I used to have the utmost respect for those that were running the VCA. That was when I thought that it was being run by volunteers. The word "volunteer" takes on a whole new meaning and a HUGE line forms for people willing to take one for the team, when the numbers involved are finally revealed to those other than a chosen few.
I don't want to dredge up old feelings and discuss the actual numbers, but when you get up around $200K in compensation a year, I expect faster, better and more competent service!
I owned and ran an alarm business for nearly 20 years , open 24/7 365! We were able to answer the phone and give you 100% accurate answers to anything we had on file about you and your property, within a matter of seconds or minutes. If we didn't do it correctly we lost a customer or could be sued for millions of dollars. We maintained an inventory of about $250K that we turned 4-6 times per year to service our customers and to sell to about 25 other dealers that we monitored alarm signals for. We also provided billing and collection services for those other dealers, serviced their accounts when they were unable or unavailable and in general provided legitimacy for them to even operate in the marketplace. Hey, I just described a symbiotic relationship somewhat like the National VCA and it's Regions! Did I mention that we did this for an average monthly fee between $7-$20 per customer. In an industry that thrives only by the terms of their 3-5 year contracts and annual fee increases I flourished with 30 day month to month contracts and NEVER raised anyone's rates unless additional services were asked for. I believed and still believe that if you provide quality service and take care of your business you don't need a bunch of words on paper to operate or to be successful! In the end all the words on the paper don't serve anyone except it gives the lawyers a place to start making money. Writing, interpreting, defending and appealing what some frat brother sold you as his interpretation of what you needed to protect your business!
I sent an email a couple years ago asking about availability and pricing for a set of tires and wheels, for my Gen II GTS, to VPA, actually to CM himself. I waited a month or so for a reply and then forwarded it to him again and CC'd a ranking VCA officer, at the time. The officer emailed me and sent me a link to the VPA site with tire pricing posted. I am still waiting for a reply and/or a quote, but stopped holding my breath a few days ago!
My point is that I paid FAR LESS money for more competent and qualified people to do more stressful and thankless work. 24/7 365 for nearly 20 years. There WAS a line formed and people wanted to work for me! I helped start and nurture many alarm companies in the marketplace and yes, actually took pride and made a few dollars helping some of them exit the industry, most of them set for life, with my help and guidance and their sweat equity. I myself invested a lot of time money and sweat, mostly into the Ohio VCA, but I also did things previously noted for National. Not for the money, before you all get on your high horses and start accusing me of profiteering. I can document the costs and income from what I have done and others for the benefit of both National, Ohio and other VCA Regions over 15+ years that I have been involved. Trust me it will make your head hurt and some might feel guilty. It will still show a large amount in the red! I served as President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer of both Regional and State Chapters of what is commonly known as the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association. It has also gone through name changes and by-laws and affiliation changes. It is currently known as ESA and I am the Secretary/Treasurer of that organization and have served on a Board since 1981 in some capacity or another, in the industry. Except for about a year when I took time off to deal with cancer. Yes, we have problems finding volunteers to serve and have been accused of being greybeards and good old boys. Seems we are all that will find the time or have the inclination to serve. I do it from habit and to stay in touch with old friends! That was a long preamble to my next point!
We typically have a large event once a year covering 2-3 days. It has a golf outing, a bunch of day long educational seminars, lunches, dinners, presentations, raffles and awards, and a large Vendor show for equipment and services. It involves mailings, emails, making reservations, huge amounts of printing and coordinating everything from hotel room needs and reservations, menus and making sure that all the kids in the display area , that can't play well with others, are separated. Did I mention that the person that does all this also takes care of all the dues billing, newsletters and answers all the phone calls and emails all year? She also coordinates the website. Her fees are all inclusive at $1000 per month. Not $60K per year and another $50K every other year to coordinate the big show! While she has the personality of a Marine Corp Drill Sergeant, at times, she is very competent and does an excellent job and has for 15+ years! She has the title of Executive Director and Oh, by the way she isn't related to any Officer or Member of the Association, past or present!
Who doesn't know someone in their family or lives that could use a job in the $60-$110K annual pay range to answer phones, shuffle some papers, answer some emails and call a few hotels to set up an event every other year! If I have left something out, please add them to the list as I am only up to about $10-$12K and that's generous. I could track down a few of my old people and have a competent live person available 24/7, 365, for about $60K per year total, or less!
If that is an attack, put me on ignore! I simply state facts and my opinions!
Am I getting close to winning the contest for the most words in the fewest posts?
To save time and in case I hit a nerve and lose my posting Privileges I have listed some snappy comebacks below (I have more if needed):
I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
I’ll try being nicer, if you’ll try being smarter.
I’m really easy to get along with, once you people learn to worship me.
I can see your point, but I still think you’re full of ****!
Did the aliens forget to remove your anal probe? I like you.
You remind me of when I was young and stupid.
I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don’t give a damn.
I’m already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
Thank you. We’re all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
The fact that no one understands you doesn’t mean you’re an artist.
Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
What am I? Flypaper for freaks?
I’m not being rude. You’re just insignificant.
It’s a thankless job, but I’ve got a lot of Karma to burn off.
No, my powers can only be used for good.
You sound reasonable. Time to up the medication.
Who me? I just wander from room to room.
And your crybaby whiny-ass opinion would be?
Do I look like a people person?
You started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
You! Off my planet! Does your train of thought have a caboose?
Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
A PBS mind in an MTV world.
Please introduce your selves.
Not all lawyers are annoying. Some are dead.
I’m trying to imagine you with a personality.
Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
If I throw a stick, will you leave?
Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.
[FONT="]Is that your final answer, or are you still holding out hope that a brain will suddenly grow at the end of your spinal cord?[/FONT]