A Message to My Friends

[AutopiaAdmin]

I just wanted to take a few minutes today to reach out to the forum members on Autogeekonline.net and Autopiaforums.com who I consider my friends. Some of you have questioned my sudden departure and I wanted you to hear it straight from me about where I am now and where I will be going forward.

First, I cannot thank Bob "Max" McKee enough for every opportunity that he has given to me over the years. Although I started at Palm Beach Motoring in January 2007, our friendship dates back further than that as he was a supporter of my efforts with Detail City (now known as Autopia Forums which I strongly support). Max and everyone at PBMG have been a blessing to me and I hope to keep in touch as we are very much past the friends stage, we are family.

Family is very important to me. Eariler this year my dad was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig`s Disease. While still in the early stages, this is a progressive disease with no cure. I needed to move closer to my parents to see them more often and help them out. I believe it was the right thing for me to do at this time.

Some of you are wondering where I work now. Fortunately the skills I have acquired during my tenure at Palm Beach Motoring has given me the experience and confidence needed to succeed no matter where I go or what I do. My new career is unrelated to car care but I still am in ecommerce.

I would like to congratulate PBMG on the acquisitions of Blackfire USA and also Todd Helme as their Director of Development for Autopia Car Care. Todd and I what you might consider unlikely friends. While hanging out in Las Vegas during the SEMA show we both had a good laugh. "What would the forum guys think? Guys from PAC and Autogeek are actually friends?" Yes, it`s true and Todd is a great addition to the team.

So now you guys know why I have left but this certainly isn`t goodbye. Once I get settled in my new career and spend some quality time with my family, perhaps I will have some time to participate on the forums yet again.

Until then... Thank you for everything!

Your friend,

Dwayne

[RTexasF]

I`m truly sorry to hear about your Dad. You did the right thing and thanks for thinking enough of the folks here to keep us in the know.

[Pats300zx]

Good luck with everything Dwayne. Family always comes first. I hope you always consider this place your home.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Dwayne, sorry to hear about your dad -- but your parents are lucky to have you there and making them your top priority. Best of luck in wherever your pursuits take you!

[CT3]

I don`t know you, but good luck with your family and your new career!

[Mr. Gloss]

Dwayne,

Take good care of your parents. There is no greater example of love and compassion than looking after your parents when they are in need.

They are blessed by your love and attention and your willingness to make sacrifices on their behalf.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[Bunky]

I wish you the best. Please stop in when you can.

[Setec Astronomy]

Well, that was inspirational in a number of different ways. Thanks for the update and good luck with everything.

[Rocket]

Wish you and your family the best. Spend all the time with them you can.

[jammerz101]

Dwayne,

It`s great to have you back on the west coast and I hope that we can get together soon for dinner and to catch up.

Your reputation for working relentless hours, creative input and customer service will carry you far.

While PBMG may have lost you, I know that you will be a tremendous asset to your new employer and more importantly, to your family.

James

[Bill D]

Dwayne, you`re a class act and I wish you nothing but the best! I`m very sorry about your dad.It`s a shame how it seems like only the good guys are handed challenges in their life. When circumstances permit, stop by every once and a while. We`re always here to support you!

[Concours.John]

Thanks Dwayne for all you have done here. Decisions have to be made and you did the right thing. Best of luck to you and this new chapter in your life. You`ll never regret the time with your family.

Time is one thing no amount of money or success can buy back.

[TroyScherer]

Best of luck Dwayne.

[Fast Eddie]

Dwayne, thanks for all the help you have give me and many other forum members, best of luck.

[mrclean81]

Good luck Dwayne. Im truely sorry about your dad. Thank you for everything You`ve done for DC and AF. You will be missed.