I was lucky enough to attend the expo this past weekend. I brought my 8yr old with me, who is working on his first rod. He really wanted to go check out the NERBS booth, because we have spent hours looking at Billy's wraps online. When we got to the booth Billy gave my son a signed copy of his book for free, and chatted with him. While a small gesture to most this was the highlight of the day for Tyler. When we returned to out hotel room, Tyler stayed up long after me reading, and looking at Billy's book. The next morning The NERBS booth was again first on his list. When we came around Billy remembered his name. While it seems kind of trivial to some people this was just the icing on the cake for Tyler. He took several Pictures of the NERBS rods and was as happy as you will ever see an 8 year old boy. While I myself had a great time, seeing my son so excited and happy to meet someone, who was much nicer than ever expected, made it for me as well. As a father it means teh world to me to see someone treat my child so well. So my hats of to you Billy, and I sincerely thank you for making his trip excellent.
Chuck Payne

Seeing a guy as nice as Billy, and as incrediably talented, and so much younger than most of us rodbuilders, makes me think this craft is going to be healthy for a few more generations.

And the thing I like about this group is that there are thousands like Billy
out there who would do the same thing. This is the sharingest group I have
ever encountered. Thanks Billy for representing all of us so well!
Dave

Dang ......... Tin man does have a heart ........... just kidding .....

Billy it was great meeting you and the other NERBS at the show ......... and yes you were gracious to all ........

NERBS ROCK !!!!!!!

Chuck, I answerred your post on SOL just now. IT means a lot to me to know that Tyler came to teh show to check out The NERBs rods. I could tell he was really into it, and I'm really glad that he's going to put that book to good use. Please send me photos, or post them here whenhe's done, and if there's something that is not clear in teh book let me know and I'll help him out. It's great to see a father and son having a great time, andit's nice ot knowI was able to put a smile on his face, as well as yours.

Steve, Rich, & Dave, thanks a lot. It's cool to see people "get" me a little more, sa they get to meet me year after year. People is in this craft for a variety of reasons, I just hope that more people HAVE FUN and enjoy building fishing rods. Teh stupid outfits, hats, shoes I wear - scream "HAVE FUN with this craft". IT also screams I have a few screws loose, but I really have a lto of fun building rods, sharing what I know, and hopefully inspiring others to build better rods, and have fun doing it.

Billy is a great guy. He does awesome work.

Yea but he can't spell -- LOL

Bill - willierods.com

Billy V.
This was the second year that we agreed to spend some time together, only to realize in departing Sunday evening that we again missed the chance. I greatly enjoyed what little time we did spend and look forward to hopefully keeping our appointment next year.

Fantastic story Chuck, and I really hope that Tyler latches on to rodbuilding as we all have...a step in the right direction. Wish Billy had the same influence on my 9 yr old son, but my son met Billy when he was 3 yrs old, Billy had 8 ft of hair and a 3 ft goatee and a huge Puma duffle bag full of foam and other threadicular wonders.....picture the nightmares my son must've had. Jokes aside, when I host a NERBS gathering, he always asks if Billys coming...Billys very good with kids and freindly rodbuilders....keep him away from dogs though.

"NERBS ROCK?"....oh yeah...they also win Grammy awards,and thrive on pitching stats...amd are world wide whether they like it or not.

Hey Tyler Payne...... as The Secratary General of NERBS. ( self proclaimed of course) you're an Official NERB whether you like it or not.. read teh book and listen to your father.

MJ


Who in there right mind gave him a Jester Hat???????????????? Prolly some NERB.!!!!!

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

This was my first time to visit the Expo. Like everyone else, I saw and learn alot. But talk to Billy and shake his hand is one of my privilege.
Unfortunately, I live way down South so I cannot be a Nerbs.

Billys foam grip seminar was great and eye opening and meeting him and his crew was even better ! I'm going to get that Phillies grip down pat!!

Kinh, it doesnt matter where you are...watch the movie Polar Express, during the town square scene at the North Pole,with all teh camera shots from above, and they show the incredible brick work of the town square that resembles a chnese star.......where do ALL the Compass points point to???? TEH SOUTH S-S-S-S.

Doesnt matter where you live to be a NERB.

MJ

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

Greatest bunch of guys I have ever met for sure. I had no idea what the NERBS were about before this show really. Freinds and sharing are the top two for sure!

Billy, its time to franchise.

The SERBS are awaiting their King!

Riley Rods-Hard Core Grips to Go!-----Carbon Fiber - Composite Grip Store-----Capt Mike's Blog-----No Excuses Fishing Charters

Leanne and I stopped by the NERBS booth on Sunday afternoon. Even though it was a long couple days for Billy, he stood and chatted with us for quite a long time. Nice guy, class act, great thread artist & builder! Seeing his work, and the work of the other NERBS was a real treat!

Chuck

I too,, think meeting and joking with Billy was one of my highlights.

billy, stay teh way you are, Teh way people talk about you now, just wait a few more years. You win people over very easily.
and thnks for spelling my name correctly.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

What can you say about Billy V. What a human being. So talented. It is no wonder that all that meet him want to be like him in his craft. In my opinion Billy is doing what he was intended to do and his happiness shows in his rods, handles, EVA work and his love of life. Billy I hope that you consider me a friend as much as I and all of the others that know you consider you our friend and mentor. I will be at the High Point meeting of the NERBS again next year.Good Luck and good wraps

"Hey Tyler Payne...... as The Secratary General of NERBS. ( self proclaimed of course) you're an Official NERB whether you like it or not.. read teh book and listen to your father. "




Guys I have been lettiny Tyler read this thread and the first thing he said when he read this was "cool does this mean I get a NERBS shirt now" LOL. So I tried to purchase him one from teh NERBS website, but no chilrens sizes. If you ever have any kids shirts printed, I will be happy to buy one of each color.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2009 08:53AM by Chuck Payne.

Billy;

You and I have exchanged barbs over the years and it's been fun.

You came up a couple of notches in my book when you helped a kid; He'll remember that kind act for life.

I read(or heard) somewhere that the tallest a man can stand is that when he stoops to help a child.

I'n still trying to find out how you dressed this year. I fear that Doc Ski may have outdone you. lol!

Have a good day, bro' C2

It feels awkward to read this stuff, and reply. From teh center of my heart, and as sincere as I can be - I can't thank you guys enough for the nice words, it really does mean a lot to me. I'm just being me, I don't see myself as someone "special", just another builder passionate about this craft trying to share that and inspire others.

Bill E - lol, I'm glad you got a kick out of that. I'm surprised you can read my awful handwriting
Chuck - was very nice meeting you & Leanne as well - good luck getting your name out there.
Bob - great to see you again, I'm glad you had a fun time hanging around the booth.
John - I've been telling people The NERBs are not a "club", it's a state of mind. I don't care where you are from, you are a NERB if oyu have that passion for building and life.
Mike - great to see you & meet VIkki (sp?), it was great to see you were so busy. I'll be in touch with you after I relax.
Chuck - I only had big sizes, sorry. The smallest shirt I had was a medium, which I gave to 3 y/o Sarah Mickel, and it was like a summer dress, lol. If I order again I'll definitely let you know, thanks