Stealthmode Performance- *Closing for good*
12-11-2012, 09:32 PM
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Stealthmode Performance- *Closing for good*
Effective Immediately, I will be closing my first ever business venture, Stealthmode Performance.
Over the course of a decade, we've shipped 2000+ turbo oil line kits to enthusiasts all over the world, been featured in Honda-Tuning magazine 5 times, sponsored many racecars, including a Grassroots Motorsports challenge car, and have gained much business knowledge along the way. It was a great experience, but over the last couple years I've been dedicating my time to building my local service oriented business, Paint Mode Painting Company LLC.
When I was 22 trying to figure out everything I needed to supply oil to my first turbocharged Honda, it was very confusing with all the fittings/sizes. Once I had everything figured out, my mind told me to ask about buying multiple setups at a discount, and reselling them online for those who would rather have something completely bolt on, instead of figuring out all these fittings on their own. It was a very slow process, putting off the first 2 (paid) buyers knowing that my "buy in agreement" with the supplier was 3 kits at a time, and not having the money to fund even the 3rd kit to sit on.
Eventually, I was still working my day job and had built up the funds to have 5 kits at home ready to go. Promoting on the forums and being available for online questions was essential, which took a lot of time after work. It helped that this was also MY hobby, and my customers were exactly who I was.
In the Summer of 2005 we were selling 100 KITS A MONTH while already working on other priorities (the new painting company) during the day. It's an amazing feeling to have customers buying at all times of the day and night. Even while you're sleeping! It sounds really dumb, but when you wake up seeing people wanting something you created out of nothing, it's a great feeling. All thanks to our customers.
Staying up with all the suppliers, I couldn't have asked for a better guy and his products that went into the kit, Craig Corbin (Tuner Toys). When Craig began selling pieces needed for oil line kits online, I was trying to sell my full kits. I admit I jumped on him at first (hey, I was worried about these oil line kits I had to sell lol), but I eventually saw that his pieces were of higher quality then what was in my kit, and we started working together and built a great friendship, and it made the Stealthmode oil line kit that would become what it is. (never quit evolving) Knowing nothing about setting up websites, you call a local car friend like Creighton Engen and trade an oil line kit, and then I had a website. (I still don't do any of my own web stuff lol) Local shops needing a kit NOW, you just somehow get it to them. Then you realize another kid that you met on the forums who had a turbo civic now works at Honda-Tuning Magazine. That same guy who helped you install your first turbo kit on your car, and you went to help him with his. Can't thank Drü Barrios enough for all the mentions in the mag (even if your turbo install was in the street, lol)
All in all, it was a great experience, and it eventually allowed me the extra money to build the car I drive/race today, and it'll have Stealthmode Performance stickers on it until the end. This silly idea in my head was only that without all of you, the customers and supporters. All THANKS to you guys. -Stevemode
Grassroots Motorsports Challenge Car (2010)
The car that the customers of Stealthmode Performance helped me build. (Thank you all)
Dream the idea, and make it what it is!
Over the course of a decade, we've shipped 2000+ turbo oil line kits to enthusiasts all over the world, been featured in Honda-Tuning magazine 5 times, sponsored many racecars, including a Grassroots Motorsports challenge car, and have gained much business knowledge along the way. It was a great experience, but over the last couple years I've been dedicating my time to building my local service oriented business, Paint Mode Painting Company LLC.
When I was 22 trying to figure out everything I needed to supply oil to my first turbocharged Honda, it was very confusing with all the fittings/sizes. Once I had everything figured out, my mind told me to ask about buying multiple setups at a discount, and reselling them online for those who would rather have something completely bolt on, instead of figuring out all these fittings on their own. It was a very slow process, putting off the first 2 (paid) buyers knowing that my "buy in agreement" with the supplier was 3 kits at a time, and not having the money to fund even the 3rd kit to sit on.
Eventually, I was still working my day job and had built up the funds to have 5 kits at home ready to go. Promoting on the forums and being available for online questions was essential, which took a lot of time after work. It helped that this was also MY hobby, and my customers were exactly who I was.
In the Summer of 2005 we were selling 100 KITS A MONTH while already working on other priorities (the new painting company) during the day. It's an amazing feeling to have customers buying at all times of the day and night. Even while you're sleeping! It sounds really dumb, but when you wake up seeing people wanting something you created out of nothing, it's a great feeling. All thanks to our customers.
Staying up with all the suppliers, I couldn't have asked for a better guy and his products that went into the kit, Craig Corbin (Tuner Toys). When Craig began selling pieces needed for oil line kits online, I was trying to sell my full kits. I admit I jumped on him at first (hey, I was worried about these oil line kits I had to sell lol), but I eventually saw that his pieces were of higher quality then what was in my kit, and we started working together and built a great friendship, and it made the Stealthmode oil line kit that would become what it is. (never quit evolving) Knowing nothing about setting up websites, you call a local car friend like Creighton Engen and trade an oil line kit, and then I had a website. (I still don't do any of my own web stuff lol) Local shops needing a kit NOW, you just somehow get it to them. Then you realize another kid that you met on the forums who had a turbo civic now works at Honda-Tuning Magazine. That same guy who helped you install your first turbo kit on your car, and you went to help him with his. Can't thank Drü Barrios enough for all the mentions in the mag (even if your turbo install was in the street, lol)
All in all, it was a great experience, and it eventually allowed me the extra money to build the car I drive/race today, and it'll have Stealthmode Performance stickers on it until the end. This silly idea in my head was only that without all of you, the customers and supporters. All THANKS to you guys. -Stevemode
Grassroots Motorsports Challenge Car (2010)
The car that the customers of Stealthmode Performance helped me build. (Thank you all)
Dream the idea, and make it what it is!
12-12-2012, 03:18 PM
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Re: Stealthmode Performance- *Closing for good*
China is not why he's closing... its because he's focusing on his new buisness. Do you even read before posting?
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12-12-2012, 03:21 PM
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Re: Stealthmode Performance- *Closing for good*
you still cant tell me not to blame china though, im pretty sure your aware of that though, and i wasnt talking about his shop, dont you read carefully, prob not, theres not one single premise specifieing his shop in my comment or anything at all. i was speaking for the whole car industry and business in general, but dont trip were all hypocrites arent we so next time just so some lil critical thinking before you write anything.
12-12-2012, 03:27 PM
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Re: Stealthmode Performance- *Closing for good*
Oh yea, in general we can't help but blame China... it seems like there's more China in America than America lol
12-14-2012, 05:34 AM
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Re: Stealthmode Performance- *Closing for good*
Thank you for the great products you made. I have personally used a kit from you on one of my builds and it worked great! Best of luck on your new venture.
...still have your kit on my car and recommended your kit to a friend and he ordered last week 
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