Alright everyone -
Since I got quoted to start this whole thread, I figured that I'd finally put in my two cents. I just thought that I'd address what skibum said here - and what could potentially be said about anything that I might post. I know on here and most other community forums that people aren't down with a shop self-promoting or only posting when it's the almighty $$ that they're after. And I totally agree. It's shallow and doesn't show that you're contributing to the sport of skiing and the greater good other than to get people to give you money.
Several of my employees finally talked me into joining NS though. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post in my hectic schedule, but I REALLY appreciate the kind words that have been said about me personally as well as the shop and all of my employees. Trust me when I say that we are a family-run business with key employees having an ownership stake and say in the biz who are all extremely passionate about snow. And we fully understand that in today's internet age that you can buy shit pretty much anywhere, so we are truly thankful for the support that we get from customers such as NS members. However, that's ultimately where the $$'s come into play and when motives can be questioned.
For myself and my employees and Porters, though, the $$'s come second. What's first is the experience that you have on snow - rather it is on skis, on a snowboard, in the park, in the pipe, in the trees, in the backcountry, or even in your backyard sliding a rail that you and your buddies built. Skiing should be about having FUN and - as I say on our homepage - that natural high that you get out on snow.
So ultimately whether you buy from us or the folks up at evogear or wherever, I only urge the NS community to give their $$'s to shops that you can tell give a damn about the future of skiing - and your total experience as a shopper. As I like to say around Porters, our goal is not just good customer service, rather it's to create raving fans.
So with all of that as a caveat (and if you're still reading), just as a total thanks and appreciation for the NS community, from now through the end of the this month, anyone can use the promo code "MEATLOAF" to get an extra 10% off the existing sale prices at
www.porterstahoe.com . No restrictions on usage, and it's always free freight on purchases over $50.
Thanks again all, seriously, for the props. I hope that you all have a great rest of the winter!
John "Chappy" Chapman, owner
Porters & porterstahoe.com