August 2014 The Paint Spot Newsletter

Ok, first of all this is not the "scrapped" version of last months newsletter. There is some info in this that came from that "lost episode", but you'll never know for sure what it was.....lol! The ATCOA story in which I was exercising the "power of print" generated several possibilities, however, I sense deception! Now, it could just be my "Southern California street mentality" which tells me to watch out for everyone all the time, or there really is some opportunistic wolves that read this newsletter and pay no attention to what I'm about! Let me explain; I thought I was pretty clear about the fact that this tool absolutely had to be made in the USA. I was also clear that the "ATCOA" is and always was "The original". For those of you (you know who you are) who tried to run the word "Viking" back at me and swear that only that word made the tool legit, you are not only wrong, but you are obviously part of the problem and could never be considered as part of the reintroduction of this tool. To the others who suggested casting in China and assembling here in the states..........If you paid that little attention to what I wrote, how could you be taken seriously? To the rest who never responded to communication from myself and/or Karl.......you really don't know me, that's the "cardinal sin" in my book, and you will be forever stricken from consideration! Little by little the majority of response from my plea was riddled with "greed" and driven by the prospects of money. Nothing wrong with money or the right to a profit, but everything wrong with the way it appeared. I am not driven by money, and a dollar does not and will not dictate my destiny. I have not only said this many times, I live it and practice business based on that premise. You see, it really is all about the ATCOA Viking! It really is about the reintroduction! It really is about "Made in America" (completely, no smoke & mirrors, and no Bullshit). It really is about "Karl Selander" and having him see justice before he leaves this planet, in return for all the "injustice" that has befallen him from "Greed" and "counterfeiting". So here's the reality: If this tool is reintroduced utilizing the formula that we have adamantly laid out, it will generate at least a 5:1 return on investment. I'm anything but stupid, and I am certain that "honesty", "quality", and "history" will equal "PROFIT"! So where does the ATCOA "Dream" stand right now? We're still interested in speaking to "real" folks that are at least as honest and patriotically passionate as we are. We do have assembly, polishing, painting, (or powder coating), and packaging already accounted for right here in Texas. The "CNC'd" parts for the tool can also be done here in Texas by sources we've already been contacted by, but we could entertain another avenue should someone come forth with a package offer including the "casting" of the tool. If not, we are fully prepared to move forward with exception to the "casting". Karl is even taking on the task of trying to locate the original casting molds, which if found, could drastically reduce our production cost or even secure a deal with the present holders of the molds! With this said.......If anyone reading this issue knows the whereabouts of the "ATCOA" VIKING or "ALLAN AIR PRODUCTS" VIKING casting molds, please call (830) 899-2845 or (210) 601-0063 "Rick" or Karl". Response to a response: "You are upset at the counterfeiting of the ATCOA Viking, but what about the Matrix paint you sell that was counterfeited from PPG"? Good question!

Now this question / comment was brought up by someone I actually know somewhat. Because of this, I didn't take it as confrontational, but feel he definitely wants me to explain. I did initially tell this person to look up several of the older newsletters and they could explain a lot, but for the sake of the rest of you readers and some recent "events" with the Matrix staff themselves, I'll share something new. As body men and painters we tend to hold close to us, things that contributed to our success. Those things include; procedures, methods, tricks, secrets, tools, and certain materials that we acquired along the way. We value these things as we would anything that was paid for with blood sweat and tears, and tearing them away from us is totally unthinkable!

As you know from reading about the ATCOA Viking, I have my mind made up on tool choices. Tricks, procedures, secrets, and methods is exactly why I write this newsletter and I do it to even the playing field, as well as force other competitors to straighten up and fly right! With The Paint Spot, those competitors can no longer "bullshit me", and with this newsletter, they can no longer "bullshit you"! It's the way that I found to undo some of the injustice I've personally experienced in this business, and make many of you aware of the facts. It's also a warning to those who think they can continue "business as usual".......ripping you off! So, how does this relate to counterfeit products? Passion, that's how! Passionate people do things like what I've done, so take that passion, multiply it by 1000 and you get a guy named........ "Kent Gardner" (founder of Matrix)! I don't know Kent's specific reasons for modeling his paint line after PPG, but one could assume......... He saw a need, and knew he could fill it! The word "counterfeit" is not an appropriate term to apply to Matrix in my opinion, and here's why. When dealing with a "counterfeit" or "knock off" of something, there's always a noticeable difference in the two. The "copy" is virtually always inferior to the original (ATCOA Viking is a perfect example). I am convinced that this occurs because the intent to copy was motivated by greed, whereas in the case of Matrix, it was driven by the idea that "something good" could be made "better". This point is easily provable by the fact that PPG destroyed the early formulas when their four digit toners were released, and Matrix kept them under the MSB line. The four digit toners gave way to MPB, and to date, both lines are still supported! Furthermore, Matrix has always had superior primers and clears primarily because they never were modeled after PPG! There are so many more points I could make about why Matrix is not a counterfeit or copy cat of anything, but I'd rather explain what happens when you take something good and make it great.............you breed "loyalty"!

All of us guys that literally "Bleed" PPG (I was definitely one of them) used to have that attachment with them. For me, it actually started off as "Ditzler" that I had an undying love and loyalty to. PPG had my loyalty 100% until I felt like I was being secretly ripped off. I couldn't prove it, but common sense told me something just wasn't right. Matrix would later prove my feeling correct. It wasn't long before the loyalty and passion I once held for PPG was replaced and expanded upon by Matrix. This cannot happen with counterfeits or knock off's, and that's why Matrix doesn't fit the description . The difference between the two companies was not just limited to products either. The staff at Matrix would honestly answer your questions, give you options, expose misconceptions and "secrets" that PPG had intentionally withheld or created. PPG got too big for their britches which lead to people like me walking away. I think Kent saw the writing on the wall, and gave us a viable and more versatile option to walk towards. Need more proof? Look how many so called paint companies are copying Matrix! It's like Matrix did such a great job, nobody wants anything to do with duping PPG anymore, they're all trying to copy Matrix..........including PPG!!!!! You think I'm joking? Matrix has long been known for having all the House of Kolor formulas.........well, PPG recently came up with their version of the House of Kolor formulas. The only problem is........Matrix matches and PPG doesn't!!!!!! I hope I justified my position on the Matrix vs. PPG thing, now I feel compelled to add this..........Matrix, open your eyes and take a real close look at what your competition is doing. Now, instead of making jokes at why "they" are targeting "you", you really need to start looking at yourself through they're eyes! Ask yourself this: are we still on the path that Kent established? Is the goal still the same? Are we overlooking the obvious? Other News:

The Buda location of The Paint Spot continues to grow steadily thanks to "Casey" who pretty much runs that location single handed. Cheyenne has been working there while on summer vacation from college. Interestingly, the month of July also became the largest revenue producing month ever for that location! I think the synergy between "nuts and bolts" and "book smart" had a positive effect for sure. The MPB-LV system that Matrix pioneered has grown steadily and was definitely the right thing at the right time. With all the problems and costs associated with waterborne, it's nice to know someone actually came up with a viable and "versatile" option, with virtually zero ramp up cost or learning curve involved.

The Paint Spot was the first paint distributor within a four state radius to install MPB-LV. The decision to do so came from exhausting all options for waterborne. I was iron fisted about the decision not to sell waterborne paint until and unless I could honestly look the customer in the eye and say "you need this, it will make you profit". Lusid's "Gen2o" was the absolute "best bang for the buck" in waterborne paint, but after painting 67 cars and trucks (personally), I just couldn't see how this product could fit profitably in any shop. I realize there are some who would argue this point with me, but you are the ones that 'A'.....don't have as much experience or knowledge about the subject as I do. 'B', you have a vested and deceptive interest in the decision to use waterborne. And 'C', there are still those out there that think O'Bama is a decent individual and "has our back", and if you had anything to do with selling, buying, or using waterborne paint.........you're probably one of them!

Gen2o is a great product, certainly leagues better than PPG, Dupont, BASF, and even Matrix's "Aqualoution", but there just wasn't a way to paint vehicles and make a profit with it, especially when you include the idiosyncrasies that go with H2o. Hazardous waste? Fisheyes? Cost is higher? Shelf life? Temperature sensitivity? It all equaled a big....."No Freaking Way" in my book, and if I don't believe in it, how the hell am I supposed to sell it? Besides, everybody that's anybody is or has gone back to the drawing board and developed a low V.O.C. solvent option to waterborne.......Matrix was just the first! 2015 Matrix Calendar Contest: The contest entry forms can be obtained by calling or e-mailing The Paint Spot at (830) 899-2845 or rcpaintspot@gmail.com or just ask the delivery driver for one. Deadline for entry forms to be mailed in is August 15, 2014. Sata vs. Iwata & DeVilbiss Ok, I really didn't want to get into this subject, but recently I've been inundated with repair requests for Sata spray guns. I have no problem with the Sata "NR-95" (the old green gun) but parts are getting real tough to find. These guns are going for big bucks now days because they were the last of really good Sata spray guns. As I explained earlier about product loyalty, I was a dedicated Sata guy.......until Sata got stupid! Starting with the NR-2000, Sata totally went to shit. If you have an NR-2000 and it needs parts my suggestion is either throw it away or hang it up for wall art! There are a couple of issues with that gun, but the "kiss of death" is the female threads for the fluid adjustment knob! I promise you, if you've got one of those guns they're screwed or damn close to it, and I Have acquired a pile of them to prove it (3 of them were mine). The other problem that also happens to still be a problem with Sata today, is the seal between the fluid tip and the gun body! NR-2000 and up, all have these stupid seals that "have" to be changed every time you remove the fluid tip for cleaning........at $13.00/each! The problem is so stupid, and I personally am so disappointed in what was once a "Great" company and a great tool, that I will not even sell you a Sata gun period! If you want a gun from me, you're going to get a DeVilbiss or an Iwata, otherwise, you can go get a Sata from Hoffmann's or some other jobber that doesn't give a damn about quality! My personal favorite is the Iwata LPH-400 W/ 1.3 and LVX air cap. I paint all types of paint and clear with that gun....period! The DeVilbiss Techna is a fine gun, but price and ergonomics are better with the Iwata. Either way, the "stupidity" or "greed" that infiltrated the Sata company is not a factor with DeVilbiss or Iwata, so if you want a gun that will outlast you, those are good choices. Tech Tip: Try roughing up surface area to be filled with 120 grit instead of 24, 36 or 80. Cut filler with 80 or 100, then finish filler with 150 or 180. Your edges will feather better, primer will have less work to do which not only speeds up the process, but lowers cost and eliminates problems like mapping or shrinking. Oh, by the way.......use Roberlo Fillers, they're made to attach to a finer scratch!!!!! "Whatever it Takes" Rick Ciotti