Unsung Hero

[jd callow]

OK I’ve had an almost refreshing night’s sleep – I need about 3 more to be normal – and thought I’d offer a big thank you.

There is one person who more than any other is responsible for this conference. That person is John from J and C. Back in June of last year, when we were first discussing this conference thing he PM’d me asking how he could help. As the idea was just taking form I sent him an email with prices for a partnership and a sponsorship. He responded with a commitment to be the conference partner. He took a very substantial risk with a serious amount of cash to do this. If we went down in flames it was his name that would have been muddied. At that time there was no way for him to know if this would succeed. Hell he didn’t know Bob and I from applebutter, as far as he knew we were a couple bumpkins, but he also knew that what we were doing is what he does every day – committing ourselves to this traditional photography thing.

My conversations with John are always straight forward. He has an undying commitment to film, is committed for the long haul and never ever blows smoke up your skirt. If we’d screwed this thing-up I can see him shrugging his shoulders and just start looking elsewhere for anther opportunity.

If and when APUG has another conference J and C will be there. More than anything else the first annual APUG conference happened because of John at J&C.

Cheers,

jdc

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

hear hear and all hail! Live long and prosper.

 

[Sean]

Well said Callow. J&C have always been good to us and I was glad to have the opportunity to thank John in person. I even bought a box of 8x10 FP4 from him (had to promptly pull myself away from the rest of his stock before I ended up in the dog house!)

 

[Peter Schrager]

J+C

I took the time out to introduce myself to John at the Conference. A really nice and unassuming gentleman. Without him the conference would have gone nowhere. I especially wanted to meet the person behind the company. I also got to meet Merko-the other half from Berlin. Thanks guys!!
Best, Peter

 

[Aggie]

I've known for a long time John is the greatest. I'm glad many more at the conference were able to meet the man who is so committed to film and us. We would go a long way to find a better man.

 

[BradS]

John, For all you do, Thank you!

 

[Mark Layne]

John is simply the most upfront, supportive supplier I have met in my 40+ years in graphic arts. Never once has he failed to reply to a question or comment. I suspect he actually enjoys what he is doing.
Mark

 

[noseoil]

The right man at the right time....

I wasn't able to attend the conference this year, but hope to go to the next one, as I'm sure I missed out on a lot. Everyone who had a hand in this conference is to be given a hearty thank you. Since we are bonded by our mutual love of film, everyone is to be congratulated here.

John is an unusual man in that he was able to see into the future and realize how valuable film is in our lives. He took all the risks a few years back, to bring in the Efke products which I use almost exclusively now in my hobby. He started a little "mom & pop" internet film business when Kodak & Ilford were busy chopping their product lines and distribution network due to a lack of demand for film. He worked at his "regular" job and then after-hours out of his garage with his wife, to process orders and provide customer service when he was so tired he could barely see (meerly speculation on my part and reading between the lines from emails and phone conversations). Then, once things got out of hand, he had to shift gears and go through growing pains with employees, buildings and deal long distance with suppliers in other parts of the world. He has paid his dues.

I would like to thank him, Sandy, Michael Smith & Paula (and others I can't even begin to list) for their undying devotion to film. Thanks one and all for your hard work and willingness to share with others so that film will not die. Best to all, tim