Looks like I am finally going to have to go out of business

Tim McElwain

This Washington bridge problem here in RI is affecting my business. Small numbers signing up for class. Two in the last class and one for this next class. Been doing this since 1967 smallest numbers I have ever had.

Danny Scully

Why not virtual @Tim McElwain? I’d be glad to help with infrastructure in any way if I could. 

Mad Dog_2

Timmy..Maybe it's time downsize, let Scully help you set up Virtual or zoom classes. That's alot of Overhead to pay for your Brick & Mortar training center.  Mad Dog 

Steamhead

@Tim McElwain I hope that doesn't happen. But if it does, I'm sure many of us would come to your last session, as we did for @DanHolohan .

Intplm.

If something good came out of covid, it was the zoom meeting.
Please look into it.

Steamhead

Intplm. said:

If something good came out of covid, it was the zoom meeting.
Please look into it.

I was fortunate to be able to train with Tim. I doubt Zoom or some other online system would work, since his classes involve a lot of "hands-on".

mattmia2

Steamhead said:

Intplm. said:

If something good came out of covid, it was the zoom meeting.
Please look into it.

I was fortunate to be able to train with Tim. I doubt Zoom or some other online system would work, since his classes involve a lot of "hands-on".

There might be room for both. In fact a zoom class that teaches people enough to know what they don't know might be effective in bringing more people in for a hands on class.(and paying the bills).

mattmia2

@Tim McElwain knows orders of magnitude more than anyone else I know about complex and obscure gas control systems and that information needs to get preserved and passed on. I'm not sure how, but it is very important living history.

Intplm.

mattmia2 said:

Steamhead said:

Intplm. said:

If something good came out of covid, it was the zoom meeting.
Please look into it.

I was fortunate to be able to train with Tim. I doubt Zoom or some other online system would work, since his classes involve a lot of "hands-on".

There might be room for both. In fact a zoom class that teaches people enough to know what they don't know might be effective in bringing more people in for a hands on class.(and paying the bills).

While I haven't attended one of @Tim McElwain classes ( because of my own timing, scheduling etc. ) I, and others might be able to attend a zoom meeting/class.
Sure would love to do one person to person but until then why not zoom?

Larry Weingarten

Hi, Might it be possible to film the classes? This way, although not quite as good as hands-on training, the videos could be an ongoing source of education for us and hopefully income for Tim. Also, if done well, they could capture Tim's deep knowledge!

Yours, Larry

EBEBRATT-Ed

Lot's of good ideas here

Mad Dog_2

We are here to help, Pastor.  Any direction you go in, we support you. Mad Dog 

Sylvain

With your teaching experience, the content should be much better than many things one can see on youtube.
Of course as for anything, for videos there is a learning curve.

I am following a professional woodworker (Paul Sellers) who transmits his hand tool experience (more than 50 years).He has enough followers to have professionals filming and editing. He makes the same furniture piece 2 or 3 times which allows his team to capture what he does with different views.
He has free videos and paying ones. He also has a blog where he explains a lot of things.

While videos are a great help, they replace neither text nor hands-on experience.
I guess you have developped a curriculum.

Unfortunately, for hands on experience, heating parts are much more expensive than a few pine boards, so a class would still be a huge bonus.

Seing something once is rarely enough. I usually look at the video a few tmes. Then trying to replicate what I have seen. Then looking again to see what I didn't catch (handling or explanation).

Paul Sellers started making videos when he was about 62 (not directly with professionals though; but the content was very good).

Good luck.

Mad Dog_2

Timmie..as the guys say,

1) have someone film out troubleshooting all the equipment in the training center. Send a video & a Manual.$$$

2) Set up a Zoom Feature and FaceTime where techs can show you there issues in real-time.  Walk them thru it.  Take a CC or Venmo payment at the end. Even I have done this..It's a Brave New World...Face.it with Bravery.  You've got tons of that Sailor! 
Mad Dog 

hot_rod

Is your heart still in it?

If so, there are many options for online training.
Some of the Esco trainers use these tracking web-cams. It mounts on a tripod and follows your movements around a room as you move from equipment to equipment. The online viewers do the troubleshooting as you move around the room to the controls.

So you class is still in the room with you, just remotely.

You should also look int to doing some classes for Heat Spring. You get paid per view.
www.heatspring.com

Tim McElwain

I have done a lot of research since back when COVID hit and I lost two years of training classes. The cost to do what has been suggested is more than I can handle. I am not getting any younger so it is time to quit. I have started throwing away all my books and catalogs along with all our research books. I have at least 15 to 20 shelves of books and manuals plus all the guides I have developed over the years. Just for basic gas training I have written 35 volumes, not counting the hundreds of troubkle shooting guides and last of all my Mod/Con library. It is all going in the trash as once the center shuts down I have no place to put it. Sad but that is the way it is when you turn 84 and circumstances dictate that it is time.

Thanks for all the suggestions I really appreciate your many suggestions. My son and grandson have made many of those same suggestions but I am a one man show and it would be overwhelming to go from my hands on concept to videos.

RayWohlfarth

Good luck Tim I wish you well

DanHolohan

Do what’s comfortable, Tim. You ran a fine race. Rest now, knowing you made a great difference in people’s lives. Thanks. 

Steamhead

@DanHolohan , could @Tim McElwain donate his books, training materials etc. to the General Society?

EBEBRATT-Ed

Hang out at the Wall Tim, we need your expertise.

It's hard to give up something you liked doing and did for so long. Maybe you can get some of your books published. I am sure people would by them.

Tim McElwain

My books have always been for sale. I have sold a lot of them over the years especially when I was on the road working for Honeywell for six years. They still sell pretty good.

Mad Dog_2

Timmy. As Dan says  "You've kept the faith, you've run your race, you've fought the good fight." (Timothy).  If you'd like, I can bring any books you wish to donate from R.I. down to the General Society in NYC. Just say the word. Be proud Pastor. You are the King of your world.  You are top dog. You are and always have been a Man of Honor.  Just look at it as scaling the operations back. You can still be involved in any capacity you wish. You will be our In House Emeritis.  Your loyal Student, Mad Dog