HERO RESTORATION - BOOKS NOT BEING RETURNED 20 20

[Prince Namor]

If it costs $2500 for the service and the service isn't done, where is the money to be returned?

Why shouldn't someone get their money back?

The money isn't there?

That means it was spent on something else. It wasn't used to provide the service. 

That's not a THEM problem, that's a YOU problem.

[skypinkblu]

On 6/24/2023 at 1:53 AM, Microchip said:

There's nothing about your posting to indicate you brought up his medical concerns in good faith.

Trying to play it down afterwards, like you have genuine concern for the guy, you still look malicious in your intentions.

 

I have not said a malicious thing in this thread.  I mentioned his health several times before.

You don't know me so I'm guessing you are conversing with a person who hides in the shadows here making up trash.

You and he can make up whatever you want I know what I meant.

 

 

[skypinkblu]

On 6/24/2023 at 2:28 AM, Hero Restoration said:

How do you think banks function and spend money on loans? That doesn't all come from Fannie Mae or the government, it comes from savings. Haven't you noticed savings rates of gone up? Banks are running out of money as we speak. They need that long-term savings for those long-term loans they bought. I don't ever recall saying I think that's okay, I can only do what I can do. Can I go back and change the mistakes that I made or the wrong decisions? No instead all I can do is the best I can with what I got. 

Also your presumptions about what things were like 5 years ago, or 3 years ago is just that a presumption. Nobody cares about my problems and I don't care to share them. Did I go through a nasty divorce after 30 years? Yes did I have to move everything from one place to another? Yes did that disrupt production? Hell yes come on. I'm not looking for excuses, but your logic is flawed. I'm just a guy who tried to do something bigger than he could handle and regretted it. Now I'm just trying to do what I can to make things right, but unfortunately the request exceed my abilities. It's not much more complicated than that. I never asked for people to feel sorry for me because of my health, my god! The last thing I wanted was everybody to know about my heart again that triggered and then saying tsunami of request to cancel. I get it, they're worried I'm going to die and they're not going to get their books back. People don't realize that their reactions or actions can make things worse rather than better. That's not necessarily their problem either, but is one of those is what it is. Things again. It's a big mess, and I never wanted customers to be part of it. This thread is only making that problem worse, and giving more people who did not have a need for concern concern. I know my opinion is a conflict of interest, but it is also simple observation. Most of the complainers make it seem black and white, and leave out a ton of different details.

I am sorry for your divorce. I don't know if your customers knew about that. 

No one wants you to die .  If you take care of your health issues (and as I said depending on what you need to have done, it might not even take that long for you to get back) you might be more able to take care of things efficiently.  I think most people will be understanding about you having the surgery first if that is an option. I don't know if your doctors suggested that, or you need to wait for some reason. 

As for banks, yes I do know how they work. If you don't have a super great credit rating, it's tough getting a loan, but you've already said you expanded too quickly. That's done already, it's too late to go back.  People make mistakes, all of us do. 

What you need to do is have someone not emotionally involved take a look at the "mess" that's why I suggested getting some free help from the two agencies I listed in the beginning. Fix yourself up so you are able to do what you need, make a plan, let people know the plan and get past the mess.

But threatening is not going to help anyone...and it's a time waster. 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

I'm looking forward to the moment Mike forgets which account he's logged into and starts responding as Hero Restoration while signed in as Microchip.

[Black_Adam]

On 6/23/2023 at 11:15 PM, Hero Restoration said:

Yes, it would. I have been considering that for some time, but I never dreamed I would have to include any clients. Maybe it's my resistance, and my desire to fix as many as I can that is the problem. Maybe my problem is just not knowing when to throw in the towel. I always say to myself well this book just needs that, that order just needs a spinal. Be real shame not to finish. Which would be okay except the time to get it to finish is not happening so choosing quality over quitting is only making things worse for me.

I still think this is the best of a bunch of bad options at this stage. Return everything finished or unfinished and declare bankruptcy.

Then you can focus on your health and focus on the future. And if you still want to stay in the game you can start over at square one. I honestly believe many of your clients will be happy to give you a second chance.

That light at the end of the tunnel isn't always a train.

[badback83]

On 6/24/2023 at 4:17 AM, Hero Restoration said:

For the record, I am so close to done on QS 29, it eats away at my soul.

The actions are still ugly, but I have over 40 hrs on each of those so far. Hard to quit on books you are in the middle of, very hard.

FOR THE RECORD, @quicksilverJUST PUBLICLY STATED THEY WANT THEIR BOOKS BACK REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH WORK IS LEFT… 

 

WHAT AREN’T YOU UNDERSTANDING?  YOU REPEATEDLY REFUSE TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES.  STOP ALL THIS BS NONSENSE, ACT YOUR AGE, NOT YOUR SHOE SIZE AND GET THESE BOOKS SHIPPED OUT TODAY!  THE USPS IS OPEN ON SATURDAYS.  

[Dr. Balls]

On 6/23/2023 at 10:20 PM, Hero Restoration said:

The term "missing" implies lost or gone. This was proven incorrect.

Has anyone even looked up the definition of libel? I can point out plenty, and very damaging ones. 

Libel

a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

Oh brother. I eagerly await the Cease and Desist letter from your attorney:

 

[jaybuck43]

O boy. I’m sure my generosity will only come back to bite me in the rear, but eh.

Heros, as a practicing attorney, i can tell you several things. 1) your understanding of libel is off by a country mile (this is coming from an attorney who has successfully won defamation cases as high as the state Supreme Court). 2) You are doing yourself no personal, legal, or health favors with your responses so far.

My guess is you’re overwhelmed and not thinking straight so let me help you out. Here should be your next steps. 1) publicly post you’re going to follow my plan. 2) begin organizing all of your current customers from first received to most recently received. 3) once you have all their information, start with the oldest and reach out to them. Be contrite, apologize for the delay, and give them the option. Give them a reasonable estimate of how long the work will take. Ask them “I can return your book(s) or it will take between 6-9 months for me to finish. Which would you prefer?” Tell them that you will wait 7 business days for a reply and if none is received you will return their books in whatever state they are currently in, including half finished. 4) If they tell you to wait, great. If they don’t respond or tell you to send back, pack them up and return them. Do this as quickly as possible. 5) Rinse and repeat until you’ve cleared out the backlog. 6) this process should take no more than a week. Use a master letter where you can just replace the name and estimate of time, it will make your life easier.

Given the value of books here, it’s starting to get into serious legal territory. Based on the values shown here and the length of time things have gone on, a competent attorney can easily Pierce the corporate veil. Not only that, there’s also the risk of criminal liability for theft by conversion (if a person makes a demand for their property back and you ignore or refuse to return it, it does rise to the level of theft). Even a low grade purple label AF 15 is several thousand dollars these days. Now multiply that by how many other books and you’re talking felony charges. In Oregon for example, the theft of something valued at $1,000 or more is a C level felony with consequences of up to $125,000 in financial penalties and or up to 5 years in prison. Each $1,000+ book would be its own charge.

Good luck with everything. People here have been extremely patient and supportive and I would hope you appreciate that.

[Nazirite]

Oh my….

[Buzzetta]

On 6/24/2023 at 2:12 AM, Microchip said:

Do a CGC, stick to your guns, your books will arrive when it arrives, and we'll put the prices up.

There big guys get the excuses made for them, and the little guy gets pushed around and harassed because he's reachable.

 

Not quite. 

If anything, he has been given the benefit of the doubt and been extended far more understanding because he is the little guy.   If CGC was holding someone's books for YEARS past the contractually advertised deadline there would be no understanding.   

As far as being reachable?  He is far from reachable.  If he goes silent and disappears tomorrow, that's it.  It will take some time to track him down.  If Matt Nelson disappears tomorrow, well... let's see if Harshen will pick up.  There are quite a few people to reach. 

 

[CAHokie]

On 6/24/2023 at 9:20 AM, DocHoppus182 said:

FOR THE RECORD, @quicksilverJUST PUBLICLY STATED THEY WANT THEIR BOOKS BACK REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH WORK IS LEFT… 

 

WHAT AREN’T YOU UNDERSTANDING?  YOU REPEATEDLY REFUSE TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES.  STOP ALL THIS BS NONSENSE, ACT YOUR AGE, NOT YOUR SHOE SIZE AND GET THESE BOOKS SHIPPED OUT TODAY!  THE USPS IS OPEN ON SATURDAYS.  

Close to $54,000 in books and $12,000 in cash.    That’s for just him. I can only imagine the total of outstanding cash and book values of customers in limbo.

[CAHokie]

I like to debate with Jaybuck on a lot of topics but rarely the law. He knows his .  I would take his advice. 

[badback83]

On 6/24/2023 at 10:59 AM, CAHokie said:

Close to $54,000 in books and $12,000 in cash.    That’s for just him. I can only imagine the total of outstanding cash and book values of customers in limbo.

Oh, I know!  It’s absolutely astounding.  I know it’s not possible for a lot of people to do, but I would be making a trip to “Hero’s” office.

[CAHokie]

On 6/24/2023 at 11:06 AM, DocHoppus182 said:

Oh, I know!  It’s absolutely astounding.  I know it’s not possible for a lot of people to do, but I would be making a trip to “Hero’s” office.

Honestly no good would come of that and I wouldn’t recommend it. 

[Gaard]

Maybe, and maybe you'd be driving home with your book(s).

[quicksilver]

On 6/24/2023 at 8:49 AM, Microchip said:

He checked give or take an hour ago... as for the precedding 52,560 hours, he didn't seem to be too overly concerned.

Extensive professional resto work isn't quick work.   Check the industry 

His Batman #1 took 6 years.   

How would you know if I was overly concerned or not ?
Do you have a record of all the private messages back and forth between Mike and I ?

[shadroch]

You don't need a law degree to recognize theft when you see it. 

Mike started a business and foolishly expanded. Is that his customers' fault?  Is it their fault he hired people that turned out to be untrustworthy? 

Mike owes his customers their books and their money.  He supposedly has one but not the other.  

It will be a very long road back, but he can start by returning what he does have control over.  Making excuses and threats is pathetic. 

 

Hey Mike- You screwed up. Many of us do.  It's what we do after we fall that defines us.  

[HighRadArt]

On 6/24/2023 at 7:53 AM, jaybuck43 said:

O boy. I’m sure my generosity will only come back to bite me in the rear, but eh.

Heros, as a practicing attorney, i can tell you several things. 1) your understanding of libel is off by a country mile (this is coming from an attorney who has successfully won defamation cases as high as the state Supreme Court). 2) You are doing yourself no personal, legal, or health favors with your responses so far.

My guess is you’re overwhelmed and not thinking straight so let me help you out. Here should be your next steps. 1) publicly post you’re going to follow my plan. 2) begin organizing all of your current customers from first received to most recently received. 3) once you have all their information, start with the oldest and reach out to them. Be contrite, apologize for the delay, and give them the option. Give them a reasonable estimate of how long the work will take. Ask them “I can return your book(s) or it will take between 6-9 months for me to finish. Which would you prefer?” Tell them that you will wait 7 business days for a reply and if none is received you will return their books in whatever state they are currently in, including half finished. 4) If they tell you to wait, great. If they don’t respond or tell you to send back, pack them up and return them. Do this as quickly as possible. 5) Rinse and repeat until you’ve cleared out the backlog. 6) this process should take no more than a week. Use a master letter where you can just replace the name and estimate of time, it will make your life easier.

Given the value of books here, it’s starting to get into serious legal territory. Based on the values shown here and the length of time things have gone on, a competent attorney can easily Pierce the corporate veil. Not only that, there’s also the risk of criminal liability for theft by conversion (if a person makes a demand for their property back and you ignore or refuse to return it, it does rise to the level of theft). Even a low grade purple label AF 15 is several thousand dollars these days. Now multiply that by how many other books and you’re talking felony charges. In Oregon for example, the theft of something valued at $1,000 or more is a C level felony with consequences of up to $125,000 in financial penalties and or up to 5 years in prison. Each $1,000+ book would be its own charge.

Good luck with everything. People here have been extremely patient and supportive and I would hope you appreciate that.

I'm no attorney but this sounds like great advice.

[NoMan]

On 6/23/2023 at 5:53 PM, Black_Adam said:

How long will you let the comics boil for?   

Proprietary information. Nice try. 

[Dr. Balls]

On 6/24/2023 at 1:18 AM, Hero Restoration said:

I made mistakes, and I am very sorry. I tried to build a company that could run without me, so that these concerns wouldn't continue to come up and cause the concern it is causing now. It was selfish of me wanting to build something big enough that I could be remembered after. I'm gone for doing something good. I realize that now. Dust in the wind, that's what I should have been happy with.

This would have been a good opening statement at the beginning of all this - but two sentences later, you lay on the passive guilt trip and carp all over what could have been a comment that people can empathize with. I can understand the overwhelming feeling of wanting to defend yourself amongst all of this - but there has to be a point where you say: boy, I messed up and have to make amends.

I'd never fault anyone for building a business - especially one that you hope someday runs without you, and lives on after you're gone. Mike, I understand that more than most - as I feel that way about my own business. You have to change your perspective of transferring the guilt elsewhere by saying you were "selfish", "doing something good" and "being happy" with what you had. You have to own what's happened, work towards repairing the negative - not just by changing the situation, but understanding the changes you need to make will better your business. If you don't see what needs to be changed, that business you put everything into was never going to succeed from the start - this is just the inevitable end that it was always going to have.

My philosophy has always been that my business is not *me* or *my wife* - it's it's own thing, and I have to do what's right for *the business* regardless of personal feelings or viewpoints. That has been a successful formula to help us navigate through difficult times.

I'm not trying to be the Old Man On The Mountaintop here. I have faith in people who want to do their own thing. I believe in the American Dream of having your own business. But it's hard. It requires sacrifice. It requires eating crow, admitting you're wrong, and most importantly: the ability to adapt to changing conditions. I respect the people that have small businesses because I make those sacrifices just like they do.

Your business requires lots of communication. Your customers want updates. You deal with sentimental items of value, and items of value that required people to save, hunt and sacrifice their money for. These are important things to nearly everyone - and while an owner can say they respect that, they also have to understand the customer's perspective and adjust their business (whether they want to or not) to adapt and compromise to better serve the end-user.

If you're gone, you're gone. If you think these words are patronizing, I'm sorry - that's not my intent. I'm not eternally negative, and I like to see people succeed and I love an underdog story of redemption. Well, buddy, this is it - this is the time to change it from tragedy to redemption if that's what you're wanting to do. Good luck.

Edited June 24, 2023 by Dr. Balls