Retired but not resting!
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Still in the hunt! Not giving up on our never ending challenge to let this puppy perform. I remain in the pack. My problem is like a few of us. "I'm not getting any younger!" Can't even climb up a ladder anymore. Happy New Year to all! Feel better Fish. We need your wisdom and sarcasm!
Don
Still holding on. Problem is, I'm not getting any younger.
Good ol' Don
Amen! Congrat's on the NC Republican Win as well.
d.
On a side note: New hope arises when it's realized that indeed there are folks, although seriously lurking, that can "rise to the occasion" as James Bond would say. I'm still not folding.
I'm either just a forever optimist or plain stupid. Gotta believe this dog is gonna run. Your latest comments regarding insider buying are worrisome like what aren't they telling us? Still have fairly good health and want to hang around for the Last Hurrah...at least before the Loonie Left bankrupts the country.
Ciao
d.
Hello Fish,
Ben awhile since our last exchange but getting ready for a good multi-year run has me a bit concerned. Hit 75 last month and I'm not sure how many years the Good Lord has for me. Hangin' on. BTW, FWIW, I'm not the one dumping shares. Been at this for 10+ years. Not giving up now!
Don
Using that link talks about VTSI as a user name but does not go beyond the home page. Spooky. I agree, not sure what to make of it.
dn.
Time is NOT on my side. You bet, I'd love the $50 but $20 may have to do. Wishes may not all be fulfilled but perhaps my swan song at some point may need to prevail. One year, two years, ten years, who knows? There are so many opportunities for VTSI. Hope they grab a bunch! Good luck to all!!!
Don
Perhaps consider those are token buys to set up either additional bank/depository accounts or fund transition methodologies. Account handshakes. A good sign, I'd say.
d.
Maybe it's the Macallan remnants trying to remind me to scale back a notch or two. Bad timing on my part to talk of mortality. I still have favorable feelings about VTSI and look forward to the rewards forthcoming. The request for management to amplify on the positive prevails. Not looking for superficial horn-tweeting, just a morsel of "In view of the recent school assaults and resulting controversy, wait and see what we've got as a unique aide/leadership solution!", without spilling the beans. May sound difficult but in view of the opportunities out there, some excitement talking of pending innovations might be nice. There. I feel better now. Still have a few good years left. (Probably not quite as old as Bill, though).
d.
I agree. "as it makes sense" is an interesting clause as debatable as the day is long. The cough at the open is a bit disconcerting however we've held tight through worse. Probably will try to forecast a point to dump or at least provided updated, sustaining instructions to my executor, although that idea seems contrary to the idea of property liquidation. Anyhow, fasten your seat belt.
d.
Your comments are well received.....but., I guess being in the ranks of the long term VTSI holders, I allowed my posture to be guided by the memories of my contribution in an NYSE organization that thrived on stats and objectives motivated by the 1-3-5 planing process. Now that VTSI is reaching for "light-speed", it certainly appears that the visibility created going forward presents an enamor to new, major investors to get on board, especially at what are hoped, bargain prices. Having said that, I still maintain that as the company further matures, the use of objective planning is used not only as a buying incentive but to also show VTSI management is running a stable company. This would IMO be especially evident as it meets stated objectives in the long term. Hope I live so long. Early in the game, my challenge was to stay with my holdings yet the reason seemed to be elusive. Some kind of statement indicating structured plans would have helped. Well, here we all are today. Next week should be interesting. I guess I'd better get going now with Easter dinner not to mention uncorking the Mac.
Don
A successful company measures EVERYTHING. I can't remember who brought this up once before but it's absolutely true. We've talked about increased employee count, potential sales opportunity, buy-out potential and a plethora of other things but there has been no evidence of documented one, three or five year plans for growth of the company. As a respected section manager of a Fortune 300 company, every reporting staff member had a stated productivity goal plan to improve process efficiency by reduction of cost and/or increased output vs time. It wasn't thrust upon anyone as it was up to each individual to craft a meaningful target upon which their annual performance review and/or potential bonus would be based. The aggregate multi-division roll-up helped form a MINIMUM growth forecast that the company could present to its stockholders... short and longer term plans. It'd didn't involve leaking sensitive product plans but did explore public domain technology that competitors were using at the time. The company exceeded target goals consistently. The hiring principles were "the best person for the job" period. Yes, it was a few years ago before the PC crap came into play but common sense prevailed and people worked to complete the task and not just punch a clock. Those who met their goals were rewarded admirably, those who didn't were refocused or replaced and NO PARTICIPATION TROPHIES were given. We weren't just employees, we were a family. I believe the VTSI team has the ingredients to prevail. As Master Yoda once said.. "You either Do or you Don't. There is no "TRY".
A Blessed Easter to All.
Hooray!
Been quietly lurking for awhile. Perhaps some of us old farts will finally see investment growth and actually spend some money. Thanks for your update!
Don
You're probably right regarding the past buy activity but hope that there is indeed an effort to raise the listing to visible status. Not much else going on as you say it seems. President Trump regardless of efforts to be derailed seems to have his hand on the pulse of what is meaningful. Watching and waiting. Not getting any younger here. Thanks for getting back to me.
Don
Yes, indeed a bargain! I'm tapped out though. Regarding VTSI buyback comments: Since some members of mgmt know the progress of an uplist,should it indeed be in progress, to go off and invest now would be IMHO insider trading...something generally frowned upon. I remember in a past life that all of us as staffers of a f300 outfit I was with were under a quarantine until critical announcements were made. That conjecture shines of hope, agree?
Not in a hurry to guess any further. This sags much more and I'll really wonder why I was here all these years.
D.
Interesting post Bill. Over the years I've read posts from you, Fish and others and have gleaned nuggets of wisdom from most. Bill, if your philosophy regarding company plateau and/or demise prevails, my purpose for holding is severely challenged. I believe that as long as hand-to-hand combat is still in vogue and bad guys exist, product advancements will be offered. Local law enforcement embellishments will always be needed. On a global level, nuclear solutions (an oxymoron) will end it for us all anyhow regardless of VTSI posture. Yes, we're both hitting our later years but I believe there still is "gas in the tank" to further enhance our investment. Hope I live long enough to redeem my holdings. Regarding the leadership comments: If we are fortunate to advance to higher listing status, the pressure of institutional level buyers may force favorable mgmt posturing, BOD/COO, causing company promotion and stockholder gold. May we both live long enough to see. Don't throw in the towel yet.
Regards,
Don
I know your feeling.
After too many years and now past 73, I've made a little but not what time could provide with perhaps another gamble. Oh well, doc says I'm good for some time. With the big $$$ heading toward the Armed Forces, great things are hopefully on the horizon.
Don
Another 5 years?
I hope I'm still here!
Merry Christmas to all!
After reading the responses of the "junior" members of the stock's following, I am reminded as a 72 year old that the our intentions to hang on for the fruitful rewards of ten+ years into the future may be problematic. Back when I was 65, this whole thing was quite attractive. Today, I pray that I can survive the "wait". There must be a few more of you out there.
Don
ON OUR WAY!!!
Well gang, got the last shipment of Elephant Wings shipped. Today we broke even!
...Only took 10 years!
I'll start working on the elephant wing design. Been here since this thing was in the 40 cent range. Have averaged down quite a bit but still hope to at least recover my $$,$$$. Hell. At 71, hope to live long enough. ....still waiting for my Cubbies to win the pennant too.
Don
Whales?
Sir:
Very few posts elicit a response from me as I wait here in the trenches and grow older. You awoke me on this one though.
I agree that the "whales" are probably keeping sanity within the ranks however what about guys like me, over 500K but not at a mil? I bet there's a bunch of us. It would be interesting to know the aggregate holdings of the "Whales" and what I'll call "Dolphins". Pretty formidable I'd imagine.
Keep the faith.
Lostapile
HOPE I SURVIVE THE NEXT EVOLUTION.
I'm another who has quietly averaged down and grown a healthy position over the years after originally buying in at 40 cents. I am now 67 and am wondering if I'll actually survive another 10 years based on what may be required to recover from a potential 1:100 R/S. Hope I'm wrong on that timeline. Still haven't quite broke even on my holdings but am getting close. Others out there like me? Must be a few. Good fortune to us all.
Don
Greetings Sir:
It has indeed been quite awhile. I noticed my postings are a bit thin, seven or so, since getting on board about 5 years ago. After buying a bunch at the .40's, I've been quietly gathering a nice position. I was able to add 150K just before it broke out of the 4's and wish I had done so sub 1c. (Don't we all?) Perseverance will prevail! Break even next week? The 5 years "seems like 20" as another had mentioned....for sure! I'm 65 now and am looking forward to bolstering my battle fatigued IRA. The company and its shareholders deserve to see $$/share. Keep the faith! GO VTSI GO!!!
Lostapile (But not for long)
Absolutely!
The customers of late have to feel the same as well. Would you buy a $$$$ system from a company that you thought was going down the tubes? No rocket science here.
LaP
BC,
I understand your views and I have watched these comments for many a year. I am, however, still here as a long term guy who still has hopes that all is not lost. I have chosen to respond VERY few times but for whatever reason am motivated at this time. I have belief in the VTSI Team for their perseverance. I further believe that many of them have a lot more to lose than I although I'm in for a lot more than I care to reveal. I wish the very best to all the longs and to the VTSI folks who are dedicated to the task.
Lostapile
Let's hope you are right. It's good to feel good for a day. Got another 100K and no regrets! At 3mil+ traded, a bunch of us will be crying tomorrow if this is another bust.
Lostapile
Another Couple of Questions.
I've been sitting back soaking all this in. Yes, I'm still here in the shadows and yes, still long.
*********
Regarding the three companies:
A) What are the names of the customers who make up the 50% or better revenue aggegate for each of the three?
B) Does VTSI intend to remain in good stead with these customers?
C) What plans are being formulated to grow these businesses in each area of their expertise?
**********
I believe that concrete answers to the above will provide good insight.
May we all reap the rewards of our Patience.
Lostapile
Paul, Re: Diversification.
The early days of VTSI, 1993 found them involved with entertainment and product promotional development using their then available technology. It was in 2001 that they began serious entry into the security/defense training arena.
Two different Marketing, perhaps three, strategies are apparent. Specific networking/sales structures deal with penetration into the entertainment/product promotion/defense-security marketplaces. Investment of time and money have been given to each. If one element falters for whatever reason, the other pathways are available, hopefully able to allow continuing company growth and revenue.
We probably all are favoring the Military business because of the potential to achieve “Instant Gratification” for our investments. Nothing wrong with that but the other marketplaces should be nurtured as well. Who knows, one of the others may develop into a sizeable venture. It does not make sense to abandon the others until one segment is an overwhelming winner. Even then, why throw away the in-house investment supporting the other Marketing networks.
That’s my story. Hope you agree.
BTW, this is probably my last message today due to the newbie, three message limit.
Lost
Paul, " diversification of interest?"
I don't remember saying that verbatim but the point I was trying to make was that product diversification is usually better than "putting all of one's eggs in one basket." (Company limited to one focus or marketplace.)
Lost
Paul's Interesting Observation.
Your comments regarding mixing Pizza with Defense Traing are rather enlightening and stirred a reply from this silent investor. Hopefully, the mix is to show company diversification and nothing more. I have been reading this board's posts for several months now and enjoy the civility and manner in which MOST viewpoints are presented. If in the mood for entertainment, I can visit RB. With regard to the price decline, I have used that as an opportunity to quietly accumulate. I cannot find fault with the product or the timing. Patience must prevail. ..but how long? Good Luck to all!
Lostapile