I read a few days back a thread complimenting the vendor who used to be known as Airstream Dreams. Now Vintage something.
OK I found that nice and proper and informative. Then I thought about our most venerable vendor, Inland Andy. And decided I might relate a visit I had with him several weeks back.
I had posted a question here regards the proper way to "straighten" a bent door. The tedious search thru the archives had revealed dueling opinions on various methods. I specifically needed and wanted clarification on Inland Andy's method. Oddly the "competing" method with Andy's had been granted (awarded) a "sticky-status", thus giving it the appearance of correctness and gravitas to the un-suspecting or newcoming-naive searchers. (IMHO moderators should have to ID the reason that they
choose to make such "solutions" sticky).
Anyway I felt I needed to learn more. Andy found the thread and answered only part of my questons, so I re-posted hoping for more detail. No follow-up for a few weeks, much to my disappointment.
I, on reflection quickly came to the conclusion that he was a busy man and cannot possibly jump at every beck and call of the many requesters of his expertise. But I still, was disappointed.
Days went by, then I recieved a PM from Inland Andy. He asked me to give him a call on a specific day. That was it, no further explanation.
I called and Andy answered all my questions.
The conversation (my first ever with him) was great.
Andy was friendly, Andy was courteous, Andy was informative, Andy was fun, Andy was frank and IMHO Andy was/is as honest as the day is long. Sometimes brutally honest, but I (being a big boy) like it that way.(No BS just the cold facts please).
Andy has a business to run, and a life to live. Yet he takes time out to help us at no charge.
Yep he is a master marketer, a salesman. And he knows how to insert a sales pitch. But you know, that's what Marketing is all about. And friends marketing (sales) makes the world go round.
Anyway have you ever stopped to think how much Inland Andy has meant to these forums?
He more than any other member/poster/moderator etc was the cornerstone of the success of this place I truly believe.
Another Andy founded it, but in the beginning we came and read and stayed to see what Inland Andy had to say.
Have you ever thought about how much he will be missed when he is no longer here?
I have never bought one item from Andy, but he treated me as if I was an old and regular customer. If and when I do buy certain items, I will do it with Andy. If I pay a bit more, I will remember all the free advice he has provided me (and all of us) over the years. Exactly how much advice and guidance have we gotten from the Airstream Factory, or any other former Factory employee? Old Saint Wally left too soon and never answered one question for us. Nothing and no one with an actual Airstream pedigree has come to our aid like Andy Rogozinski aka Inland Andy. I say Inland Andy is more than a VIP I think he is our all-time MVP (most valuable player).
Andy mentioned that he had a few health issues (unspecified). I hope and pray that he overcomes these and blesses us with his expertise for years to come, for like E.F.Hutton. When Inland Andy speaks I listen.
Amen.
I make an attempt to read every reply that he gives whether or not it is on a subject that I am working on.
Another thanks Andy.
Me, too!
L
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WBCCI 21043
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If you're WBCCI, come visit us at the park (and get more cool air and less oxygen and ... a 50% discount!)
I love reading Andy's posts and have purchased items from him for a couple of years now. He and his staff are the best out there. They are patient, take their time answering questions and follow through.
I enjoy Andy's bluntness and his humor. He has so many years of Airstream experience and is a living library of information. If I lived closer to his business, I would be begging him for a job. I would love to work in an Airstream business such as his.
I was working with Andy on purchasing an axle for my Airstream last year when I found out I had to have a knee replacement right away. I took my coach to the dealer in Colorado Springs. They ended up purchasing the axle and installing, since I couldn't. I hope they purchased the axle from Andy so that he got the sale.
We should all treasure Andy and his advice that he gives.
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Steve "Centennial Man"
1966 Airstream Safari - Her name is "Aunt Bee"
I too appreciate Andy's posts, they certainly can be blunt. I have also called him on information (weight distribution) that he stood nothing to gain from...and he was very helpful.
But, I also want to add, I have been a long time customer of Inland RV and I consider him a partner as I renovate and maintain my Airstream. His service is always prompt and he backs his sales with knowledge and integrity. Quite honestly, I wouldn't have felt comfortable buying axles from anyone else.
I am appreciative for "vendors" like Andy because they don't just sell parts they have a true passion for our passions. We are fortunate to have several vendors like Andy on this forum and it truly adds to the Airforums experience.
Thanks Andy.
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Chris Keysor
WBCCI 11067
1986 Sovereign 25' CB
2007 Chevy Silverado 1500
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
I don't own an Airstream, but I have benefitted by his knowledge on hitch rigging in discussions on this forum; brought back the differences between the big sedans of yesteryear and the more heavily sprung trucks being used today. As well, the importance of wheel balancing, wheel selection; being wary of additions that may not be well-thought out, and so forth.
I also hope that he finds time to post access to The Twelve Questions in regards to proper hitch rigging (from accident investigation analysis).
I also hope that Inland RV will be able to retail the "Safe-T-Tow" Andy has mentioned in several posts.
With a certainty, were I traveling in the area of that dealership I would have it scheduled for a visit, for advice on the many shared items that our different trailer brands have, and, hopefully, for the deep knowledge of trailers of this sort by which I might benefit. And pass on to others.
I know also that I'd like to see more pictures of that big Buick he traveled in for business!
I too have spoken to Andy on the phone and online .I like to consider him as a true friend because of all the advise He has givin me over the last year or so. I Need to mention that the afore mentioned advise came with no strings.He freely gave of his knowledge.So I now am giving back by purchasing axles from him. THANKS ANDY
"MAY YOUR ROADS BE SMOOTH AND MAY YOU ALL WAYS HAVE A TAILWIND"
Roger
I purchased a axle,tire, and rim from Inland, they saved me a nice sum of money and everything was as it should have been. I spoke to several dealers and none had the knowledge and service Inland provided.
Andy has always made the time to talk to me when I've asked. He personally helped me with axles, other parts, and other information and advice. His staff is also very helpful.
.....small vintage Airstream part I don't know the name of.........$7.00
.....shipping-price of fuel.............................................. .....$10.00
......Andy's years of knowledge & experience.......................priceless
Thanks Andy!
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Rick, JJ, Tommy, and Will
1961 26' Overlander International Land Yacht
WBCCI #9275
However, I am disappointed that Andy did not respond "publicly" to the "Cast vs Extruded" thread. I joined the thread hoping to get the answer as well - and I'm sure there were many "lurking" and waiting for his response.
I guess when the time comes to straighten my door - I'll have to bother him with a call...and I have made many purchases from Inland RV over the past 18 months...one today.
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