What the hell? Well that just sucks. That's the end of my business with Hobbytown. I guess they just want to pay minimum wage to a bunch of kids instead of keeping experienced managers around.

Warren

Well, so much for the ONE person who knows anything about rocketry at Hobbytown, and knows what to stock in the stores. Might as well rename it RC-town, now...
😡
Ken

That sucks...

Honestly, I would bet that the rocketry supply there will shrink fast anyways, forcing somewhat of a boycott by default. So much for a local hobby store with someone who actually knows about rocketry...

Joe

So thats what they ment when they said " hes gone for a while "
that sux, dont really feel like going back now !

scotte

Joe, I'll add my name to the chorus here -- it is sad that they did this. FWIW, I remember calling Joe San Filipe (spelling?) at HT a few years ago..... (JSF was the rocket guy before Joe Cowan) and I got quizzed hard by whoever answered the phone as to if it was a personal call, what I wanted, etc. I told them that I wanted to talk to JSF because he was the only person in their organization that knew diddly about rockets and that I really didn't care to get interrogated when I called their place of business. It was really weird.

Bottom line, this seems to be a bit of an odd fit for them -- and I'm sorry you took the brunt of their decision. Sure hope you keep flying with NCR, though!

JW

I regrettably had the opportunity to read the letter that Gary Kolm (the owner of HobbyTown in Fort Collins, Longmont & Westminster) left Joe. The letter explained a couple of reasons why HobbyTown was letting Joe go. Let me tell you, I have not had a lot of experience in the work force but I know what is right and what is wrong and what they did to Joe is wrong! They basically dismissed Joe on a moments notice for the same reasons you would dismiss a 16 year old punk making minimum wage, NOT a grown man with a wife who has put his own sweat, interest, and time into the company.

After being displayed at the X Prize Cup, BAMF was scheduled to be hung in HobbyTown for display. Not now, in fact, I made a trip to HobbyTown Thursday to exchange e-mail addresses with a couple of the employees who I consider to be friends and pull down the Event Horizon photo as well as the X Prize Cup banner.

I don’t support anyone who makes a decision like HobbyTown did in dismissing Joe. I do not plan on supporting or affiliating myself with HobbyTown anymore. There are plenty of rocketry vendors among us who have stood behind NCR and will continue to, support them, not HobbyTown.

It is unfortunate but true. Best of luck to Joe and Shirley, let me know if I can do anything to help. Most importantly Joe; don’t let this stop you from flying rockets!

Art

You mean, POOL TABLE TOWN? Joe, I'm never going to the Westminster store again. Count on that. You're a good man and will find something better. 😉

I am in full agreement with a boycott of Hobby Town. This forum can be a tremendous resource, and according to the hit counter reaches a huge number of people. NCR consists of a large community of diverse people with contacts all over the state. Why not use this resource as a way to network and help Joe find employment with a company that will treat him with the respect he has earned.

-Dale.

Joe, if you're willing to relocate, I'll put in a good word for you where I work in NM. I'm always trying to recruit fellow rocket people in my area. If you, or anyone, would be interested drop me a PM. I find it an interesting place to work and they do treat their employees right.

Doug

http://www.nrao.edu/

Like JW I to knew Joe San Fillipe. Was a friend and hung out with him. But He was at the time when I wanted something for rocketry from a local who I called to order and buy from as he was the only one to get it right. I too can remember calling and getting the interrogation as well. Funny I guess that my buying orders of AT motors at that time for 300 to 500 bucks plus all the other hundreds if not more dollars wasnt worth it every six months to keep a knowledgeable good guy around. Sounds to me like the have no idea what an employee should be treated as or for that matter give the customers a person as a representative to get what they want. Joe its their loss really. Not yours as we know what you have to offer. I have no issues boycotting aplace such as this. In fact for some time now I havent been able to get squat here locally at Ft Collins.. To busy with Rc cars and Pool tables..

Joe for what its worth.. if I can do anything to help Let me know.

Hey Doug.. So what do you do and who do you work for. Just curious..

Conway

Count me in the boycott as well. Joe if you dont mind a drive Adam Aircraft is hiring here in Englewood. I'd be happy to put in a good word for you.

Hey Doug.. So what do you do and who do you work for. Just curious..

Conway, you must have missed the link I snuck in
http://www.nrao.edu/ I work as an Engineer/Technical Manager but there is a huge variety of jobs from technicians, administrative, mechanics, HVAC, etc. There is usually a position open all the time but for a particular field not so often.

Doug

Hey Doug.. So what do you do and who do you work for. Just curious..

Conway, you must have missed the link I snuck in
http://www.nrao.edu/ I work as an Engineer/Technical Manager but there is a huge variety of jobs from technicians, administrative, mechanics, HVAC, etc. There is usually a position open all the time but for a particular field not so often.

Doug

Yup!!I sure did!! next time i will look with my good eye... Thanks Doug.. VERY cool stuff there. I may have to just come and visit sometime.

Conway

Joe that sux big time! Good thing I get most all my stuff at that orange rocket shop - Home Depot, and Tim.