Tom Kaye Retires from Paintball, AGD Under New Management

[lautt]

tomsotherbusinees.org forum that we can all troll around in?

lol i'm in!!!


tom you made paintball what it is

[atm743]

you will and allways be the mag man!!!!!

goodluck for whatever comes up !!

[Evil Preacher]

Tom, sorry to see you go. Funny thing is, I saw it coming. When you talked about other things in your life, there was the passion of the man I met years ago when he talked about paintball.

It has been a honor to know you. I will always remember the times we got to talk about everything and anything.

Good luck and enjoy the garlic rolls.

Preacher

[meshaq]

i pooped my pants when i first read the thread title.

its true as others have said, that 99% of the industry wont know you, but the other 1%will be in debt to you for ever.

[Steelrat]

Sic Transit Gloria.

Good luck Tom.

[zackzel]

I was deeply saddened when I read this thread

I have been using automags since I started from the 68 classic now to the X-mag that I currently use and everything inbetween. I know that I never personally met you Tom but I want to thank you for all that you have contributed to the sport and wish you the best of luck in whatever you pursue next.

I just really hope that this isn't the begining of the end of AGD. This is a very sad day indeed.

Thanks again for all the quality products Tom,
Zack

[yonu]

Tom,

Though I never got to meet you in person this comes a a big shock as well as many others here have said

I hate to see you go but hopefully you will find a field that you are entusiastic about and hopefully you will still beable to get out to the fields and play

[pump]

miss ya dont be a stranger in here

somebody better archive the important threads

[Trina]

Tom, I will never forget you.

It all started with Doobie shortly after we got married in 1992:

"Tom Kaye, AGD, Mags, Paintball, Tom Kaye, AGD, Mags...Tom, Tom, Tom...."

I will NEVER forget your name Tom!! This is all I heard when I knew nothing of the sport...None of it made sense and none of it mattered.

Until...I picked up my first marker in 1998 on Doobie's Birthday...I was hooked.

When I first met you I still knew little of you, but as I got to know you, Tom, I grew to admire you. Not only are you a legend in paintball with all your contributions to our great sport, but you are one of the most facinating, most intelligent people I've ever met. I've loved hanging out with you and hearing your stories, your views on paintball, H2's, Dinosaurs, the war, etc... All extremely amazing. I probably speak for most people here on AO...

Tom, you are my hero!!

You are what paintball is all about. I'm glad you hung around as long as you did, so that I had a chance to get to know you. Thank you for everything Tom, and good luck in the future.

Your friend always,

Trina

[Banshee23]

Thanks so much for everything you've done TK. Paintball & all of us owe you our gratitude Good luck with whatever you choose to do in the future.

[bofh]

Since I don't see a lot of questions in the thread...

So, TK... Why are you calling it quits? Did it stop being fun? Is there an incident that triggered it?

You think you'll be doing something else? Moving to a different industry? Do something completely different? Stare at the sky? Dig up bones? Find a way to support those industries?

Need a jack of all trades computer guy?

[RamboPreacher]

Good luck. My prayers are happening for you and your family.

[bunkerhugger]

Mr. Kaye,
I first spoke with you back in 1991 when I was trying to get ahold of an automag. I finally begged two out of you and one of those is still the main gun of a man who has grown to become one of my best friends, much as the technology of your company has. In the nearly 14 years since I started using your products I've passed up many a chance to attend an event you were at, and now I find I regret it. Please attend the next Shatnerball so I can fly out and shake your hand one time before you go.

Thank you,
Ben Ramirez
Proud owner of CF00533 (Level 5)
Proud owner of XT00014 (X-mag)
Proud member of Southwest Voodoo

[frop]

Good luck & be sure to come back & visit!

THREE CHEERS FOR TK!

[CRySyS]

I really hate to see you go, truely a titan as has already been pointed out.

So will it be pretty much business as usual at AGD? Specificly will everyone still have a job? I cannot stress enough how awesome the people you have there are, especially Marcia. She went leagues above her calling to help me out with a stupid credit card and I only have a Sydarm right now because of her. Everyone else there that I have ever delt with have been as great. These people care about what they are doing as much as you do Tom. I hope Dave shares that same quality; in fact I must assume it since he was your VP.

Also, will you keep everyone here posted about your new venture? I'd love to see what happens when you manage to combine a telescope and T-rex thigh bone!

Hell, will you still at least visit the board? I remember when this place was just a little owners group with a background image ripped off a porn site. And I remember when it disappeared for a while and another owners group had to be built to hold us all over. And then AO was resurected by none other than the very company whose product it was created to discuss. That was a fresh move for a manufacturer and a good one by the looks of this place. I'd hate to see that fade away now, it's much too soon.

Aww, crap. I just checked to make sure and it isn't April 1st. I think it's starting to sink in now. I'll be wearing black tommorow. Good luck Tom, and know that you won't be forgotten by anyone if I have anything to do about it.

[Carbon Blue]

*faints*

[SSMercury]

Wow, I was the third person to view this thread 4 hours ago when it started, there weren't any replies, now it's all blown up to 4 pages.

Still can't think of anything to say.


Tom, you and AGD have been an awesome company, have always approached things from a logical perspective, and have had a good and honorable reputation, both as a company and a person. I hope Dave can fill your shoes as a replacement.

Your approach to paintball innovation has been nothing short of spectacular, and I regret never making a serious attempt at meeting you. Your methods of designing paintball gear echoes what I look for, quality, dependability, and simplicity of design.

[soaklord]

For all you have done for the industry. You have brought engineering to an industry that is based on hype. You are an inventor and an innovator, I hope your new aspirations make good use of these skills. Also, thank you for bringing me out of the hype and forcing me to use the scientific method when thinking about my purchases and pursuit of equipment. You saved me quite a few dollars and embarrassing moments. One of my favorite quotes (Pardon me if I paraphrase) "You finally get it to work and they ask for it in a different color." Please don't fade into obscurity, at least enjoy the passion you help raise from infancy from time to time. While I don't have any right to demand anything from you, don't abandon the child you helped to bring into the world. While it is going through some very difficult teen years right now, when it does finally mature, you need to be there for the acknowledgement of wisdom and love. You will be sorely missed. Your sanity was always refreshing. May you impact your next passion as heavily as you did this one and not lose sight of another quote you gave (Don't pursue paintball because it is paintball, pursue something because you love doing it.)

[AGDlover]

Dear Tom ,
You have created many MAGnificent paintball markers over the years. You have brought out some of the best markers in our lifetime and we thank you for that. We are sad to see you move on , but also happy for you and hope you enjoy what ever you deside to do from here on out. Tom , we will always miss you and when we are playing paintball with our automags we will think of only one name.....Tom Kaye

Team Magfiea



http://www.freewebs.com/teammagfiea

[Torch]

Thanks Tom for everything. Good luck.

Torch

[camilion705]

I am deeply saddened by this surprising and sudden news. Tom, your contributions to paintball will always be remembered. We all thank you so much for everything that you have done for paintball. I wish you a prosperous and happy retirement.

Now I am on a mission to purchase a Classic Automag...

[jctam]

later Tom. Thanks for the Mags and the awsome company you built.

[Thordic]

Tom, I wish I could say this is a huge surprise, but its not. I remember having a conversation with you in the bar at IAO, and it just left me with a feeling. I can't say I expected this, but it isn't all that surprising.

Over the years, you've been a lot of things to the paintball industry. An innovater, a player, and advice-giver, a gun-maker, a proof-seeker, and most importantly, a friend to a lot of people. You may think you'll be forgotten in a year, but I doubt thats possible. You've had too big an impact upon this sport that even in its changing / decaying form, you're name will still be heard and recognized for years to come.

There's a few things about you that stand out to anyone who meets you.

First is your approachability. At every event I've seen you at, you take time out to talk to those who want to talk. Whether its just for a quick hello, or eating donuts and gossiping, or hosting tech classes out for free on your own time, I've never seen you turn anyone away or tell them you were too busy. Tons of industries leaders don't make themselves approachable to their customers and fans, your friendliness has always made you stand out amongst your peers.

Another thing is your enthusiasm for the sport. I don't think I've met many people who I can honestly say are as in love with paintball as you are. I've seen you up late at night plotting how to best destroy Shatner, seen you getting excited over new breakthroughs in technology, and I've unfortunately seen you deeply hurt about the direction the sport is heading in.

You've invented technology that has changed the face of paintball, but I think perhaps your greatest contribution may have been your involvement in acquiring and promoting AO. Building a business is an accomplishment, but one lots of people are capable of. Building a community that has grown in so many ways is amazing.

AOers are more than just people who talk on the internet. A lot of us have formed tight and meaningful friendships with people who live halfway across the country, or sometimes halfway across the globe. And you've played a part in that. In a lot of ways, you're the father to the AO community. I can't even count the number of kids I see on AO who look up to you almost as a second father. I know right now you are probably feeling kind of low, but just try to think about the positive effect you have had on so many people. You've become a part of peoples lives. And thats something no one will forget.

I truly hope that while you and AGD may have parted ways, you can still find time to stay in contact with all those on AO who still consider you a friend and a role-model. I know at times through the years we've put you through hell, but we're still here for you and I hope that doesn't change.

The community you've begun won't die, it won't fade away or be forgotten. AO is your legacy, and in my opinion, thats something to be truly proud of. When you think about whats been done on this website, its awe-inspiring.

I wish you luck in all your future endeavors, I'm sure with your intelligence and enthusiam you'll be able to accomplish whatever it is you set your mind to.

Sincerely,

Brian "Thordic" Casani

[wispaintstyle]

The Paintball world will miss you. Here's to Teknut's new life

Now the old gaurd have all gone west. I feel almost as if middle earth has faded a little.

[Arson51]

For a while i really resented you Tom. I hated you for not improving the mag, not apealling to the public, for not fitting in. I met you last D-day but you didnt come in gloriously in a huge semi truck with tents and displays, i resented you more for it, for not fitting the role you deserved.

Now i cannot hate you, I can only think of praises for your genious, insight, and modesty. Aslong as i can still hold my Emag, you will not be forgotten. It was an honor to meet a founder of the sport even though at the time i didnt know it. Thank you for all that you have done.

Long live the Tom!
Long live AGD!
Long live the MAG!

[Tina]

We just got the news over at WilliamShatner.com. Wow. I'm speechless. But I'm very thankful you'll still be doing Celebrity Paintball...it wouldn't be the same without you...well...unless you hand us our butts again...

[Wheelman]

I saw this posted on a local board and the way it was worded I thought Tom had died ....from reading some of these post you would think he did. We all have a time when we have to do for ourselves and if that is what Tom needs to do then I support him 100%, but I am a little disapointed we won't get you to the next AONE event. Well enjoy your retirement and have fun, remember Midcoast Maine in the summer is great for vacationing (I might even buy you breakfast! ) I know I don't have to say anything sappy like never forget us or something because I have a feeling you won't.

Have a beer and a Lap dance on me,
Steve "Wheelman" Lane

P.S. I can honestly say that the olny gun I have ever owned and am still kicking myself for selling is my Mag.


Thank You

[madmolly]

I can't say anything that hasn't been already said. I really don't think I would be playing ball today if I did not have an automag in my hands in 92 and won the first tourney ever held in Brantwood WI at S&E Paintball. It will definately feel different when I pick up my old mag and give her a day out this sprind. Thanks for what you did man and

[azzkikr]

that smily expreses my feelings exactly. tom i can understand and respect your wishes in your decission. however i'm incredibly sadden to see you leave the great sport of paintball. like lots of people have mentioned, your contributions to the sport are priceless and paintball just wouldn't be where it is without them. i really hope to catch you somewhere just to have a little talk.

i really hope you can make it again to our little town here in dalton ga, even if just to hang out.

best of wishes in anything and everything that may come your way.

AZZKIKR

Federico Nietzsche

[wyn1370]

Much as others have said, I'm not surprised by this. Sad yes, but not surprised. Tom has way too much character and heart to stay in an industry full of corruption and politics.

On a different note, I can see in the near future things going two ways. If we don't stand strong and carry on the tradition that Tom has built here on AO, things are going to continue to get worse around here. If not, AO will become simply another PBN.

I’m so sick of listening to all the complaining about how bad things have become and about how great things where back in AO’s glory days. There is a very strong core group of people that have become practically family. And to us, this is much like a death in the family. So what does a family have to do when there is a death, you pull together and carry on.