Steve & Ryan Lehnert's Page

Just ask the boys I fire them at least 10 times a month. Just kidding maybe 5, they are doing pretty good, they just don't know how to work as hard as their parents, but then again they don't have a mid-six figure liability obligation either....yet.

I have actually mellowed very well over the years, there was a time that my employees velcroed all of the wall phones at every locating because they were tried of re-mounting them when I ripped them off the walls.

Steve, 

After I talked with you again about the subject it really pissed me off the more I thought about it. I know I should wait a little while before I write sometimes, but in this case, and believe me it's not the first I have had enough of it.

It seems that any time in the past that I may of propose a new type of entrance class,boat, or something to stimulate the new modeler and post it on the dock, I get shot down with all kinds of foolish statements. One of my favorites was a guy saying, "That's great now Tony wants to control the whole boat industry". Believe me, all Tony really wants is to make sure there is a place for his kids in this industry, and Pam and I would like to continue to get a paycheck as well. 

In order to insure this there has to be an industry in place to support our cause. It's like our government, which really drive me crazy. There are people in power that are so convicted for their own well being and their "cause" that have absolutely no regards for those effected. 

In our industry it's so much more simple to keep it alive and to even possible prosper once again. GET THE NEW PEOPLE INTO THE SPORT/HOBBY AND KEEP THEM THERE FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN. That's it....

This means that all of us seasoned model boaters have a responsibility and must do our part in making it as easy as possible for the new and hopefully younger boater to become successful and want, that's the word "want" to be part for the long haul.

I know sometimes I go off track but I have gained quite a bit of knowledge from the tens of thousands of people like you guys over the years who have effected my life and views, just by listening, or better yet watching. Because, I have so many stories in my arsenal that I use to get my point across rather than spouting without reason. 

This type of problem is the one that hits me the hardest because of the nature of it's destruction capability, in which the "foot" issue is irrelevant as far as I am concerned here, it was the principle. Maybe not so bad because your son get to get a taste of ignorance and the faces behind it. All it would of took to right that wrong was for a single person in charge to say, we know your boat is not legal however you can race but not receive a trophy. At that point Ryan may of been disapointed in the possible outcome, but at least he would of had respect for those in charge.

Warning, this is not politically correct.

Some things I never will forget and your story quickly brought this story, (reality) back to mind. In 1986 I was at the Internats in Broward County. Seaducer boats was nice enough to put a new 7.5 cc tunnel hull up for raffle. At the time I owned a hobby shop nearby and one of my new customers attended the race to watch. His son whom was probably ten years old at the time made mention to me several times that he really wanted to win that hull. I said that would be great but if you don't I sell Seaducer hulls and I'm sure I can give you and your dad a deal on one. 

Anyway on Sunday after the races the raffles began and when the hull came up unfortunetely the kid didn't win the boat. What happened next has to be etched into the minds of those present that saw this incredible display of "Egotesticle", and the worst display I have ever seen inclusive of the many I have seen in full size auto racing.

Gary Sr. the owner of Seaducer Boats X-partner wins the hull. When he goes to receive it he stand in front of the crowd and puts the boat up in the air like he won a NASCAR race. Then unbelievably he bends and  raises his right leg and swiftly breaks the hull in half over it.

I didn't know what to say, nor did many there, however there were a few who knew that he and Gary didn't part all that well and they snickered, laughed and thought that was funny.

I could see the look on Gary's face of disgust but being the man he is he just walked back to his trailer. After the kid and his dad came over to me and I'll never forget the kid asked my why did he do that, and if he didn't want that boat why didn't he just give it to someone like me who did? At the time I was only about 25 years old but knew how mean business and people could be, so I said to him that they used to make boats together and they got in a fight and the guy who broke the boat new that would make the other guy mad. I also told him that that was not the way most people act and especially not the way to act in front of a crowd, and that the guy who broke the boat should be ashamed of himself and owes an apology to all of us as well as the man who donated the boat.

I told his dad that I would ask Gary to make his son a special boat and that I would sell it to him at a very low price. When I did see them in my store again I asked them if they were ready to get into the club and racing. His dad said no, I rather we stay in model aircraft, I whitnessed too many arguments over the weekend and when I asked some of the boaters questions, most were short with me or didn't want to give me any information other than how expensive it was to get into this hobby.

By the way the guy who did this went on to make his own hulls and sell them, he lasted about a year. His designs were really good, but I'll bet he blames his failed business on everything and everyone outside of himself.

For all of you that are out there and can help and recruit new model boaters, remember how and where you started. I never forgot, and I didn't have the support many of you have, I too had to deal with a few older men who covered their boat props with "little custom made felt baggy-things".

When it comes to our hobby, and our youth especially, it's a Damn trophy that's good that day at best, then ends up in a basement,closet, and finally the garbage. It's what you do and how you treat others in life that really matters and defines your ultimate value 

Sometimes when I meet one of my competitors all I have to do is listen to them talk to people to determine if I should invest or not in counter advertising. Most cases not, they seem to be able to do enough damage on their own.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tony C.

Steve, 

I won't spoil it for you, but I think you will be quite please when you open to page 82.

Steve, It would be great on Youtube Show a picture of your beautiful classic as a still if you can as well.

Steve, My God man! You have more boats than our showroom! You and Ryan are a credit to our industry. Don't worry I will stay in touch.

Tony

Hello dear,

How is everything with you, I picked interest on you after going through your short profile and deemed it necessary to write you immediately. I have something very vital to disclose to you, but I found it difficult to express myself here, since it's a public site. Could you please get back to me on my email: lauryn.wake@gmail.com
for the full details.

Have a nice day,

Thanks God bless.
Miss. Lauryn Wake.