Looks like it is going to happen

“I subscribe to that business philosophy and I'm pretty darn sure I'm a capitalist. As far as I'm concerned any business philosophy that doesn't put the customer first most likely reflects a lack of character.

Good for you Binks.”

“Anyone who walks in wearing a Trail Talk shirt gets a 50% discount!”

“Good luck with it bb”

“Big ups, Binks! That's killer, best of luck man!”

“Actually bit, there is a place in Monteagle called Mountain Outfitters, or something like that, about a mile west and on the opposite side of the road from the surplus store. They have pretty good prices on overruns. Not necessarily backpacking gear, but they occasonally have some pretty good stuff.”

“Have to keep that in mind.

Knowing where the outfitters are near the trailhead is always a good idea. Starting a trip at one kept me from having to wear my wife's hiking socks once, lol...”

“Binks, congrats again on the deal. I am glad to hear that everything has fallen into place so well. I would love to come down to see th joint when it opens.”

“Ok now tell me exactly where are you locating the store??? 45 min form Nash. but in which direction?”

“karo- I can't post it publicly until I have a few more things wrapped up.”

“very cool binks.

You should read a couple of very cool books to inspire you. You've already done one critial thing-your area of passion and a way for which you can get paid. The books are "Built to Last" and "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. I can loan you "Good to Great" if you would like.

Also, make me an html "button" and I'll put it on my website.”

“Pathman, I've read both for a leadership class at work. Very interesting concepts. Yes, Binks has found his hedgehog.

Now, he's just got to get the right people on the right seats on the bus. :)”

“Is that the "Short Yellow Bus"?”

“Ha! My company literally has a poster with a yellow bus, and the members of our hedgehog council sticking their heads out the window.

I think maybe the "bus" concept is in the book "First Break All the Rules". I get that and Good to Great mixed up a lot.”

“The bus is mentioned in Good to Great, can't remember if he attributed it to someone else.

Sept 15 I get to start working for a Level 5 leader. My current boss is a Lever -2 leader. ”

“Good for you! We have no level 5 leaders here. But the reason the younger people with potential here are in the class (including myself, apparently) is to eventually develop them into level 5 leaders.

Most people here are still wondering how we'll ever get to great if we skip over good. :) I have to admit that a lot of management here, including my old boss, have come a long way in their management skills. But a a whole, we have a long way to go.”

“Way to go bink...you took the Nikes advice huh...and just did it!
That is so exciting!!”

“Thanks Pathman, I'll sen you mail later on. Those books sound pretty interesting. I'll have to check them out. The only time I really read is when I'm on the trail. May have to take one along next time.

Thanks crazygirl”

“hey binks, is the Hermitage store still going to be open. Two minutes is a lot closer than 45 minutes.

Congrats on doing this”

“Author's website

Jim Collins”

“Ewker-The hermitage store closes in 2 months...lol


Thanks Pathman”

“Congrats bbinks. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Good luck with it.”

“Just to be sure, you are going to carry a complete line of Photon lights, aren't you?”

“How long a line of lights do you want, Geo?”

“Thanks Geo. I have the photons and the pulsars now but haven't listed them on the site yet.”

“Hey Binks, got my Nalgene's in the mail today--they're pretty sweet. Thanks for the awesome deal!”

“There's nothing quite like a Photon III. Pulsars are okay though.”

“Dub-Those hydration packs are a steal..glad you like them. thanks again”