I would normally not post items that will find their way into the mainstream eventually, but this has bugged me since hearing it and I feel that a very strong message needs to be sent to ONE SHOT over the extremely poor descision to let Frank GO!
Yesterday was his last day at One Shot. They used the excuse of "restructuring"
I for one want everyone there to know that they made one of the biggest mistakes they could make in releasing him of his duties!
He is the ONLY representative of that company that has ever found enough value in our line of work to share the vast knolwedge and support that he has amassed and freely given above and beyond anything required.
You can go and keep buying out companies like tricote...but it makes you no better without somone like Frank to properly represent your line of product!
I am ****ED and everyone should let them know that they made a BIG mistake!
I for one will miss the value he added to a product!
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
WHAT? That SUCKS! Thanks for the Heads up to us Heads Robert. Love...Jill
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
We all do not know any specifics on what has transpired, I will state that, I enjoyed Frank he was the face of one-shot to letterheads.
Who knows what is going on in the paint world but everyday less and less paint is used maybe this is one-shots way of staying afloat.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Robert, I think you have jumped aboard a train without knowing its destination.
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
Say it ain't so! That is about as far fetched as the statement... "less and less paint being used"
Posted by Frank Manning Jr. (Member # 2699) on :
Hey Boys & Girls...Yes, unfortunately the rumors are true. Yesterday was my last day working for 1Shot due to economic reasons. I want to say to you all that I have indeed enjoyed the last 4 years working as your 1Shot rep. I feel very honored to have met and worked with so many truly talented artists & craftsmen (and ladies) in a very wonderful but constantly evolving industry. I still believe very much in the 1Shot products, and all though they may not seem to be perfect in every way, I believe that the folks at 1Shot will continue to offer you a quality line of products whenever possible. I still plan to stop into events as a "civilian" when time allows to keep my hand in. Again, Thanks for your past support and hope that when I (and my bride Beverly)see you next, that you will all be in good health.
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
With the lack of respect demonstrated lately for both the participation and opinions of merchants here that we want to deem unacceptable,is this upsetting because we feel it's the loss of a merchant or upsetting b/c we might not have source of 1shot for meets?
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
Good to see you post anyway Frank...I know better than most how corporate decisions in this industry are made. Chin up
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
It's true. As of yesterday afternoon, Frank is no longer with One-Shot. For those of us who have grown to know and admire Frank over the years, this is quite a shock.
This type of thing is nothing new in today's corporate world. One Shot was bought out years ago by Spraylat, a bigger corporation that is probally itself part of a bigger corporation. A decision was made at the top to downsize and Frank is out. Not an easy pill to swallow.
We talked to Jack at One Shot earler today. One Shot is a small company of 16 people that have been together for years. For them, it's more than a job. It's their life. One can only speculate about the insecurity and fear this action has on all of them.
There are many, many of Frank's friends that are very upset about all of this and eager to strike out at anyone or anything in an effort to get some sort of justice for Frank. I suggest we go easy on fixing the blame until we hear from One Shot and/or Frank themselves.
There you go! By the time I hit the Post button Frank had already posted. I have a feeling bigger and better things are ahead for Frank Manning. How about a chain of massage studios Frank?
[ July 27, 2004, 05:23 PM: Message edited by: Barb. Shortreed ]
Posted by Jon Aston (Member # 1725) on :
Frank:
You're a class act! I have no doubt that you will land on your feet and hopefully (for the sake of Letterheads far and wide) still in this industry.
All the best!
Posted by Frank Manning Jr. (Member # 2699) on :
I would like to add a little more support to what Barb said about "lashing out"....I appreciate the support, current & future from all of you, but I want to say that the employees at 1Shot are wonderful, caring people....many of whom have been there a long time(thru several owners). They care deeply about what they do, as did I. As I mentioned in my earlier post that I still believe very strongly about the 1Shot line of products and that as little glitches appear, they will try to remedy them. I would ask for your support by letting the Guys & Gals at 1Shot know if you have a problem worth noting and giving them an opportunity to evaluate and fix it. Thanks, Frank
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
Gee Frank, I hope I will still get to see you somewhere...I liked our little color conferences. I wish you the best in what you do, and know you will find the right spot, on down the road. Does this mean 1-shot will not be represented at meets ?
Anyway, this was about the last thing I expected to hear. 'Hope you keep posting now and then....
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
I will miss you Frank. I know to myself and a lot of others, you were the face of 1-Shot to us. For myself, it has nothing to do with supplies of paint for meets, it has to do with you being straight-up with us, knowing your product instead of just posessing the ability to memorize the speech about the product, joking around at meets and being one of us. The times I've spent with you at meets, I often caught myself forgetting you were a rep.
Good luck, and hope to see you still joining us in your "civilian life".
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
It was a great ride Frank....You served the company with pride and I'm sure that the respect we hold for you carried thru to the 1Shot line. Hang onto those panels and always remember those good times!!!!
Chisel Jam in Feb?????
Keep in touch!
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Frank,
At least I will have had the privilege to have our shop as one of your last official One Shot visitations. You are a class act and will be missed.
We wish you the best to you and yours.
Have a great one!
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Frank; sorry dude; going to miss your face once a year. Seems things happen everywhere and to everyone at one time or another, bummer, none the less. Do you have any plans? I'd like to have an address on you for future reference, cool? Email me........I'm on the road and check in from now and then, heh, you know that routine. One-shot forever ol' bean, you know that.... Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Once a Letterhead, always a Letterhead.
Keep in touch, big guy. We're always here for ya. Rapid
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
Wow!!
Its a sad day in letterville, better yet its a sad day in the life of any letterhead or pinhead out there. The industry has lost one of its finest ambassadors.
I hope that your plans for the future havent been ruined by this unfortunate situation. I know that I for one will miss the fun and the comeraderie we have shared over the past few years. I can only hope that we will still get to see you at some of the meets that we all attend, I know that you had fun pinstriping things too and seem to have a good time at the meets listening and offering great advice.
Frank please let me know how I might contact you in the future.
Good luck to you and Bev in your future endeavors wherever they may take you.
I owe you one of those "Jersey Style" handshakes when I see you next.
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Frank, about 2 years ago, you called me on my cell, you had read a question/post i had put up on the B/B. I was amazed that i was getting a call!!! you were very helpful, obviously you've done/do a LOT of this, from all the great posts here. I'm sure you will take your attitude/way of life and spread it FURTHER.
Good Luck, all the Best
John Lennig / SignRider
Posted by Kellie Miller (Member # 2788) on :
Frank, I'm really going to miss working with you. You were a great asset to 1Shot and to all in the field. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do, and I know that wherever you decide to go you'll be a great addition and they'll be lucky to have you! Thank you for all that you've done and all that you've taught all of us. You've been a wonderful person to have around, both professionally and personally. Maybe you and Bev can take off to England now?!! Your friend, Kellie
Posted by Alan Johnson (Member # 2513) on :
Frank Manning brought a wealth of knowledge to the sign industry from his many years in the auto motive field. he has experimented with 1-SHOT at many letterhead meets.Frank introduced many of you to automotive Urethane clearcoats that work over gold leaf etc., Mixing pearl powders with clears to get special effects. Over the years Frank has painted numerous test panels using automotive & 1-Shot paint.Frank is the only paint rep.I've ever known who REALLY LISTENED to our questions about 1-Shot products and tried to find solutions to problems. I'm sure any forward looking company would be proud to have him onboard. Frank your paint bench is still here in the shop waiting for you. Your friend AJ
Posted by Source Signs (Member # 1164) on :
Frank, Althought we never met in person, I would like to say thank you. I have read many posts and attended many meets and yours was the name most respected for your product and the personal touches you added. "Your were the man"! You supplied paint for our 'Splash in the Pacific' without hesitation, but above all of that you returned calls and responded to Letterheads in need with advice and so much more. Your expertise will be missed. For every door that closes, a better one opens....we wish you all the best of what life has to offer. We are sure you will be happy and do well in whatever you choose. Sue
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Personally, I am not concerned about the loss of paint supplies for future meets. 1-Shot will do what they think best on this issue, with or without Frank.
My concern is the loss of a fantastic rep, that truly was interested in our thoughts of the product, and tried to find ways to cure any problems that occured.
My biggest concern is the possible loss of a very good friend. I only met Frank at the meets, but I always looked forward to seeing him at the next one. This is a sad day indeed.
Frank,
If you ever wind up in this area, give me a call. Good friends are always welcome here.
Best of luck to you and Bev, wherever you may go.
Posted by DONALD THOMPSON (Member # 3726) on :
Whether in the capacity of 1-Shot Rep or friend, you don't find them like Frank much anymore. I really hate to hear the decision made by 1-Shot, but Frank seems to be okay with it.
If you want to continue to work, I know you will have that opportunity from someone in the industry. If you don't and want to retire, anytime you are in the area please stop by.
I hope to see you soon.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Ok, after the initial shock and anger, I have composed myself enough to say:
Frank, you are a true gem. You were always willing to help me. You made sure that I got paint for any meet. But it goes above and beyond that. You are one of the "good Guys" in my book. You are courteous, knowledgeable, fun, and your enthusiasm for the product you represented and for the Letterhead movement was truly something phenomenal.
In the throes of the mega-stress of the Mars meet, you were an island of calm in a stormy sea for me. You were always there with a wink or a pat on the back or a "How ya doin, kid?" You charmed my Mom at Dixie. You bought me a beer and onion rings at Mazeppa. I am proud to know you.
Please keep in touch. I hope a new job opportunity is just around the corner. Any company would be damn lucky to have you working for them. My best to you and your Mrs. Love...Jill
Posted by Alan Ackerson (Member # 3224) on :
Thanks Frank, Good luck in your future.
Posted by Pierre Tardif (Member # 3229) on :
Who else on this planet use One Shot beside Letterheads and Pinheads?!?
And who else could represents One Shot at those meets Better than Frank?!?
Or they really decided not to be Letterheads anymore. Or they are planning on manufacturing vynil instead of paint.
Sad decision.
Frank, I wish you the best.
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
Frank, I really hope you will still come and hang out with us at some of the meets.
Your enthusiasm was always contagious and you have always seemed more like a fellow "head" than a company rep.
Thanks for all of your help and support and for standing over my shoulder making color suggestions, jokes, backpats etc. etc. The times we had at dinner and breakfast hanging out were fun and will be remembered. I have that pic of us at Indy this year in the 1-Shot booth, so that one will go in a frame.
1-shot received more than their monies worth in customer relations than they will ever know.
If you are out running around, please stop by the shop and see us.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Frank...I want you to know how much you will be missed in our shop and our home.
Over the last few years Pat and I have always looked forward to seeing you...on every trip one of us would say "I wonder if Frank will be there"?
One Shot has no idea (yet) they have lost their greatest asset when it comes to someone being in the trenchs with their Army of end users.
Please don't forget... anytime you pass this way there is a home for you rest your head and pass the time with two people that could never get enough of your friendship.
It would be an honor to have you at our table once again in March at our annual "Party before the Party" during Fred's meet...Please bring Beverly with you this time.
It's not in your character to sit long but do enjoy it while it lasts...please keep in touch and Good Luck to you in whatever you do.
I promise...no product complaints Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Aside from all the wealth of information Frank has supplied us with, he is one fine human being. While at the wall dog meet in Canada, he drove Gary Anderson and myself to the airport even though he was booked at another airport. Just this year at Mass Mayhem meet in Mass, he drove me to the motel because I was sick with a fever. The finest discription I know belongs to Frank, a true prince of a man. We all wish you the very best Frank, you are honestly loved by all.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
I don't know what to say that hasn't been said already. Alan Johnson pretty well summed up my feelings, that Frank was a rep that actually knew what he was talking about and not only listened but asked for your input.
Posted by Steve Thomas Greer (Member # 4566) on :
Hey Frank....
We had the opurtunity to meet in Atlantic City in December. It was too bad we didn't have any other meetings to get to know each other. Look man...At the these comments on your behalf! You will be truely missed "A1" Guy!
Good Luck and let us know when your new ventures take you!
Posted by Cam Bortz (Member # 55) on :
Does anyone read "Dilbert"?
Yet another corporate decision made by some committee of pointy-haired middle-management weevils with their heads three feet up where the sun don't shine. After all, as far as the monkey-diddlers at Spraylat are concerned, 1-shot already pretty much owns the diminishing market for lettering enamels; why pay someone to sell it? Besides, Frank actually enjoyed his work, got to travel and interact with creative and interesting people; that's intolerable to the cubicle dwellers who make these decisions.
Frank, we will miss you. As a person, and as the best friend sign painters ever had in the corporate jungle.
Posted by Ryan E Young (Member # 2325) on :
Frank I am speechless! I just thought you would always be at the meets. This saddens me very much. I all ways knew there would be one person I knew no matter how far I went. You are a friend not just a rep. Keep us informed!
Maybe House Of Kolor is hiring!!!!!!!!!
Love ya buddy and good luck
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Forget House of Kolor, they went "corporate" a long time ago and their whole product line has been affected.
Xotic Colors however is a growing company gaining marketshare and providing a killer product. They could use someone like Frank to give them insight into a specialized market (sign making) where they really have the opportunity to corner the market with superior product. That is, if Frank wants to keep working. Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Frank, I was going to E-mail you but I noticed a Spraylat, domain. Do you have a personal E-mail address? Will you be at the Long Beach Sign Business Show?
Jack Wills
Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
So many memories, Frank!
Though currently at a loss for words, I will say; you have the true respect and friendship of so many here in Letterville. My heart tells me, this is not the last we'll see of you, Mr. Manning!
Please stop by, if ever you are in my neck of the woods.
And, THANK YOU! Your representation of OneShot product and personality are top notch! Without a doubt, you are an absolute asset!
Take care my friend, and keep in touch...
Cher.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I am shocked and very disappointed. Frank is not only in my top three of reps with superior product knowledge, he's one that genuinely cares about our success when using not only his products but others as well.
I'll really miss him at Letterhead meets. He went way beyond vender / customer relationships as he was a good friend and just plain fun to be with.
I hope he ends up somewhere in the sign business.
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
I have been too busy to check the board, and just saw this post. How upsetting. Frank, meets will never be the same. Like everyone else has said, you will be an asset to any company who hires you.
We have faith in 1-Shot because of your endeavors. I will sending them a letter expressing my dissappointment, and urge others to do so. We should remember as we compose the letter to show the same grace Frank has shown in this situation while expressing our dissappointment and concern.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Frank wasn't just a company rep, he was ONE OF US. He listened when we griped about the product and told us of changes that were being made. He even liked to play at the Letterhead gatherings along with the rest of us.
One-Shot lost a great representative. It probably won't hurt their sales, but it does give them a black eye in the human-being department.
Frank, just like others have said, whenever you are by this way you have a place to stay and an invitation to play along.
If he wants to keep on working, Frank won't be without a job for very long. Some company will grab him up quickly.
Thanks for being on our side Frank.
Posted by coop (Member # 504) on :
I am unable to say anything that has not already been expressed in previous posts.
Add me to the list of folks who would want you to stop by anytime, or call if I can help you in any way.
Posted by Jack Keith (Member # 4499) on :
Sad to see Frank go? Most definitely! I met him in St. Louis where he and Tramp took way too much time to explain way too many way too simple things to me. One-Shot definitely will feel the loss.
Now...has anyone thought of letting Spraylat know how so many of us feel? Perhaps an email, VERY politely done, but expressing how much of a loss we know this to be would be the best testimonial for Frank. This should not be an effort to have them re-hire Frank, for he actually may not want to work for them again, but it would let them know the value of having good representation and keeping it. The corporate world may be very detached from human feelings but they do understand the power of concerned consumers when those consumers make their voices heard.
Just my 2¢ Jack "Did I spel that write?"
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Sorry to hear about Frank. Yes he was one of us, and when you had a question he had an answer. It seemed like our concerns were getting back to the company because Frank cared. I hope he gets connected with another business that will appreciate his good personality, caring demeanor and wealth of knowledge.
Jack, your idea is a good one to let Spraylat know. Maybe they didn't realize the extent to which he bonded with the heads.
Posted by Jack Keith (Member # 4499) on :
Okey dokey, now that i have an actual idea of what to do, does anyone have an email addy for someone in a high and lofty position at Spraylat? I tried the "contacts" button several times on their website but it doesn't seem to be working. We could contact OneShot but I think the higher-ups at Spraylat would probably benefit most from an email concerning this.
Jack "Did I spel that write?"
Posted by Frank Manning Jr. (Member # 2699) on :
WOW...!!!! I'm overwelmed by the support from all of you.....Thank you all very much. I'm trying to get used to NOT having to call into work. It's a very different feeling. Some of you were asking how to get in touch with me.....I just started a new e-mail address and cell phone #....so if this isn't illegal....here goes... e-mail...manningenterprises44@earthlink.net phone..cell-302-258-3254 all this info will be avail. when I sign up as a non-merchant(Steve & Barb need to tell me how). Thanks again for all the kind words.
Posted by Dawn Ellis (Member # 3529) on :
Frank, meeting you in Mazeppa this past February was a highlight for me. You taught me a great deal about One-Shot and I appreciated your knowledge and friendliness. My best wishes to you in the future.
Posted by Danny Busselle (Member # 3746) on :
Hi Frank. Its the Old addage that One door closes and another Opens. Good Luck see ya @ the Long Beach Show in August 12 to 14th.. And Yhanks for all that you Have Done.
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