Anonymous Donates so Original Grip Buddies Can Become a Sponsor

[Adirondackjack]

I never would have believed it if I hadn't lived it:

Less than a week ago, one of our members bought a set of neoprene comfort grips from me for their RT Spyder, and started a thread to review and discuss the experience. Seems my grips answer more than one need for the RT. I was not a member at that moment, so they emailed me and asked me to become a member in order to clarify issues, and answer questions. In the process, it came out that I am the Founder of Original Grip Buddies, a small 1-man USA-Made start-up company in Saratoga Springs, New York. Neither my forum name (Adirondackjack) or my signature line indicated who I was, plus I wanted to respect the forum rules for sponsors.

I was contacted by the administrator both publicly (posts) and privately (PM's) and politely requested to become a sponsor if I wanted to remain and keep posting. Certainly a reasonable request on the part of management. While several kind souls jumped in to argue for me (which was much appreciated), I regretfully had to decline due to budget constraints. There are many start-up expenses which would astound you (not to mention the high costs of patenting and trademarking), along with insurance etc. All things most on this board understand very well, already.

Here's where it gets interesting

I awoke this morning to an email from a philanthropic member of this Board, who had decided to fund my Vendor Sponsorship out of the goodness of his heart, and who had already transferred the funds into my paypal account. His only condition was that I not divulge his identity. Needless to say, I was speechless. This kind of generosity is unprecedented, and along with the incredible early response to my Grips, says volumes about the high quality folks present and contributing on this forum.

Thanks to all who have supported me so far, and thanks especially to one certain member who was kind enough to believe in me and my down-home American Made product. I will never forget this.

Very Sincerely,

David J. Reppert
Founder
Original Grip Buddies, LLC
Saratoga Springs, New York
info@originalgripbuddies.com
518-461-3003
See my grips HERE

[Bob Denman]

David,
We've got a really great bunch of folks in here; adding you to the "pile" makes it even better!
Welcome to the family!
Can I borrow the car now?

[CyncySpyder]

And your point just goes to prove what Ive been stating all along. The SpyderLovers Community is second to none when it comes to helping and supporting one another in any way possible.

Lamont has truly created something very special for all of us here

Teddy & I would like to say Congratulations on becoming a site Sponsor & Welcome to the SpyderHood

[Lamonster]

[warp10]

Congrats and welcome I am glad to see they will work with heated grips. Are these slip on or are they wrap around?

[arntufun]

Awesome story !!!! David, I will stop by your booth next week at Americade.

[Bob Denman]

I like the new pic Randy...

[murphybrown]

Awesome .. Welcome .. How about pics and prices of your "stuff"..

[spyder3]

How do these grips or any other grips help? Can you still feel the heat from the OEM heated grips?

thanks
john

[Lamonster]

Awesome .. Welcome .. How about pics and prices of your "stuff"..

He's not a sponsor yet, let's see how this turns out first.

[ARtraveler]

Yes, great people on the forum

[Lamonster]

Awesome story !!!! David, I will stop by your booth next week at Americade.

So how much is a booth at Americade?

[Rando]

So how much is a booth at Americade?

Inappropriate comment!

[pwilbarger]

I always thought the people on this site were great, but that just blows me away! I have already my grips yesterday and they shipped today!


Spyder Phyl

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lamonster]

Inappropriate comment!

Why is that? I could say your comment about how I handle sponsors here was inappropriate but instead I answered your question. If you got some sort of problem with me now please give me a call and let me know. I've always been helpful to you when you needed it and I'm not sure what I did to tick you off but obviously I have.

[Adirondackjack]

Why is that? I could say your comment about how I handle sponsors here was inappropriate but instead I answered your question. If you got some sort of problem with me now please give me a call and let me know. I've always been helpful to you when you needed it and I'm not sure what I did to tick you off but obviously I have.

Lamont and I are on the same page on this somewhat sensitive area of discussion (we all inadvertently wandered into with no malice intended). I do not think Lamont is out of line here. He is simply doing his job as administrator, not a particularly easy job, BTW. I contacted Lamont today both by PM, and phone to discuss my intentions to execute his Sponsor agreement now that the $$ issue has been resolved. I would say to him several things (albeit respectfully):

1. Comments doubting whether I will follow through to become a sponsor or not, are not productive and do not promote the sense of well being and trust I have sensed on this forum to date. On the other hand, Lamont is a guy with feelings , as well, and he is entitled to get his feathers ruffled occasionally, just as any of the rest of us might. Let's cut him a break.

2. I would hope that just because I can't afford to do Americade in Lake George and have to opt to try to get space up in Warrensburg (the bargain location), I would hope that neither he or anyone else would look down their noses at me for being in the position of "needing to make economies early in the life of my little company". Lamont: you have no idea what deal I was able to cut as a former Law Enforcement Officer up in that county, so don't jump to conclusions.

Finally, Lamont., you have done a good job of moving this thing in the right direction for all involved. You are doing your job appropriately, so please be patient with me and give me a little time to put together the graphics you require for the banner. I don't mind paying the graphics guy to do this, but it does take a little time.

It's all good!

Best,

Dave R.

[Adirondackjack]

Can someone please direct me to where the rest of the banners are located so I can show my graphics guy for comparison purposes? Thanks, in advance.

Best,

Dave R.

[Sarge707]

Can someone please direct me to where the rest of the banners are located so I can show my graphics guy for comparison purposes? Thanks, in advance.

Best,

Dave R.

Click on "Home Page " at top and the banners are there- Like 1 x 4 inches.

[Flight Risk]

Hoping Grip Buddies does become a sponsor and HIGH FIVE and well done to the person who helped! Kudos and blessings

[Luckyme]

Thanks to the generous person who donated so Grip Buddies can be a sponsor.
I've now placed my order.
I have a bit of carpel tunnel, so I look forward to using these!

[Adirondackjack]

Click on "Home Page " at top and the banners are there- Like 1 x 4 inches.

Thanks, got it! Sometimes I'm working so intently, I can't see the obvious stuff right in front of my nose. Yoose guys are da best!

Best,

Dave R.

[Huntindawg1962]

I posted this on the other thread - I am not a sponsor here nor selling anything but apparently have been a very willing patron of a few in the few short weeks I have been here - and soon to add a few more patronages to my list of those I bought from

Take the general debate off this board including the rebuttals and angel donor remarks, please. This is not the place and our "general user" opinions and "taking sides" either way is not relevant. It is a great market place for all things . The board is what it is and the rules are what the owner has deemed them to be and we all agree to that when we sign on. I appreciate the costs of running these boards and there has to be some guidelines.

In the end, SpyderLovers is a very unique place that we as enthusiasts are lucky to have with really great people. Prefer we keep it that way for my $$.

Thanks.

[Grandpa Spyder]

Well I ordered your grips on the 25th and you shipped on the 26th and I am anxiously waiting there arrival. But I did get my Ultimate seat today. come on weather give me a break.

[bo9roadking]

Hope to have my grips Friday. Good luck with the sponsorship and congrats.

[bruiser]

Wow! Lots to digest here. But to echo others, this is a great site with wonderful caring people willing to help when the need arises. It may seem that Lamont rules with an iron fist (well, at least riding glove clad) but this is his baby and I for one support him 100%