Okay, I've stopped laughing (mostly at myself) and have a little more time now...I think.
Shawn, I just went through that exact scenario. My son is now also a CWI and we both wanted out of the shop work and have some great contracts going for the inspections work. The shop was still going great and we have made it our whole family's life for over 17 years now.
What to do? What to do? What to do?
None of our employees wanted to run it. Our main guy went home whenever he could if we were gone (he really didn't need the money just wanted to work but was too insecure to stay incase he might make a mistake). We couldn't find a manager. We had lots of
INTEREST in buying but no one could come up with money and I wasn't interested in financing.
After 17 years, plus the 18 the original owner had worked it, there is a great customer base. This is a relatively small community and we have had the same customers for 17 years and added more along the way. Try letting go of that. I can't begin to tell the personal stories that end up making you feel like you just lost a loved one when you finally decide and you close the doors to go on to where you are sure you are supposed to be. We are still selling some of the equipment that didn't sell before we closed the doors. We have kept some to do personal projects and satisfy some of the really good customers.
Mainly, you have to go with your own life's goals, desires, and gut. It isn't an easy decision. For us, it meant lots of prayer and a lot of counsel from customers, new clients, pastor and friends. But the decision falls square on your shoulders. You have to live with it. And you need to be able to let go completely of which ever one you decide not to do. Don't look back. Don't second guess. Move on and just keep doing your best at whatever you do.
For me, a couple of Scriptures come to mind:
1Co 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
AND: Ec 3:22 "Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"
AND FINALLY: Ec 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Good luck, our prayers are with you.
Have a Great Day, Brent
