Don’t Want “Just” a Job? Then Get Yourself a Real Career

Well…

Where are you in your thinking?

Why whine and cry about this economy when you’re standing in the middle of “work” available everywhere…

And not enought people to fill them.

Why do I say that?

Look around…

The coal industry

The refineries

The suppliers that make the parts for the automakers.

Caterpillar and John Deere who are exporting everything they are making to other countries who are building their country and businesses wildly.

Look for companies that supply our daily needs.

These are called: Consumables.

The stuff we have to have.

Food
Fuel
Houses
Vehicles in which we use to move about to “get” these things we need listed above.

So, there’s jobs.

Every company in the world needs you, too.

Provided you got yourself a trade a company can use…

Hint: They already have enough Managers and Department Operators and Indian Chiefs.

What they need is Professionally Skilled and Qualified Workers that have specialized in cultivating Their Talent or Interest.

But, you think you have to go to College.

That college education you’re aiming to get (or Got Already) isn’t going to allow you to slide right into that cushy middle-upper management position you think is made for you.

It just isn’t going to happen.

But, say you were one of those “lucky enough” to circumvent actually working out in the field…

You’re inexperience of the “real-world” situations out in the field,

and your lack of hands-on experience,

Would result in you making commands, decisions and work orders that would immediately be recognized as being from:

“somebody who don’t know what their talking about….” says that guy who has done his time in the field…

A guy that actually knows much more than you.

So, the end result is turmoil among the workers

and

a more complex and costly decision you’ve made for the company.

Now nobody is happy.

Those pencil pushers…I’d like to see them come down here and…

You know the spiel…

Here is the real facts about the matter:

You just can’t get from living in a class room or office all day every day and expect to be as smart a decision maker as that guy who has made it his living to be out there in the field, actually knowing his profession and the best way to do his job.

So, now that you’ve read this do far:

Why don’t you look into becoming one of those Skilled Tradesmen Professionals the country and companies so desperately need?

America has a very real shortage of actual hands-on professionals that make America work and thrive.

A job that provides satisfaction while Making Real Money too.

Do you know how much a Plumber makes???

So, why is your sorry broke ass wondering where the jobs are.

Open your eyes.

Can you weld?

Can you get certified at the tech school?

Why Certainly…

Then go get your job…and your money.

You all have to understand the average age of “hands-on” Skilled Labor Professionals is 45 years old.

And

There is nobody coming up behind them.

No younger aged folks coming on stream.

What do you think this situation will look like in 10-15 years???

Make a wise choice and decision for yourself.

Good money
Stability
Challenging and satisfying
Never the same
And badly needed

Now that’s something to sink your teeth in.

Go for it

Mike.

Build This Bike September 3

This Fine Motorcycle is hanging up on the wall here in the shop.

It is hanging there because it is “retired”
Slightly out of date (tank style and size showing its age).

But we’re building a custom one-off Handmade version of such a machine beginning September 3.

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The bike were building is the actual prototype “Savior” I dug out of the attic for my apprentice friend Matt as pictured below.

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With a big 127″ motor and a 250 tire, it ought to be spinning that rear tire “at will.”

I know I blasted mine around with a 113″ Nigel Patrick Racing Billet motor and was that thing fast.

So, here we go…

Build a custom handmade Savior motorcycle

Build a custom gas tank shaped like the tank on the Discovery Channel Great Biker Build-off: The Get er Done Bike

Might as well put a picture here since I seem to be in a “picture mood.”20120819-104333.jpg

Next, we get out the jig fixtures the frames are made from. Spend a couple days working the tubing and parts to explain the ins and ours of frame building…pic next…

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We ought to have Randy’s bike here, fresh off the build table based off the production Savior chassis with its rear fender and shorter Swingarm

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Lots to look at

A ton of info to take home

A hands-on Experience

Friends met from all over the country (and world sometimes)

Don’t miss it.

Call me anytime at
423-272-6000

I have 1 more bike pic.

It’s a shocker….

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There is always something big going on…come “see” for yourself…

Mike

Ain’t This Something

Ain’t This Something

Today is the first time I began to be aware of people and how communicating with them,

is actually…

them forming opinions…

All the time.

But,

I never Ever cared much about opinions…

Ever……5 dots ever.

But,

“Friends come and go
Enemies tend to accumulate,”

Quoted Dan Kennedy.

Wow…
What to do With that information???

And,

Why is it that:

“people are a blur to me”
Not meaning anything bad
It just sounds that way…it’s not.

Might be just me…my mind runs so fast…

I think that is the “cause” of the above statement…

Oh, well…

I stay confused about “people.”

Another Thing I Learned this Week:

No response is the right response sometimes.
No response
Meaning,
No words come out of my mouth, or no reaction…

Wow

Me learn Big this weak..

A mite slow on the “people” side of things,

But,

I Build A Damn Fine Bike.

That’s all I got.

Over-out

Mike

Back to Business

It has been a while since I’ve updated here, and I find the time has quickly “slipped” by, so to speak.

Changing objectives, people and personnel changes, new directions, different goals, heck, if you’re like me in any business, you better be on your toes.

Economic and political situations are adding to the complications of having good and clear thoughts…

See, these days, making decisions, and trying to make sure it is the right decision is more critical than any time ever before.

You have to know that you know it’s “right”

The right time

The right product

The right knowledge you are investing your time and money in.

And believe me, if you aren’t learning,
You’re slipping backwards, and quick.

I can’t “afford” to make mistakes.
So the decisions need to be “right on.”

That complicates your thought process in many ways.

I do say this:
Since time is going by anyway,

Why don’t you commit to something

Something new

Something even scary

“Why, I could never get that….”

“Well, That’s way more than I could ever afford to do…”

How do you know that???

Just because it doesn’t “Appear Possible” does not mean It’s Not…

Because,

Everything is possible…

With a commitment that originates in your mind,

That in itself

Puts it in motion…

Believe that???

Something to think about.

Mike

A New Day, A New Way

Didn’t I have a post sometime ago with that same name?

Never mind,
I’m not going to go back and look.

I’ve probably got something different to say since then anyway.

So,

Got the web site back on, as being seen with the fresh new typing words appearing here.

Hackers,
I’m right Proud
I deleted the files myself and Bluehost blessed it and tuned it back on.
That’s progress.

Then I broke my IPhone last night…
I knew it when I dropped it.
It Made just the right sound when it hit,
That makes the 2nd time.
Going to have to Fix it I says, then started looking at when the new IPhone 5 will come out.

And I’m going to wait for IT.

This phone I have has been the best investment and money spent so far. A machine in which I have un-ending ability to do anything a business owner would ever want…

With the exception of what the new I phone 5 will have.

So I like my phone to be pretty scratch free perfect.

So this broken glass screen is going to bother me. It’s not in the viewing area at all, so I’ll live.

But it’s a new day.

And I’m not going to waste the work of typing on something that just Not important.

Nope

Ain’t going to waste the time.

Man, get ahold of Time.

Don’t let “slide” by…

I put things up in the shop building here with the last look being and meaning when the last look is occurring that I might not ever see or touch what I just put up…ever again.

Like, I’m gone and IT outlasted me.
It Could Happen…

So, I’m being aware of time.

And

Here’s another…

Never say Never.

When you catch yourself saying something, then curiously find yourself right in the middle of it, doing it.

I’ll never get a Tattoo…
Well,
I’ll never drive a Ford…
Then buy one,

A dozen things you say casually without thinking can sneak up on you and happen, if you don’t watch out.

Think back and remember something you said you would never do…

Then find it happened,

Or

It fell on you,

Or

You did exactly what you said you wouldn’t do.

Oh, Well

Live and Learn

I say it this way.

Try not to Crash and Burn.

Mike

Legacy Builds: Phantom Bus

I have a Bus

And

What a bus it is…

Some of you know this.

Built on a TV Show, Radical Academy: What Would Mike Do, on Fox Sports South Nationwide, here is picture of what we built live on that Tv Show.

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Designed to be pushed down the road by a really Radical Wide Tired Drag Racing-Pro Street Style Motorcycle.

The motorcycle is mounted in the back of the bus and is hooked up to conventional automobile controls in the front where we sit.

The hoot of all of it is me and Angela my wife would drive the bus to Myrtle Beach where I would park it and she hits the pool and after unhooking it, I Ride All Week, Woo Hoo!

The idea to build this machine came about by being stuck in a motel/ice storm, in Conway Arkansas for 3 days, where I figured I was about to design a car that was “carrying around” a perfectly good powertrain in that motorcycle…

Hmmm, I thought…

If I just let the rear tire down on that motorcycle, I bet it would “push” that bus.

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Well, I’m going to. “make it do it.”

Re-geared for the job and mounted on a Variable Traction, Pressure Frame,

This frame is attached to the motorcycle, which in turn has a bunch of quick clamps that hold the bike.

This Traction Frame is made so I can take the bike in and out very easily.

The idea behind It all was to showcase the talent and abilities of 10 hand chosen guys from the local Technology Center,

We thought we would see if they could get some good job offers once the show was on Tv

Plus they would get to be part of an actual Legacy Build,

Something Radical Enough that will be “remembered” after all the hard work.

So, together with a production crew and these 10 guys, we built this thing.

Remember this tho:

I tell you would be fabricators right now, it’s easier to build from nothing

Than it is to modify an existing thing. (2X the work)

And if you “chose” to modify, instead of building from “scratch”

It’s “just” a modified existing thing after all the harder work.

Most cars have paint undercoat and the steel is just junk to work. Let alone getting it clean enough to weld, not even mentioning rust or previous collision damage you might find…

Yep, scratch built Phantom Bus is what we got here…

And it’s a bad looking machine.

Powered by a S&S 113″ motor with 120 hp. And a lot more torque, it Will Do The Job Quite Nicely, And a Lot Better than the 36 hp the original bus had.

Only 5 square feet of sheetmetal from the car was used, (the front from an original ’58.)

So now for the last few weeks Matt and I have been working this thing up for the big unveil.

So, updates are coming,

Stay tuned.

Mike

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The picture above is our air scoops for the bike.

They are open while driving, to cool the bike.

They close flush with the body when parked.

Another feature is built in…details later.

Invest In Yourself

These days,

More than ever,

There is need for us,

To get ourselves prepared for a Future that We Make Ourselves,

Because,

I don’t see Anyone Coming to help us…

No President,

No Lottery Ticket,

No Rich Uncle,

It’s just Us…

You and me…

And our determination to make a change…

Made entirely by the Heart,

A Passionate Decision…

The Decision that will change your Life Forever.

A Decision you have made by yourself,
Standing alone…

Living your life as you see it now,

vs

What you would “really” like your life to be.

Living your life as if it is “the only one you have…”

And,

You have finally reached a point of

Not willing to keep going,

Like it “has” been…

Knowing there is Nobody to Help get the Dream started.

Nobody but You.

So,

You have to do what you have to do…

And that is:

We have to Get Ourselves Ready…

So we can take care of ourselves and our family.

You already “know” what you want…

It’s on your mind all the time…

Now is the time to get yourselves trained, and prepared…

So, Today

Go do Something

To Get Started

Invest in Yourself and Watch Everything Change.

I Dare you to give it a try.

You will be Glad you did.

I promise.

Over-n-out

Mike

April 2: Big Show and Class Sessions Begin

If you haven’t heard of the Classes and Hands-on Teaching Sessions we put on here from time to time, then get ready…

We’re setting up the next big round of class sessions here, teaching you everything you need to know to get yourself set-up in the Custom Motorcycle Business.

The knowledge and insight you will receive will greatly shorten your “Learning Curve” from years, to only “months.” This could set in motion a Completely New Life and Profession for some of you.

Mike Brown, here at Amen Motorcycles, is known to have Pioneered many of the Common and not so Common, along with some Special Technical and Design Advances in the Motorcycle Industry, from it’s beginning in 1996.

Having Put his Money where His Mouth is…

And,

Beginning with the 2 year tooling and Engineering start-up,

And,

Having invested over $600k in Engineering,

A Fully Balanced Left Side Drive Custom Chopper up to 300 mm wide was developed as an “actual everyday rider.”

A bike that is known always to be a 2 finger “handler.”

All this knowledge and much more is made open to the public when you attend these week long sessions and classes Mike holds from time to time.

Mike will also cover all that it takes for getting your name established so you can readily sell your product after you get it completed.

It is the determination from the beginning not to follow the industry, to be yourself, follow your dreams, aim high, make your niche, and your name, the way you want to…

Not by necessarily following “The Crowds” either.

By being what You Want To Be in this industry.

Amen Motorcycles created and sold hundreds of Final Assembled and Powder Coated Rolling Chassis held to such close tolerances, the owners could “finish” the assembly of the bike to running condition in as little as 14 hours.

The tricks of the trade and the techniques to “get there ” are demonstrated while you’re here.

You can then go home and duplicate all that you seen while here.

So, get yourself ready for The Best Training Your money can buy.

Call 423-272-6000 for more information.

Overview:

6 Days and Nights of Training, covering all aspects of Motorcycle Building and Fabrication.

No Motel Fees, Stay here at the Home/Shop.

Food provided.

Come Build the Discovery Channel Great Biker Build-Off Bike, The Get Er Done.

Hosted by Industry Veteran Mike Brown, Owner of Amen Design and Engineering (Amen Motorcycles)..

These week long sessions are in fact
(3) separate classes

(1) Gas tank fabrication
(1) frame fab
(1) Assembly Training

Call and get your seat saved.

Only (5) people per session.

423-272-6000

Well, I’m a goin on

That’s the way I say it the way I say it
Here…

What did I say a while back about building some bike….

I’ll have to go look, but I’m pretty sure I’m now working on that 20′ Long VW.

The one we built on Fox Sports South a couple of years ago…

After losing about $55K from the experience (TV ain’t pretty so much, people),

I pretty much have recovered from the experience and have a mission to see it complete.

The Goal: Drive the VW to Myrtle Beach.

Powered and PUSHED by the Vee Rubber Monster 360 Drag Type Bike I built a long time ago for my friend and ole buddy Scott Adams in Charleston South Carolina, it ought to bring in a good amount of exposure for us here at Amen and Scott’s company Liquid Box, which is a really neat idea of converting shipping containers into liquid holding containers that are then shipped worldwide.

So, we’re out riding the bikes yesterday to get rid of the itch ( both from wanting to ride, but to recover from all that grinding from modifying the bus)…

Met up with some real good suspension guys, Sam & Sam who are VW Specialists.

They are going to fix our front steering beam up for the Bus, as it is just mocked up with steering and spindles, not much else.

A nose lifting and steering element is being finished this morning so I can turn this beast “on a dime”,

This is unheard of…

But results is a totally functional and useable machine as a driver. After all the hard work, shouldn’t it be?

And so, this is the latest of updates here.

We also have plans for one of the week long sessions of classes to begin here in about a month, so look for info on that, probably April 2…

There will be lots for you guys to see, and learn from, you guys that are committed to this fabrication lifestyle we create here everyday.

If you are trying to get somewhere in the Fab Business, maybe here at Amen is where you get your start.

I guarantee I Will Open Your Eyes to What Is Possible..

Call 423-272-6000 for the low-down.

Later, Tader

Mike