Diseasel for you!
Glad you like it pal. They do go well once sorted.
I know what you mean about the diesel, But the toys will be back next year when i start making money again (fingers crossed ) Bigger and better and hopefully lots faster
#24
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PassionFords Creator
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From: Blackpool, UK Destination: Rev limiter
Originally Posted by Ginge !
to say it about anyone else,, well you must be happy
PassionFord, as well as troubles and headaches, has brought me some great new friends and associates and some bloody good nights out.
#26
Originally Posted by Stu @ M Developments
Originally Posted by Ginge !
to say it about anyone else,, well you must be happy
PassionFord, as well as troubles and headaches, has brought me some great new friends and associates and some bloody good nights out.
ive ALWAYS said that, ive met LOADS of people on here, most have been spot on, ive had mark on here pick me up at 11pm at night to drive me round to my garage to change a spare wheel on my old cossie, peteH on here picked up a 1,8 crank pully from a scrap yard and met me to give it to me FOR 10 QUID, theres some people on here who i would do ANYTHING for, celebs, none celebs and even davecos4x4
i made good mates with one RANDOM bloke buying a roof off him,,, i STILL talk to him most days and is one of my good mates
this site has ALSO taught me enough that when i first joined this website i was a traffic warden,,, Fletchcosie taught me how to take a engine out,,,him and fletch and stevo came to my house and took MY engine out for me when i got confused and lots of others gave me advice
so much that i got a job at fords,, now i have a well paying job in the car industry for a company that MAKES car parts and got a promotion based
ALL THIS INFO AND EVEN THE JOB WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THIS SITE
the DOWNSIDE is alot of people have grown up/left the scene and i dont get to see them as much as i could but i try to call them when i can but never enough if im honest
#28
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PassionFords Creator
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From: Blackpool, UK Destination: Rev limiter
Originally Posted by Ginge !
ive ALWAYS said that, ive met LOADS of people on here, most have been spot on, ive had mark on here pick me up at 11pm at night to drive me round to my garage to change a spare wheel on my old cossie, peteH on here picked up a 1,8 crank pully from a scrap yard and met me to give it to me FOR 10 QUID, theres some people on here who i would do ANYTHING for, celebs, none celebs and even davecos4x4
i made good mates with one RANDOM bloke buying a roof off him,,, i STILL talk to him most days and is one of my good mates
this site has ALSO taught me enough that when i first joined this website i was a traffic warden,,, Fletchcosie taught me how to take a engine out,,,him and fletch and stevo came to my house and took MY engine out for me when i got confused and lots of others gave me advice
so much that i got a job at fords,, now i have a well paying job in the car industry for a company that MAKES car parts and got a promotion based
ALL THIS INFO AND EVEN THE JOB WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THIS SITE
the DOWNSIDE is alot of people have grown up/left the scene and i dont get to see them as much as i could but i try to call them when i can but never enough if im honest
i made good mates with one RANDOM bloke buying a roof off him,,, i STILL talk to him most days and is one of my good mates
this site has ALSO taught me enough that when i first joined this website i was a traffic warden,,, Fletchcosie taught me how to take a engine out,,,him and fletch and stevo came to my house and took MY engine out for me when i got confused and lots of others gave me advice
so much that i got a job at fords,, now i have a well paying job in the car industry for a company that MAKES car parts and got a promotion based
ALL THIS INFO AND EVEN THE JOB WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THIS SITE
the DOWNSIDE is alot of people have grown up/left the scene and i dont get to see them as much as i could but i try to call them when i can but never enough if im honest
In fact, i wouldnt have met you had it not been for PF either if i recall, so therss another positive note.
maybe i should just close it before all the good work is undone?
#29
heres a list of people i miss you dont see about on this site
PJay
Switch ( though i still talk on the phone but aint seen him for over a year and he lives 30 mins from me )
cossienuts (grant,, where the fuck has he gone ???)
keithG666
Max
paul ( kaite the "model" better half)
philM ( though he was online a few days ago,, maybe weeks)
infact theres LOADS
oh and theres a member here IVE NEVER EVEN MET who helped my missus buy me a suprise christmas present, the BEST pres ive have ever got given !!!!
fasterfordchris,,, proper shy chappy but hes about,,, but the bloke will do ANYTHING for anyone
PJay
Switch ( though i still talk on the phone but aint seen him for over a year and he lives 30 mins from me )
cossienuts (grant,, where the fuck has he gone ???)
keithG666
Max
paul ( kaite the "model" better half)
philM ( though he was online a few days ago,, maybe weeks)
infact theres LOADS
oh and theres a member here IVE NEVER EVEN MET who helped my missus buy me a suprise christmas present, the BEST pres ive have ever got given !!!!
fasterfordchris,,, proper shy chappy but hes about,,, but the bloke will do ANYTHING for anyone
#30
Originally Posted by Stu @ M Developments
Originally Posted by Ginge !
ive ALWAYS said that, ive met LOADS of people on here, most have been spot on, ive had mark on here pick me up at 11pm at night to drive me round to my garage to change a spare wheel on my old cossie, peteH on here picked up a 1,8 crank pully from a scrap yard and met me to give it to me FOR 10 QUID, theres some people on here who i would do ANYTHING for, celebs, none celebs and even davecos4x4
i made good mates with one RANDOM bloke buying a roof off him,,, i STILL talk to him most days and is one of my good mates
this site has ALSO taught me enough that when i first joined this website i was a traffic warden,,, Fletchcosie taught me how to take a engine out,,,him and fletch and stevo came to my house and took MY engine out for me when i got confused and lots of others gave me advice
so much that i got a job at fords,, now i have a well paying job in the car industry for a company that MAKES car parts and got a promotion based
ALL THIS INFO AND EVEN THE JOB WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THIS SITE
the DOWNSIDE is alot of people have grown up/left the scene and i dont get to see them as much as i could but i try to call them when i can but never enough if im honest
i made good mates with one RANDOM bloke buying a roof off him,,, i STILL talk to him most days and is one of my good mates
this site has ALSO taught me enough that when i first joined this website i was a traffic warden,,, Fletchcosie taught me how to take a engine out,,,him and fletch and stevo came to my house and took MY engine out for me when i got confused and lots of others gave me advice
so much that i got a job at fords,, now i have a well paying job in the car industry for a company that MAKES car parts and got a promotion based
ALL THIS INFO AND EVEN THE JOB WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THIS SITE
the DOWNSIDE is alot of people have grown up/left the scene and i dont get to see them as much as i could but i try to call them when i can but never enough if im honest
In fact, i wouldnt have met you had it not been for PF either if i recall, so therss another positive note.
maybe i should just close it before all the good work is undone?
oh and lets not forget the "RING"
this could go on a bit
hell a member of this site NAMED my child when we couldnt think of a name that we both agreed on,,, hows that for influence of your life
#31
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From: Blackpool, UK Destination: Rev limiter
Your right, and maybe someone should do a seperate topic on how PF has positively affected peoples lives, so as not to spoil mine thats specifically about Steve Whittakers positive influence on mine.
#33
Originally Posted by 4x4 ste
Originally Posted by markyd3
where abouts on the South Coast????
Steve
Almost my neck of the woods! Welcome to the south coast matey!
Must say - not sure I would choose Cambourne over Falmouth....
JJ
#34
Originally Posted by JjCoDeX75
Originally Posted by 4x4 ste
Originally Posted by markyd3
where abouts on the South Coast????
Steve
Almost my neck of the woods! Welcome to the south coast matey!
Must say - not sure I would choose Cambourne over Falmouth....
JJ
Superb will have to meet up for a drink some time mate, Im not sure where its gonna be to be honest the only reason i say Camborne is because my brother goes to college there so may end up staying round Falmouth, Depends where we find a nice house, My mom wants a house with lots of land 4/5 acres, But its resting on selling our house. :top
#35
Originally Posted by Ginge !
Originally Posted by Stu @ M Developments
Originally Posted by Ginge !
to say it about anyone else,, well you must be happy
PassionFord, as well as troubles and headaches, has brought me some great new friends and associates and some bloody good nights out.
ive ALWAYS said that, ive met LOADS of people on here, most have been spot on, ive had mark on here pick me up at 11pm at night to drive me round to my garage to change a spare wheel on my old cossie, peteH on here picked up a 1,8 crank pully from a scrap yard and met me to give it to me FOR 10 QUID, theres some people on here who i would do ANYTHING for, celebs, none celebs and even davecos4x4
i made good mates with one RANDOM bloke buying a roof off him,,, i STILL talk to him most days and is one of my good mates
this site has ALSO taught me enough that when i first joined this website i was a traffic warden,,, Fletchcosie taught me how to take a engine out,,,him and fletch and stevo came to my house and took MY engine out for me when i got confused and lots of others gave me advice
so much that i got a job at fords,, now i have a well paying job in the car industry for a company that MAKES car parts and got a promotion based
ALL THIS INFO AND EVEN THE JOB WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THIS SITE
the DOWNSIDE is alot of people have grown up/left the scene and i dont get to see them as much as i could but i try to call them when i can but never enough if im honest
Ginge no mention of a nice guy that sent you free Spender DVD's...chopped liver am i now,you wanker?
#36
Wow, get a room you two
Seriously, kind words there Stu...
I know exactly what you mean about some people only being a friend while
they think they are getting help for free. Strange how their attitude changes if you
dont drop things immediately for them or have more important things to do at the time.
Seriously, kind words there Stu...
I know exactly what you mean about some people only being a friend while
they think they are getting help for free. Strange how their attitude changes if you
dont drop things immediately for them or have more important things to do at the time.
#37
Irritating c........
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From: The Dark Side of the Moon...
When you say south, how south do you mean? Cos I need an awning for my garden
I have only ever met Stu once, and I was pissed as a fart so don't really remember it, but from things I have read on here, and things I have read Stu post about people, with threads like this, I think many people would be truly lucky to have a proper friend like Stu. Seems such a genuine person Which leads me to say that I have never met 4x4 Ste, but to have something written about you like this, from a man like Stu, must mean you are also a truly genuine nice guy, so hats off to the pair of you
I have only ever met Stu once, and I was pissed as a fart so don't really remember it, but from things I have read on here, and things I have read Stu post about people, with threads like this, I think many people would be truly lucky to have a proper friend like Stu. Seems such a genuine person Which leads me to say that I have never met 4x4 Ste, but to have something written about you like this, from a man like Stu, must mean you are also a truly genuine nice guy, so hats off to the pair of you
#39
Originally Posted by Stu @ M Developments
Loft conversion 2 way opener. Whole unit is attached directly to the window so it still opens fully both ways.
#40
Originally Posted by Thrush
When you say south, how south do you mean? Cos I need an awning for my garden
I have only ever met Stu once, and I was pissed as a fart so don't really remember it, but from things I have read on here, and things I have read Stu post about people, with threads like this, I think many people would be truly lucky to have a proper friend like Stu. Seems such a genuine person Which leads me to say that I have never met 4x4 Ste, but to have something written about you like this, from a man like Stu, must mean you are also a truly genuine nice guy, so hats off to the pair of you
I have only ever met Stu once, and I was pissed as a fart so don't really remember it, but from things I have read on here, and things I have read Stu post about people, with threads like this, I think many people would be truly lucky to have a proper friend like Stu. Seems such a genuine person Which leads me to say that I have never met 4x4 Ste, but to have something written about you like this, from a man like Stu, must mean you are also a truly genuine nice guy, so hats off to the pair of you
www.stephensblinds.co.uk
As i say its work in progress so please dont slate it yet
Steve