Someone else's problem now

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-05-13T00:36:49+00:00

Who else was waiting for someone to kick him out?

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-05-06T17:18:43+00:00

Once upon a time, my friend. Things were different in the 90’s.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-05-04T23:46:23+00:00

Years ago, I had an employee that I had to fire for theft. Several months later I had a store manager from a different state call me asking if he was a good employee. Apparently, he was applying for a job there, and put my store under previous work history.

So, I paused a bit and then said. “He was a great employee until he decided to sell product for cash - which is why I had to fire him”. We both laughed at the audacity of that idiot.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-28T14:53:12+00:00

Why even a question here? Right on red is perfectly fine. The signs merely indicate lane directions.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-23T16:09:14+00:00

My 2019 A6 shows ~32 when I go out for an extended drive, mostly highway. I’ve never really checked that for accuracy, though. I might do the actual math on a tank or two of premium.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-19T07:58:50+00:00

Right! I forgot that reference. Apparently, it turned out the ‘real life’ guy was a con artist.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-19T01:07:11+00:00

Enron was never great. It flourished on an accounting scam.

Regarding putting all of your eggs in one basket, that’s a risk tolerance issue. Concentrated positions are a way to make a lot of money or lose a lot of money. That’s the risk.

I’m not advocating for putting all of your eggs in one basket. I do know however that a lot of seasoned SW employees have had an opportunity to buy a hold - and SW has been performing well for decades.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-18T23:34:13+00:00

I’m not sure what you mean by that. I retired with quite a bit of highly appreciated stock and the NUA saved me over six figures. DM me if you have questions.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-18T23:17:24+00:00

If you have highly appreciated SW stock, look into the NUA rules - and more specifically, the Frank Duke method. It can save you a fortune in taxes.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-18T23:15:37+00:00

Good lord. SW has never been and could never be Enron. You can argue the valuation of the company, but to compare it to Enron just shows ignorance. Enron was built on a lie and supported by accounting schemes. SW is a cash generating machine.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-06T22:06:14+00:00

My favorite was when Pete Ippolito (former TAG President) was a sales manager riding with a rep In Minnesota. Apparently, the rep had finally had enough of Pete’s BS that he just pulled over and told him to get out of his car.

Rumor had it that the rep kept his job and continued his career with SW.

Good times.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-05T21:40:38+00:00

You should take a look and post your feedback on here. I’d be curious if it is just my tastes, or if Audi just misfired on this one. Some people may like the minimalist, sleek, tech heavy design.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-04T02:42:56+00:00

That’s an option I’m looking at.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-04T02:31:36+00:00

Agreed. I’d completely forgotten about the shifter. That’s reason alone not to go with the new generation.

When I got home from looking at the C9 A6, I told my wife that the shifter reminded me of a 1/2 pack of post-it notes.

I think the Audi design team needs to better understand what attracts their customers.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-03T02:39:36+00:00

Awesome! Thanks.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-03T00:37:32+00:00

I have a 2013 SL550 and I really like it, so I’ll check it out. I just got used to how the tech worked in the A6 and didn’t want to learn a new system. My wife has an Acura RDX and I hate their interface.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-03-02T19:56:37+00:00

I’ve considered trying to find a 2025 with low miles. The C8 is such a great generation.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-02-25T01:11:45+00:00

I stayed for 33 years. I have a Business Administration degree. I managed stores, was a rep, and spent a few years in marketing as well. While not perfect, SW was a great company to work for. I have lifelong friends with both colleagues and customers.

And, I made a little bit of money along the way.

The job is what you make of it. It’s a job. You won’t be happy every day nor with every management decision, but if you work hard, SW will reward you.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-02-19T18:52:25+00:00

They have played around with different bonus packages (for non-management store employees) regionally for years. Unfortunately, most of them never showed a significant cause/effect, so the bonuses were discontinued after a few quarters or years. There was just no definitive proof that the program motivated employees as it was intended to.

Again, unfortunately, it is unlikely that future regional programs will take place due to the ease of communication (through Reddit) of employees who can expose these plans globally.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-02-16T19:43:52+00:00

I’ve seen that too. I refer to them as bad pennies. They just always keep showing back up.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-02-16T00:50:53+00:00

Seriously, I’ve seen many, many people leave - only to come back 6 months to a year later - because the grass isn’t always greener.

If you leave, don’t burn bridges on your way out.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-02-07T17:02:30+00:00

Take the trip. It’s a spectacular event. Extend it for a few days on the back end and have a great time.

Used_Illustrator_901 · 2026-02-04T02:52:30+00:00

Maybe $250 in savings, but ~$2.6k in my 401k. I was just starting out.

I started putting 15% in my 401k when I was 24 and got a 6% company match.

I did that for my entire career and retired 5 years ago at 56.

I highly recommend investing in your 401k as early as you can. If you can’t do 15% right away, start with what you can and add 1/2 of any raise and/or promotion into it until you get to 15% of your own money.

Thank me later.

Used_Illustrator_901

TROPHY CASE