TSB

General => Industry News/ Announcements/Press Releases/Product Promotion => Topic started by: Dottonedan on September 08, 2016, 02:55:32 PM

Title: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Dottonedan on September 08, 2016, 02:55:32 PM
So,
I was hired to make big improvements. Got a written job description. Tile of Operations Mgr. Then they changed that a wk later to "General Mgr. And after the first production meeting, the owner said...the boys in the back are not liking the idea of working for an outsider so I need to lower your title to be equal to theirs. So I was "demoted" to Art Production Mgr / R&D For fear the production Mgrs would be upset. So another wk goes by and I am sepping jobs, things are looking better than ever on press. I continually had one young production Mgr. About 25 yrs old that "knows it all" and he disputes everything I would try to suggest. The other older production Mgr. Is nicer but very focused on numbers and not so much quality.

Now mind you, I've had no "arguments" or voices raised at all. Period. Just telling them my ideas and they got their feathers ruffled.

So, I started gathering a list of reading material. I thought giving them this might spark some thought.   I gave them a few articles from Joe Clarks suggested print methods, "printing the better underbases,  S mesh info, higher underbase on sim process such as a 230. (they only use 156) now. Even gave them some literature with suggestion of different white base inks.  (Joe Clarks Synergy inks) for example at yesterday's meeting. It didn't go over well with the younger guy. He disputed all of it.

So, the owner calls me in with HR and says "It's just not working out so you can go home" today. Thanks for your time, we live your art, but what you want to do is not a good fit for our shop.

So, I asked. What part did you not agree with?  What negative things have (I done here in my less than two weeks?"  He's says...well, you didn't do anything negative. We are just not a high end shop and more focused on numbers.

Really?   Ok. So why then, dis you lay out in writing exactly what you wanted me to do here, give me the title to carry that out and have me quite the job I had...to turn around and fire me two wks later?

Crazy.


So I am looking for a full time job. ????
I called one shop waiting for the owner to get back.  In the mean time, I will be freelancing for Andy Anderson for a bit but still looking.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: jsheridan on September 08, 2016, 03:06:54 PM
been there done that.. 

keep keepen on bro!
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: mimosatexas on September 08, 2016, 03:10:39 PM
dumbasses.  Anyone who resists simple crap like getting better ink and using S-mesh isn't actually interested in "numbers" since both of those will only improve "numbers".
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Frog on September 08, 2016, 03:18:24 PM
That's crappy!
It's a tightrope. Owners wanted an outside force to guide them to the next level.
It is not hard to imagine that the existing work force resented them going to this outside force rather than just promoting someone from within the ranks, especially when this person expected them to make changes to their routine. Now it also appears that the owners didn't want you to make improvements in quality as much as in efficiency. (perhaps knowledge of corner cutting would have been a plus)
Look at the bright side, you didn't move for this job (at least I hope you didn't)
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: mk162 on September 08, 2016, 03:24:04 PM
Seen this before. 

Really dan you and tony should start something and just put us all out of business. ;)
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Sbrem on September 08, 2016, 03:34:22 PM
Sorry to hear Dan, their loss, let them continue to put out standard stuff anyone can do and not raise their game to the next level. I gotta laugh about a 25 year old disputing the work of Joe Clarke, jeez...
Again, it's this type of thing that made me go out on my own, though I must admit I sometimes miss clocking out and going home without having to think about anything until I got there in the morning. Good luck, you're a good man and it will work out.

Steve
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: kingscreen on September 08, 2016, 03:45:17 PM
It always baffles me when I encounter people who literally have no desire to improve or even try another way.  Or worse, no concern for quality?!
I'll never understand people who are perfectly content with no progression in their life, business, etc. 
Sorry Dan.  It will be a blessing in disguise.  Eventually.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Dottonedan on September 08, 2016, 03:46:03 PM
I even still ha e an order for 300 shirts with them that they kept pushing back so now, a wk late and they are to print tomorrow.

Crazy stuff.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Sbrem on September 08, 2016, 03:50:21 PM
I even still ha e an order for 300 shirts with them that they kept pushing back so now, a wk late and they are to print tomorrow.

Crazy stuff.

If it wasn't due tomorrow, I'd pull and have one our friends here print it. I don't think you owe them a damn thing after the way they have treated you. Those owners sound gutless to me...

Steve
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: GraphicDisorder on September 08, 2016, 03:54:40 PM
This is why I dont work for anyone else. I dont need someone controlling my life.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Sbrem on September 08, 2016, 04:35:54 PM
This is why I dont work for anyone else. I dont need someone controlling my life.

Not married? LOL...

Steve
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: GraphicDisorder on September 08, 2016, 04:45:02 PM
This is why I dont work for anyone else. I dont need someone controlling my life.

Not married? LOL...

Steve

Nope, I did finally ask her last year though, but we haven't tied the knot yet lol.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Evo on September 08, 2016, 04:54:56 PM
"but what you want to do is not a good fit for our shop"

Wrong. That shop was not a good fit for YOU. Not long from now you will be thanking them for firing you and saving you from high blood pressure.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: jvanick on September 08, 2016, 04:58:03 PM
"but what you want to do is not a good fit for our shop"

Wrong. That shop was not a good fit for YOU. Not long from now you will be thanking them for firing you and saving you from high blood pressure.

^^^ This x1000
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: dirkdiggler on September 08, 2016, 05:19:15 PM
Sorry to hear Dan!  These are the same reasons I went out on my own!  You could do it to.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Inkworks on September 08, 2016, 05:27:58 PM
It's tough being the guy trying to change things if you don't have key players on-board.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: GraphicDisorder on September 08, 2016, 05:31:13 PM
Sucks to hear that though Dan. I am sure you will land on your feet.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Sbrem on September 08, 2016, 06:05:04 PM
This is why I dont work for anyone else. I dont need someone controlling my life.

Not married? LOL...

Steve



Nope, I did finally ask her last year though, but we haven't tied the knot yet lol.

For what it's worth, my wife and I just had our first anniversary on the 5th. We've been together since we met in late January 1977. You can't rush some things...

Steve
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: jvanick on September 08, 2016, 06:15:55 PM
Pretty bummed about it. Not so much in losing the job, but the fact that

A, the owner doesn't see what he's missing out on. Just can't see the forest kind of thing. It's his two people that he holds apparently with much higher regard than me... that are holding him back.  It's really a shame. He's a nice guy, but really making some bad business decisions. Another one of those "They've been in business for 15-20 years doing it that way) kind of thing. It's not right, it's not good...but they ARE in business.

 The job was nice. It was close to me, paid what I needed ...and was doing what I love. I should have known "Too good to be true".

Bottom line is, after he saw that he wasn't going to get his people to move my way easily and soon enough and there would be tension because I would want to continue to head that way, he'd rather just fire me and save himself the grief.  I get it.  Just still pretty stupid on his part for allowing the crew to dictate where he takes his business.

Trust me, you don't want to work for an owner that doesn't want to improve things, and prefers to listen to the workerbees over the person he brought in to help fix things.

This is signs of some serious mis-management issues.

You'll be better off long term by this change...
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: bimmridder on September 08, 2016, 06:34:43 PM
A positive spin maybe? You have been aggressively gathering information to make them better, which they foolishly declined. You have some rock solid information that you can carry with you wherever you go. So you have learned something, even if they haven't. Maybe we all have?
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Orion on September 08, 2016, 07:37:02 PM
Well dammit, sorry to hear that Dan.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Doug S on September 08, 2016, 08:24:55 PM
I don't understand shops like that.  I get a thrill out of implementing some of the things I've read here and even as long as I've been doing this I still find after trying what I've read that I had been doing it wrong before.  It would be so boring if all I printed was standard stuff all day everyday.  I love making a living at what I do but what thrills me more is when the customer picks up the order and tells me that they look much better then they had envisioned.

Sorry to hear about your situation but you will be better because of it in the long run.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: 3Deep on September 08, 2016, 09:27:39 PM
Dan sorry to hear the news, but you should have known from the day you questioned the the black ink printing order these cats are set in there ways.  Most everyone on this board would be glad to take advice and up our game, but yep there is a but, some of us are set in our ways too and might be hard pressed to change even if we know it's for the better.  If you look at it that shop was and is way beneath your talent and vision, your type of shop is someone looking to move to the next level every other year or so and eager to try new things.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Lizard on September 08, 2016, 10:03:59 PM
Yeah that sucks Dan.  Let me know if I can help in any way.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: ftembroidery on September 08, 2016, 11:50:17 PM
Sounds like the owner is stepping over dollars to pick up dimes.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: starchild on September 09, 2016, 12:52:34 AM
This is why I dont work for anyone else. I dont need someone controlling my life.


Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Prince Art on September 09, 2016, 09:43:53 AM
At least they didn't drag it out over the course of months or years. This shop gets to be an aggravating bump in the road, rather than an excruciating long-term trap. Best of luck as you look for something better!
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: tonypep on September 09, 2016, 11:37:06 AM
Having been in a similar situation recently I can certainly understand. As I get ready for the new adventure I am keenly aware of these issues. Best to you Dan all will be well
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Colin on September 09, 2016, 11:44:42 AM
Did you find a new place Tony?
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: tonypep on September 09, 2016, 04:45:03 PM
Yes ............finishing up the details but Tuscaloosa. Brand new facility. I handled their contract work so there is history. Stressed out about the move but that will be short lived
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Printficient on September 09, 2016, 05:25:09 PM
Yes ............finishing up the details but Tuscaloosa. Brand new facility. I handled their contract work so there is history. Stressed out about the move but that will be short lived
Good on ya!  Roll Tide!!!
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: jsheridan on September 09, 2016, 06:32:55 PM
Yes ............finishing up the details but Tuscaloosa. Brand new facility. I handled their contract work so there is history. Stressed out about the move but that will be short lived

Nice!
That used to be my favorite part.. the move to something totally new
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Dottonedan on September 09, 2016, 06:36:55 PM
Yes ............finishing up the details but Tuscaloosa. Brand new facility. I handled their contract work so there is history. Stressed out about the move but that will be short lived

Nice!
That used to be my favorite part.. the move to something totally new




Yea, that was cool for me too. Just a couple weeks ago. Wah wah waaaa. Badda Bing!

Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Squeegie on September 09, 2016, 08:36:41 PM
Sorry to hear this Dan. 
I don't understand any shop owner hiring a new employee to help make things better and then let the stubborn staff members dictate the business decisions. 
If I implemented a new manager and my shift leaders squawked and basically refused to make the changes suggested, I would have to fire them and move forward without them.
It is easy to find a press operator...especially with a "chief" on board that knows his or her stuff.

Hope you can get that order they have in house taken care of quickly.   ;)

Best of luck Dan.  Don't hesitate to ask if you need help.

Bill

Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Rockers on September 09, 2016, 10:17:35 PM
just wondering why being "High end" has to exclude being "focused on numbers" and vise versa . In the end is just about  implementing a few changes, getting everyone used to these changes,  but then the overall process stays the same. Unless they don`t trust their team to step up to the plate.
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: tonypep on September 09, 2016, 10:31:02 PM
Thanks Sonny. And a very very thanks to Dave AKA Barth Gimble. The support here is unmeasureable.
And again best to Dan. Many people of talent in this industry go through this. Domestically I believe that there is less understanding of the artesianship that goes behind what we do. It aint as easy as it might look
Title: Re: BOOM! The axe has fallen after not even two weeks.
Post by: Dottonedan on September 13, 2016, 08:59:05 PM
ok, so one guy (who's been a known nusence to me)  just tried to post and ruin my day about getting fired making light of it, trying to get at Dot-Tone-Dan and knock me down a few pegs.

Let no one be confused and let me just say that I am first and foremost ok with all of this.  I'll own it.

Yes, I wanted the job. Yes, it would have been a great opportunity to be able to turn them around to something bigger and better, but it wasn't to be. I was not fired for lacking anything. I was fired because it was found (after being hired), that my goals weren't going to work out for the owner and where he needed to be. I understand where he is coming from. Just wish he had known that before he hired me.

That's his choice and he's the owner. He can do that. Sad for me, it kind of hurts to be put in this situation, but like we all know, I'll do just fine anyways. Still, would have been nice to have had it all work out. But it didn't. So I move on.

I did my job, did it well and put out some of the best seps this Co. Has seen in a long time. Jobs can come and go but your integrity cannot. I'm ok with the outcome and so is he.

Nuff said.