A tribute to Ben.

[David Kirk]

A simple, short and heartfelt tribute.

dave


http://www.kirkframeworks.com/blog/2011/08/30/on-the-shoulders-of-giants/

[phcollard]

I enjoyed reading it, thanks a lot. Looks like Ben is one of the great guys (and you too Dave). That's when I read stories like this that I'm happy to own a Serotta :beer:

[gone]

Nice :beer:

[vqdriver]

nice

it still amazes me how small the world is in such a big industry. i really dig these insights into the personal backgrounds

[Climb01742]

ben is gracious. you are as well, dave. something else you two share.

[eddief]

and thoughtful, and caring, and not often enough in business relationships - or post biz friendships. i think i might be feeling a verklempt episode coming on.

Ben must be a busy guy and it seems he lets his products and overall reputation do most of the talking.

[sokyroadie]

Everyone needs a mentor in their life. Well thought out post. :beer:

Jeff

[rnhood]

Nice story and thanks for publishing it. I think Ben Serotta's inspiration found its way into a lot of careers in the cycling venue in America.

[stephenmarklay]

Nice of you to put into words. Although when I first saw the post I thought "oh sh*t" what happened to Ben.

[Terry312]

Like Stephen, at first I thought the worst. Nice tribute.
Dave I wish I had met someone like Ben when I was younger.
Maybe I did, just didn't go in the direction I was hoping.
Way back in 1969 or 1970, while at a bike shop in Chicago I met Ron Boi and knew what I wanted to do after high-school. Unfortunately Mom and college got in the way.

[Frankwurst]

Thank You Dave.

[Brian Smith]

Dave, it's nice for you to put this out there.

I'm sure that Ben would say, if hasn't already in "so many words," that his own success has been a symbiotic effect, in large part, of the efforts of many dedicated employees and co-conspirators who have worked toward their common visions.

[tiretrax]

That's a great story and tribute. I wonder why it took him several years to find out, but all for the better. Whenever this economy turns around (and my children have fledged), I hope to own an Hors Categorie with a DKS and a Terraplane (and a few others). I hope there are nothing but smooth roads are ahead for both Ben and Dave.

[dhoff]

What a great tribute. Acknowledgment often reveals as much about the one giving it as the one being honored. I have yet to meet Dave, but know Ben fairly well and am thrilled to see him getting what is due. As another post said, he has had so much to do with the custom bike industry as a whole. I am unaware of any who have had such an impact. I also find him to be a gentleman with tremendous commitment to delivering an extraordinary product with great care.

I look forward to getting to know Dave as well

-d

[Steevo]

Great tribute Dave. Its not surprising to read. Often I've discovered the character of an organization reflects the character of the person at the top. I've always felt that this forum alone reflects so well the character of Serotta - the man and the company. The tribute reflects well on you as well - as do most of your public endeavors. Things like this make me happy that my 2 road bikes are a Serotta and a Kirk.

[wc1934]

Thanks for sharing that - class acts, both of you.

[Delpo]

This is the beauty of the custom industry. You not only own a bike, you get to ride a piece of a man's thinking and actions.

[rounder]

Good story. Thanks Dave.

[AngryScientist]

Dave, thanks for sharing, great reading :beer:

[roguedog]

Dave, you are one awesome dude.

[henrypretz]

It is clear that your tribute comes from the heart.
It would be an honor to someday meet both you and Mr Serotta.

Henry

[zap]

Dave, good story.

[David Kirk]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks of course for reading.

I think most of us have a person in our lives who had a big influence in the direction that we ended up going. Ben is that person for me.

Hold up your drink to Ben and to the person in your life who did the same for you.

All the best,

dave

[jr59]

What a class act, by a first class person!

Thanks for posting it here, and a thanks to DK for always posting here.

[BillG]

I'll be trying to hold up three beers, one to you, one to Ben, and one to someone who has meant the same to me. I promise I won't ride until I'm sober.

Beautifully said.

[laupsi]

as with the writing; as much character to write as it took for Ben to personally call in for another interview. well done! :cool:

[Dave Wages]

Thanks for the kind words and thanks of course for reading.

I think most of us have a person in our lives who had a big influence in the direction that we ended up going. Ben is that person for me.

Hold up your drink to Ben and to the person in your life who did the same for you.

All the best,

dave


Dave, I have to say, I think you're that person for me. I wouldn't be half the framebuilder I am today without the time you spent teaching me the craft.

Here's to Ben and Dave! :beer:

Cheers,
Dave

[David Kirk]

Dave, I have to say, I think you're that person for me. I wouldn't be half the framebuilder I am today without the time you spent teaching me the craft.

Here's to Ben and Dave! :beer:

Cheers,
Dave

Thanks you my friend - it's been an honor.

I feel a group hug coming on.

Back to the bench.


dave

[yankees1]

Well said Dave! Ben was an excellent employer to work for and he always did his best to keep his employees happy. What I admire about Ben was that he always remained cool as a cucumber when dealing with the pressures of being a business owner and he has a gift to communicate.

Andy

[William]

Loved it Dave....Straight from the heart! :cool:

Ben stepped in for me when an issue went pear shaped with a former Serotta employee. He went over and above to set it straight and even gave me his personal email to check in with him to make sure it got resolved. And this wasn't the first time he stepped in to right things for me. He is a straight shooting class guy.




William

[cyclebencycling]

good on ya mate.