First of all I would like to say to all of those that have been supportive of my business, whether you have been a paying customer or not, thank you. It has really meant a lot to me to receive the support, understanding, and respect that I have for the last 6 years.
It hasn't been an easy decision to make, but after years of struggling (big snowball effect rolling downhill since my ex-wife ran off), I have decided it is time to close Rock Lizard Fabrications. This business formed from was a hobby that was my dream and my life, and when it became a nightmare, I haven't been happy ever since. So, going back to simple hobby work when I feel like it and don't have to worry about pressure and stress. I haven't wheeled my own jeep in three years, and I think I have earned the opportunity to take some time to myself and do what I really love.
Part of my decision was based on the struggle of having less time to work on my business due to the need to provide a steady income for my kids, and the business wasn't cutting it alone so had to take on a full time job. Then another problem occurred, I didn't have time for my kids that I was working my @$$ off to support. Another issue leading to this decision is unfortunately the economy. I hate to say that, because I feel it is a cop out, but when you run a business, the numbers don't lie. It sucks and actually really bothers me when so many people b!tch and complain that no one wants to support the liberty, but a lot of those people don't have any money or haven't built their liberties anyways, so why are you whining, and why are 25+ people putting their names on a freaking snorkel wish list that is going to cost over $700 if it ever comes out and doesn't do crud to improve your jeep without properly waterproofing your jeep anyways. And that whole "well it improves gas mileage" is crap. Seriously, you gain 1-2 MPG, add it up to $700 how long before you actually pay off that stupid snorkel to improve gas mileage. I'll buy the looks cool excuse, because, well, if you like it, that is about all it is good for. I damng near was giving away front bumpers, people have been driving me crazy for years for a front bumper, some got preorders in years ago which I am working on completing, as well as the three, yes, three orders that came in when I first started offering them late last year. People are willing to buy a worthless $700 snorkel, but for the same price you get something that can actually make a difference in your jeep... WTF?
I have plenty of other reasons, but those are just a few of the ones that really pushed me over the edge. So, this is it. Up until the end of April, I will only accept orders for front bumpers, as they just came out and I want to give all of those people that waited all of these years for me to finally design it to get one. I have a few parts lying around to make a set of KK sliders, a KK basket rack, a light bar like ThunderbirdJunkie has, and a KJ sport rack. That's it, besides that inventory and front bumper orders, Skinks, Komodos, Geckos and everything else is extinct. No I won't change my mind and no I don't have anything else lying around, well except the original Monitor Lizard front bumper that used to be on Ted's jeep, and unless you are local or going to drive out here to get it, I won't sell it because I won't ship it. Oh, and unless you have $250K to drop in front of me right now, I will not sell a single design plan or anything else from the business. And no I didn't just make that number up, I will not sell it, and if someone wants it bad enough, they will pay for it. I have sacrificed too much to give anything away, and it is worth more to me than a quick buck, even if it fossilizes and never makes another penny. Someday, perhaps I may revive it years down the road, but after the end of April, I will not be doing anything except local custom stuff and the occassional SFA conversion. I am going back to my happy days of having a fun hobby that makes an extra couple of dollars on the side that I can use for my kids and myself.
Current orders for front bumpers are being made. All rear bumper orders have been cancelled and I am working on refunding those orders, so if you are one of these people, I know who you are, I know what you paid, you will get your money back as soon as possible, if you need to discuss anything, please contact me via PM or email.
Incase you skipped all of that, here is all I am taking orders for:
Front Rock Monitor bumpers (until April 30, 2010; see website for pricing)
(1) KK Gecko Basket Rack ($610 + shipping)
(1) KK Skink Sliders ($415 + shipping)
(1) KJ Gecko Sport Rack ($475 + shipping)
(1) KJ Gecko Light Bar ($125 + shipping)
So, cheers to all that have been supportive and loyal customers, and to those that cry because no one wants to make Liberty products...well, sucks to be you.
Oh, and I am sure there may be one or two that think they can take this opportunity to start a business copying my products, well, good luck. If I can't do it with years of experience and proven design and not to mention the respect and loyalty the Rock Lizard name has earned, what makes you think you can do any better copying. People know my designs, and you will be quickly called out on how unoriginal you are. I would like to provide the first bit of assistance in your new business venture; lets call it "Unoriginal Vulture Fabrications".
<-- I always did like this guy, just had to throw him in there.
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