The Final Words

 If I am posting this it means that no one has stepped forward with any serious interest in buying Briar Blues.   I pretty much assumed this would be the case.  I mean who in their right mind wants to work this hard for such little return?  Who indeed, you might ask. Well I’m about to tell you. 

  Each and every person that ekes a living in some way or another from  the pipe or tobacco world.   Why would anyone in their right mind do this?  For the love of the business AND the people within the business.  I can not think of one person in this business whose sole income has been generated from this business that anyone would consider wealthy.  Yes, there are a few lucky people that in their prior working lives have been fortunate enough to do very well for themselves.  This may create the impression they are wealthy and they may well be, but not through their activities in the pipe or tobacco business. 

  Look at the pipe carvers of the world.  None I can think of, show me any hint that they have wealth.  Wealth in skill and knowledge, yes, but not in monetary terms. It is for the love of the craft that these highly skilled individuals carry on. 

  All facets of this industry and hobby need support.  Support from buyers and collectors on all levels.  With governments on all levels attacking those that smoke, it makes it more and more difficult for the people in the industry to make any kind of living. 

  Buyers need to support all facets of the industry through all avenues.  The local B&M, the private sellers, etailers, E-Bayers, the clubs, the publications,  shows, and each other. 

  So what brought the end to Briar Blues?  Nothing to do with the above.  Briar Blues over the past few years has been a profitable little venture.  So much so that my “friends” at Revenue Canada made more money from Briar Blues than I did.  How is that possible?  Well if you have a reasonably well paying job and you have a secondary source of income , in some cases ( mine ) it moves you into a higher tax bracket.   Yes, but medical care is FREE in Canada .   If you truly believe that I’d like to offer you shares in the Golden Gate Bridge . 

  This had nothing to do with Briar Blues closing.  I dearly enjoyed the countless hours; cleaning pipes ( fondling ), photographing pipes ( examining the beauty within each piece ), replying to emails ( exchanging information with friends & collectors worldwide ), and learning about pipes and tobacco.  The near 12 years that Briar Blues was open have been, for the majority, exceptionally joyous. 

  Yes there have been a few instances that were trying.  Like Gevorg V. from well overseas, that would not know a burn out if it was in his hand and smoldering.   Yes, Gevorg V. that “burnout” Castello is still smoking fine and has no issues.  How you became the president of any pipe organization boggles my mind.   Your manor in dealing with people is inconsiderate to say the least.   I wish you well in your endeavors and hope that the other dealers that have spoken to me, about you, all choose to ignore you completely.

  You know funny enough other than the above I can not think of one other instance that upset me that much.  Ok yes there were a few other instances, but not worthy of putting into text.  ( yes Gary S. smile, you got a pass ) 

  In all those years I believe we have only had two issues in which issues arose in getting paid.  Of those two only one was never paid.   Considering the number of packages that left here I’d say it reflects well on the buyers I have had the pleasure to deal with. 

  Ok so the reasons I have chosen to close Briar Blues.  Some of you may know I also have a full time day job.  Well that is correct, but not really.  Yes, I have something that pays me to work during the day, but not as just an employee.   I also own part of the business.  It is a family business that was started by my parents and is now run by my brother and me.   It is my only true source of income.  BB never really made anything worthy of being called an income that could pay a mortgage or feed a family.  Well, not in the real world.   Anyway after some re organization in our offices I have been re directed to do what I was originally trained and hired to do.  Sales and marketing.  Not accounting, IT, Payroll etc, which I was doing plus sales and marketing.   With the return to my original role my free time to service clients at Briar Blues was greatly diminished.  So much so that I was not able to keep up the service levels I had set as acceptable.  So a change was required. 

  I had hoped that someone would be willing or interested in buying the company, but no one even made an offer.   Funny enough I was pretty much willing to take next to nothing, as long as the person that bought the company made me feel that they would carry on keeping the clients happy.   Such is life. Now all the equipment is sold and all that remains is the dot com address, which I shall keep for sentimental reasons. 

  I do not recall who, but someone once said that timing is everything.  Well it is true.  As my role at work changed and I was out of town a great deal., it allowed me time for personal reflection.  Not much time for reflection, when you work 8 hours each day and 4, 6 or 8 each night and weekend days as well.   During this time I looked at my home life and saw how others in my home were clearly unhappy.  Upon returning home, my wife and I had a long talk and indeed I was correct. Unhappiness did reign supreme.  Amazing what you do not see when your too busy to look.   We then decided it was time to end our relationship and maybe each can find happiness.   Currently we are in the process of asset reallocation etc.  If anyone has been through a divorce you know what I’m talking about.  The good news for us is that we are both friendly and amicable about the situation.  Our focus is on our daughter.

   Alora ( our daughter ) has decided to live with me as her custodial parent.  Pam ( my wife ) will move in with her daughter, husband and their son.  They live very close so this allows easy access for Alora to see her Mom and visa versa.  Plus when I travel there is a place Alora can stay that adds only a block onto her walk to school. 

  Of course as a blues man you’d think I’d get some stroke of bad luck, just to mess with me.  For once I was struck with some good luck. Maybe the best luck I’ve ever had.  I have been introduced to a young lady that has captured my heart.   I am hoping that by May 2009 things will be much more solidified and she and I will travel to Chicago, for both the National Restaurant Show and the Chicago Pipe Show. 

  I thought I’d be able to do this all in a few paragraphs, instead of some long diatribe.  My apologies for being so long winded.

  There are a number of people I’d like to Thank for all their help, gui dan ce and friendship over the past many years.   The list may be long and for sure I’ll forget many, but I’ll do my best.  This is in no particular order, just as the names come through my little blonde head.

 Greg Pease – so many things to Thank Greg for.  Years of friendship, sharing his wealth of knowledge on all things pipe, tobacco, photography and various other topics.

  Marty Shapiro – another friend that has helped me through many trials and tribulations.  Can we say Lee?  ( sorry inside joke )  Your gui dan ce in dealing with the current situations has been invaluable.   Without you helping to keep my head and heart grounded, we both know I’d not be as happy as I am right now.

   Regis McCafferty & Vi -  two dear friends.  You two always have a way of making me smile. 

  Bill Unger – for forcing me to write and for exchanging an email a day for near the past 11 years. 

   Bob Hamlin – for teaching me the ropes and how to treat clients.  Yes, you act like a tough sob, but you’re all class. Your clients and friends know it. 

  Marty Pulvers – for also teaching me the skills needed to deal with customers.  The only man that has ever refused to sell me a pipe, because he knew I’d not be happy with the selection!  Customer satisfaction first. The dollar in the till always was secondary.  You’re way too honest for your own good, Marty!

  Scott Laughlin – Richard -  for rekindling my will to play guitar again and years of friendship.  

  Oliver Brandt – for putting friendship before money.   When you look up “solid” in a dictionary you’ll see Oliver’s face! 

  Irwin Van Hove – for your sense of humor.  Yes, it is lost on many, but man I love the edge.  It does make people think. J

  To each and every person that chose to ask me to act on their behalf as a seller of “stuff”.   Not one of you is a client.  I am proud to say that you are my friends.  You have always treated me with patience, kindness, and understanding.  I shall always be in your debts. 

  To each and every pipe carver I have had the pleasure to work with.  The most passionate group of talented people I have been blessed to get to know.   Without your skill and dedication much of the joy of collecting would never have been kindled.

  So to any and all that take the time to read the above and have ever dealt with Briar Blues, my deepest Thanks, I will miss you all.

 Sincerely

Michael J. Glukler