Rixter,
Bummer... and all that it entails.
I sincerely hope that your 'partner' has not involved you in HIS BS other than shop shutdown.
Look for clear legal delineation of responsibilites/obligations to customers, tax man, or even worse law enforcement.
Some things don't go away for awhile like partnership co-signed legal documents debts, leases...
If it looks bad start signing things over to someone in the family for awhile with an "understanding".
Sell (ahem) the rolling stock/tools/parts/other assets to an in-law for cheap, need bills of sale/title transfers etc. for proof that it is no longer yours then flip flop when this crap blows over.
Stay as friendly as possible with old partner for several reasons:
1. To pick his brain over beer and pizza - commiseration is a great source of intelligence.
2. You don't want anything to happen to this guy for if nothing else he will be legally served with his share of debt/guilt.
Do not tell him of any plan to 'unload' your assets.
Life can be a trip...strap in for the ride!
Women and children stand aside... sHARKs in the lifeboats, first!
Good luck man.

 

thanks everyone...
I've thought about this
cons: obvious lack of work space, going legal may cost me more to recover inventory than it's worth EXCEPT the "twins" are part of the inventory, embaressed to not be able to provide items to folks who need them

pros: I can do it again (and I will) on my own terms, no one to tell me how I should do stuff when they have absolutely no interest or knowledge of what they speak of, if he tries anything funky I could "anonymously" drop the dime on something he doesn't want known (another plus that I see his shady side coming out and getting away from it as quick as possible)
my best friend is an attorney and is itching for a fight since I laid the situation out to him

on the bright side:
having the neighbors see 3 sharks parked at my house for the next couple weeks = Priceless

 

That's silly, you've helped enough of us and I'm sure you will again soon.
If there is something that I / we can do to help you now just ask.

Good Luck!

 

Rixter, like Greg said don't worry about the embarassment. You've done more than enough to help all of us. If you need help moving inventory like the twins, let me know. Once I get a new diff cover from Motorsport, I'll be back to Blacksburg and it's only another few hours to Raleigh.

If you want to get your cars out and he won't let you, call the local sheriff. I know in MD and VA they are required to send a deputy to monitor removal of property in dispute when asked. The deputy will stand there and make sure you can free the twins and all of your other inventory/tools/toys.

 

Greg... thanks, I should be ok for awhile.. just looks like I'll be using my sweat equity to further someone else's business short term

Matt.. thanks buddy! I pick up the rest of my tools in a couple hours.. as for getting the twins, theoretically it's joint property and I'll let my lawyer deal with that aspect
as of right now, even though they are joint ownership I physically have the title work, 1 has been signed over to his company, the other is in no one's name (ie signed but not transferred yet)
legally he can't sell either here without paperwork
I could go the route of getting really nasty, I could probably shut him down good for quite a while with some of the things I know, unfortunately there are a couple folks working in the building that I like and it would affect them... which wouldn't be right since they have nothing to do with this

it's all alright... what goes around comes around, you reep what you sow... etc, etc. etc

Matt... if you're gonna be up there I could use a favor if you remember where Micah lives... he still has a throttle body that belongs to me.. a Euro one at that

 

Sorry to hear that Rixter; I'm sure you WILL be the Phoenix, though. Partnerships can sometimes be a PITA, but I guess that's an understatement in this case. Will be glad to do anything I can to help. Good luck!
David

P.S. Maybe we can hire out McVicar's ex-girlfriend to pay this guy a visit; not at the shop, though...

 

I remember he's in Narrows, but I don't remember how to get to his house. I'll let you know when I head to Blacksburg. If you can get an address or directions I'll stop by his place.

 

dude... I REALLY NEEDED THAT!!!
now I'm actually laughing for the 1st time in a couple days

thanks


Matt, I think I got an address, will drop you a pm

 

major progress .... neighbors are gonna love seeing this
most of my tools are here and now it's up to my buddy to see what/if he can do anything about the rest

 

Is that the Moss Green car in the middle?

 

yep, MossGreen 84 EuroS 5spd no sunroof

 

That's terrible to hear. But like everyone has said keep looking up and things will usually run their course. You said he's into some not so favorable practices, well maybe it's all catching up to him. Just don't let yourself get pulled under by proxy. Good luck man.

 

Dang!

Well Rixter Ole Pal, you know that "when the going gets tough the tough get going" ... so I know you are going to be OK!

They need a mechanic with Porsche Experience:

Thoroughbred Motorcars
2320 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37204
PH: (800) 338-7783
FX: (615) 385-1995

Cheers!

Dave

 

That is a real bummer for you and for the rest of us, too. I had heard via the Rennlist what a great guy you were to do biz with. It's too bad that others have to get in the way. Keep us posted!!

 

Rixter, keep your head up!!!