After leaving a phone message and an e-mail, and getting no response, I wonder why a vendor would want to invest in advertising if he does not bother to contact a potential customer? If anyone knows how to get in touch with anyone at Classic Custom Wood , would you please let me know. I know most businesses have a way of keeping in touch with their own business even when they are out of town or very busy. I guess it is is an indication of what to expect if something is ordered as well. Hate to sound off, but this has happened in different cases several times. I must say that on the whole, the vendors have been responsive and timely.
Sanford Hochman

Ray Jorgensen (Classic Custom Wood) operates a one man sideline business making unique custom rod handles. He might be on vacation, he might be on a business trip, he might have experienced a death in the family. There are a lot of reasons why he might not be available at various times during the year.

Ray's business isn't along the same lines as that of Mud Hole, or somebody like St. Croix. He's a craftsman making things one at a time. He may not see the need to be accessible 24/7. If I were you I'd wait a reasonable amount of time and either contact him again or go elsewhere. I suspect he will get back in touch with you as soon as he's in a position to do so.

Ray will be at the National Rod Builders' Show in Charlotte in February, showing and selling his beautiful rod handles.


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Having spoken to Ray recently, I can tell you that he is extremely busy. He is teaching seminars as well as building his rods, and working on orders that he already has taken. In addition, Tom is correct, this is a sideline business for Ray and one or more of the many things mentioned in his reply may have taken place. Lastly, as with many talented individuals with a unique product, things have grown at a rate Ray did not expect. He is doing his best to please everyone and still enjoy what he is doing. We must remember that not everyone is a large scale business nor do they want to be (and thankfully not all will be) . I'm sure Ray will get back to you as soon as possible.
Ray Mazza

I do appreciate the fact that one is busy and is tied up, but all I ask is a phone call or some idea that I have been noticed. I can wait for weeks if necessary as long as there is a response, even a message to the effect that he is too busy for the moment. That isn't asking too much. In today's business world, this is a common occurence, so I guess we have to grin and bear it, but having been in a very busy practice myself, I made sure everyone got a response even though I could not see or talk to him/her. Even though there are other craftsman out there, his work impressed me enough to call him and be prepared to spend the necessary bucks for his work, so I can wait. Thanks for your comments.
Sanford Hochman

Sanford,

It was great to talk to you this afternoon. As I said I never got an email. Virus or spam blockers must have stopped it. I'm really glad that you took the next step and made the call, I just wish it wouldn't have come when I was out of town taking care of my Mom's business for a couple days. It's nice not to live close but on the other hand it takes longer for those things you have to do.

As Tom stated, I'm a one man show. When I'm out my wife usually it with me, if not she will let you know when I'll be back. Sorry for the delay, but I do appreciate the followup phone call. It's a lesson we all should learn. Email isn't always 100%.

Thanks Tom and Ray for helping me out here. I do my best to respond to any request. Mom isn't into computers, so I'm very limited when I go to see her.