gersar928

Paul, wishing you and your wife the best. I am sure time will heal you both. I have seen your work and your customers will be here when you are ready.

Take Care,

Sara and Gerry

Dwayne

Paul,
Well done on taking a stand on doing the right thing for yourself and your wife. Wishing you and yoru wife the best on taking a much deserved break and on finding that well-balanced lifestyle when you both are back on top.

Champagne

Thank you all again guys, those comments really mean the world to me.


Jim,
that statement hit so close to the mark, it's scary.
Thank you my friend.

Paul

Bill Ball

Paul:

I may get hate mail for saying this, but I think a large part of the problem is that your prices are way too low. Your products are much more valuable than you are charging, so the demand grossly exceeds the supply.

Champagne

Bill,

you are 100% right of course. The thing is that this was never intended to be a business. If I had wanted to make it a business, I would have gone at it a complete different way. And I know how to do it, I have owned and managed successful businesses all my life. I still do.

I started the leather as a hobby, because I wanted to work on my own car. Then make parts for friends. And that is what I did.

One of the main problems, if not THE main problem is that I suffer from being a chronic perfectionist. I never sell prototypes, seconds or anything I am not completely satisfied with. In this context, it gets costly. Extremely costly in fact, in time, money and energy. But when it works, it is very satisfying to me.

I still think that quality craftsmanship can be affordable, but you have to be a little bit crazy to supply it.

Paul

animal8526

Paul, you're an artist and a good man. this community thanks you.

one day if I get rich I'll pay you enough to retire to do my interiors. till then, and then still, enjoy your life... we only get one.

Stromius

+1
Best wishes!

IcemanG17

Paul
Linda and yourself deserve a break.....your work is stunning and speaks for itself...of course your commitment to customer service is just as remarkable as your work.....I can see how it takes so much time to accomplish both.....

I'm quite sure that all of us will wait until your ready for the next step....I know I will......

You know one thing that always brings a smile to my face from a rough day....is a nice drive in sharky, which you helped make what it is today......

Family and Health always come first...... Maybe a leisurely drive up to Lake Tahoe in June will help you and Linda relax a bit??

pcar928fan

Oh, Oh, PICK ME, PICK ME!

I know you need a break and this is as good a time as any! I agree with the post about getting a good apprentice and then bringing the business back full steam. Your stuff is SOOOO GOOD and so unique it would be a real shame not to share your gift for generations to come!

I LOVE that you did this in the first place for the love of the 928 too! That is just TO COOL! The 928 deserves some good love...

Keep in touch Paul and let me know next time you are passing through the Austin area!

Best,
James

3000teeth

Best wishes Paul! I've been an admirer of your work since my first perusal of this list.

Regards, -T

Marine Blue

Paul you know I am a huge fan of your work and your work ethics. Being up front about workload is very important as is maintaining quality, you did both. As others have said, I think you are on to something which can explode into a great business if you want it to. The hardest part is deciding if you want to make something you enjoy into your business. I know outside of the 928/944 crowd there are many who would be interested in top notch leather work and these cars aren't getting any younger. An apprentice (or 10) may be necessary and taking the next step is a huge obstacle but not impossible.

Either way you're a huge asset here and we appreciate your input.

heinrich

Paul, you are always a friend and your and Mrs Champagne's well-being is a top priority. Forget about everything else. The 928 community will survive. Your work is beyond description and innovative. It will be a major loss to 928 owners but I think we'd rather have less of your amazing art than none at all
Heinrich

Brad W

Well put.
There is no happiness without life. I know this for a fact I to have worked 7 days a week for 12 to 16 hours and you end up being a zombie.
Be Safe

telidor99

Paul,
I loved your work..your site is on my wish list for projects I would love to have done to my car. I hope you two can enjoy some of the fruits of your labor and take a break for a while. You are now a master craftsman...have you thought about having a few helpers do the work while you and your wife supervise and handle the buisness side? Again best wishes and hope to see you at a meet.