Working with you from FI in 2017 to CMO at 2022 will always be a highlight of my career Steve. I will always enjoy your energy, your dedication, and your willingness to fight for both what you believe and what you’re passionate about. Spending those five years working with you, fighting with you, and thriving with you and the rest of the badass team for so long was a blast and I appreciate everything we achieved together. People can be passionate and even disagree with the decisions made both in the past, present, and future, but what’s most important is that we don’t forget all the incredible things we were able to do together. all the innovative, next-level stuff we spearheaded in this industry that’s still trying to be copied 😅. We will undoubtedly cross paths in the future and I have no doubt we’ll be sitting at a charity event in a few years time looking back together to these tough moments that defined us as leaders, business owners, and most importantly; human beings. After all, none of it would be possible without the people around us. The future will have more tough moments, new competition, and more tough calls but hey, that’s how it goes and I still want nothing but the best for EVERYONE out there, from the owners to the new team members looking to build their dream job 🎉. It’s like an old mentor once said, “focus on the tower you’re building. Don’t waste your effort trying to tear someone else’s down. Good luck to all out there and we’ll see you again in no time! ❤ - Alex Martinez

@TheHamiltonCollection

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, brother! You were a major part of the success and we’ll always appreciate you and your contributions. “Focus on the tower you’re building” that’s what she said!!

@dave5517

Жыл бұрын

W chemistry ♥️

@TeevyMW

Жыл бұрын

respect, i'll carry that quote myself. Hope everyone success and good health

@daveh2612

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHamiltonCollection I’m 44 and my tower just doesn’t build like it used to 😞

@mrsmith1162

Жыл бұрын

Never knew you worked with him until now. Love your channel btw

As a prior videographer for FI, I can say that Steve did not sugar coat anything here. Genuinely it was an awesome company to work for and it’s nice to see Steve being as transparent online as he was in our town hall meetings. Great video dude

@-rjbass95-19

Жыл бұрын

So.... you're saying that's NOT sugar on his pants?!?

@bigtravis2004

Жыл бұрын

All I heard was excuses. They burned too many customers and I’m sure employees.

@CheechDogg.0n37s

Жыл бұрын

@@bigtravis2004 they sure did ... some customers didn't even get what they ordered and didn't even get refunds ....

@tgshark1

Жыл бұрын

@@CheechDogg.0n37s one thing I noticed on FI vs the wheel manufacturer websites is the manufacturers offer you insurance on your order in the event anything weird happens during shipment...im not sure FI does though I didnt see anything during check out

@sonofagun5305

Жыл бұрын

@@CheechDogg.0n37sthats a pure lie that you just thought of. No proof? You’re lying. They would have gotten thousands of lawsuits by now. Come on bozo. Think!

As a former employee let me clarify some things that weren’t in this video. Enthusiast enterprises use to be about the people and running companies by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, but as soon as ownership stepped away that factor immediately plummeted and that’s what drove most people to quit. The people that were put in place to run the companies DESTROYED the culture, 100% and ownership was well aware after tons of complaints for over a year. The HR team was HORRIBLE, literally covering up misconduct and numerous other things while they just defended management. EE continued to brag about record profits while avoiding peoples pleas for more reasonable wages and they were ignored. I made many friends and have a lot of good memories from my time there but it was one of those too little, too late kind of things for many of us.

@brianiswrong

Жыл бұрын

I think the fact your post wasn't deleted or defended speaks volumes about steve. He messed up, took back a firm hold of the reins and is attempting to steer through a badly paved business road, and he let's people in the know (ie ex employees) have their thoughts published on his media platform.

@waldoandwheels7130

Жыл бұрын

@@brianiswrong I have no hard feelings against Steve as I know he always had good intentions, it’s just unfortunate that the people that were put in place to handle operations ruined the vision that they had for everything and I wish that problem would’ve been addressed before so many long term employees decided to exit.

@SR-ry6hs

Жыл бұрын

Are they paying a living wage +benefits to all employees? It is something I have become an advocate for, and something I have rarely seen in large companies/corporations. Share the wealth all the way down. Build a company not just with great workers, but with people who have a vested interest in the company and they will help bring it to the next level. Good video, nice to see some transparency here as it is a company I have done business with in the past.

@johndc2998

Жыл бұрын

Good to see both sides

@silvafox07

Жыл бұрын

This is more believable

Woah! That pick-up must be HUGE, the guy working in the back really shows it’s proportions 😂

@Shadowgardenenigma

Жыл бұрын

its so distracting too

@xpetek121

Жыл бұрын

should seen whistlindiesel monstermax

@mikehancox4465

Жыл бұрын

It cannot be unseen 😂

@vinnymase44

Жыл бұрын

@@everythinggtubethe Urus is behind the yellow 488, the GT3RS is behind the white Silverado

@DaInfamous0ne

Жыл бұрын

That's my favorite vehicle of the fleet... ironically. Then the M5... or maybe I'm just cheap.

As a business owner in the automotive parts space, everything you said was scary accurate and actually comforting to know that someone of your size experienced the same exact issues we went through. I especially needed it today, tons of issues and headaches that made me want to give up.

@J8den

Жыл бұрын

Same here in the actual shops, gotta go to other shops to obtain tires, oil, etc. Shops closing down due to not hitting their normal margins, things are slow.

@Ryuga117

Жыл бұрын

lmao ur business is a joke

@bleachstain9785

Жыл бұрын

Shop manager here, can confirm this has been our experience too, nationally.

@Dinguslordx

Жыл бұрын

You got this my man.

Steve, Hi Tim Evans here. What an amazing video and story. Since my retirement I'd lost track of some of what's been going on with you so thanks for the "catch up"! You are still the rock star I met many years ago and you have grown so much as a business man as well. You have a clear understanding that the company is only as good as it's people and you have always created an atmosphere that the right folks can excel in! I do miss our relationship and also the relationship I had with Joel. I'll check back on your channel regularly to keep up on the new exiting things! My best to you and your family sir.... Stay well!

@TheHamiltonCollection

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear from you, sir! Thanks for the comment 🫶🏼

Steve is speaking the truth. Everyone in the industry has felt this way this year. Erp software went corona wild, you know it's bad when a distributor has $775k or 2 years of 1 exhaust in stock. Insane. Some are hiding it better than others, faking it on the gram, it'll show in time. The vacation was nice, back to the grind. Cheers.

@silvafox07

Жыл бұрын

Let be honest. He only did it because everyone else started saying their part. This is more damage control then anything .

@ImportImageRacing

Жыл бұрын

@@silvafox07 I mean some of our companies work together, others compete, I've met Steve in person, and he really is the way he is on camera. It's not bullshit, he does shoot straight. His insight into what the industry has been doing (going downward a good portion of this year) is 100% accurate. Downsizing the fat areas of any business makes sense to compensate in the growing of net margin in other places. I have no skin in this game, i'm simply applauding his honesty. It's really easy to go on youtube and show off to people, but it's probably a bit harder to tell people things aren't as good as they were. Kudos for that.

There you go - a.guy who hasn't forgotten where he's come from and is honest about the situation. One more reason to keep watching your videos, Steve. Waiting for the next one!

Happy to see a business owner thats transparent with his fans, good job and keep up the work man! Thanks for the honesty!!!

And this is why when I had issues with my wheel order and NOBODY at Fitment wanted to do anything logical to solve it, I reached out to Steve to get shit done. If proper people aren’t in place to do right by the customer because they don’t have the power or knowledge to do it, then they don’t need to be there. Hopefully the teams they’re rebuilding now will have a better head on their shoulders and make logical decisions to meet both company and customer reasonable expectations. Thanks Steve! 👍

@carxthax2715

Жыл бұрын

Literally went online today and bought wheels after looking into fitment and thought ok this place ain't bad. And then once I bought them I digged a little deeper and immediately sent an email to cancel the order cause I'm already going through some tough times and didn't need more stress to deal with. I won't go too much into details, got married a month ago, car needs new rims (already got tires) one rim is bent from a pothole while back, wife needs a reliable car to drive, found good priced rims that also looked great. But after seeing this video gives me some relief. Just don't want to deal with the hassle of delivery and damaged goods at this point. We're still waiting on word on base when we're going to be able to move into our house.

It was such a pleasure working for you Steve! I miss everyone over at EE and wish nothing but the best for the company!

Yet another reason I love this channel Transparency, honesty, and just being genuine. Keep it up!

“Buying 10M dollar house” *All employees quitting* hmmmmmmm.

I know a business is a business but when business starts get greedy and put money over their own employees, thats when businesses will make a quick jump in sales but then come crashing down. Anyone can work for any company but everyone is not the same. Talent is unreplacable. You do everything you possibly can to keep and protect your employees. A company really starts to go down hill when it finds themselves not being able to keep their employees and are constantly looking for new employees. Its very very unlikely that you will find people who checks all the boxes and will work for the company with passion and not just to come in and collect a pay check.

So basically the OG owners got burnt out after the 2020 pandemic/ stimulus fiasco, tried to transition the business to a new group of mangers but they put profits over people which forced a lot of legacy employees out and the OG owners back to Fitment to clean up the mess and right the ship.

Everyone who quit had something to say about the working environment, you failed to touch on that and just stayed put in the business side..

Sometimes business owner have to make tough decisions to keep a business healthy, and unfortunately that can mean consequences for employees. But often times if those tough choices aren’t made a business will eventually completely fail and everyone is out of a job instead of a few. Also your transparency is refreshing.

Appreciate how open Steve is about his business.

@evanshireman5644

Жыл бұрын

Open? All he really said was "There were issues in the world that everyone was dealing with and so were we" And "we let these guys quit because they had ideas that got me less views while I was gone."

@rahulsudhir666

Жыл бұрын

@@evanshireman5644 Where did he say that? He statement was that the strategies in place weren't doin well from a marketing stand point and changes had to be made and those who didn't agree with the changes left. When your aim is to take your business to the top of the game you *WILL* hurt some feelings somewhere. Every single successful company would have n will continue to experience this. I'm in no way sayin that a business owner treat his staff like shit for the sake of business, but if your staff's performance isn't helping grow your business, you just gotta let them go. Similarly, when you work for someone whom you believed to have the same vision as yours but things start to change somewhere, it's absolutely your prerogative to quit and find that mojo elsewhere. He also pointed out that some of the folks who were put together to help grow the company seemed to have clashed with those who have been around earlier. It's sad, but when a company is goin through rapid growth, these things are bound to happen. From a business owner's standpoint I don't see Steve having done anything that other business folk wouldn't have done. If he had thrown the old team under the bus or fired em all without just cause, it would've been different. But i don't think that's the case considering the statements made by Alex and Dakota.

@jpiccirilli

Жыл бұрын

@@evanshireman5644 How did you get that from what he said?

@PushingGears

Жыл бұрын

@@jpiccirilli he said it on 10:07! 😂

I miss the vibes all the time, and I wish nothing but the best for you Steve and all the guys still at EE! Keep doing what you're doing, the Hamilton Collection is something special. I'll see you at the next blood drive ❤️

You hired a executive team in a month. What else would you expect?

Is this why prices have skyrocketed at all those companies? Same set of rims and tires I bought in 2020 are double the price now.. crazy to see

Meh.. From a viewers point of view you hit a gold mine with the three of those guys. Your video ideas were lacking sometimes but over time that would improve. People did want to see them having fun. Now instead of viewing your content I’ll go watch the guys at Hoonigan or Donut Media having fun, because that IS what we want to see. I get it, you have to keep the lights on and sell wheels but killing your marketing division and claiming to be refreshing things isn’t the way to do it

@jtmil26

3 ай бұрын

Changes happen in business, and I can’t imagine that hoonigan comment you made here is aging too well considering their buyout and OG employees all quitting.

Y’all still struggling? I hear some people waited a year only to get their order cancelled

You didn't even talk about me leaving and how I was getting calls at 3am. What a shame. My time not working with you all was fun but sad to see you still don't know who I was.

People need to understand that just because someone leaves a company it’s not Always a bad thing. Sometimes it’s good for the employee and bad for the company or vice versa. Not every person is suited for every job. There are also a lot of individuals out there that don’t understand the difference between management and leadership. If you don’t, you shouldn’t be in either position.

I’ve been through what you have as well. 2002 I lost 30% of my business revenue due to the oblivious. And in the latter part of 2008 and going through 2009 I lost 38% again. It’s a roller coaster of a ride in the economic environment. You have to be able to adapt to what’s presented to you. NO ONE wants to see people leave or lay them off but in order to survive you have to do what is needed. Appreciate your incite on your position at the organization.

@Wonderlaust

Жыл бұрын

My business is currently down 37%, it’s a brutal experience

@ballstothewall38

Жыл бұрын

2001 and 2008 destroyed us, miss the good ol 90's when everything was normal..

bro said nothing and ya’ll ate it up lol.

So the marketing pushed your sales yet there weren’t enough views when you did enthusiast driven stuff? We love the personality that comes with the videos etc you constantly have a higher price yet the reason why me and most of my friends buy from you all. Because of those personalities and us wanting to support them. Most the scene doesn’t want to see the “conglomerate” take over and just be a business. We want people that are personable and you’ll need that especially to keep the KZread side of things. The only reason why Fitment is a big name is because of your KZread so therefore if you don’t fill those spots with other viewer driven people you’ll become another 3rd party middle man wheel provider. Good luck to All of you I will still show support

@TheHamiltonCollection

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. We’re still figuring things out. It appears as though people don’t want to see personalities on business channels but they LOVE personalities that are the channel.

@assasin1408

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHamiltonCollection it’s so hard to please everyone it’s very hard to work with the public in general thank you for everything you have and continue to do hope one day we cross paths!

Wouldn’t know about FI if it wasn’t from KZread channel. Alex, Dakota, Gels were the reasons I even cared about the company. I did a quick google search and see a few people complaining about this channel and how it was a different channel and now it’s about rich boy shit… which honestly from the cars in the back, some of the words you used and the comments seems to be the case… so IM GUESSING Alex, Dakota, And Gels and the others were car enthusiasts… people who actually like cars… and now the channel and company is going to be some Lamborghini boy look at my new LV scarf type shit… if so they’ll lose a lot of viewers and customers.

I refuse to believe the assertion that lifestyle content wasn't getting views. Both Donut and fitment have been making more and more "corporate" feeling content and the fans are not happy about it

@TheHamiltonCollection

Жыл бұрын

We tried shifting to lifestyle for a solid 6 months. Didn't take off. Our gut is people don't like to watch lifestyle content on a retail sales web channel. However, we're not necessarily giving up, perhaps we just need to do better.

The team having fun was bad for metrics? Ok..

one compliment i can give the fitment industries website is how it shows photos of the wheels your looking at on customer cars. That helps significantly when ordering wheel/tire combinations

I just hope Donut Media is watching what happened to Fitment Industries and is taking note

Great video Steve, I loved working for you guys in marketing. It was honestly my favorite job I have had. However I did want to state a couple of concerns. You keep stating the people are dropping off and leaving the company. Maybe 7% or so did but the other 33% were forced to be laid off or fired day of without any sort of notice. I would hope you guys do that different now by at least giving them at least a week to figure out where they can go. I do feel bad for a lot of the people (especially some of the OGs) that put their blood, sweat, tears and passion into the place and for no reason at all just get let go. You also said marketing had influenced the company to purchase all of colors and sizes of wheels and have a crazy inventory and "It doesn't work like that" but then you say that your Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend blew last year out of the water and having the success you do now is because you have a huge assortment of product/inventory. Just seemed kind of confusing that you are blaming marketing and procurement for having inventory but then thankful towards the end that you did have units to move. I don't know I haven't been there now for a few months. By no means am I bashing or hating on the company. You guys have taught me a lot and it has bettered my future for myself. I will always be rooting you guys on. I hope nothing for the best!

@iceslayer777

Жыл бұрын

I can totally see where you’re coming from but I believe when Steve says “bad marketing” he meant like trying to buy up everything and resell it rather than strategically buying the “right” inventory/product. I’m no expert on this in particular but that’s just what I think he was implying by that.

Ngl I think the reason I loved fi so much was because of those people on the camera the people you see you connect and I think personally for me I miss seeing you know Alex's exciting yet nonchalant intros or dakotas rx7 jokes and we can't forget gels over analytical mind going over wheel and tire specs but even though they've gone on and are starting to make their dreams a reality they left pieces of them at fitment that well always remember and I've heard yall are still great friends as well so I'll just sit and wait to see what new and exciting things yall have coming

You fired the faces of your company. I don't think FI gonna be the same. And Dakota clearly hurt by your selfish decision.

I'm not one to coment much, but working at big companies and taking with team members, team leaders (being one myself), executives and owners have given me the understanding to see how amazing you are at handling situations like this, a great example for young people (like myself) to get better at managing departments and companies, big and/or small. Thank you for your honesty on this matter and keep being an awesome example for those who aspire to one day lead their own companies by learning and mastering different skills and risking it for greater success. And to the guys Alex, Gels and Dakota, you guys are awesome and you were able to leave a positive impact and a legacy in this FI and in the comunity as a whole, and on my book, that's an absolute win. "Leave the place better than it was before you came in" is what my father taught me.

Idk if I speak for everyone but personally I love looking at car builds and parts and seeing how they compare and why they are good that’s what I wanna see that’s what makes me go buy a part

@colesenatore3703

Жыл бұрын

Couldn’t agree with you more but apparently “No one wants to watch a company doing enthusiast things”. The enthusiast content is the only reason a lot of people watched the channel. No one wants to just see content constantly pushing products. Always felt too corporate to be an authentic car enthusiast channel.

Idk, I feel cap 🧢 big cap….. I think the people you hired to run the company fucked up 🤔🤔 we will see with time. I got $50 that the people you hired to run the business came in made bad choices and resulted in ur great staff to quite( completely gut feeling, I just might be talking out my ass)

I take more business notes from this channel. The cars are just a bonus. Well done Mr. Hamilton.

"Nobody wants to see a company doing enthusiast driven things anymore" - false. This is the only reason I ever bought wheels/tires from you all. Otherwise, I could’ve just bought from tire rack for cheaper and slightly better service.

I appreciate the honesty, but coming from me and my friends who are fellow enthusiasts I have to disagree. I love watching employees having fun doing what they do, and then a quick blurb promoting product. Was part of the only reason why I subscribed to fitment and considered buying wheels once I had the funds. I don't really have the same motivation to buy knowing all the awesome employees on and behind the screen are gone.

Thanks for the video, boss man. As an 11 year OG veteran on the SD Wheel side of the business (Steve’s original wheel company that became Enthusiast Enterprises with FI & CO) Steve has been an amazing, visionary, personable, and unique 👀 person to work for and be friends with. Same with @Joel Hamilton too! To see the business grow from some dinky warehouse with little organization or space to this monstrous multi-million dollar movement of was just insane. The shift from SD to EE had some huge benefits and a few serious bumps. I remember that stimi-check incident and the warehouse was insane. We were not ready for the deluge. Even Superman Steve had a tough time getting that figured out. We were all going crazy. Every busy season was a challenge, but that was a busy season plus another busy season a month later! And as Steve said, so many changes happened after that. I personally was happy to see Steve get off the hamster wheel when he quit/retired. I’ve seen him, seriously, work ALL THE TIME with that ever present computer… slinging tires… lifting boxes… traveling to truck shows to introduce Anthem. Lots of things suffered with how many hours he was putting in. Yeah bad decisions were made in his absence and I saw a lot of friends leave. But we who have stuck still believe in Steve, Joel, and the other owners to do the right thing. We still have a loyalty to the brothers Hamilton and we still have a love for them and their efforts for us. For those reading, you can’t imagine the rollercoaster we have all been on. And things are so much more complicated than any negative video could address. But know that mistakes happen, presence is healing, and communication is key. Steve, stop by Batavia in December to give some handshakes as a gift to your peeps. It would mean a lot to the folks. 🤝 We are still here for ya as you are for us. ❤️

As an entrepreneur myself I really look up to you Steve for your dedication and hard work! Awesome 🎉

Well you are a business not a KZread channel. I was here to watch the talent, not FI itself. Good luck with the business but I’m not clicking with any of the new videos.

@PatrickGotHands

11 ай бұрын

Boohoo I’ll replace your views no worries 👍🏻

No disrespect but Alex should’ve been the first person your company should’ve been put in charge. In terms of his media personality “He carried”.

With what knowledge I have. I have to say I wouldn't have done it any different than you. Your drive to keep things progressing and filling the holes of mistakes by learning from them is a great example of what it takes. Happy Holidays to you and your kick ass team.

I’ve been working in the supply chain/procurement industry for years and it’s always fun trying to explain to marketing that everything on a shelf has a dollar figure and as long as it sits that’s tied up money. When you have fast turn over it’s not as bad but when it slows OY

This was an unexpected video. I've followed for a while never knew any of the drama behind the scenes. Running a business especially dealing with employees and customers is a nightmare. Great videos as always gents. Happy holidays

I'm shocked that people bought rims with stimulus checks! 😂

@BigChrisENT

Жыл бұрын

🤷🏿‍♂️

@user-od9iz9cv1w

Жыл бұрын

the high-end audio industry also made out like bandits.

@KYLE_FROM_THE_FUTURE

Жыл бұрын

Ohhh yeah, stimulus checks resulted to the majority of new/used car sales bubble popping. Everyone purchased vehicles based on the amount of “income” from a stimulus check, without being able to continue that level of income “post stimulus”. Hence, having the greatest amount of “repos” ever, right now. Ever!

@Doug_Dimmadome

Жыл бұрын

That's its purpose, to stimulate the economy by spending money when everyone is saving because they're scared.

Lots of respect for you, Steve. I always appreciated the transparency and honesty you gave us during my time working for the company. Thank you for keeping it real.

If you guys are ever offering an internship I will do anything to be apart of it

I have to agree with the guys who left. I don't want to watch an ad. I want entertainment and ads mixed in is ok. If the fi youtube channel is going to be pushing products first and content second I'm out

love steve super humble for the money he has, always spreading love no matter what its easy to do the opposite at his level

Speaking as one of your current warehouse employees. I personally feel like with the major change that is coming in January with the wrightstown location it would be great for you to come or join via video call for to express this at the town hall yourself. I have been with SD since the building was barely up and we ran 10 sets out of Perkins street a day. there has been a ton of improvements no doubt, and would love to stick around through more. Great video by the way!

I work freelance and travel so I might hire 2-3 new teams per year. I always stress that “Your life is more important than your job." This is typically well-received. Due to health reasons, I’m staring down early retirement and it scares the blankety-blank-blank out of me. I don’t yet know what to do with myself. This was great to watch. Thank you for sharing.

Great video Steve. Very forthright about the pains most companies have gone thru the past 2 years. Glad you are adapting as that’s the key. Being able to remain true to your core but not so attached to what worked in the past that you don’t make needed changes for a better future. Best to you and your family and team.

Alex, Dakota, and Gels were the heart of the KZread Channel! now that they gone, its sad

Great explanation. Thanks for always being brutally honest with us.

I always thought Alex was owner/partner. To me, he IS Fitment. Things don’t last forever though, and although the company is pivoting, it feels like some of the magic is gone now.

I understand the struggle, thats even hitting us in the Automotive Technician world, many shops of ours close down due to lack of money and resources, the world is shifting, things are changing not only in the Automotive industry but the whole world.

I can remember Tinting for CO before they moved to the East Side of Appleton. It was cool to pull up and see all the the stuff I had Tinted at the Second location. They did grow fast and a lot of changes happened.

No such thing as over employment you just got everything situated and no longer need the help of your employee and pocket that money

“Lets just buy alot of everything , it will sell!” Bruh wtf lol

We should all take this guy. Seriously, especially because he has for supercars in the background. Lol

I was about to buy some wheels I remember and then I read reviews and saw the weeks out delivery dates so i passed. Makes sense there were a lot of people placing orders.

Steve, I purchased a set of wheels and tires for my dad's truck (a birthday gift) back in Sept from Custom Offsets. I have several cars, and all of them have aftermarket wheels/tires (the first thing I do after purchase). The purchase for my dad was the first from one of your companies. The only reason I gave CO a chance at my business was after learning your story (and watching this channel). My story is similar to yours, and I totally understand how you grew up (financially, anyway). I must say that KYLE was awesome to work with to make sure my dad's gift was spot on. You guys will be my first choice for wheels and tires going forward. As an entrepreneur that started from nothing, I totally understand the burnout and getting re-engaged again to sort out issues. Kudos to you for the honesty. All the best to you and your family.

Hi Sanzy From the KZread Commenter. How Do you respond to allegations that your company is involved in some of the best working enviroment policys? And the reports that you treat some staff like Family? Any comment on that?

@TheHamiltonCollection

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha sounds about right!

Still waiting on my work wheels I ordered 9 months ago. Not to happy. The car it was going on is totaled which I had a feeling would happen before I got the wheels anyway but I still want them.

@josemolina3858

Жыл бұрын

Why is the car totalled?

It’s nice to see an owner admit faults in areas.

I absolutely loved the "So you want a...." series. Was so sad once that stopped. Then it just went down hill... 😕

Being 2024 now, I’m re watching this. I miss the video content, so few of them now. But I get it. I was a powder coating painter and I had to deal with so many people who didn’t like their jobs. I was painting 9 hours a day. Yes so when you loose good people, it’s rough and no fun. People that once loved the job they did leave when they are not happy. I recently ordered new rims and tires from The Trail Built brand, and I received a lot of crap for it from many people. I’m sorry buddy you OK. The revert back to the whole pandemic when you guys where having the issue of not being able to get product on the shelves, complaining oblut not receiving orders on time,to product not being available. I can say I’m completely satisfied with my order. I believe you are truly the best in the industry. Along with the newest product available. If you ever want to start a powder coat business let me know. I m disabled now, but I can help train people. I’m not able to stand for more than a few minutes and only have full use of one arm, I still know what in doing. Good job and good luck, keep it up.

Finally, the really real reason. I was starting to doubt the company with personalities leaving. It should be a requirement to have employees take Lean Six Sigma courses upon hiring.

I had a small trucking with my dad just 4 trucks we just recently had to fire all of our employees and sold 2 of the trucks and we mainly hailed steel coils for the automotive industry, it just froze up! I have done this since 2008 yes right when the market crashed we got through it fine. I have never seen it this low I hope the economy picks back up next year.

Sounds like you expect owner ethic for worker pay. That is both unreasonable, and approaching toxic work place conditions.

It’s pretty obvious when your top guys all leave within months of each other that things aren’t as good as you’re saying.

There’s been a lot of bad examples of leadership discussing lay offs and company performance lately. Was not expecting the best example to come from fitment industries et al. Great job.

I've seen the videos from employees that have left the company and then seen your video. I must say that some people just can't handle change and transition. You handled it like professionally. I actually ordered wheels from you guys over BB wheels because the Fitment website is so much easier to use and plus you guys had a longer sale than anyone else which helped me being able to order wheels through you guys. It's been about a month I haven't gotten my wheels yet but since after watching your video, I'm not even mad and will order again from you guys in the future. Keep up the hard work!

He be like “my guys got views, so I might as well get some”

Sounds like the new peeps aren’t familiar with lean principles at a large scale company. Really kills potential when you’re ordering WELL over the market need.

Everything happens for a reason is what I have lived my life on. I am 46 and have suffered from severe clinical depression from a very young age. There were some very dark times in that gap, but 2 years ago my doctor found the best medication to put me on and it literally changed my life. Steve, you deserve everything you have man. You ARE the American Dream and have earned it from hard work and determination. You are an amazing employer as well. God Bless You! 💙🤙

@TheHamiltonCollection

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🫶🏼🫶🏼

@mattbrewster5766

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@@TheHamiltonCollection I can’t wait to show your response to my brother Kayden. I met him through a foundation here in Kansas called Big Brothers Big Sisters. They match kids who are going through rough times with adults who mentor them. And you are both of ours favorite channel! 💙

Here it is 5 months later, I ordered wheels, wasn’t advised they couldn’t send the requested size as per manufacturer’s instructions. I stated I wanted to change the order all together very clearly. Was told a day later they already shipped. Here it is 2 weeks later I still have these wheels, I payed for replacements and am being given a run around on getting the shipping labels to send back these wheels. Then given a document to sign about I will be charged the price of the wheels of their not received in 14 days of me receiving the replacement wheels. The problem is their. It letting me send them back now their delaying it making the deadline come closer and closer.

Thank you for communicating this! Transparency goes a long way, and is much appreciated. I just got Tires from you all, and plan to get a set of wheels next year from yall!

People don’t quit because of the job itself usually, it’s more than likely the high ups that get left

Great video with lots of transparency and honesty. If I lived in Wisconsin, I'd work for you in a heartbeat, Steve.

Appreciate you putting your cards on the table, warts and all. I'm a retired private equity guy who has bought items from various companies you own and have always been satisfied with price and quality. A company who falls asleep or doesn't realize markets constantly evolve therefore need to change with the market eventually disappear. Appreciate your honesty.

Y’all need to give Alex 5% share of the company

Dude you take no responsibility on management not stepping in at a proper time or implementing proper ways to grow metrics. The only reason I found you guys was because of key marketing.

Fitment means furniture in Great Britain. Car parts have a "fit."

What a honest video. Not every day will be easy but it’s those that push through the hard days will help grow a company. Keep up the good work Steve :)

11:47 “our websites are so functionally easy to use” … Nah bro it’s a huge pain to filter and find wheels on your site(s). It would be faster to write the queries and UI myself then find the wheels I want through your search alone. The search break all the time it’s a huge pain point.

While I understand being overworked and needing to step away. I feel having all the owners step away kind of shot yourself in the foot. I get that the ultimate goal is being able to create a business that runs itself. However when you’re the person who sets the culture then it’s bad to step away that much. Eh either way good to see Fitment recover their growth.

@TheHamiltonCollection

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Agreed, we should have slowed our transition out of the company. Lesson learned.

honestly, i get it but i definitely think it was a huge loss because the marketing and everything, the youtube channel was what i feel like really made fitment industries and made me wanna buy from you guys, sure the prices are competitive and you offer a very good system for purchasing wheels, tires, and suspension but i don’t think i would have purchased my first set of wheels from you if it weren’t for the fact that i loved the channel and all the people on it, i think it’s a huge loss but yea, it is what it is

Lol long story short all the owners quit during massive growth leaving everything on people who didn't sign up for it then got blamed when owners wanted to get off their ass

52 years old I still love looking at all brands of wheels if this company was local I would love to work there. I helped a buddy launch an audio company for the car audio industry and now his business is booming and has been for a number of years. My love has always been wheels

I have had wheels and tires from FI backordered for like 14 weeks

We have a family business selling apparel across all marketplaces. We thought we were going to have to shut our doors in 2020. Until everyone started getting those stimulus checks. Our company grew 60% and still continues to grow. This year has slowed down a bit but man talk about stress.

My dad just ordered wheels and tires, took 8 weeks to finally arrive due to tire shortages. I think a lot of it is also industry based and the stresses of shortages of products that customize directly blame fitment industries for

You’re a real one steve, thank you for sharing all that you do, its beyond inspiring 🙏🏼 all the best to you my G

The guy in the back in the beginning looks like an Oompa Loompa in your Trucks Bed :D