Couldnt vote either.
That aside, I did work for Tandy for a number of years, then Leather Factory and ultimately TandyLeatherFactory. (20 Years on and off)
and another 10 prior just plain being involved.
I'm glad to be NOT working for them any longer for a number of reasons, very few of them personal- it's more what has become of the system. (This can apply to alot of businesses mind you)
Its no secret that a vast majority of the products we find now (not just from them) are imported. Tandy is great for introductory level hobby, but beyond basic you start to find various issues that leave you really thinking hard if you want to improve; Being on the management side of the counter, you quickly learn to make up for the low quality product's shortcomings the best you can, and trust me, it's not always easy. Personally, I'll say this: The hardest thing for me to do as a manager was to keep the "crafstman" under control; If you ask me specific questions, I'll give you answers you probably wouldnt like much. (So dont)
The imported thing could very well be a whole discussion thread unto itself (hey, not a bad idea!) nut in dealing with the poll, I'll simply say I worked for them for a very long time, and would never go back. My efforts are concentrated on bringing our money back to the states- Tandy isnt responsible for all the propaganda regarding domestic product being high priced, but I'm sure (No, positive!) Charles Tandy would have swallowed a case of cigars to see the mess that the industry is in now.
On the plus side I'll give TLF some kudos- Some of the folk in corporate I consider close friends (Which made my decision to begin the process of leaving all the more harder) and a pleasure to work with. Just try to remember that people there are just doing thier jobs, which ultimately comes down to being bean counter board of deeee-reeector driven. Money. They are a great company to start out with, but unless they stop making cuban cigars, hell freezes over and someone pours some alchy-hol in the dye, the industry is both being hurt and yet driven thusly. I may be jaded by so many years, but dangit, I'm happy now and beg anyone who does enjoy them/thier product, to continue doing so.
