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Old 04-14-2010, 09:06 AM   #1
boogerwrx
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Default Axis/Raw Performance customers.......

OK folks, here it is. I am SERIOUSLY thinking about making a career change at the end of this summer. I've been doing mainly Suburu engines and service for nearly 10 years now and I have to say it may be time to move on. And since most of you know I do not like to frequent the forums, I really don't have any idea to what the general consensus is when it comes to me and my business. I do know that my phone continues to ring off the hook and I still stay pretty busy, even without any advertising or sales chasing.

So that is why I'm posting this up now. I am asking all past and present Axis/Raw Performance customers to give me an idea of how their dealings have went with me, my shop, and my produts. All I am asking for is a quick response as to whether you had a good or bad experience, are you happy with your products and/or service, and would you purchase from me again given the opportunity. I am not looking for a novel, just a small explanation of our dealings and how it all went.

I don't care about being compared to other shops or mechanics, as I don't care what other shops and mechanics are doing or have to say. I am only concerned about me and my business, so please try to keep the comments focused. I would like you to be as honest as possible. If your comments are not so good, that's fine. I am not going to be offended or upset with you, I realised a long time ago I can't please everyone. But I am also not looking for some ego stroking "Ron is almighty" responses. I would just like to have a general idea of how things went and this will help me make my decision as to whether I continue on with Subaru engines or move on.

But please try to keep the comments only from actual customers of mine of whom I've had direct dealings with. If you have never had dealings with me, please leave the posts for those who have. I can't tell you how confusing it is to sit and read through posts by people who know someone or heard from someone or somewhere about me or my products/service yet they themselves have never actually talked with me. I have never got that part.

So thanks to all and I look forward to reading each and every post. I will say do not expect a response from me for every post, but I will respond when time allows.

Thanks again,
Ron Williams
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Old 04-14-2010, 10:19 AM   #2
Legacy_Turbo
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Default

Sad to hear that you consider a career change.

I`ve only had good experiences with you, lots of emails where you answer as good as you can do based on your experience and knowledge. I got great service, cheap parts, and lot`s of information that have helped me decide my course of action during my build.

I`ve been in contact with a lot of guys up over the years and never had those "enlightening" responses and explanations to why things are as they are, as I had from you.

In my opinion you are a upstanding and honest guy who do what you can and then some to please your customers, as I have been.

It would be sad to see your knowledge and skills with subaru engines go to waste

Regards
Tommy
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Old 04-14-2010, 10:35 AM   #3
fobiawrx
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nothing but good to say about you. it all ways seem that if some one asks about getting a motor done, your name is the first to come up to build it.
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Old 04-14-2010, 10:53 AM   #4
xrocket21
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Customer service, answering emails, helping out a ton has been great.

But I dont think my stage 3 block was any good :/, but that is still to be determined :/ (oil burner)

still not sure wtf to do about it
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Old 04-14-2010, 10:55 AM   #5
ec2k1gt
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Like the others nothing but good, you were always quick to respond with any questions.

At the same time you were always honest and upfront which is something you don't see much of these days.

-Vic
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Old 04-14-2010, 10:58 AM   #6
Anup
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I haven't bought anything from you as of yet cuz of budget issues but my one experience with you was on the phone after your shop was closed. You did not seem in any rush to get off the phone and gave me a very detailed explanation for my questions. I believe anyone that owns a business and is willing to work just as hard during after hours compared to during their time of business is an A+ businessman. I'd recommend you just off of that experience alone.


Good Luck,

Anup
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Old 04-14-2010, 10:59 AM   #7
bbong
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Ron,

It'd be a great loss to community if you'd leave, your sheer knowledge of Subaru engines, your experience, most awesome communication skills and quick responses make you one of the best vendors I have ever dealt with on any forums.

I have purchased a fully built long block from you, and I do intend to send it over for refresh and even thinking about a new Sleeved Block this summer, and I wasn't even thinking about going with that to anyone but you. Raw1 FTW!

Best regards,
Tom
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Old 04-14-2010, 11:27 AM   #8
06rexwagon
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I've never personally bought any of your engines, but as a tuner I've tuned several and never had a problem. I spent a lot of time on the phone with you when I was building my own engine and you were more than happy to answer all of my questions and give advice even though I wasn't having you build it for me. That's great service in my book.
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Old 04-14-2010, 11:40 AM   #9
mick_the_ginge
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Hi Ron,
I have been dealing with you for a couple of years now and you have always been quick to respond to emails and phone calls. That has always impressed me.

I've had heads fully worked by you, bought multiple sets of pistons, rods, cams, sleeves and even some rings during a refresh rebuild and the sales were very smooth.

I will also say that if you are thinking about a career change then IMO you are ready for a career change.

Best of luck

Mick
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Old 04-14-2010, 11:57 AM   #10
MartinSTi05
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I am happy with your service to me over the years. As others have said, you give quick honest responses and don't pull any punches... I appreciate your candidness. Also your willingness to share any and all information is very contrary to most builders, there are no instances of smoke and Mirrors or "trust me baby" moments.
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Old 04-14-2010, 12:09 PM   #11
IA Performance
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Ron,

I glimpsed over our sales and it looks like we sold roughly 15-20 Axis motors over the years. I only recall one that smoked on initial start up. We yanked the block and it was fixed no questions asked (rings were lined up, or something like that). I think you even covered the spendy shipping which was not expected.

The reasons why we keep turning to you:
1) you answer the phone/emails
2) you will give an answer even if there is no sale

In the past we have moved away from vendors that do not return calls, nor care to answer non sales related questions.

Take a long hard look at things. If you heart isn't in it, then your work will become a dreaded job. Remember to take care of #1. We'd hate to see you go, but I'm sure we can always catch up on a powder day at snowbird or alta

[email protected]
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Old 04-14-2010, 12:15 PM   #12
texas05sti
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Another happy Axis customer here. Phone calls/emails were always quick (well, the response was, the phone calls got lengthy sometimes ). I've got nothing but good things to say about the company and if you do decide to make a career change our community will definitely miss having you around.

To potential RAW customers: look at the names starting to list up in this thread. The power/performance of several of his customers should speak for the level of performance his work can handle.
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Old 04-14-2010, 12:18 PM   #13
Clark Turner
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I have sent hundreds of customers to you over the years. You built my brothers motor. I hope you build mine when it comes out next which will be soon.

Maybe still do some motors on the side?

Clark
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Old 04-14-2010, 12:47 PM   #14
Thran
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clark Turner View Post
I have sent hundreds of customers to you over the years. You built my brothers motor. I hope you build mine when it comes out next which will be soon.

Maybe still do some motors on the side?

Clark
I was recommended by clark, i actually called you, and picked at your brain for a hour about your crank and you were nice enjoy to ship me out a crank and even said when i need anything else you could take care of it

Best service

Joseph
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Old 04-14-2010, 01:11 PM   #15
ThreeEleven
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nothing but good experiences. Very knowledgable and you're the only person other than Lou Fusz Subaru I'll let touch my car anymore.
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Old 04-14-2010, 01:13 PM   #16
tdoc2651
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Ron,

I have always appreciated the awesome customer service you have provided me even though I have not been a big spender with you. Your work has always been exceptional and you have never failed to stand behind your work. Now who's gonna work on my car!? Sad to see you go, but best of luck in your new career choice!

Tim D.

Ps. As far as the question if I would purchase your products or service in the future...YES! Was going to have you install a new suspension this summer and was thinking about planning an engine build for next summer.
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Old 04-14-2010, 01:15 PM   #17
Sideways76
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Ron,

You have a wonderful reputation in STL. Check out what people say about you on STLSUBARU.com. People would rather take their car to you than ANYONE else, especially the stealership.

I hope you find happiness in your career path and in life. If you leave, you and your expertise will be missed.

Edit: I've been to the shop, met you, and you probably have a dozen shortblocks in my friends cars. While you've never touched my car, everyone I know is incredibly happy with your work and customer service. I will be needing your services in Sept. I hope you'll be around.

Last edited by Sideways76; 04-14-2010 at 01:20 PM.
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Old 04-14-2010, 02:29 PM   #18
deuce189
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Ron, if you are about to go through a career change then i need to get one of your built shortblocks quick!!!

Haven't had any other dealings with you other than having the random stuff installed at the Barn, but so far all dealings have been honest and from what i hear you are a all around cool guy and not anyone who is quickly throwing something together just to collect the check. So far i've been impressed and plan to have more dealings with your establishment in the future if you decide to stick around that is .

Keep it up!
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Old 04-14-2010, 02:32 PM   #19
Blue06RexWagon
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Ron,

You replaced the clutch and flywheel on my wife's WRX last summer. We found you to be an excellent person to deal with. We came to you because of your excellent reputation in the STL area and you lived up that that reputation. You told my wife that if she took the car from stock to stage 2 it would go "from Go! to Whoa!!". Excellent advice. She loves her stage2 WRX now. Thanks! Ron, you are the only person I would ever trust to work on the car. We are lucky to have you in the STL area. Please continue your fine work here.
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Old 04-14-2010, 02:36 PM   #20
GochYou
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Ron,
Sad to here that you might be leaving the business, I have never had someone who put as much care into his product or business then you. The fact that you were very easy to deal with and able to respond to my emails and phone calls as quickly as you do is impressive.

Your the one guy I could count on for quick accurate in depth information, It felt like I was your only customer everytime you talked to me. Its sad to hear that you are considering leaving the subie community will be loosing a good guy.

Best of luck,
Dennis
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Old 04-14-2010, 02:52 PM   #21
robbieshonda
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I'm in the same shoes as Cam. I havent used one of your motors in my personal car, but I have tuned quite a few. The cars made great power and the motors have been in the cars for quite some time now as if I recall right the last one I tuned was a year ago and I have one still running an axis motor from a few years back. And as IA posted you return calls and answer several questions regardless of if we just purchased a motor or were just getting info.
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Old 04-14-2010, 03:24 PM   #22
skaterx
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Fair pricing, extremely good communication/products, flexible shipping, extensive knowledge and pure honesty. Ron, I couldn't have asked for anything more. You helped a bad situation go very smooth and saved me some cash along the way. If I were to ever have another engine built, it would be from you.
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Old 04-14-2010, 03:24 PM   #23
impreza_GC8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sideways76 View Post
Ron,

You have a wonderful reputation in STL. Check out what people say about you on STLSUBARU.com. People would rather take their car to you than ANYONE else, especially the stealership.
This is true, your name is the first to be mentioned over there when people ask about having work done.
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Old 04-14-2010, 03:31 PM   #24
DammitBevis
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You're the only shop I trust around here to work on my cars. I normally do all of my own work, but on this occasion I was too busy and worn out to do it myself.

No big-dollar builds here, just some maintenance stuff. When all was said and done, the heads had been rebuilt, new timing belt and pulleys, the dried out hoses were replaced, a new clutch had been installed, AND to top it off everything was re-installed correctly!

I supplied most of the parts, but you called me when you found a couple things that weren't on the official list but needed to be replaced. The attention to detail, the honesty I encountered, and desire to do the job 'right' made the fact that you were 2 hours away irrelevant.

Not only did you answer the phone when I called, and returned my calls and e-mails, but you somehow found the time to talk to me about what I wanted done, and discussed the options.

If you stop working on stuff, I really don't know of anybody else I would go to. I'll want a list of who does your machine work too.
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Old 04-14-2010, 03:49 PM   #25
john 1badSTI
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I speak for myself and alex mealer,we have both had nothing but great dealings with Ron and would be sad to see him change careers but if that is what will make him happier I wish him good luck in his other endeavors. john schroeck
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