Ken_4fun said:
Chris -
It seems you have close ties to the Peter Balner. Does he or has he ever mentioned regret for the closing of Palmer Cues?
Personally, it makes me sad. I mean what a great story and history. Look at all the top players of that era and by and large most had a Palmer cue at some time.
I understand that he is successful as far as money. But damn, its like selling the St. Louis Cardinals or something. It 'ain't' about the money. I havent heard that part of the story.
One of the saddest things is to see a company or family farm sold or closed.
Ugh.
Ken
Hi Ken,
I've never discussed his successes after Palmer with him. My assumption is that he just went on to bigger challenges as an executive in a growth industry.
It's wise of you to note that a company has a persona about it. When a company closes, there is not a wake or a funeral, but there should be. Peter sent me a copy of the final corporate dissolution papers. Believe it or not, after all that had been written, it brought tears to my eyes to see that. Why he sent it to me, I don't really know.
First and foremost, Peter was a manager and administrator who underwent trial by fire when his father passed away. Remember, he was only 25 when his father died. He had to put the pieces together for his family and his mom and forge ahead. It was both a scary experience and a frightening one.
I identify with Peter in many ways. (I took over my managing company when I was 25 as well and ownership a few years later ). After that, he made decisions that were very logical and business-like. I know in my own business I had to transition from what I liked to do to what was consistenly profitable.
From a custom shop Palmer transitioned to distributors and marketers, like Mueller. At the time, Peter assumed a leadership role in not only the company but the industry.
Frankly, when Peter left I don't think he ever looked back. I bet he finds it amusing that Palmer is of such interest to me.
Chris
