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Thread: Sticky: Comments and Thoughts on Tom Kaye's Retirement from AGD and Paintball

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  1. #1
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    Sticky: Comments and Thoughts on Tom Kaye's Retirement from AGD and Paintball

    Hey:

    Well, Mr. Kaye asked for a thread for General Comments on his Retirement. Here it is.

    I just hope that Tom has the best of luck in his other ventures and will stay with us all on AO.

    Best Wishes,

    -ClassicMagger
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  2. #2
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    I think it sucks he's leaving, but he has to do whats best for him.

    Does Dave Zupan ever post on AO? Whats his Screen Name? Will he be as active as Tom was in the community?
    Hey Zero, how much did that Chipley cost ya?

    Originally said by Boggerman When I got married I thought it would go down too... The insurance, not the wife.

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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlamingKoosh
    I think it sucks he's leaving, but he has to do whats best for him.

    Does Dave Zupan ever post on AO? Whats his Screen Name? Will he be as active as Tom was in the community?
    This is deff a good question one of the best things about AGD was the fact that tom comunicated with us. Will this stay the same under new managment? and where will AGD be headed now, what can we expect?

  4. #4
    MindJob Guest
    WOW.

    The last of the good guys rides off into the sunset

    What does the future hold for AGD? New products? New direction, or will the new managment keep the ship on the same course?

    Im here looking at my X-mag sitting on my gear case, thinking that it all of a sudden looks a bit 'dated' for some reason.

    WOW

    Now what?

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by MindJob
    WOW.

    The last of the good guys rides off into the sunset

    What does the future hold for AGD? New products? New direction, or will the new managment keep the ship on the same course?

    Im here looking at my X-mag sitting on my gear case, thinking that it all of a sudden looks a bit 'dated' for some reason.

    WOW

    Now what?
    I really do hope that the company is on the upswing. I don't want AGD to lose its vision for the future. I really pray and hope that the 'Mag will not disappear. It should be refined but not forgotten. What products are in the works?

  6. #6
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    If Dave is anything Like Tom, we will be in good hands...

    It just sucks... I was so exited about just recently becoming an AGD Dealer for Tom... I'm still excited, but it somehow doesn’t quite feel the same...

    I just hop Tom will stop by some of the Games and Tournies from time to time and I hope he continues to post here as well...

    We will miss you bud...

  7. #7
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    I just hope the values and practices of the company don't take a radical shift, and that AGD continues making the highest quality guns around. I am sorry to see Tom go though, he will be missed as an innovator and figurehead and an all around great guy in the world of paintball .
    when there is a will there is a way

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  8. #8
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    I never got to meet you Tom, but I would like to say, Thank you for all you have done, because without you, paintball would surely not be the same, and it's quite sad that one of the persons who has revolutionized paintball numerous times is having to leave because of the direction the sport is heading.

    Good Luck Tom
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  9. #9
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    I think he was one of the most influential guys in paintball, and is partly responsible for what it is today.


    Hope to see him around shatnerballs though, wouldnt want him to disappear without a trace weve gotta heckle him somehow


    cant forget the chuff chuff....


    no more cult
    Last edited by Glickman; 12-08-2004 at 07:14 PM.

  10. #10
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    best of luck. i don't have to like it, but i do respect your decision.

    it's truly the end of an era.

    i have no idea what else to say. truly speechless.

    chuff chuff
    Last edited by Lee; 12-08-2004 at 07:02 PM.

    Florida peeps...step up!!
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  11. #11
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    Tom we will miss you, I wish you and your family the best of luck. You have done so much for paintbal and i would liek to thank you very much.
    -Jr/High school paintball coach

  12. #12
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    i think its very sad but to provide for his family i dont blame him in the least. well i hope he is happy where ever he goes but i know if i was in his shoes i wouldnt be.

  13. #13
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    This has me almost stunned beyond words.

    Tom, I have had the privilage of playing with and against you at two Shatnerball events along with two D-Day games. Every time we met you were in person as nice as you are on AO. A real gentelman within the buisness, you will be missed by many. I just hope you will continue to post on AO as a member and a friend and no disrespect to Dave but in my mine there will only be one AGD on AO.

    Good luck with you future ventures, I hope to play with you again at Shatnerball IV.
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  14. #14
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    I am so stunned that I don't know what to say.


    Its so out of the blue , its like what do you say. All this talk of revamping the company , new direction , new innovation , and BOOM ! I sold the inventory off to the VP and am getting out cause paintball isn't going well.....

    I can't fault the decision , its just the LAST thing I expected to happen.


    WHEN WILL THE NEW OWNER MAKE A STATEMENT ?

  15. #15
    AGD will be in good hands i am sure of it. Tom would never turn his back on us. It will be interesting to see what direction AGD takes in terms of product development

  16. #16
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    Best wishes to him I allways thought never would be a good time for him to leave. Best wishes too him eather way lets just hope i bump into him at CCP one day. tom you rocked all our socks!!!
    Euro E-mag | TL63 | XMOD| EM01610
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  17. #17
    LittlePaintballBoy Guest
    Jeez. Talk about blindsided, I could never have seen this coming.

  18. #18
    thelane Guest
    wow 13 and dont know what to say..well lets give it a try..Mr. Kayeive been playing for 2 years and AGD and the community has helped me lots still on my first gettio mag but i love it its a shock well b4 i start to ramble...great job,hope to meat you one day,best wishes to your family,hope to see you at black rain one day,and i STILL would chouse a MAG over anything.well thats it


    -lane the flying skwril

    P.S. rock on Tom
    P.P.S. three cheers to tom and AGD

  19. #19
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    I think it's quite apparent that this was coming to anyone who has been paying attention to AGD and the rest of the industry.

    But....

    Tom has done enough for Paintball and for AGD,often putting aside his individual needs for the greater good, hopefully now he can truly do something that he enjoys.

    Good luck and Godspeed.

    Jay.
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  20. #20
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    Good luck TK in whatever you decide to do.

    You've left a huge mark on the paintball community, and you will never be forgotten for your achievements.

    Five out of five dancing bananas for TK:
    Yummy yummy yummy, I've got fun in my tummy.

  21. #21
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    Good luck to Tom in digging up those dinasaur bones!
    I just wonder how long until the AO Zombies blame SP for this.
    [Something Cool is Here]

  22. #22
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    Reposted in case Tom doesn't read both threads.

    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

  23. #23
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    I for one will never forget his contributions to the sport. Nor will i forget how awesome it was to speak to him and play along side him. I do hope that he does not drop under the radar, and remains active on the forums just as a friendly voice and continues to show up at events and meets. I also hope that the AO community does not fall do to this. I have met some really cool people on here and would hate to see it go.

    I think of Tom Kaye as a living legend. And he actually is awesome. I mean some idols or legends turn out to be mediocre or not what they say they are. But Tom is truely a great man. Intelligent, friendly, and a beast on the field. I remember the final battle of shatberball 3 and how he rallied all the troops and did that massive charge. That was great and we all did cause we all not only wanted to win but we trusted him and honored this guy. Look at the registration for shatner3 it was one sided in favor of Tom up intill the event. Why? Its not that we dont like shatner or anything but we dont respect and revere him like we do Tom.

    I wish him luck and good fortune with whatever he chooses to do.

    As for me and my friends we are planning on wearing either an arm band or badge in respect to Tom Kaye leaving the sport. Perhaps all of at AO can do this as a sign of allegance or support. And when people ask about it we can explain the legacy of Tom Kaye.

  24. #24
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    While many heads of other paintball companies have always stated that everything they do is to further the sport of paintball. You are however one of the few who backed up your words with action. You've continued to allow your passion for the sport guide you through this market, not the potential for a quick buck. It is a truely commendable feat especially in these times. What you've done for paintball will never be forgotten by those who truely love and respect the sport.
    You set out to do what you wanted to do. Whether you've accomplished everything you wanted to in the sport, I do not know. What I do know is that every achievement you've accomplished will never be taken away from you. Goodluck in whatever venture you will set out towards, and always remember; To strive, to seek, and to never yield.

  25. #25
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    Well I can remember when i got my first AGD gun, it was my minimag when i was 13 years old. Hell I was proud of that thing and now it all came down to this. As much as I love paintball I still dont think that it will ever be the same. Nothin but love..
    peace
    tyler
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  26. #26
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    ive been the proud owner of 4 agd markers since i started playing almost 5 years ago. i have always enjoyed the agd community as well as the support. my only concern is that this doesnt change, but i do think that we will be in good hands. hats off to tom, enjoy looking up at the stars, and down in the dirt.
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  27. #27
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    The easy roads are crowded
    And the level roads are jammed;
    The pleasant little rivers
    With the drifting folks are crammed.
    But off yonder where it's rocky,
    Where you get a better view,
    You will find the ranks are thinning
    And the travelers are few.

    Where the going's smooth and pleasant
    You will always find the throng,
    For the many, more's the pity,
    Seem to like to drift along.
    But the steeps that call for courage,
    And the task that's hard to do
    In the end result in glory
    For the never-wavering few.

    --Edgar Albert Guest



    You have much to be proud of, Tom. This entire community - the AO Army - would not be here if was not for you. You've put quality, service and your customers above everything else, in an industry still trying to find its heart. There has never been a doubt where yours has been and where it will remain for as long as there are memories:

    "If I would have my name endure,
    I'll write it on the hearts of men"

    --Horatio Alger Jr

    Safe journies, my friend.

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  28. #28
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    Well, Tom has never been known to half-arse anything. What ever he is going to do he is going to do well, and I'm sure that everything will go smooth.

    Thank you fo rmy RTP. I still love it!
    Giant flying dogs are gonna give you a flame-thrower enema!!!

    SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!

    Chuff!!! Chuff!!!

    ABQHC

  29. #29
    MindJob Guest
    Any chance of an AO going away tour???

    It would be great to see Tom at the next AO-NJ day.

    Dayspring, start pulling some strings...

  30. #30
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    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.
    You are the Wormtongue of AO.~bofh

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