Just to start with I am not upset or angry over smokemasters post. I do disagree with some of it, and there is quite a bit of assuming without knowing all the facts. One big one I will just put out there is that I cannot get a loan. Actually I can, I have excellent credit but won't. Call me lazy, or perhaps unwilling to put myself on the line, but I'm no fool. I believe in living as debt free as possible, and such I am just not willing to put myself and my family in a deeper debt situation. I believe I can do it other ways. Maybe I might have to take the long slow way, and that is okay. But don't assume I am lazy, or simply looking for a handout. I just came to the conclusion that if some shmo can put up a campaign for replacing a video game system, or to finance someone just sitting home doing nothing or vacations, why can't a person, trying to live the dream of owning his own business and becoming a producer not put a business campaign up? What I am seeking will aid the economy like other small businesses, unlike someone who is just trying(and succeeding!) to get people to pay for a gaming system or a vacation. Way too many businesses had someone helping to fund it early on, although some might like to pretend that they did not get started themselves this way. Parents, other family have given many many people the money they needed to get started, but I guess since its not family doing it for me, I "must be looking for a handout". How many people if they are honest will admit they had financial help, and I am not referring to loans. So why am I second class as if the same could not happen for me? My family did not have the finances like others, and so that route is not possible. As I mentioned we already are bringing our own money to the table, and putting ourselves on the line. We are in the process right now of closing on a property. Yes we have the loan Smoke to do that. However I am not going to take another loan out. If you do not want to help that is fine, no one ever forced you to do so. However, instead of thinking the worst, how about thinking the best? How about at least being supportive in another's attempts to build a business? Is this not what our economy needs? I might disagree with the extent of some handouts our gov. gives to many much larger companies, but if they can do it, why shit on the little guy who is just wanting a small piece of that? Way too many multi billion dollar companies get free handouts all the time, yet ship their jobs and economic power to other nations like China... so I am wrong to try to get a tiny fraction of that? Come on guys.
As far as mistakes, even you said smoke that you make them, and you been there and done that. Why am I not afforded the same leeway? No business on the planet EVER, went perfect or mistake free. I don't expect mine to be any different. I am not a rookie to failures. I am almost 40 and have failed many times. Your not the only one who has been through some serious things, and faced real adversity.
On another point, I am certainly not lazy. Before I was involved in the medical industry, I did low wage jobs. May many times I have hard physical jobs because I did not have an college education and such I could not find a job beyond 10-15 an hour. That was my top. So I paid my dues with hard work, and the mental struggle of working for so little. That is why I am done working for someone else if I can help it. One way or another I will succeed. Yes I know its not easy, but then again life is not easy. Welcome to life, to which I have a healthy amount of experience.
Lastly, call me proud crazy or what, but I want it to remain a family thing. I am not willing to give any of this company to anyone. If its the long hard way, then so be it. No one else will have any say or clout with our company, which is why I am unwilling to take on any investors.
As I said I am not mad, but do have the facts because a lot of assuming has been done and almost everything assumed is wrong. I appreciate feedback even when its critical, however assuming certain things that are actually incorrect is wrong. I am old school in many ways, but I also know the deck has been stacked against me. I need every bit of help I can get, and the pursuit of that should not be considered looking for a handout, especially since we have too many companies receiving far more at tax payer expense. Look at it this way, at least I am not costing tax payers money to fund my farm. Its a voluntary thing, not forced unlike the big boys who end up putting their debt onto the American people.
I don't think Aaron is looking for a life coach just some support from members and friends!!! Aaron is a great guy who has the work ethic needed to pull this off I don't think trying to tell him he's unprepared is what he's looking for. More along the lines brother Phil has mentioned way to go Phil!! Let's not stand in front of this new venture. Let's stand beside him and help anyway we can. That's the THP way!!
Just plain mean!! Aaron has been a member for awhile now so let's be nice!! 
