Billetproof/KIRK! press release.

[KIRK!]

Hey there! This post is to share some good news with my friends here on the HAMB. Unfortunately it must also serve as a preemptive defense against a select few who are never satisfied and always short sighted.

I have just accepted my dream job. I will be traveling the entire country attending, photographing and writing about car shows. I'll be involved with the marketing, design and advertising of hot rod related shows and merchandise. I will get to eat, sleep and breathe cars and get paid for it. Amazing! It's a very hands on position that will afford me a paycheck after nearly four years of just scraping by (actually, the last year I've been $200 more in the hole each month).

My new position is Creative Director and Brand Manager for the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

Goodguys!??!!? What the hell?!?!? How does this affect Billetproof? It doesn't. My first point made in the first meeting with the Goodguys was that Billetproof is my first love and cannot be affected by my position with them. The real plus to this, with regards to Billetproof, is that with the show going back to zero employees, costs can remain the same. I know that there are those out there who are not satisfied unless you are the most punk rock or hard core and are losing money. Nothing I say will appease them. Hell, they think I've already sold out because so many great people attend Billetproof. So, to the rest of you, my friends, I announce this great news.

I have to admit that I was very apprehensive when I first agreed to meet with the Meador family for many reasons. I had preconceived notions about them. I was blown away with how wrong those ideas were. I was worried about what my fellow rat rodders would think. Then I came to the realization that anyone with a good head on their shoulders will be happy for me and understand what positive things could come to pass. My immediate family and close friends are happy for me and that's all I can ask for.

I will be able to be a voice (along with Jim A) for all of us and what WE believe in when it comes to rods and customs. It sounds preachy, but my goal has always been to gain acceptance for the type of cars I love. The first steps to that goal are done. Now I will have another, louder, megaphone to preach through.

Thanks in advance for your support.

KIRK!


P.S. I honestly feel I will be able to make a difference at the Goodguys. So feel free at any time to email me with suggestions. Thanks again.

[Fat Hack]

Congrats, Kirk!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Any concrete word on whether or not Billetproof Michigan is a go yet???

(June 6th, right? That's my target date to have the Chevy running! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif)

[296 V8]

way to go good for you. did that T deck lid work out ok for you?

[FeO2]

Congradulations brother,Keep the faith! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Tiny]

Ah you suck what a sellout!Your so not punkrock we can now call you Britney. Just kidding sounds like a dream job good luck

[KIRK!]

I just finished writing up some of the details for Boomer. He's the guy who is sponsoring (read working his ass off) the show out there. I requested the days off around the Detroit show before I said yes. So the answer is it's still in the 90% range. We will have to make an absolute yes or no decision in the next couple of weeks. i'll keep everyone posted.

[Boones]

Congrats on the job,,, so does this mean that Jim A will not have to travel to everyshow and get to go home a little more often... or do you guys become co-inhabitors of a motel room and golf cart...

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
Ah you suck what a sellout!Your so not punkrock we can now call you Britney. Just kidding sounds like a dream job good luck

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Tiny! It was hard keeping it under wraps at the Christmas party the other night.

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
I know that there are those out there who are not satisfied unless you are the most punk rock or hard core and are losing money. Nothing I say will appease them. Hell...

[/ QUOTE ]

Let them put on their own Fucking show.

They can call it:So Hip it Hurts!(tm) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Congrats Kirk. I think your in for an interesting ride.

What was that line...Overthrow from within? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[abomber30]

COOL MAN good luck with the new job. Maybee I will renew my goodguys mag deal. it just seemed like it was always the same old stuff.. drew

[Tiny]

Oh and those pics you posted of you and Dirty just further the gay rumors

[justinm]

this is the best idea both of the GG BP camps have had in a long time.
do some good work bro.

[burndup]

Its not selling out, just "Buying In!"

And so another Jedi knight is taken by the DarkSide(tm)...

Congrats, Britney! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif You'll be able to teach them a thing or two...

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
way to go good for you. did that T deck lid work out ok for you?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's gonna work out great. I'm still just in the collecting phase. But I'm nearly ready. The '47 is going together slower than I'd like.

[plan9]

right on KIRK! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[40StudeDude]

Congrats BPD...you cannot go wrong with the employ of Gary Meadors...one hell of a nice guy! When you get to ColoRODo for the PPIR event...look me up, I write the "Bangin' the Gears" column for the Gazette...
R-

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
When you get to ColoRODo for the PPIR event...look me up, I write the "Bangin' the Gears" column for the Gazette...
R-

[/ QUOTE ]

I sure will. I'm stoked to get to meet more HAMBers bia the new job.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[ QUOTE ]
COOL MAN good luck with the new job. Maybee I will renew my goodguys mag deal. it just seemed like it was always the same old stuff.. drew

[/ QUOTE ]

Since when? Read it lately?

Yeah, a big CONGRATS to Kirk and an equal thanks to the HAMB for making it all happen. I put an open call out for help unloading my Model A a few weeks ago and the first (and only) reply I got from a stranger was Kirk (I know you helped to John/Slazzen - but you were already a pal). I was totally impressed by Kirk and even though there was not currently a position at Goodguys I said they had to meet this guy. I could be scared saying this could threaten my own security, but I think this is exactly the guy we need to expand into the future and make Goodguys friendly to everyone. As Kirk found out, the Goodguys is really an organization of cool car people who really love cars. No gold chain attitudes here at all. Again CONGRATS Kirk!

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, a big CONGRATS to Kirk...

[/ QUOTE ]

What a jackass I am. I forgot to thank JimA in the original post. This whole thing just sort of came up in a casual conversation at his place that night. The next thing I know I'm meeting at GG.

THANKS DUDE!!!!

[flt-blk]

If you can't beat em, join em.

Congratulations.
TZ

[plan9]

jim, couldnt agree with you more... met kirk for some parts awhile back, extremely nice and the conversation wasnt boring. i think you made a very good decision!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Sean]

Kirk,
Congrats on the new gig! Good to see things are paying off for you. The '47 will come together in time. Next time your in San Jo give me a call and come down and check out the new shop.

[Grumpy]

Congrats BPD! maybe I'll meet ya at GG's Columbus, and JimA too http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[SamIyam]

Congratulations Kirk!

I would have to agree that your new position IS a dream job... especially when you consider that you will be using your talents of making up "cool shit" for their organization... the only thing I ask... is that you and Jim work the head-guy over and make the freakin' Gazette 10 3/8" x 7 3/4"!!! Those things are TOO FREAKIN' BIG!!!!

Anyway, once again, congratulations...

Sam.

[Rolf]

Good for you. If anyone has a problem with you accepting a dream job...F-'em ! Congrats...

[Roothawg]

Taking over the goldchainers one position at a time....now if you could just fire the Gazette editor..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[ QUOTE ]
make the freakin' Gazette 10 3/8" x 7 3/4"!!! Those things are TOO FREAKIN' BIG!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

That will NEVER, NEVER happen! I would be happy meeting you halfway at 12 x 9.5! I'm still working on it.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[ QUOTE ]
....now if you could just fire the Gazette editor..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Why? I heard that guy is hella cool, and even puts pictures of rockasillies tryin' to be cool PUSHING there broken T-Buckets through the event. And heard he's good lookin' too (...for the ladies http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif) What's not to love???

[ESnacky6]

Britney-Proof....

I like it.

[dondanno]

Well Kirk still you are a big jerk and Slazzen is your Lover, oh wait I never said that just thought it. Oh Well Congrats Bro...Danny

[29EHV8]

Kirk congrats eh!
When you get settled and have done a bunch of kewl shit to impress Gary you gotta do one thing for all of us hot rod builders.
Kick that Titus BOZO in the dink with a speedskate........Shiny

[**DONOTDELETE**]

On that note- as of two weeks ago Titus has parted ways with the Goodguys. Sorry guys http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Levis Classic]

You lucky bastard! Thats great Kirk but if we see you with a gold chain on - well I think you know what we'll do to you!

[hatch]

Too bad theres only about two, maybe three nice cars built each year....GO GET EM!!!!!!!

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
Thats great Kirk but if we see you with a gold chain on - well I think you know what we'll do to you!

[/ QUOTE ]

I know. If I am, you better!

[Tman]

Infiltration is growing..........Goodguys.....R&C.........Street Rodder..........no wonder things keep looking better to me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Congrats man!

[slazzen]

thats kool it worked out for you glad i was there when it came about pretty neat i feel all warm and fuzzy now

[Sailor]

Congrats, Kirk.

[purple]

<font color="purple"> Kool Kirk, I think it will benefit both GG and BP. You can help them with attracting more of the younger crowd and you can learn more about running multiple shows in different locations. Now update your website while you still have the time to do it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif </font>

[bdrake]

Congratulations and good luck with the new job.

[4t64rd]

[ QUOTE ]
Infiltration is growing..........Goodguys.....R&amp;C.........Street Rodder..........no wonder things keep looking better to me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Congrats man!

[/ QUOTE ]

Old World Order!!!!!

Congratulations, it's always exciting to have a new job. My jobs lose that "new job smell" in about 6 months, Your's sounds like my playtime.

[Gr8ballsofir]

Kirk in, Titus out, Everybody wins! Way to go Kirk! Hope to meet you in Detroit.

Mark

[truth]

Congratulations man, that job sounds kickass! Do what you want and fuck anyone that hates on you because of it... sounds like you're not getting any backlash at all about it, though..!

Anyone got a similar position they are looking to fill in the custom bike world, let me know... haha

[antichrysler]

Congratulations, I hope everything works out well for you. I really appreciate the deal you gave me on the RPU. That deal shows that you're not in it for the money. I'm sure you will have tremendous success. Good luck. Don't worry about the punk rock wanna be kids calling you a sell-out. They'll change their tune when they stop sponging off their parents and have to pay for food and shelter.

I hope you got the check for postage. Once I get that starter, hopefully, I can fire-up the beast up and take it for a spin.

[raven]

That's cool.
Do they have another position?
I'm looking to get another job...
r

[Roothawg]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
....now if you could just fire the Gazette editor..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Why? I heard that guy is hella cool, and even puts pictures of rockasillies tryin' to be cool PUSHING there broken T-Buckets through the event. And heard he's good lookin' too (...for the ladies http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif) What's not to love???

[/ QUOTE ]

Ladykilla..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[50mercfan]

you mean your whole life is going to consist of old cars and your going to get payed for it? man that would suck. well maybe not, i might just be a little jelous. congradulation on the job man, you rock. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Iceberg]

It must be group hug time! Shit, my sensitivity training must be sinking in.

Congrats &amp; good luck changing that fiberglass crusted, billet laden &amp; Boydster infested rag. We can only hope that the big (bling..bling) wheel &amp; the phantom rod craze will die a quick and merciless death. Say hello to TitASS for us!

[Rix2Six]

Congrats Kirk it sounds like a dream come true.

If you can't over come 'em with brute force, the next best option is to infiltrate from within! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I hope it's everything you want it to be.

[Django]

Shit, now the vintage parts are gonna go sky high... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Congrats Kirk! Look forward to meeting you at Indy. My car should be roadworthy by then, but my sister is getting married that weekend. Yep, ANOTHER wedding.

Hopefully JimA won't make fun of this car. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[KIRK!]

Damn guys!! Thanks for the support. I'm overwhelmed. I'm not the type who puts every speck of their life on here for display. I just wanted to make sure all of you who have supported Billetproof know that I won't let you down with BP or GG.

Purple: I am working on the website today in fact. If Zonkola is free soon it will be updated.

Anitchrysler: Your Hemi starter went out yesterday or the day before. It'll be passing the $$$ in the mail. I'm glad you still dig that RPU. I know I do.

[krupanut]

That's all your hard work paying off, not selling out!Congrats, Kirk

don't worry about the punker than thou crowd, nothing makes them happy.

[ray]

[ QUOTE ]
Congratulations, I hope everything works out well for you. I really appreciate the deal you gave me on the RPU. That deal shows that you're not in it for the money. I'm sure you will have tremendous success. Good luck. Don't worry about the punk rock wanna be kids calling you a sell-out. They'll change their tune when they stop sponging off their parents and have to pay for food and shelter.

I hope you got the check for postage. Once I get that starter, hopefully, I can fire-up the beast up and take it for a spin.

[/ QUOTE ]

i second that, the job went to a good guy, sorry, didn't mean that. kirk gave me a real good deal on some parts too, and was great to work with. look forward to meeting you when you come this way.

i dunno but what a person sells stuff for says a lot about the man.

now i gotta go find my dream job!

[G V Gordon]

Kirk,
Found the thread a little late but I too would like to offer my congrats on your new gig. Life is too damned short to work just for the money. Sounds like you found something you love and then found a way to allow you to make a living at it. I only know you in print but hope our paths cross at some point. Way to go!
George

[six5monster]

Kirk,
Congradulations! Getting paid to do what you like. It is the only way to live. Anything you need, drop me a line.
Good luck,
David

[Just Gary]

Congrats http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Now I have even more reason to look forward to the GG Gazette every month.

[mytlo56]

Congrats Kirk. I'm sure you will be true to what we all believe in here &amp; represent us well.

I don't view it as some big surprise that Good Guys would hire a tradional rod guy. Think about it: The gold chainers are getting older. GG's is slowly looseing their target demographic. They NEED young blood to stay in the game, right? They are evolving to meet the tastes of the younger consumer. Pretty standard business stuff.

It just cracks me up that evolution in this case requires a trip back to to 50's/60's http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
That's all your hard work paying off, not selling out!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for getting it.

[Plowboy]

That is great that you can make a living doing what you enjoy. Of course living it 24/7 may make your hobby seem too much like work, ya know.

Not to Highjack the thread or anything, but has anyone read the results of the NSRA poll that was in the last streetscene? I find it interesting how they believe that there aren't any fewer future rodders just because the percentage of younger guys (in their 40's) is a couple points higher than the percentage of guys in their 60's. I however am in the lowest percentile in not only income (Low), but age bracket (Young) as well. It is good to be "special" I guess.

Anyway, it is good to see GG taking a proactive stance rather than than the reactive one that the NSRA will be taking when they realize that most people my age (30) could care less about old cars.

[yorgatron]

so there's still gonna be a B-proof show next year,right? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif let me know if you need help with goon squad stuff-george

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
so there's still gonna be a B-proof show next year,right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hell yeah. It's going to be Saturday September 25th at Antioch Fairgrounds.

[TomH]

Kirk, as the GG rodders rep from ND welcome. Maybe our paths will cross at one of the events.

[slazzen]

hey when are the dirty hero swaps and can i get a spot????

[kyle paul]

man i talked to mark meator last week and dident belive him .he said u might be going to work for him .i was kinda dissipointed but if it helps u and u are doing what u wantgood luck .as long as billet proof is still around its cool .by the way is that why there were so many painted cars at the show this year ?no im just shittin u good luck kyle

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
hey when are the dirty hero swaps and can i get a spot????

[/ QUOTE ]

The first is April 24th at the Antioch Fairgrounds. Hell yeah you can get a spot.

[Nads]

Goodnews, Goodguy.

Titus gone?
Say it ain't so Jim?

You guys still suck for moving your show to Tallahassee!!!!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[ QUOTE ]
Goodnews, Goodguy.

Titus gone?
Say it ain't so Jim?

You guys still suck for moving your show to Tallahassee!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, He's parted ways for the time being. Remind me one reason why the other FL show was better beside it being closer to you? Location- NO, Sweltering heat, NO. Yeah, I thought so. Won't be coming to Florida next time anyway- we double booked that weekend, same with Waukesha.

[Mike]

I hope you get a nice gold chain allowance. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Cool. Sounds like a good gig. I reckon you'll have a positive influence there. Congrats, good on ya!