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Author Topic: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .  (Read 29319 times)

spencerwatts

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Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« on: February 27, 2015, 04:47:54 AM »
Just noticed a couple of Facebook blog posts regarding a shake-up in Hopkinsville. Most notably, Ronald Hickland, and according to Jeff Richgels, Bugsy Kelly and Ed Gallagher were let go on 2.26.2015.

Per Ronald Hickland (via Facebook): "I am grateful to have been able to realize my dream as a bowling ball designer with Ebonite International, designing for Ebonite, Track, Hammer and Columbia 300. Thankful for the relationships I have built from May 21, 2001 through today. Now it's time to start the next chapter of my life. Stay tuned for the next great chapter!"
« Last Edit: February 27, 2015, 08:14:43 AM by spencerwatts »
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freak761

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2015, 04:46:13 PM »
Not surprised at all. I've met all three and they're class acts. Not sure what's up at EBI, but somebody needs to take a good look around and see what balls are selling and why and it's not that hard to figure out...
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ImBackInTheGame

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2015, 05:39:14 PM »
Quote
There have been layoffs this week at Ebonite International, the Hopkinsville, Ky.-based manufacturer of bowling balls and other bowling equipment.

Through postings on their Facebook pages, Bowlers Journal has confirmed the layoffs of ball designer Ron Hickland and Group Marketing Director-Communications Bugsy Kelly. Multiple sources also say that Group Marketing Director Ed Gallagher was included in the layoffs.

“I am grateful to have been able to realize my dream as a bowling ball designer with Ebonite International, designing for Ebonite, Track, Hammer and Columbia 300,” Hickland posted on Thursday. “[I’m] thankful for the relationships I have built from May 21, 2001, through today. Now it’s time to start the next chapter of my life.”

Kelly posted a much longer message, but also expressed gratitude for the close to five years he spent with the company.

“I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given over the years, but now it’s time to figure out something new for me,” he posted. “Bowling has been so incredible to me and I’m so incredibly grateful for everything this sport has provided me with. I have never made a dollar any other way than through bowling and I’ve never made a dollar throwing a ball. I’ve literally lived my dream and I’ve had a blast doing it… everything I have is from this sport and I’m indebted to it.”

Ebonite International Chief Executive Officer Randy Schickert told Bowlers Journal, “We’re going to take a week or two, and then we’ll have announcements about a number of promotions and other strategic plans.
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billdozer

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2015, 07:57:21 PM »
Like I said in an earlier post.  If you are NOT selling balls u can't pay individuals their salary..whether they are worth it or not.  I am currently a store manager in a sales environment... The economy sucks right now.  I'd imagine all of the equipment being sold and resold on Facebook sucks for the ball Manufacturers as well.
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northface28

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2015, 08:00:48 PM »
Quote from: billdozer on February 27, 2015, 07:57:21 PM
Like I said in an earlier post.  If you are NOT selling balls u can't pay individuals their salary..whether they are worth it or not.  I am currently a store manager in a sales environment... The economy sucks right now.  I'd imagine all of the equipment being sold and resold on Facebook sucks for the ball Manufacturers as well.

If you're middle class, the economy always "sucks". 
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TWOHAND834

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2015, 09:24:57 PM »
Quote from: northface28 on February 27, 2015, 08:00:48 PM
Quote from: billdozer on February 27, 2015, 07:57:21 PM
Like I said in an earlier post.  If you are NOT selling balls u can't pay individuals their salary..whether they are worth it or not.  I am currently a store manager in a sales environment... The economy sucks right now.  I'd imagine all of the equipment being sold and resold on Facebook sucks for the ball Manufacturers as well.

If you're middle class, the economy always "sucks". 

AMEN to that!!!
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Steven Vance
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Balldoctor

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2015, 09:01:22 PM »
Ebonite encourages us to post our reviews, whether the ball is good for us or not.
Decided to post on this subject. I understand the it is a business decision.
However, when good friends lose their job, it puts a lump in my throat.
Met Ron over the years, smart guy. Drilled some balls for him and his Dad in Baton Rouge in 05 at Nationals. Great Guy.
Ed and Bugsy treated  me as a Friend first time I met them, quite a few years ago.
I wish  all 3 and their Family the best of luck.
There will announcements  in the next week or two.
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EL3MCNEIL

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2015, 03:05:02 AM »
Does anyone know if there have been any updates to the shakeups at EBI?
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ambi1

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #8 on: March 26, 2015, 04:26:49 AM »
any news on the shake up guys?  and how it's going to affect the product line/s?
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billdozer

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2015, 06:29:00 AM »
The only thing I have seen is hammer is rebranding themselves ebonite like on Facebook.  Someone else is doing the update now and their weird.
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EL3MCNEIL

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2015, 08:05:27 AM »
Quote from: billdozer on March 26, 2015, 06:29:00 AM
The only thing I have seen is hammer is rebranding themselves ebonite like on Facebook.  Someone else is doing the update now and their weird.

Could you provide an example?
Not trying to troll, but the Hammer FB posts seem the same to me.
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Perfect Approach Pro Shop

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #11 on: March 26, 2015, 10:35:12 AM »
Quote from: Balldoctor on March 06, 2015, 09:01:22 PM
Ebonite encourages us to post our reviews, whether the ball is good for us or not.
Decided to post on this subject. I understand the it is a business decision.
However, when good friends lose their job, it puts a lump in my throat.
Met Ron over the years, smart guy. Drilled some balls for him and his Dad in Baton Rouge in 05 at Nationals. Great Guy.
Ed and Bugsy treated  me as a Friend first time I met them, quite a few years ago.
I wish  all 3 and their Family the best of luck.
There will announcements  in the next week or two.

     Giving feedback whether positive or negative is always helpful. Think some are hesitant to provide negative feedback though. I personally have felt that EBI has been on the decline for 3-4 years now. I stopped giving feedback on here because anytime one puts a negative word, it seems that you threw a turd in their punch bowl and they whine and sniffle until you delete the post. I had an issue with EBI about 6-8 months ago and tried handling it with EBI and was told it was not there problem. Voiced my dissatisfaction here and couples individuals whined and whined and whined. Mike Judy got wind and called me directly and fixed everything, which I thanked him and appreciated what he did as it was the right thing to do, but should have been handled at their customer service level and he agreed. As we all know each company send to have a 2-3 year peaks and 2-3 year valley, but EBI seems to be in an extended drought and sure in the future they will be back on top for a few year swing.
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J. Helton
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DP3

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2015, 11:48:52 PM »
So who is going to be in charge of putting a different cover on the Vibe, Resurgence, Kinetic, and Apex series cores?

All jokes aside, and not to discredit Mr. Hickland, but is anyone going to be announced before Expo? Rob Gotchall maybe?
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Balldoctor

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #13 on: March 27, 2015, 12:21:25 AM »
Rich Hanson will be heavily involved with the production of all 4 Brands.
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Schwanstuker

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Re: Major Shake-ups at EBI . . .
« Reply #14 on: March 28, 2015, 01:55:04 AM »
Did the Hammer Bad Ass name cost their jobs?
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