Brett Smith who was President of S&S Cycle during the last 6 ½ years just resigned as S&S President and will leave the company on December 1, 2008. Brett is the son of George Smith and grandson of S&S founders George and Marge Smith. “It has been an honor serving as a steward to our family business the past 6 ½ years,” said Brett Smith. “I am confident the measures we’ve taken over the past several years with respect to new products like the X-Wedge, our dealer development efforts, rapid international sales growth and a clear focus on emissions related efforts have set a solid foundation on which to build over the next decade.” Brett concluded, “I’m looking forward to watching things develop as a shareholder and seeking new opportunities for my family and me.” As Brett transitions out of the presidency. His father and Chairman George Smith will assume the role of interim CEO and lead the company. George helped S&S grow dramatically during his past tenure as president, and has served on the Board of Directors since 1980. Since leaving daily S&S operations in October of 1993, George has remained closely involved with the business while assembling a successful racing team, G2 Motorsports. Said George Smith, “I am proud of the job my son has done for S&S and my parents would be proud as well. He has put together a great team and done a lot over the past several years and I will miss having him at S&S.” George concluded, “I respect his request to move on and I know he’ll do well at whatever he pursues after taking some much needed time off with Robin and the kids.” S&S Cycle.
Breaking News. Brett Smith Resigns As President Of S&S Cycle
Published by October 3rd, 2008 in Editorial and Engines.
46 Responses to “Breaking News. Brett Smith Resigns As President Of S&S Cycle”
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I’ve been building choppers, bobbers and all out customs for over forty years and have always had a very good working relationship with S&S. I’m sure I speak for everyone in the industry when I say thanks for all your time and dedication, we wish you the best…”keep the dirty side down”…
Gangster
Brett is a stand up guy. I’ve only known him for a few years, but he has gone out of his way to offer assistance in helping my company and me. I’ve done business with S&S for over 30 years and have been pleased with the quality of every part I recieve from them. I wish him well. We’ll be looking for new innovation from him in the future.
If only this had happened a few years back, maybe S&S would have a better chance of survival.
To the people still working at S&S:
I hope and pray that things can only go up from here for all of you.
To the people outside of S&S and its board of directors;
You only saw the part Brett wanted you to see not what he really was planning.
And, God willing, Brett Smith will never have the opportunity to manage another company so he can not have the opportunity to ruin the lives and moral of its employees and run another business into the ground again.
Hold on there Floyd…and all of the others that will want to bash Brett from the safe and secure place behind your keyboards. I have worked with Brett for just shy of four years, been around when he came back from Europe, Japan or Australia visiting dealers and came straight into the office to help us get a new project green-lighted. I have traveled with Brett to various shows and rallies across the country and sat in meetings wih owners of small shops and huge companies with him. Through all of that, his core focus was doing the best job he could for the dealers that supported S&S.
Brett made sure we had a dealer traning program, Brett made sure that I created the service manuals for our engines, made sure we had emissions compliant engines so builders could continue to build bikes for their customers.
It is easy to bash Brett or anyone that is in a visible position when you don’t like the rules they establish or that they won’t give you free product for your new buld–but before you spew some vile comments about someone you don’t know, stop and think. How would you like to be away from your family as many as 30 weekends a year? How would you like to miss all the things your kids did for almost six years because you are battling a changing economy, a very high overhead keeping manuafacturing in the US and constantly rising costs for advertising and promotional venues?
Brett is a strict military guy with a keen sense of business. More than a few times he ripped me a new one because of a mistake or screw up I made–not because he is a jerk, but because he expected better work from me. His standards are what an excellent business should operate at, all too often, the group of people around him missed that mark. But don’t take this as me just praising him, because on more occasions than you will ever know, Brett came to me and asked my advice and guidance on a situation he wasn’t sure of. As much as he knew, he was not afraid to ask any of the management team at S&S to help with the things he wasn’t sure of.
As i wrote earlier, it will be easy for any of you on the outside, sitting at a computer to rip on Brett, but if you do, be sure that the comments you make are the comments you will walk directly up to Brett and say to his face when you see him at a show. If you cannot do that, then don’t bash him–or any other person that you feel the need to gossip about–on the pages of a blog.
Imagine if you can, running a company your grandfather started, that grew at an amazing rate in a building it couldn’t fit in. Then expand the business go through all the work of establishing an additional location, getting buildings ready, getting a team in place at a new location exactly as the industry did a dramatic slow down. Imagine attempting to find a way to keep the business moving forward with enough positive momemntum to build up to a 50 year anniversary celebration to honor your grandparents, involve your team and still find a way to pay the bills to keep the doors open–and not send manufacturing overseas. Now imagine that when everytime you make a business decision, a bunch of anonymous people armchair quarterback your every move and spew a bunch of false statements as to what the reason may be that you did. And then try not to bring that home to your wife and kids.
Did Brett make any mistakes during his term at S&S? Of course. Did he do much more right than wrong–absolutely. Could any of us have done any better? probably not–no make that definetely not. Sitting in your office chair, unless it is a chair that allows you to run a company the size of S&S, you cannot and are not qualified to say that Brett did things wrong. You don’t have the experience to make such a statement. If you dealt with him one-on-one and have that exxperience to draw from, then make your comments. But don’t be a keyboard commando spewing crap just to see your words on a screen. Our industry is in a tough time right now–gossip, rumors and BS will not help it one bit.
So feel free to bash me for standing up for my friend, I know it is coming–i just hope you are man or woman enough to say it to my face when you see me out and about and not shake my hand, give me a big pat on the shoulder and ask how I am doing instead. Nothing you will say will divert me from my positon on this–Brett was an excellent boss and I will miss working with him every day that I am at S&S
Howard Kelly—-if you want to say something to me directly contact me at hkelly @ sscycle.com
Floyd. When you want to criticize/insult people, put your full name and true contact info and justify your statements. You sound like a disgruntled employee hiding behind a computer screen to take some kind of revenge. S&S has always been a great company, including during Brett Smith tenure. Long live S&S Cycle.
Someone with real,true knowledge please tell me that S&S will be around as long as there are motorcycles. As for as I am concerned there has never been a product as solid as S&S. I have never met Brett but the product speaks for it self. As Patrick Moss just said….Long live S&S Cycle.
Your right Patrick, S&S is a great company and they have made great products and they have many great employees. I hope they stay making those products for a long time.
I would love to put my name to this but unfortunately I still have many friends working at S&S and I am positive the repercussions of these comments would cost them there jobs, so for them and their family’s safety and future I will not identify myself. And for the other people in the industry who wish to continue doing business with S&S and comment negatively on this blog I recommend you remain anonymous because I have seen Brett Smith hunt people who have offended him.
So Patrick, if you have not seen how he abuses people from the inside you would have no idea how it has been.
How would you like to be made to stand in the corner because you nodded off in one of his meetings?
Floyd
I say that as long as you remain hidden, your comments are worth nothing. You are protecting no one, just flapping your fingers to hear the sound of your keyboard.
It is really hard to lend credibility to a statement made by an anonymous person
Howard Kelly–same contact info as earlier
Good luck to you Brett. Given the history of S&S and the family tradition involved, I can only begin to imagine just how long and hard you’ve agonised over this decision, with nearly no-one you felt like you could turn too to talk to about your thoughts. You don’t need to answer to anyone here about your decision, so take care of your immediate family and good luck with the next phase in your life…
Good luck to Brett and the entire S&S crew.
Any unlikely failure of S&S would be solely due to a market that is imploding on itself. The motorcycle industry is nearing the bottom of the market swing. After enjoying a decade of unprecedented many simply did not foresee nor prepare for the lean times. These cyclic trends are not uncommon in many industries. Pointing fingers and making wild accusations will prove nothing in these lean times. S&S will survive and remain a dominating force in this field.
This will prove to be an exiting time for the entrepreneur in the motorcycle industry. The quick and innovative will rise to the top, as government regulations bury us in BS. The dinosaurs of the industry will die out leave a new and fresh face to the industry. Now is the time for the small shops to make a name for themselves, and get ready to ride the wave back to the top.
Howard, well said. And please guys, for goodness sake stop bashing the decision to hold the 50th Anniversary celebrations. They were fabulous and enjoyed by all who went and assisted local charities and boosted tourism in the area. It was also a totally appropriate event to hold at this time in the history of this great company. No one, no one at all, foresaw the degree of the current economic and motorcycle sales downturn and you are a liar if you claim that you did. But what every true biker should be saying is, “hey, gas is expensive, let’s park our autos, SUVs and ride, ride ride.” – and should get all their buddies doing the same wherever and whenever weather permits it. And keep supporting great American companys such as S&S. Why not go to your S&S catalog right now and pick out some hot up part or replacement part or somesuch and order it? If you don’t Buy American you’ll soon be only able to Buy Chinese. How sad. But imagine if even 10% of readers of this blog did what I said, and got their buddies to do so also? Finally, a personal disclaimer. Other than being a long time user and keen fan of S&S products, and having some professional association with S&S through my job as a motorcycle journalist, I have no financial or otherwise association with S&S Cycle. I just believe it is a great American company in a great industry. I also wish Brett all the best in the future.
It’s no secret I’m among the S&S faithful but it’s not a blind faith – just a grateful affection for a family-owned business and the people who inhabit it. People, I’m thinking, who have done what they felt was right, even when all the choices were bad. That takes guts. Doc and Howard are right in my book – it’s easy to criticize, much harder to praise. That’s human nature to some extent but why not allow our better selves to take precedence here and be glad that our industry has an American company the likes of S&S that employs Americans?
It’s not easy to run a business, any business. And unless you’ve tried, you have no business criticizing someone who has. The same complainers come out when the new Indian company is mentioned. Well, I just came back from their factory tour and an open house at the first dealership near Charlotte, NC, and the crowd was in the thousands, happily much more than expected. In these tumultuous times, what a pleasure it was to celebrate something fresh and positive. After a week of gloomy prospects for Charlotte-based Wachovia bank, here’s a much-needed positive local story and I certainly hope the local media give it some play.
Companies like S&S and Indian deserve our support, not our scorn.
Do as Doc say – go buy something! I placed an order with S&S last week, got free shipping and a chance on a 50th Anniversary toolbox. Take it from a savvy shopper – that’s a good deal… for everyone.
Floyd,
Does your momma know that you are so angry? Brett, I pray blessings on you and yours. I’m sure S&S has a great future because of your selfless work.
Floyd- you nodded off in a meeting?
Why weren’t you fired on the spot?
Speaks for itself………
Floyd….You should have had another cup of coffee before you went to the meetings. Best wishes to Brett and may S&S continue to produce top quality products.
Sorry guys It wasn’t me, I have no problem staying awake. But you would have witnessed how abusive he can be to people.
I’m on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and I don’t know what’s really up about S&S right now, I know about the big problems in the U.S.A. and hope S&S it’s not involved because it’s one of those “classic” brands that I love to see in the business, it’s a family-owned company and I love that too, it produces great engines and makes efforts for the emissions (Euro 3 too) and that will allow us to use their (classic air cooled) engines in Europe… If that is also for the Brett’s managing work, he’s ok to me. Long live S&S.
Right…… Everyone here who would want Sleepy to build their engine, raise their hands…….
MIssed the point, Floydster; If a junior lawyer falls asleep in one of MY meetings, I’ll fire the offender- period.
Is that “abusive” behavior? Tough shit- I don’t think I’m setting the bar particularily high; I find the punishment Mr Smith doled out to his employee rather light-hearted, actually…..
If this is all the better you can do to document your assertation of abuse on the part of Mr Smith, I would remind you that the internet is a surprisingly open world, and an ISP number is pretty easy to trace these days;
Not that I know anything about libel law or nuttin’………..
S&S is a fine outstanding company.
Good to hear about the change in leadership.
Just becuase Bretts family doesn’t mean he knows what he’s doing.
Good luck to S&S Cycles, Brett and the entire Smith family.
Our industry is going to face many serious issues in the next year or two and I suspect all companies and managers will face serous challenges to survive. Many simply, many companies, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and yes – magazines, will not make it through the next two years.
I am betting S&S Cycles will continue to evolve as an industry leader with the products enthusiasts want to buy. This company has a long history of wonderful products and solid innovation. I would be surprised if that changed or lessened going forward – even in this very challenging economy.
It is easy to throw stones at a manager after he or she has left – sort of a tradition in this industry. But I am curious how many of us would have made the large and risky financial investment in a project like the X-Wedge?
Where would Harley & Buell be without S&S? All of us for that matter.
So is Brett going run for office in Wisconsin?? This is not joke but a real question
Okay, granted, if a junior member of a management team falls asleep in a meeting, fire his ass. Make him stand in a corner? Degrading, demeaning and totally unacceptable professional behavior. I believe if this story is true it points to a VERY significant management shortfall and I would have been very concerned about doing business with a firm that behaved as such. Of course this is all “water under the bridge” at this point. Unless, of course, Brett learned his management skills from his father George.
The hand writing has been on the wall for this move for some time now. I believe it is a good move for S&S and Brett as well.
Over & Out,
Jeff
Brett is a serious individual, and so he obviously takes his company very personally. With that in mind I know Brett has ruffled some feathers in his 6½ tenure. If that was my family’s company – I would have probably been a pitbull too. He has contributed a lot of efforts to get S&S where they are today, so my best to you and your family Brett.
With the company beating down long history of great innovations with their products, S&S Cycles will continue as an industry leader with the products that enthusiasts and manufactures want to have in their bike.
Howard for President ! You have my vote sir, seriously.
Good Luck Brett,
Though competitors in the Carburetor business, Brett and I served on the American V-Twin Committee for the overall best interest of our industry. In that spirit we moved forward and respected each others responsibilities and hopes for the future of this life style we love. Mr. George Smith and I had a very friendly visit recently at the Lemans Showcase and look forward to competing and cooperating down the road.
Brett, hope to see you soon, and take care of the family.
Lee
While I don’t agree with the comments made by our friend Floyd I will defend his right to post them, that’s why we live in America, freedom of speech.
I’ve had my own issues with S&S over the past 20 years and still don’t agree with every move they’ve made but that’s their company, not mine. Bottom line is I still use their motors in just about every custom bike we send out the doors and we won’t use any carb but an S&S so that says something right there. Sure I’d like to see some things change, more respect to those loyal small builders that have supported S&S all these years as well as more respect from their sales team to the shops that have sold a ton of their motors. I realize those are battles I’m probably not going to win so I pick others I can win or at least have a chance at. I’ll still use their products because I’ve had enormously good results over the years, they’re made in the USA and let’s face it, they’re just about the best thing going for any price.
Howard, I’ve said these things in person, never shied away from that and also talked to you in person and said how I feel about yo to your face as well. ‘Nuff said.
Brett’s taking advantage of a well deserved early retirement. S&S has new motor products. Everybody’s happy.
Now for the real issue. Why won’t any manufacturer create replica 3.5 gallon tanks? It took 100 ton presses for Harley-Davidson to originally create.
The 3.5 gallon tanks that CCI created 37 yrs. ago were made wrong. The knuckle 3.5 tanks won’t allow a pop-up reserve shut off to be installed. The cat’s eye dash indents are too wide. The Panhead 3.5 tanks are too wide at the back and both Knuckle and Pan tanks were made by adding a skin of sheet metal over existing tanks and they are way to bulbous. They make the rest of a reasonably replica rigid Panhead look wrong.
All the manufacturers have are 2 gal. peanut (Sportster) tanks. You can’t drive very far with a 74 cu. in. motor on a 2 gallon tank.
An entire replica market is being overlooked because we have no true replica 3.5 gallon tanks. Make them without tanks shift lugs and without emblem indents. Make the 3.5 gallon foot shift tanks and watch what happens.
People will start building kits, because they will have a motorcycle that closely resembles the original, and they won;t have to fight it out on ebay over a set of $1.700.00 OEM tanks.
Brett’s taking advantage of a well deserved early retirement. S&S has new motor products. Everybody’s happy.
Now for the real issue for those of us still slugging it out in the repop early OHV market. Why won’t any manufacturer create replica 3.5 gallon tanks? It took 100 ton presses for Harley-Davidson to originally create in the 1930’s, perhaps China has a better method 78 years later.
The 3.5 gallon tanks that CCI created 37 yrs. ago were made totally wrong.
The knuckle 3.5 tanks won’t allow a pop-up reserve shut off to be installed. The cat’s eye dash indents are too wide. The tanks were sheet-skinned are are too fat in all areas.
The Panhead 3.5 tanks are too wide at the back and both Knuckle and Pan tanks were made by adding a skin of sheet metal over existing tanks and they are bulbous. They make the rest of a reasonably replica rigid Panhead or Knuckle look wrong.
All the manufacturers have for us are 2 gal. peanut (Sportster) tanks. You can’t drive very far with a 74 cu. in. motor on a 2 gallon tank.
An entire replica market is being overlooked because we have no true replica 3.5 gallon tanks. Make them without tanks shift lugs and without emblem indents. Make the 3.5 gallon foot shift tanks and watch what happens. Just don;t let the manufacturer’s get “creative” with the design and do away with some of the nice design features, “because it’s too expensive to do it right”. That was thge problem on the first go-round.
People will start building kits, because they will have a motorcycle that closely resembles the original, and they won’t have to fight it out with the ebay mob over a set of $1.700.00 OEM tanks.
Fact: Brett nearly ran S&S into the ground. Hope they can survive.
Brett’s taking advantage of a well deserved early retirement. S&S has new motor products. Everybody’s happy.
Now for the real issue for those of us still slugging it out in the repop early OHV market. Why won’t any manufacturer create replica 3.5 gallon tanks? It took 100 ton presses for Harley-Davidson to originally create in the 1930’s, perhaps China has a better method 78 years later.
The 3.5 gallon tanks that CCI created 37 yrs. ago were made totally wrong.
The knuckle 3.5 tanks won’t allow a pop-up reserve shut off to be installed. The cat’s eye dash indents are too wide. The tanks were sheet-skinned are are too fat in all areas.
The Panhead 3.5 tanks are too wide at the back and both Knuckle and Pan tanks were made by adding a skin of sheet metal over existing tanks and they are bulbous. They make the rest of a reasonably replica rigid Panhead or Knuckle look wrong.
All the manufacturers have for us, are 2 gal. peanut (Sportster) tanks. You can’t drive very far with a 74 cu. in. motor on a 2 gallon tank.
An entire replica market is being overlooked because we have no true replica 3.5 gallon tanks. Make them (easier to create) without tank shift lugs and without emblem indents. Make the 3.5 gallon foot shift tanks as good as the originals and watch what happens.
[Note: Just don’t let the manufacturer’s get “creative” with the design and do away with some of the tight contour design features, “because it’s too expensive to do it right”. That was the problem on the first go-round. Don’t include any “year-bridge” features like those later, top cross-vent nipples. We don’ t need them.
People will start building kits, because they will have a motorcycle that closely resembles the original, they can be proud of carrying on a true Knuckle & Panhead tradition and they won’t have to fight it out with the ebay mob over a set of $1.700.00 OEM tanks.
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Apparently these versions aren’t being deleted. Can the admin please remove the post’s above while I get accustomed to the forward controls?
My first encounter with Bret was in my office at Titan Motorcycles, I beleive, 2002. I had just purchaed the assets of Titan Motorcycles at bankruptcy. Despite the fact that the original founders of Titan had defualted S&S for some $780,000 , Brett was more then willing to begin selling to Titan with me as a new owner.
Brett came into my office and placed both his boots with crossed legs on my desk and ssaid lets talk business. I said to Brett, “Genral Patton, this is my desk and I would like a face to face not boot to face talk” he applogized and we had a very productive meeting.
For the entire time i managed Titan, the S&S team and especialy Brett supported Titan, even after losing $760,000 to the first Titan managment.
One particular December, i contacted Brett and asked if Titan could make good a rather large payment latter in January so that Titan payrole would be covered for Christmas.
He quickly and with respect agreed. Titan made the payment good in January
Unfortunatley Titan filed chapter 11 again in 2007 under my leadership. I informed Brett personaly in advance of the bankruptcy filling. I told Bret Titan will do it’s best to recover and pay the current outstanding receivables to S&S, some $70,000. Bret continued to allow sales to Titan, COD, so customers could be taken care of.
Unfortunatley, Titan fell to the demands of the bank and Titan was liquidated August 2007. The only creditor to receive any money was the bank. S&S wrote off another $70,000.
For the past year Titan has new owners and Titan has begun a very limited production.
i recomended the continued use of S&S engines if S&S would consider doing business with Titan again.
Brett agreed to again supply Titan. Titan employees are working again. Riders of Titan motorcycles are getting product support.
With the support of icon venders led by industry compassionate leaders,like S&S, Brett Smith and his historic family . the industry will survive these economic difficult times.
To S&S, keep the power to our wheels
To Brett Smith, my best on whatever you choose and thank you again
Floyd
How would you like to be made to stand in the corner because you nodded off in one of his meetings?
Look at the posistive atl east he dint make the person wear a DUNCE HAT
, i could see him doing that!!
Geez Plumber, give the crappy sheetmetal rant a rest. It’s not even close to on topic in this forum.
I.m sad to see Brett leave!
Brett Smith is a great man in which I have great respect for. Our industry is facing some very tough challenges (EPA, DOT, CARB) etc , not to mention a failing economy! Brett had the courage face the future. I’ve sat through many meetings with him and he has always conducted himself in a professional manor. He will ALWAYS have my respect!!!
Junior
Lifestyle Cycles
1st, let me say S&S is great and hopefully always will be. They produce fantastic products that are American Made.
Brett on the other hand is not and S&S will have better moral w/out him. He IS abusive unless you were one of his hand picked and hired buddies or you were someone with many connections within the industry who was at S&S when he came on board and he needed you to put him on the MC industry map. Brett was always easier on those he surrounded himself with.
I was there when “The nod off stand in a corner” happened-how degrading and embarassing. This is not a lie and I know who it happened to as well. I also witnessed him chastise another individual in a meeting in front of everyone because he wasn’t looking at Brett while he was talking. He wasn’t sleeping or doing anything wrong-period! Does this mean the person wasn’t listening? No, it does not. It’s as if Brett had to make sure he could show everyone he was “the man” whenever he felt he needed to do so. This of course, was always at someone elses expense. He had done similar things to me as well but not as severe.
I had the opportunity to move up the ladder about the time Brett came on board. It didn’t take me long to figure I did not want to do this as I started seeing his “intimidation management style” very shortly after he arrived. I wanted no part of it, no way, no how. I started looking elsewhere for employment. I am not a disgruntled employee. I left on my own accord……..because of Brett. I did my job and did it well while I was at S&S right up to and including the day I left.
Can I give my I.D. here? No I cannot. The risk of fallout for both myself and individuals who still work there is too high as I am still tied to the MC industry and as everyone here knows, the industry is small. Everybody knows everybody.
As for you Mr. Kelly, you are fortunate that he simply didn’t threaten you with your job or bust you down the ladder (along with pay) like he did with anyone else who dared to express their opinions. I don’t know you but I’d bet you’re either one of his buddies or you have something he values. Go ahead, tell me I’m hiding behind my keyboard. I have to. I still know many who you work with directly every single day. I often speak with them from time to time. I can’t risk the fallout. If I ever gain a position where I can come clean, I will do so. Maybe I saw things you never did or will. Who knows. If you think Brett’s kind of behavior is o.k. then too bad for you. It’s very unprofessional. I have been in management postions before. You DON’T treat people like they’re scum. You don’t act that way, it is wrong! It doesn’t work. Case in point, ME, I left because I refused to be treated this way. Go ahead, dig in and dis me. I know you will. I really don’t care. I for one, will not live under circumstances that at any time could threaten my livelyhood, home and family. It’s better to leave.
Don’t get me wrong, Brett has done many postive things for S&S by being involved. He went after it with gusto and to that I say great! I do not like his bald faced arrogance and his position of power to intimidate. He seemed to get off on this and that really really sucks. He was not a the least bit approachable even though he claimed his door was always open to anyone. You simply didn’t dare………Brett has a way (In his father’s words) of swatting flies with a snow shovels.
I could go on but why should I? There are many issues I could bring up but I’ve work to do. There may be others who’ve “been there done that” who will write in. Stay tuned…………
“Willie”
You sound like someone that had a problem with Brett and instead of manning up and saying what you needed to say to his face, you have held it in for just about four years–or more. now that there is an opportunity to beat your chest from behind your computer, you are. Don’t be so intimidated by Brett–pick up a phone and call him and say it to his face (OK, ear its on the phone).
You say you are worried about repercussions????? Please. Your family, your livelihood? Please. As i said many days ago regarding this topic, if you cannot be man enough–or woman enough–to identify your self and say the same words you would present to the person you are talking about, your words are meaningless.
I don’t condone everything Brett has done during his time that I worked for him, his military approach doesn’t always work, but I can tell you factually that what I have learned working for him has raised my skillset to a new level that makes me that much more attractive if i were to seek another position.
I would not have responded to your post–everyone is entitled to an opinion–but you called out my name. You don’t know me, i don’t know you, but you decided to include me in your rant. So, that allows me the position to offer my opinion back. The main difference between you and I is that I won’t hide my identity in anything. If I have something to say, I say it, like it or not, I say what i have to say. This has made me popular among some and considered an ass among others. But, no one questons if they know Howard or not.
I hope this can be the last exchange we have. There is no reason for us, as strangers, to be at each others throats.
Howard
I’ve no reason to be at your throat. I don’t work that way.
Have a good ‘un.
“LA CROSSE, WI (October 10, 2008) S&S® Cycle announces the first ever opportunity to pre-order the all new Flathead Power™ by S&S Cycle KN-Series engines. During calendar year 2008 there will be only 100 of these beautiful vintage engines produced—available in generator (PN 106-2161 MSRP $8575.00) and alternator/generator (PN 106-2560 MSRP $8750.00) styles—with serial numbers that identify them as the first 100 produced. Considered one of the most desirable engines ever, this is a great opportunity to lock one in for your next build.”
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On to the future and fine and dandy. We can all live with the splined ‘58-up sprocket shaft for our “builds”. Looks like it has a Linkert intake manifold. So far, so okay.
Now what are we going to use for fuel tanks? Peanut tanks? The one0bung bob’s? Those CCI 3.5’s? Converted rural mailboxes, with welded-on petcocks?
If S&S went to all the trouble to create a retro motor (why you need 93 c.i. on a 74 cu. in. designed rear sprocket and hub is a mystery), but if you step back and look at the entirely built machine, the only thing missing is 3.5 fuel tanks with a pop-up reserve.
Can’t S&S® or V-Twin® or Lifeline® partner up and get the tanks made? We’re almost there to arriving at a complete replica kit. All we need are the traditional 3.5 tanks and then we’ve got an entirely new market.
Actually, it looks like a Bendix manifold, so maybe a Linkert won’t fit if the intake manifolds were moved forward. Without a Linkert, you have none of the groovy pull and turn stuff available.
“LA CROSSE, WI (October 10, 2008) S&S® Cycle announces the first ever opportunity to pre-order the all new Flathead Power™ by S&S Cycle KN-Series engines. During calendar year 2008 there will be only 100 of these beautiful vintage engines produced—available in generator (PN 106-2161 MSRP $8575.00) and alternator/generator (PN 106-2560 MSRP $8750.00) styles—with serial numbers that identify them as the first 100 produced. Considered one of the most desirable engines ever, this is a great opportunity to lock one in for your next build.”
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On to the future and fine and dandy. We can all live with the splined ‘58-up sprocket shaft for our “builds”. Looks like it has a Linkert intake manifold. So far, so okay.
Now what are we going to use for fuel tanks? Peanut tanks? The one0bung bob’s? Those CCI 3.5’s? Converted rural mailboxes, with welded-on petcocks?
If S&S went to all the trouble to create a retro motor (why you need 93 c.i. on a 74 cu. in. designed rear sprocket and hub is a mystery), but if you step back and look at the entirely built machine, the only thing missing is 3.5 fuel tanks with a pop-up reserve.
Can’t S&S® or V-Twin® or Lifeline® partner up and get the tanks made? We’re almost there to arriving at a complete replica kit. All we need are the traditional 3.5 tanks and then we’ve got an entirely new market.
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Actually, it looks like a Bendix manifold, so maybe a Linkert won’t fit if the intake manifolds were moved forward. Without a Linkert, you have none of the groovy pull and turn stuff available.
I’ve figured out how to use the OE style external oil filter, ‘58-63 plumbing, and a 6V (square box) voltage regulator in a rigid frame Pan. You can see it 10/12/08, at http://hydra-glide.com/ >if you register> “Kit Bikes” will appear. Rid frame Pan or Knuckle.
This allows oil filtration, and a more dependable Model 61 (Cycle Electric) generator instead of a 3-brush and relay.
If S&S modified their Knuckle cam cover for 5/16″ bolts (instead of 1/4″), they could create a new part number, (if their Knuckle cover isn’t 5/16 already).
Goodluck with your future endeavors Brett.
I wish everyone would quit blaming everything on Brett. That is not fair nor correct.
Howard & Willie,
I had the pleasure to work at S&S a few years back. Everything Willie says is true. Brett’s behavior was unprofessional, unacceptable, offensive, and it cost him. Brett made some monumental blunders such as slashing his grandfather’s bonus plan. He also rolled rolled out an incomplete performance evaluation system that disadvantaged the workers. I was the first person to tell him that his system was unfair (Yes even to his face Howard – you sound like a child bringing that face stuff up.). Please note, however, that the damage he was doing to the employees, and the company, was done prior to him being president, with full knowledge of the board and his dad. He was in a hell of a situation. The board wanted more money and Brett was the front man.
It is clear that he doesn’t know how to manage some aspects of the business. He isn’t alone in that regard. Look at our automotive industry. It was easy to see the tragedy in his behavior, but I respected Brett and was loyal to him under all circumstances. There were a few times before he was appointed president, that I would receive phone calls from people who knew the family and wanted to badmouth Brett, maybe get some dirt on him, who knows. I declined to participate.
If Brett were in charge and asked me to come back and help out, I’d be there in a heartbeat. I think he’d do a better job the second time around.
Re: New- Replica 3.5 fuel tanks for Panheads
“They (the nameless “them”) wanted me to let you know that they’re working on the tanks and it’s going pretty well. When I get any other updates from him, I’ll pass it on.”
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Brett was a arrogant prick and S&S is better off with out him or I should say whats left of S&S is better off without him. I wish George would have stepped in sooner so I would not have to had seen so many hardworking people lose their jobs.
And floyd is right he treated his employees like shit and very one I know that is still their was very happy to see George take the riens.
Long live S&S and good luck to George!
I had the pleasure to work with S&S myself. To those fighting back and forth about Brett and his actions, I can lend an opinion to both sides.
On the positive side: Brett “could” be a very true and honest individual. One thing is for sure, you always knew what he was thinking. He had a solid vision of what he wanted from the company, and was very aggressive.
On the negative: A lot of what has been said about treatment is true. I loved my job at S&S at first. However, once I was moved around and placed under a couple of his college buddies, it turned south fast. I could do nothing right, and finally got to the point where I just didn’t care. My last day, I knew I was going to leave, be it by force or by quiting. I intentionally pushed the buttons of the management he had in place the last couple weeks just to get them to fire me because I was tired of the abuse.
One thing that stands out in my mind over all else, and I think was the downturn of my desire to work there, was during a “behavioral interview process” he decided everyone in the corporate office needed to go through. Basically it was an afternoon of being interrogated and grilled like you were being investigated for a multiple homicide. At the end of the interview, he made a comment, and it stuck with me. “You are going to go through 6 months to a year of solid hazing, before I will let you become a full member of this company.”
I had to really think about that comment. When did I apply to be a prospect for a motorcycle club? I thought it was a job?
That was the day I lost all respect for Brett and the couple managers that shared his “vision”. It was the biggest bunch of bullshit I had ever heard in my life.
I will always love S&S as a company. George Smith is a stellar individual, and there are numerous people in the S&S team that will function far better under his management. I have since moved on to much better employment, albeit not in the motorcycle industry. If the opportunity ever arises to work with S&S again, I would gladly take it as long as Brett and his couple of buddies aren’t presiding over the company.
I do, however, wish him the best of luck in his endeavors. I may not have liked working for him, but he takes care of his family, and he is a hard worker. That has to account for something.