I started Visual Inventor more than 14 years ago.
I had kind of started it from my college dorm room. On October 24, 1994, I decided to "officially" venture out on my own, quitting my part-time jobs (I had 3 of them) while still attending college. What happened then became bigger than me or anything I could have imagined. God has blessed me with co-workers and friends ... sometimes one in the same. God also blessed me with some of the best clients and (more) friends a company could ever imagine. Loyal, ingenious and entrepreneurial. You and the challenges that you brought to VI are the reason we have enjoyed this so much. Together, we strived for excellence in EVERYTHING. I want to thank you for the many friendships/late nights/debates over design and just plain trusting us to do the good work that we both knew VI was capable of.
It has paid off in both life and business. I am a better man and a better Christian for having had this "adventure in business".
However, it is with great sadness and reflection that I write to you all today. As of December 31st, 2008, Visual Inventor cease its formal operations.
After 14 years, I have decided to go the "path more traveled". Running and growing a business has been a wonderful experience but now it's time to move on. Like Seinfeld, we are leaving on a good note. We are not bankrupt, we are not being sued, we are not partaking in any of the corporate shenanigans that have been in the news of late. We are finding jobs for those employed here and simply discontinuing our normal operations. Think of it as a sabbatical for a business. Many of you know that U2 is my favorite band and I think Bono sums it up best.
"We've had a lot of fun over the last few months, ... it was fun! (pause) Anyway, thanks for coming along. It wouldn't have been the same without you. (applause) Some people have traveled a long way to come here tonight. (applause) This -- I was explaining to people the other night, but I might've got it a bit wrong -- this is just the end of something for U2. ... It's no big deal, it's just -- we have to go away and ... and dream it all up again." - Bono, U2 - December 30, 1989
This is the end of something for Visual Inventor and myself. It s also a new beginning for me. We will be around officially until 1 p.m. Dec. 24th. Our Christmas schedule is still set. We are going to be working on transitioning the web hosting accounts to our data provider who will be assuming those for us. We will miss the camaraderie and all the wonderful work. Please keep in touch with me on Facebook or Linked In. I am sorry if you had plans for us ... I had plans of retiring from this place but in these poor economic times, we have to take care of our families and this decision is an extension of that.
Take heart this is not goodbye ... it s til we meet again.
Sincerely,
Tim Watson, Creative Director/Owner