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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> If I could clone myself...
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Message started by Steve Deckert on 03/05/19 at 03:43:01

Title: If I could clone myself...
Post by Steve Deckert on 03/05/19 at 03:43:01

If I could clone myself, I would secretly do it. Why? 150+ amps to build, 416 e-mails to answer, a web site to keep working and well you get the idea! As a general rule the amplifier side of Decware runs comfortably at 50% capacity with 2 full time amp builders and one full-time QC guy. After the rather impressive Black Friday sale this year where we sold 86 amps in one day, our build sheet shot up to 150 amps. It's been 2 months since then and we have increased our production to 4 amp builders, and extra hours for everyone else and we still have 154 orders on the wall. This isn't because we're all sitting around here playing on facebook... it seems as soon as word gets out that you're swamped, everyone wants one! God bless all of you!

Steve [smiley=tunes29.gif]

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Lon on 03/05/19 at 09:57:11

I hope it's a great thing that you really have become so busy Steve, hope it is providing you the sort of life and business you wish for.

I know you have a lot on your plate. I still dabble on the Facebook page inviting people to like it etc. even though I'm off the "payroll." I wish that more here could get involved there. But the pages do get some traffic and I'm sure have helped with the growing business.

The waiting time gets long and I find that in discussing Decware with new people that flabbergasts them--they are so used to just ordering a mid-fi component from an in stock warehouse through an audio or big box dealer. And they get . . . something else then a Decware product. But even though every day for the last month I wish I had a ZROCK2 that I ordered four months ago for my new system in that darned room that swallows bass, these products are worth the wait, something hard to understand til you've waited through the long days and have one plugged in and wowing you.

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by HockessinKid on 03/05/19 at 11:42:58

Steve,

Congratulations on the record setting Black Friday sales. I remember you saying how difficult it was finding good technicians with soldering skills and it normally takes 2 years for train them properly, so I hope everything works out with your new hires.

While I know you're sweating the order backlog, it's clear you and your team are really working hard to get everyone their orders. I suspect the overwhelming success of the 25th Anniversary Zen amp, 25th Anniversary modifications, and the Black Friday discounts resulted in the tremendous order load you're experiencing now.

Hopefully new customers will come back for more, smoothing out product demand over time and sustaining your family company for many years to come. I also hope the additional headaches that come with growth are offset somewhat by your knowledge of the immense appreciation and satisfaction your customers enjoy. Peace.

HK

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Geno on 03/05/19 at 15:15:08

We certainly appreciate your efforts, Steve. I have 2 items on the production list, and the wait is hard. But I know that is nothing compared to the challenges you and your company face. It has to be very stressful trying to produce in a timely manner and at highest quality. But the end result is tops, in both product and customer service.

Thanks so much!

Geno

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by bikehappy1 on 03/05/19 at 16:06:25

I counted 60 some orders on November 23 alone, mine included. I don't mind the wait either and I feel lucky to have stumbled on to such a great American company! My Decware gear is on almost every day and I don't take it for granted one bit. Thanks Steve and Decware!!

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Joey on 03/05/19 at 20:48:59

That's the tacit agreement, if you want mass produced, then go to your local box outlet and grab it. If you want something unique, then do the research and be prepared to wait.

We all know the old axiom, pick two out of three, (price, wait, and quality). Just cannot have all three.

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Palomino on 03/06/19 at 17:55:02

A impressed as I am with your creativity Steve, I am almost more impressed by your ability to keep your business going all these years. Certainly not a easy feat!

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by ScottNC on 03/06/19 at 20:45:22

Steve,

If you're going the Cloning angle, why not just go ahead and get two? That way they'll each have more time to enjoy listening to the fruits of their labors? Just a thought... [smiley=tunes10.gif]

Best,
Scott

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Lonely Raven on 03/07/19 at 13:25:58

I'm glad things have been going so well for Decware - I like to see friends succeed! :)

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Tommy Freefall on 03/08/19 at 20:53:37

Growth brings additional problems and stress.
Don't get burned-out, Steve - find time to decompress!

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by Steve Deckert on 03/09/19 at 02:21:35

I appreciate all the kinds words! No worries, there is no added stress, just extra busy. We are grateful for the work! As for growth, the only thing we had to do is fill two empty benches which were already there waiting. Our back office can easily handle the flow, as I said we typically run at 50% capacity. We have run 3 of the 4 benches on an off over the years, but this is the first time to run all four : )

Steve

Title: Re: If I could clone myself...
Post by riknbkr330 on 03/11/19 at 21:07:25

Great gear and glad that the business side is doing so well.
Just got my ZP3 last month, and yes the wait was hard, especially after I think the QC process update, but well worth it.

I've been going back through my LP collection (some 700 LPs) and just being gobsmacked by the sound of it all.

I'm glad I found your company and it's products!