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The Dennis Fetters Formula, repeated by another
http://skywolverines.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6302
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Author:  Kolibri [ Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  The Dennis Fetters Formula, repeated by another

https://web.archive.org/web/20070310164 ... s&-nothing

Interesting back story of the Voyager-500 in 1999, and its eerie parallels to an Oregon kit mfg. I spent 3 futile years at as their titular COO.
The Dennis Fetters Formula is unfortunately alive and well:

1) Take years-in-advance orders for a 2-seat not in actual production.
2) Spend all the money on operating expenses.
3) Run the company into the ground so hard that only a new gullible investor can save it.
4) Warn deposit customers that the lawsuits would be futile.
5) Stall for more time to "resolve this situation".
6) Refuse to account for deposits, and stop answering the company phone.
7) Have others act as your heat-shield.

I feel bad for all those Aussies waiting since 2017 for their mustering 2-seat gyro. Some of them had even sold their single seat gyros in anticipation of receiving the 2-seat, due to assurances from the company. In many cases, I helped write those "any month now!" assurances, which I then believed in good faith. By Summer 2021, I couldn't do so any longer, so I quit. My sincere apologies to all affected. If it's any consolation, I got skinned out of my new gyro, too.

For the record, I have near zero expectation that the endlessly tinkered-with 2-seat model will ever be produced in credible numbers. A couple more may dribble out to the loudest and most key customers, but IMO that'd be it. From what I hear locally, they're not even trying to produce them, and are staying afloat by selling their classic single-seat kits (a great gyro, but stylistically dated). As with anyone, Caveat Emptor.

Author:  Hillberg [ Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Dennis Fetters Formula, repeated by another

Dennis was salesman - Selling the dream
It was such a shit show, he wrecked the economy in kit helicopters by flooding the market and letting Darwin take control. . .

I was going to be a dealer had most the work done and after seeing it I stepped out. Had a buddy break his back in one.

Hell, It just takes money, If it's someone elses money so much the better :laughing

If you had a good power plant you can build anything.

Author:  Kolibri [ Sat Jan 20, 2024 2:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Dennis Fetters Formula, repeated by another

Selling the dream, yep. Maybe that why rotary aircraft kit enthusiasts are so easy to sell to...because it's a dream.
We want to believe in it....

It's vital to verify a positive track record before plunking down cash and hope.

Author:  Hillberg [ Sat Jan 20, 2024 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Dennis Fetters Formula, repeated by another

Kolibri wrote:
Selling the dream, yep. Maybe that why rotary aircraft kit enthusiasts are so easy to sell to...because it's a dream.
We want to believe in it....

It's vital to verify a positive track record before plunking down cash and hope.


100 dreams accomplished
two of my own

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