As most of you know, there has been some significant challenges at APR in the first few months of this year. I've not spent enough time on the forum, and I've not spent enough time documenting restoration work. Somehow, we are in May. i don't know where the time has gone, but it feels like I've been "running up and down on the spot". I lost a mentor this year. A friend that impacted my personal and business life. Not a day passes where I don't ask myself "why did this happen. Why now ?".
The responsibility I took on to run RTBB has been one of the things that has helped me deal with the loss. The pride I have in his achievements and the honor I have to continue his legacy is unmeasurable. The friendships we shared with others have become unbreakable bonds.
The downside has been the time spend on RTBB has affected the APR Restoration Queue. Today, May 1st, is the FIRST day since March 27th where there are no "pending orders" on the RTBB website. We have caught up.
With the added workload of RTBB, we have decided that from this point on - APR will not be doing Repair work, with the exception of machines reconditioned, restored or previously repaired by APR. This is a business decision that will allow me to concentrate on restoration work - which is the whole reason APR started. RTBB will be run alongside APR. This does not really affect AP members that need repairs - but it does reassure AP members that have games in the resto queue that my attention is with their games.
The other decision we have made is to advise new customers that the waiting period for new restoration projects is extended to 2 years. This does NOT include games I have already accepted, or restoration projects I've provided quotes and timeframes.
I've been asked a number of times if I will take on staff. It is not an option as I like to micro manage my work, and that does not work well with others. I'd like to publicly thank all the guys that have offered to help - whether it be unboxing, to sorting to moving machines.
I'd like to acknowledge the patience shown by all the members that have games in the resto queue. Things will start to move along at a faster pace.
There are still MANY more exciting announcements from APR this year. Some REALLY cool product announcements
More importantly, some VERY interesting restorations - and just maybe - I'll do one of my own games - but not before I've finished off a few more customer machines !
