Its been one hell of a ride...
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Andy, say it ain't so! Like others have mentioned here, you were the starting point for all this mod madness that has overtaken us haha! Things truly will not be the same around these forums. It kinda lame to say, but I feel kinda empty inside hearing this news, like a fat kid at a salad buffet.... You've helped shaped as many people's lives as you have their cars. I just wish the best for you in NYC. I know you're up to something great, just don't forget us here man! I really was looking forward to meeting you this summer. I planned on actually stopping by to pick up some HKS HipermaxIII and meet up with the crew. I know we're not 'close' and all, but you've always been good to me, friend or not. It's truly been a pleasure doing business with you bro.
Take care
-Terry aka Mr. T
Take care
-Terry aka Mr. T
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Wow Andy, I just saw this today. I’d like to give my two cents in this piece.
First and foremost I’d like to thank you for being such an asset to the Nissan community and for also being a good friend. Without your help and guidance I would not have been able to build my car to what it is today. Before I met you, I tried approaching different companies by myself to land sponsorships but no one really followed through to help me. Now, as you know I’m not in the automotive industry at all. I have a conservative job at the County of Riverside but you helped me regardless of that. You’ve gone above and beyond just simply breaking me off with a discount part. With your help, I was able to approach big name companies (FIVE:AD, Yokohama, Pioneer, Berk, Vertex, EVO-R, Tokico Shocks, StopTech, Motul, etc..) and have them believe in me and in my project. In addition, you’ve also taught me that developing a relationship with these companies can help to build friendships in the long run. During the 2008 season I've picked up five different import magazines that had my car in them for shows like the MSA Irvine Show, Performance Nissan/ HKS show, SpoCom Long Beach, and a few others. In fact, in a year you’ve helped me build my car from ordinary to a level, to that of an OEM manufacturer like Tokico Shocks wanting to feature my car at their SEMA 2008 Main Hall booth.
When it’s all said and done you helped me out of the goodness of your own heart. You want people to succeed and I thank you so much for believing in me. There was no direct financial gain you received for guiding me in the right direction. It takes a real man to help others and asks for nothing in return. At the end of the day Mr. Andy Kim, you have earned my total and undeniable RESPECT.
-Mel
First and foremost I’d like to thank you for being such an asset to the Nissan community and for also being a good friend. Without your help and guidance I would not have been able to build my car to what it is today. Before I met you, I tried approaching different companies by myself to land sponsorships but no one really followed through to help me. Now, as you know I’m not in the automotive industry at all. I have a conservative job at the County of Riverside but you helped me regardless of that. You’ve gone above and beyond just simply breaking me off with a discount part. With your help, I was able to approach big name companies (FIVE:AD, Yokohama, Pioneer, Berk, Vertex, EVO-R, Tokico Shocks, StopTech, Motul, etc..) and have them believe in me and in my project. In addition, you’ve also taught me that developing a relationship with these companies can help to build friendships in the long run. During the 2008 season I've picked up five different import magazines that had my car in them for shows like the MSA Irvine Show, Performance Nissan/ HKS show, SpoCom Long Beach, and a few others. In fact, in a year you’ve helped me build my car from ordinary to a level, to that of an OEM manufacturer like Tokico Shocks wanting to feature my car at their SEMA 2008 Main Hall booth.
When it’s all said and done you helped me out of the goodness of your own heart. You want people to succeed and I thank you so much for believing in me. There was no direct financial gain you received for guiding me in the right direction. It takes a real man to help others and asks for nothing in return. At the end of the day Mr. Andy Kim, you have earned my total and undeniable RESPECT.
-Mel
P.S - I haven't forgotten about the loose end that we have so don't worry. That will be taken care of before I leave!
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Well said cuz!!
One of the greatest lesson I've learned from Andy is that you shouldn't just look at sponsorships as a means of getting discounted parts, but as a way to gain friendships.
Though it's tough to call people that you only know on-line and over phone conversations as friends, I can honestly say that Andy has been a good friend and mentor to me.
Here's part of Andy's work...
One of the greatest lesson I've learned from Andy is that you shouldn't just look at sponsorships as a means of getting discounted parts, but as a way to gain friendships.
Though it's tough to call people that you only know on-line and over phone conversations as friends, I can honestly say that Andy has been a good friend and mentor to me.
Here's part of Andy's work...
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I would also like to chime in on Andy's professionalism and his influence that lead to where i am today. The first time I met Andy was through Alex(Nitrouz) during the Autocrave weekend. Andy was extremely friendly, and willing to go out of his way to make sure we were well situated. Even though i didn't know Andy very well back then, i was very impressed with his hospitality towards us. From the few visits at Performance Nissan, Andy was extremely helpful, and went out of his way to help me for the products he didn't have in stock. Andy even invited me to his place when i went to pick up the hat I had purchased from Performance Nissan. Who would go out of their way to do that? Absolutely, no one else other than Andy. 
What also impresses me the most is his influence in this community. Andy has always been the first to release new and upcoming items, wheels, lugs, exhaust(ARC....
),.......etc. Andy, thank you for all of the help you've given me throughout the years, which, transformed my car to where it is today. You are a good friend to me, and you will be missed. I would like to wish you good luck on your future endeavors, and please keep us posted on how you are doing. Seriously, this forum will not be the same without you.......
Again, thank you for all of your help and your inspiration......
What also impresses me the most is his influence in this community. Andy has always been the first to release new and upcoming items, wheels, lugs, exhaust(ARC....),.......etc. Andy, thank you for all of the help you've given me throughout the years, which, transformed my car to where it is today. You are a good friend to me, and you will be missed. I would like to wish you good luck on your future endeavors, and please keep us posted on how you are doing. Seriously, this forum will not be the same without you....... Again, thank you for all of your help and your inspiration......Last edited by Andy@Performance; Mar 8, 2009 at 07:52 PM.
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This thread has genuinely moved me and I just feel so proud of all the people that feel like they have succeeded to victory with their car's because of my help. I never knew my presence made such an impact to this community and though I am leaving, my heart for the Z and its community will never die. I know that I didn't have the opportunity to connect with a lot of you like I did with some of the guy's that have been vocal on this thread but I hope that all my actions on this forum has helped in you some form and that it will help you with your build's.
Yea Calvin, it's a tragedy that we weren't able to work together as much, especially cause I think you progressed so much since when you first started shooting. The car probably won't be sold for at least another 2-3 weeks and I'll be free from now until my move so just hit me up!
It'd be an honor to shoot a car that has had so much thought, care, and work into it!
Ah Vince, I didn't realize I had so many kids, lol. Your passion for individuality was something that never ceased to impress me. I just remember all the phone calls from you on questions about what my thoughts were on how you can be different from the rest of the pack. You took my words and went above and beyond what I expected. You executed your build beautifully and I expected nothing less of what I saw. I hope you continue to keep that creative fire lit and apply it to whatever that you do. It was a pleasure to have worked with you and I thank you for all your kind words!
Andy, I've called you a rockstar from day one!!! I believe this departure upgrades your title to industry icon, so if I don't get the chance to see you before you're off, I think I speak for all of us when I say best of luck in NYC and thanks for everything you've done.
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Andy, I've called you a rockstar from day one!!! I believe this departure upgrades your title to industry icon, so if I don't get the chance to see you before you're off, I think I speak for all of us when I say best of luck in NYC and thanks for everything you've done.
Andy,
Just saw the email last night. It's been such a long ride I have no idea where to begin. From the early Performance Nissan days, Sema (& parties lol), photoshoots, dinners, "sessions" haha, PN growing pains, to the So Cal Nissan battles...it has definitely been one hell of a ride. However, the ride is still going to continue from the West Coast to the East Coast. I wish you luck in your new endeavors. I know that you will absolutely do great. Rep So Cal hard and see you soon man.
Rickdad (named coined by Tony at Motordyne)
Just saw the email last night. It's been such a long ride I have no idea where to begin. From the early Performance Nissan days, Sema (& parties lol), photoshoots, dinners, "sessions" haha, PN growing pains, to the So Cal Nissan battles...it has definitely been one hell of a ride. However, the ride is still going to continue from the West Coast to the East Coast. I wish you luck in your new endeavors. I know that you will absolutely do great.
Rep So Cal hard and see you soon man. Rickdad (named coined by Tony at Motordyne)
Last edited by Rickdogg; Mar 9, 2009 at 11:28 AM.
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Andy,
Just saw the email last night. It's been such a long ride I have no idea where to begin. From the early Performance Nissan days, Sema (& parties lol), photoshoots, dinners, "sessions" haha, PN growing pains, to the So Cal Nissan battles...it has definitely been one hell of a ride. However, the ride is still going to continue from the West Coast to the East Coast. I wish you luck in your new endeavors. I know that you will absolutely do great. Rep So Cal hard and see you soon man.
Rickdad (named coined by Tony at Motordyne)
Just saw the email last night. It's been such a long ride I have no idea where to begin. From the early Performance Nissan days, Sema (& parties lol), photoshoots, dinners, "sessions" haha, PN growing pains, to the So Cal Nissan battles...it has definitely been one hell of a ride. However, the ride is still going to continue from the West Coast to the East Coast. I wish you luck in your new endeavors. I know that you will absolutely do great.
Rep So Cal hard and see you soon man. Rickdad (named coined by Tony at Motordyne)
Andy,
Thanks for the motivation, when I first purchased my Z in 2006, you were the one guy on here who was very informative and inspirational, which led to my own ideas and goals for my car. Since then, that Z turned out to be a lemon and moved on to a Nismo Z, and still read all your posts and threads to stay up to date, etc... Good luck in NYC!
-Ronnie
Thanks for the motivation, when I first purchased my Z in 2006, you were the one guy on here who was very informative and inspirational, which led to my own ideas and goals for my car. Since then, that Z turned out to be a lemon and moved on to a Nismo Z, and still read all your posts and threads to stay up to date, etc... Good luck in NYC!
-Ronnie
