I appreciate everyone taking such a big interest in my drama LOL. Read a lot of what was posted, most of it I agree with, some of it makes me scratch my head.
Just to clarify - when I say 'unexpectedly' let go, it literally was a 'did I just hear that right?' moment - as in no indication or clue it was coming, I was just putting in another day answering tech questions, composing a writeup on machine options, speaking with customers via various channels... wasn't expecting to be told my position was being eliminated. In terms of Sam's post and the line not performing as expected, fact is thats speculative - I didn't have a set list of objectives, goals, or a target to hit. It was: STEP 1 CREATE PROFESSIONAL LINE. STEP 2 SELL PROFESSIONAL LINE. I think as reasonable adults here we can all see that it didn't get sufficient time to accomplish step 2... the line as a whole was on the market for less than 6 months (April 29th was day 1) and the polishes haven't even been out for 2 months. Draw whatever conclusions you need to from that, but I think most of us here can connect the dots ourselves.
Thats about the extent of what I'll be posting on it to be honest - I have an NDA in place that prohibits me from disclosing much more (on or offline) and as most who have contacted me can verify - thats about all I've said to them as well and about all I will. I can't speak to their motives or ultimate goals for what will become of the products I created. Thats their business and my fault for not seeing it coming. If you have questions about it going forward you should definitely direct those questions to them. Its now their product line to support and continue to sell how they see fit, if at all.
In terms of 'fan-boy-dom' ... call it what you want. I don't think of myself as some kind of celebrity... I don't have that ego. I'm just a guy who likes detailing and happens to be put in a position to answer questions for people when I can and I have the background/experience to give qualified answers. If that garners loyalty, a following, or "fanboys" so be it. I was doing it long before I was employed by a company to do so, I'll be doing it if I never get back into the detailing world again. I gained a reputation for being professional + willing to do anything to help someone out and I have made a number of friends all over the country as a result, many of them I've had the chance to meet in person.
One important thing I do ask is that those who have a bone to pick with SCG keep it professional - let your wallet do the talking if you don't want to support their brand. There is no cause to be unprofessional or do anything malicious - they've made their decision and while I don't agree with it and feel it was handled exceptionally poorly life goes on. Just like the last time I hit the market I've already received contact from multiple other organizations wanting to know 'whats next'... at this point I'm entertaining offers and taking what time I can afford to think about whether or not I want to stay in this industry or not. Patterns being what they are, not sure I need to do this again, but it is what I'm passionate about so I'd have to find something that interests me as much to justify leaving.
As far as doing my own thing - trust me when I say the thought had crossed my mind multiple times. What most people fail to realize is the time and capital required to launch something from scratch is substantial. As someone said - if it were just me, no kids, no wife - I'd be completely willing to take that gamble, but reality is what it is. I have a mortgage, a son about to turn 8 with special needs, a little girl about to turn 1 year old, and as much as I'd love to start my own brand and take the time (more than 6 months) to grow it I have to think about them first. Its not as cheap and easy as you would think to do this stuff... and it ain't exactly a business many people are getting rich at. Lord knows I have the contacts and knowhow to do it - what I don't have is the capital and the ability to gamble with my families future. Theres a lot of investment in things most guys will never even realize to make that kind of venture happen, so until I get the windfall of cash needed to do it on my own, or the investors needed to finance it, plus pay me while it grows its not feasible.