New Ownership - Mike's 'Farewell' Letter

[mikemjohnson]

Dear Higher Level Automotive customers, supporters, and members of the online communities that I sponsor,

It's very rare that people make money doing what they love; I'm sure many of you know the trials and tribulations of the nine to five grind, or the over-worked-under-paid salaried job, but I'm sure there are plenty of people reading this who love their jobs. I am fortunate enough to be one of the people who makes a living doing something I enjoy - providing you all with top notch customer service and supplying you with high quality products that make you crack a smile every time you see them on your vehicle. Be it the stunning glow of an HID conversion kit you purchased, or those pretty chrome wheels, just knowing that what I do makes people love their rides even more satisfies me even during the long, no-sleep twelve hour nights when I'm splicing and dicing wires to make that custom kit fit your car perfectly. I love cars and the fine art of modifying them; that's the main reason I entered into this field. Even when I speak to people via email and phone who do not buy products from me, many of them calling for assistance with their products they bought from other companies who provide no support, just hearing them say "thank you for your time," or "you've been so helpful," and "you really know your stuff" makes me happy. I'm a people person who loves to talk and satisfy. Long story short, I love what I do.

This isn't the first time this has happened, where things have stacked up in my personal life that have made me question whether not I can continue to run and operate this business. I'm a full-time college student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with exams coming up shortly, a cadet in Air Force ROTC at the 592nd Cadet Wing, and an average Joe with the same-old time consuming problems as everyone else. My point in telling you this is that things are stacking up, and I have to make a choice on what to put on hold, what to sacrifice to deal with my other priorities to keep my head above water. Unfortunately, at this time the only plausible option is the business.

This letter is not announcing the close of Higher Level Automotive. That would be a terrible decision, as business is rapidly growing alongside an ever-expanding product line, with sales exceeding my expectations every month. On the subject of growing sales, let me digress, and take this moment to thank everyone who has ever supported Higher Level Automotive through purchasing products, referencing friends, and spreading the good word. None of this business' success would have been possible without the continued support of the Internet communities which I sponsor. Also, to my friends and my family, especially my mother and father who have always backed me in my pursuits. But back on track, I am not closing the business. I have decided instead, to sell the business to a party that will continue the excellence you all have come to know and expect. I have met with the party selling the business, and they are fully competent and knowledgeable in the products the company sells, and I have made sure that I am handing the company off to a group that will take care of Higher Level Automotive and help it continue to grow and meet the expectations of the online communities and customers of Higher Level Automotive. Please welcome them with open arms into the online community to which you belong, as they will continue the personal customer support that I have provided to you thus far.

In summary, I am gracefully bowing out, and handing the company over to the new party on June 27th, 2008. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I believe that I am making the correct choice. I will sincerely miss serving you all, many of you whom which I now know personally after many conversations. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and again for your support of Higher Level Automotive.

Sincerely,
Mike Johnson

[nebraskaz71]

damn man hope all goes well for you. Hooked me up with a great product, price and deal.

[vegaman04]

Good luck on your future endeavors Mike.

[SmokedOutZ28]

Good Luck Mike, Thanks for the excellent service in the past.

[Zodiac]

Mike,

Whoa. I can't believe I just read this.

Good luck in the future, if you stick to the same principals you had while running HLA, you'll be fine.

I had nothing but good things to say about you and HLA, and referred many friends.

I hope the new party is the same way.

[Nick Z71]

dang mike, im sorry to hear the selling of your company. I'm sure you will be fine it whatever future God might have in store for you. Be safe man and i hope you get your priorities straight however you need to, Godspeed.

P.S. Are the prices from your kits going to change?

[vegaman04]

$10 cheaper for the month of july.

[sgtshaft919]

Best of luck to ya brother...

[badasschevy]

is it possible you can give me the number and email of the new owners for a warrenty. i have a burnt out side

[oneloudz71]

You should be able to still contact them through the Higher Level threads on this site.

Try these...

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/...el-automotive/