01/02/2019
In late August this year I went for my normal physical and a few days later I got a call from my Doctor saying I had some tests come back “abnormal” and I needed to see a specialist for a biopsy. Scary stuff indeed. So, a week later I had a biopsy of my prostate and discovered that I had a particularly aggressive form of Prostate cancer and it was to be removed immediately or my life would end in 4 yrs or less. So, on November 5th I had the surgery and am learning how to deal with the after effects. The Doctors are confident they got it all and I’m getting better every day. I’ve been back in the shop for a few weeks now but I am still not up to my stamina level.
Please know, I don’t feel alone in this as SO many guys my age have gone through this and have lived long lives afterward. It does, however, make one face mortality in a very serious way. In that light, I have made some decisions as to my future that I need to share.
2019 will be my last year of hatting and VS Custom Hats is officially for sale. Although I still love making hats and am most comfortable in a hat shop ( mine or others, doesn’t matter) I need to look to the future and plan for what will clearly be my physical decline. I am hoping to find someone with enough resources to take over the entire business, train them if necessary, then move to somewhere easier to live. Living in the woods with wood burning heat is a lot more work than a Condo. If I cannot do that, I will most likely liquidate toward the end of the year or early 2020.
I intend to take on commissions until it is clear I won’t be able to fill all orders by the end of the year so please feel free to contact me with your wishes. I expect to stop taking orders by August or September so please be aware.
Please know that I have been incredibly honored and humbled by all of the support I have been given over the years. Who knew that in only 14 years I would be considered an “old timer” in the business. It seems like yesterday I was the new kid on the block looking to gain orders just to get the practice, You newer guys know what I’m saying, practice makes better. Who could have known that I would have clients all over the world, and have so many friends I will never actually meet. How many of us get regular calls from Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East? I would never have guessed making hats would be so rewarding and offer so many opportunities to meet and speak with people that are so accomplished in their lives. Humbled is too soft a word but, that and Thank you are the best I can offer.
Here’s to the future and what new adventures it might bring!!!
