It's such a pain, that nasty supply chain:
Simple items & supplies that I never thought much about before - but are necessary to make custom fly rods - were not available to me. It feels like I spent half of my time last year looking for alternative raw materials & supplies. Even when I could order certain things there were long delays in them actually getting to me.
For example, I use a particular type of varnish on my bamboo rods. Sure, the varnish has changed some over the years because of changing environmental regulations, but I never thought there would be an issue in actually getting it. Even the 'backup' varnishes that I know will work were unavailable to me for a period of time.
Even getting certain types of leather proved to be difficult at times. It's very difficult to plan out a custom leather accessory you're making for someone when you can't find certain specific leathers!
The worst of it all was a delay in getting an order of bamboo. I can't blame this on the supplier - he was facing unforeseen challenges as well. Some of this delay was caused by my naiveite. At the time I thought about placing my bamboo order I hadn't really considered the supply chain issues yet, so I ordered it at my regular schedule. I had also been scheduling rods to be made as if this were a normal year. When the bamboo was delayed in getting to me, this put me way behind on many rods. I've since received my bamboo, but the damage to my work schedule has been done.
My Gratitude:
For those of you who have recent rod orders or are considering ordering a rod soon, please know that I'm working long hours, seven days a week, to get caught up on my schedule. I want to get the wait time for a custom rod back down to where it used to be & I won't stop until I do.
Keep on Rollin':
I also have plans - at some point in the year - to start introducing some new items & merchandise. Some of these items will be simple but very useful for the angler to have on hand. Other items won't be tackle related, but rather a new twist on some older ideas. I'll keep it vague for now as there's still a ton of details to be ironed out. Be on the lookout this year for some really new items from me.
"Quality work takes time. This is the way it has always been. But we can manage our time more effectively by focusing on the things that matter and moving faster through the things that don’t. Simple as that."
TIME:
Racing around to come up behind you again" -Pink Floyd
To that end, I've been thinking a lot about how I spend & schedule my time. In the last year I've taken a grand total of six days off - & yes, I'm including the weekends here - seven days a week for most of the year. Some of those days have been long, going 18 hours or more. Please know that I am NOT complaining. I absolutely love what I do. However, with a work schedule like that it's hard to get any time in for fishing. I've only been fishing for a handful of days in the last two seasons. This is why I'll be working on how I manage my time. Mostly I need to do a better job of planning out my work ahead of time. Hopefully, if the supply chain can get settled again, it'll be easier for me to do this. Please don't be surprised or disappointed if you see where I'm gone for a few days here & there next year to go fishing. As long as I'm making good progress on my work, I plan to take some time to wet a line again.
THANK YOU:
I got to meet a lot of very cool people this past year & I got to make a lot of very nice rods & accessories, too. How much more could I ask for? Even more important this year - with all of its challenges - I was reminded of how kind you folks are. Your patience, understanding, & especially your friendship have really been a blessing. I want you to know how much I appreciate this.
I'm filled with anticipation to get started on the New Year! I have a lot to get done & I'm chomping at the bit to get at it. I'm also looking forward to the new folks I'll get to meet, as well as the rods & accessories I'll get to work on, too! Next year has the potential to be a great one & I'm really excited to spend it working with all of you! I wish you all a happy, healthy, & prosperous New Year!