Nashville, TN
From Chris (sc93cobra):
Over the past year, as many of you know, Ron and I have both had separate plating businesses. This has presented some challenges for both of us, being new to a business that our friend, Mike Chestnut, had offered to the hobby for years before that. In his untimely passing, we both moved forward to pursue keeping this alive. In the beginning Ron and I very much were doing our own things. As time has gone on we’ve seen through our differences to be able to lend one another a hand, and have developed a friendship that I am grateful for. I know that’s probably a shocker for some, but yes, you can compete in business and be friends.
In more recent days, Ron and I have gotten to endure some of the challenges of this business at the same times, and it’s been good to be able to talk about it. This business is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work, very time consuming, there are many aspects we cannot control due to working with platers, and sometimes we have to deal with people that are not patient. Sometimes it’s been too long of a wait, and we know it, but still we are waiting, too.
Did I mention it’s very time consuming? That being said, Ron reached out to me this past week and offered for me to purchase his business. I will gladly let him explain more about that if he wants to, but I know that the biggest reason is he would like more time with his family, and I think we can all respect that. He and I came to an agreement, and officially yesterday, I, Chris Royalty, owner of Hot Rod Arcade/pinballplating.com, purchased Pinball Plating and More from Ron Woodard.
This being said, Ron will continue to finish orders that started with him, and I will gladly help him to do that however I can. Furthermore, I will gladly help any of Ron’s customers however I can in the future as well. I do also expect Ron to hang with us some at shows in the future. He knows the biz, and I could always use an extra hand, so you may see us both working the booth in the future. We also will now be offering parts that Ron had available that we did not, mainly exchange parts and the plastic services on things like the TOTAN lamp, IJ Idol, BoP helmet, etc. This will all soon be found at pinballplating.com.
This was all very much a surprise to me and I’m humbled by Ron asking if I would like to do this. I want to also publicly express how I appreciate how it has all been handled. If you don’t really know Ron, you are missing out. Way back when, I misjudged him shortly after loosing Mike. It was a very emotional time, but I’m thankful for grace and to have actually gotten to know him as time has gone on. To that all I can say is God is good and thank you to Ron.
Please let me know how I can help you with work you need done or parts you need to order. I would say the next few weeks will be a tad bit crazy, so bare with me as we get everything sorted out. Thank you to everyone for your support. It is felt and very much appreciated. I know our biz is very different than many others and takes longer than expected, etc, at times. But we strive to get folks what they are wanting in the end. Thank you. It means more than you know, as these businesses have helped to support our families, and will continue to help mine.
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From Ron (Woody76):
Well guys, it was a great run for me, but now time for Chris to finish this thing out. I am worn out and my family misses me greatly. I am a little sad to be walking away, but my family has to come first. This plating business has grown into something so much larger than I ever imagined and is still growing. I have built a strong customer base all over the world. I was in desperate need of hiring help/or letting my wife quit her job to help, but the profits had not reached a safe point yet in my opinion and with 2 plating businesses in the hobby I was not sure if it would ever get to that point. I already run another business, so I was splitting my time between two successful businesses totaling around 70-80 hours per week. I was averaging just a few hours sleep per night and the week leading up to a show/expo I did not sleep at all. Bottom line, I am exhausted! I am still going to be around the hobby as a collector and will be attending several shows throughout the year. Doing this almost ruined the hobby for me, so time to get back to enjoying pinball. I am very thankful for the friendships I have developed over the last year and half. I have got to know Chris very well. The last few months especially since we have been working together more and more. The deal Chris and I worked was fair to me and my family and will help him grow the plating business for years to come. He acquired all my parts and inventory. He is going to have a arsenal of quick exchange parts now that should really benefit the hobby allowing for faster turn around times. I now consider Chris a good friend of mine and I have confidence he will carry this business into the future with great success. I might even help Chris out at some shows to help keep in touch with friends and old customers. I am working with Chris daily to help with transition and order flow until I completely step away. As of Wednesday June 14th, I took my last orders. Anything pending up to that point is mine and will be handled by me. I just want to assure everyone who trusted me with your parts that I will see these orders through and will be contacting you all shortly. Our plan is to have all my open orders completed in the next 3 weeks.
I have some folks I want to personally thank for their support and help in marketing Ron Woodard and Pinball Plating and More over the last year. I would appreciate everyone continuing to help support these companies in anyway possible.
Larry Kitchens with FlipNOut Pinball. If you need a new in box game or Escalera please get with Larry. He will take great care of you and is one of the best people I know.
Greg with Pinball Pro. Best speakers in the hobby.
Jose with Tilt Graphics. I can't say enough about the quality of this guys character. He has supported and helped me from day one. Thanks Jose.
Bryan Kelly. Sent many, many customers my way and I am very thankful.
Chris Hutchins/HEP. Was a great help with some marketing and sent much business my way.
The Mezel Mod team. Thank you so much for all your help.
Middle TN pinball guys, Travis, Kenny, JD, and Bobby. You guys helped in so many ways. I am forever grateful.
I want to thank all my customers for the great support and friendships. You guys are awesome! If any of you are ever in Nashville look me up.
This deal is going to be good for Chris and his family. I only wish him success and future prosperity. Please continue to support Chris and the pinball plating business.
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Thanks everyone for your support!
Chris and Ron
