Lost a mechanic (long post)

[Fujichants]

I am extremely frustrated and feel a bit disgusted. Also very disappointed.

I thought I had a great mechanic at my LBS. The guy takes great care of my bike, and goes above and beyond. He's helped me with a lot of things. BF and I sometimes run into him during our rides and we all end up chatting for a few minutes. However, I started to notice that this guy was developing a bit of a crush on me. He would start calling me "beautiful" and things like that. So I felt uncomfortable and stopped going to the store. If I really needed something done for my bike, I would take BF with me. (I have taken my bike to other places and I am definitely not happy with the way they treat it). So the guy backed off and started telling us about his 17 year old son and his wife and bla bla bla.

Well, the other day I had to take my other bike in because I was preparing to sell it. So I wanted it in great shape. BF and I dropped it off, and I had to pick it up by myself because BF had a baseball game to play. The stupid mechanic would not let me take my own bike to my car, he just had to hold on to it and felt the need to help me. I already felt uncomfortable and told him to give me my bike. He just walked out of the store with it! So I open my car from a distance and watch him put my bike in the back. I then lock the car and wait for him to go back inside the store. Instead, he walks up to me, and asks for a hug. I say no. The guy just hugs me and says: I wish you didn't have a boyfriend. I try to get him away from me, and as I turn my head away and get ready to push him, he kisses my cheek. I pushed him off and felt disgusted and violated. I yelled at him that he has a wife and that he knows my BF and how dare he! I wanted to go back into the store and look for his manager, but was too embarrassed. I just got into my car and raced off.

I am never, ever going back there again. I don't understand why some men are like this. Now, I have to look for a new LBS and a new mechanic too. I hate this!

[Aggie_Ama]

What on earth was he thinking???? You really should report him to the manager, I mean it may cost him his job but this is unacceptable in so many ways. Just for you as a customer you shouldn't feel uncomfortable and as a person you shouldn't have to deal with that strong of an advance. ICK!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

He probably does this to other women customers too. The manager/owner should know about it. Hugging and kissing you against your will!!?? That's serious stuff.

[Blueberry]

Ditto what the others have said. That's really not cool behavior, and I would call the manager.

CA

[LoriO]

ditto what the others said. YOu need to go see the manager and tell him what happened. If he has done it to you, he could very well be doing it to other women. That and think how that reflects on and impacts that store. If they are losing business due to this person, they need to know it.

Don't let him win by your silence!!! Stand up against him and do something about him. You will be surprised by how much better you will feel once you do something.

[VeloVT]

Fujichants, I'm really sorry that happened to you.

There is something wrong with our culture that causes women to feel guilty when this happens to them. Forgive me if I'm totally wrong about that, Fujichants, but I sort of sense it a little bit in your post. I'm pretty sure there's a part of me that would feel guilty in that situation too, as though it was my fault in some way.

Not your fault. He's a jerk.

[celerystalksme]

should have run him over with your car...for real real...not for play play...

[chicago]

what a creep. just stay away from him and the store... who needs that kind of stuff... there are other fine mechanics out there....

[Becky]

Call his manager. Seriously.

[Biciclista]

call his manager. He needs to have consequences for his actions or he might do it again. OR WORSE.

please?

[Irulan]

wow

ew

what they all said, let the mgr know!!!

Don't be embarrassed! ( that is what is wrong with our culture!!) Be mad. He's the one that should feel that way. I would call the manager and MAKE AN APPOINTMENT so they know you are serious.

[Biciclista]

and bring your boyfriend with you!

[Irulan]

and bring your boyfriend with you!

Why?

[Biciclista]

for moral support. And besides, the abuser is probably going to say "she asked for it." It will be harder to make that statement with the boyfriend sitting there because HE knows how hard it's been for her.

[sundial]

Because having her man present will 1) give her emotional support and 2) to keep the manager from brushing her off.

[OakLeaf]

Fuji, that stinks. +1 to reporting him, and I sure hope you find a new mechanic soon.

I'm with the ones who say don't bring your boyfriend to talk to the manager. I TOTALLY get the desire for moral support, but chances are the manager will take you less seriously if it appears you're not there on your own.

[Irulan]

I guess I am just surprised at that. While I don't disagree, I do think we need to stand up for ourselves and not be dependent on that man waiting in the wings to back us up. To me its' simple enough, if you aren't believed, you go straight to the cops and file a sexual harrassment/assault charge. It's much more empowering to take care of this stuff on your own.

[Iris616]

What a tough situation, and I'm sorry it happened to you. Go speak to the manager. You might save a less savvy/stron/confident woman from a much worse situation. You had the common sense to try not to get near him, and he still was that aggressive.

[lph]

um... I would hate to sound like I'm somehow supporting harassment or something, but to me he just sounds like a besotted idiot with bad impulse control, not some creepy jerk who does this to women all the time. I feel sorry for the guy. And of course - double sorry for fujichants who has to deal with it all.

[Biciclista]

Yes, a woman SHOULD be able to go into a shop and make a complaint without her "man" present. But there's an angle here that you are missing. it's one person's word against the other. Once the boyfriend walks in and says, yes, I"ve seen how he makes her uncomfortable, it's TWO against one.

[alpinerabbit]

um... I would hate to sound like I'm somehow supporting harassment or something, but to me he just sounds like a besotted idiot with bad impulse control, not some creepy jerk who does this to women all the time. I feel sorry for the guy. And of course - double sorry for fujichants who has to deal with it all.
Same.
I think the wrong response would be to feel victimized.
It's possible he's done it before, but I lean on the side of caution and just brushing it off. I'd talk to him first and get an apology.

[Zen]

Yes, a woman SHOULD be able to go into a shop and make a complaint without her "man" present. But there's an angle here that you are missing. it's one person's word against the other. Once the boyfriend walks in and says, yes, I"ve seen how he makes her uncomfortable, it's TWO against one.

I disagree.
A competent business manager will take her at her word.
With the boyfriend present it could be construed as a jealous boyfriend.

[SadieKate]

I agree the boyfriend doesn't need to be there. A reasonable manager should take your word for it. Do it in person, not over the phone. Bringing in your boyfriend as your boyfriend weakens your stance as a paying customer, male or female.

However, there is value in having the boyfriend there to say "if you don't fix this you will lose 2 customers." Be sure he doesn't say or demonstrate any flexed male muscles and ego.

And both of you should say that you will be sure the word is passed along to all friends that there is a mechanic there whose behavior cannot be trusted outside the store.

So what if he is a besotted idiot and how would anyone know if he does this to other women unless the manager is notified? I'd sure be questioning whether battery has occurred.

[lph]

I didn't say, or mean, that the manager should not be notified. He (or she) should be notified - if fujichants wants to - but I was questioning the responses that thought this guy would do this again or has done so to others. I found it hard to tell from the story.

[sgtiger]

Fujichants, creep, indeed! I'm inclined to think that the mechanics actions were more than mere social blunders. The impression that I received from your post was that you did all you could to spurn his actions yet despite that he went ahead and made inappropriate advances. I'd make a formal written complaint to the manager/owner with a detailed account of what happened. That way you can keep a copy and notify the LBS without having to speak to them in person. You should clearly spell out for them every instance where he acted despite your protests. Whether the LBS does anything or not at least you they've been made aware of the events that cost them a customer and you have a copy to file with the proper authorities if the mechanic should ever try to contact you in any way again.

[sundial]

Well, I guess I'm an old fashioned southern gal but I still feel that having her boyfriend there will help. I don't feel that having a man present weakens the testimony. If anything, it will strengthen her case.

[Irulan]

um... I would hate to sound like I'm somehow supporting harassment or something, but to me he just sounds like a besotted idiot with bad impulse control, not some creepy jerk who does this to women all the time. I feel sorry for the guy. And of course - double sorry for fujichants who has to deal with it all.

I hate to think how many other women might have had to tolerate "poor impulse control".

[jesvetmed]

wow

ew

Well said. guy sounds creepy and a bit sad. Sorry you have to find a new mechanic. That's the toughest part here.

[KSH]

WOW! That's really bad. :mad:

Flirting... annoying, but no harm. Walking out to your car and then kissing you on the cheek? YUCK! Way over the line.

There is no way you can go back there. What a freak that guy is. Just wow.

[Irulan]

Well, I guess I'm an old fashioned southern gal but I still feel that having her boyfriend there will help. I don't feel that having a man present weakens the testimony. If anything, it will strengthen her case.

How does it strengthen her case?

I think the opposite, bring BF with speaks volumes: I'm too intimidated to do this own my own so I brought my boyfriend with me to provide intimidating glares".

[Bluetree]

Fuji...

PM me the name of the store and the mechanic. I know some LBS owners/managers in the area and may be able to help.

No one should have to deal with that (with ANY kind of business) and the owner/manager should know about it.

EDIT: BTW, if that had happened to me I wouldn't avoid him or the shop. I'd give that guy (and the LBS) a piece of my mind and it would be loud enough so everyone within a 10-block radius would hear about it. Not only would I make it clear how intolerable that behavior is, I would make sure every female rider in every single Los Angeles cycling/triathlon club knew about it. Then I would then threaten to organize a boycott of the store if I didn't get a suitable response from ownership.

But that's just me. ;)

[Irulan]

Fuji...


EDIT: BTW, if that had happened to me I wouldn't avoid him or the shop. I'd give that guy (and the LBS) a piece of my mind and it would be loud enough so everyone within a 10-block radius would hear about it. Not only would I make it clear how intolerable that behavior is, I would make sure every female rider in every single Los Angeles cycling/triathlon club knew about it. Then I would then threaten to organize a boycott of the store if I didn't get a suitable response from ownership.

But that's just me. ;)


With or without your bf ?<gdr....>
Best answer yet.

[Bluetree]

I have a "no tolerance" personal policy when it comes to behavior like this. I don't make excuses for a guy's bad behavior ("poor guy, he musta had a bad day") nor do I think anyone needs to "prove" their worthiness or their word by bringing back-up. That mechanic screwed up, royally, and you are not the one who should pay for his actions by being inconvenienced or made to feel bad.

Embrace your power, girl, both as a person and as a paying customer.

[kfergos]

I'm inclined to agree with Bluetree, although in all honesty I don't know how I'd deal with that if it happened to me. Certainly I'd go to the manager, and I think the suggestion of a written complaint is good just for the record.

Anyhow, I'm sorry you got stuck in this nasty position, and I hope you can find a good new LBS & mechanic in the future.

[Irulan]

It might be a good opportunity to learn to work on your own bikes.:p

[Pax]

I have a "no tolerance" personal policy when it comes to behavior like this. I don't make excuses for a guy's bad behavior ("poor guy, he musta had a bad day") nor do I think anyone needs to "prove" their worthiness or their word by bringing back-up. That mechanic screwed up, royally, and you are not the one who should pay for his actions by being inconvenienced or made to feel bad.

Embrace your power, girl, both as a person and as a paying customer.

Right ON sister!

[vinbek]

If I were the owner or manager of this shop, I would want to know if I had jerks for employees. I wouldn't want someone running my customers off.
I would talk with the owner of the shop and let him know what happened and how you don't want to use his shop anymore. It can only be a win-win.
They either talk to this guy and get his behavior corrected or fire him for harrassment. I feel sorry for the wife....I wouldn't be embarrassed. I would be angry.

[Adventure Girl]

Here's my 2 cents....

The way I see it, the guy did two things wrong.
1. Took your bike to your car when you told him not to.
2. Gross violation of your personal space.

Problem #1:


The stupid mechanic would not let me take my own bike to my car, he just had to hold on to it and felt the need to help me. I already felt uncomfortable and told him to give me my bike. He just walked out of the store with it! So I open my car from a distance and watch him put my bike in the back.
You told him to give you your bike, but he still took it. I can understand why this would make you angry. I prefer to load my bikes by myself, and when people offer to help, I say, "no thanks". But if they persist, that polite "no thanks" turns into a very strong "NO THANKS". Then if they still don't get the picture, I say "NO!!"

By telling him to give you your bike back, but then opening your car so he could put it in the back, you weren't really being clear with him that "no means no".

Problem #2:
There's no excuse the hug. And it seems very clear that you were quite firm in declining his advances. I agree that you should speak with the owner/manager. Remember that the mananger didn't do anything wrong and you aren't angry with him, but be sure he knows that this guy was way out of line!

And in the future, just be sure that you really mean it when when you say, "No"! It's not only the word "no", but it's your tone and actions that are important.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

Fuji, please do something about it.

I had something similar happen when I went car shopping in Feb. I knew something was up when the sales guy I talked to said I sounded beautiful on the phone. I should of just went somewhere else. Duh.

But no, I wanted this jeep so bad, I went to the dealership at night (strike one) and went on a test drive alone with him (strike two) where he grabbed me and tried to kiss me (strike three). I promptly spun the jeep out and went back to the dealership. It could have been worse. I just wanted out of there. Yes, I was embarrassed, I have no idea why but that quickly turned to anger. Here I was, all alone on the east coast, this guy has my address, knows where I live, knows everything because I filled out my info before test driving. So I left.

The next evening, I came back. I did bring a male with me and had him stand off to the side. Little did anyone know, it was my bike mechanic. I went to the salesmanager and told him what happened. I wanted the sales guy to know that I wasn't alone. He wasn't a part of conversation, he was just there. He didn't hear any of the conversation, just outside displayed nicely in the big plate glass.

The guy got fired. End of story. They were very apologetic in fact, very surprisingly apologetic. Which makes me think this wasn't his first complaint.

The reason I went back? All night I kept thinking, what if he did that to another woman and didn't take no for an answer...what if she was me but 20 years old? I have to tell you ladies, in my 20s I was not this bold. I learned by being tested, and I just kept thinking, if that happened to someone's daughter or sister, I would by very mad.

The reason I brought the bike mechanic? I wasn't scared, but I wanted to make sure if this guy was a wingnut that I did have someone in my corner if something happened to me. I didn't want to be followed, or harassed.

So Fuji, do what you think is right, but just make sure you do it how your gut tells you. BF in the car, right next to you, whatever...listen to that instinct that we were given and use it...sometimes we all need a little help and there is no shame in that. I would say that having him next to me would be unnerving for me...

[withm]

Actually it was way more than an "invasion of personal space." If the guy so much as touched her it could easily be construed as "offensive touching" if not downright assault. You have to follow up on this one.

[Skierchickie]

How creepy! And scary. An infuriating. I wouldn't want to go back there, either. His boss needs to know, though. Your instincts were definitely right about this guy - good job keeping yourself safe.

I don't know what the "right" response is, or whether the BF should be with you. Moral support is a wonderful thing, though. Maybe he could go with you, but wait in the car while you talk to the manager? He doesn't have to be involved - just there to give you "attagirls" when it's over. Personally, I don't deal well with confrontation, and would be wanting it all to go away. But would that help you? Or his next target? Or his employer? Talking to the manager doesn't require confrontation, anyway.

Innocent puppy, or sinister stalker - either way he needs a severe reprimand - don't feel sorry for him. His poor family, yes.

No does mean no - whatever your tone of voice.

Tahoe - wow! How horrible!

[Irulan]

THD, did they make you a good deal on the jeep? They should have.

[Fujichants]

Thank you for all the advice. I am going by the store tomorrow to speak with the manager. I know the mechanic will be at Interbike so I am happy I don't have to run into him when I go into the store.

And yes...I need to start learning to take care of my own bike! I am just so afraid i'll end up breaking something :(

[Velobambina]

Actually it was way more than an "invasion of personal space." If the guy so much as touched her it could easily be construed as "offensive touching" if not downright assault. You have to follow up on this one.

Agree wholeheartedly. You said no and he ignored you. There's something wrong w/this man.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Don't blame yourself. Do what makes you feel comfortable (boyfriend coming w/you or not---that's your decision and I'm confident that we all support you whatever you decide). I think it takes much courage to report this jerk. I've been there, as have many of us, I suspect. I figure that if he did it to you, he probably will do/has done it to someone else.

Sending lots of good karma your way.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

THD, did they make you a good deal on the jeep? They should have.

You know Irulan, the universe works her mysterious magic.

I just wanted out of that place as soon as possible. I was so turned off by it I just cooled my heels and did my searching online for the perfect jeep.

I was going to go back but found out...a month after all of this, they had..CLOSED! So that to me was a big sign.

I bought it in RI and got a killer deal. Now if I could just get the stupid nav and radio to work right. I'm on my third system!

Sorry to hijack, thinking of ya Fuji!

[Iris616]

Fujichants-Good luck today. Let us know how the conversation with the manager goes.
Sending "be strong" thoughts your way.

[sundial]

Kali and Niki, my german shepherds, send their spirit of protection so that you'll have all the courage you need. :)

[Becky]

That's what you should take with you to see the manager- a German Shepherd! Now there's some back-up! :D

Seriously though, good luck and be strong. I know that you'll do fine!

[sundial]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/Kaliandscarf.jpg

Kali has your back. ;)

[Becky]

Kali has your back. ;)

*squeals* Puppy!

[Fujichants]

Oh, what a beautiful dog! Thanks for the support everybody! I will update to let you know how it goes.

[Zen]

Nothing like a dog in uniform...

[Fujichants]

So...I called the store today to see if the manager is in and if I can schedule a time to come meet with him.

And that stupid mechanic picks up.

I don't want to see him or run into him. Or talk to him.

What do I do?

[sundial]

Drat! I wonder if the store has caller i.d. and he figured it was you calling?

Call from your BF's cell or a pay phone and ask to speak with the manager. Then tell him if it's possible you'd like to meet with him at the shop after closing--when the mechanic is not there. Tell him there as an incident with the mechanic.

[Biciclista]

wait till he goes to Interbike. Find out the diff between his schedule and the manager's. I completely understand how you feel. I have been in a similar position.

[Triskeliongirl]

Can you get a friend to phone so he doesn't recognize your voice, and ask to speak with the manager. Then just tell him you'd like to make an appt. to talk with him when the mechanic will not be in, as it concerns an incident you had with the mechanic that makes you uncomfortable to see him again.

[Becky]

So...I called the store today to see if the manager is in and if I can schedule a time to come meet with him.

And that stupid mechanic picks up.

I don't want to see him or run into him. Or talk to him.

What do I do?

Calmly and professionally ask to speak to the manager. When you make your appointment, make it for an off-site location nearby. A coffee house, deli, whatever. It may have to be at a slightly inconvenient time (e.g. before or after the manager's shift), but it will be worth it. EDIT: Absolutely tell him/her over the phone that you have had a disturbing incident with a member of his/her staff, and that you are not comfortable visiting the shop.

IMHO, of course.

[indigoiis]

Best wishes to you... hope it goes well.

[ginny]

Um... I'm just a science geek, but isn't what he did completely illegal? If you don't want to go to the manager, go to the police and file an official complaint. You shouldn't have to face your 'attacker' again if you don't want to. Aren't there some legal types around here? I keep hearing in your posts that you don't want to see or hear him or interact with him in any way. You don't owe it to the store or him to go to his manager first. He was out of line. Anyone with half a brain knows what he did is not acceptable (he knows it too). Just pick up the phone and call the local police/sheriff. I bet they would send someone to your home to chat with you if you like. I dunno what I would do in that situation, but I know that if I didn't want to see him again, I wouldn't!

[Irulan]

Can you get a friend to phone so he doesn't recognize your voice, and ask to speak with the manager. Then just tell him you'd like to make an appt. to talk with him when the mechanic will not be in, as it concerns an incident you had with the mechanic that makes you uncomfortable to see him again.


Why the secrecy?

Just say, " oh, Joe isn't in? When will he be in?" and then call back later. Then call back when the manager IS in, and talk him etc.

[Fujichants]

I had my friend call and the guy picked up again. She asked for the manager and he was very rude, telling her that he was the manager on duty. When she asked for the owner, he said there is no owner, just 4 managers, and he named them. The guys he named are all sales people and I think they are incompetent and all friends with him.

Gah!

[Irulan]

OK, time to call the cops and file a report.
Call the Better Business Bureau.
Call the Chamber of Commerce, I'm sure they would know who the registered owner of the store is.

[kfergos]

OK, time to call the cops and file a report.

I agree with Irulan. I know this is turning into a big ordeal, but you're doing the right thing. Good luck, and hang in there!

[Tuckervill]

um... I would hate to sound like I'm somehow supporting harassment or something, but to me he just sounds like a besotted idiot with bad impulse control, not some creepy jerk who does this to women all the time. I feel sorry for the guy. And of course - double sorry for fujichants who has to deal with it all.

Except he's not the type to take No for an answer. She told him to give her the bike and he took it anyway. She stayed away from him while loaded it in the car. She tried to get away, said no when he asked for a hug and then hugged and KISSED her anyway.

What would he have done if she had not resisted SO MUCH?

He gave up his right to be besotted with other women when he got married.

A simple NO should be enough.

Karen

[Becky]

OK, time to call the cops and file a report.
Call the Better Business Bureau.
Call the Chamber of Commerce, I'm sure they would know who the registered owner of the store is.

Don't forget online tax records, if your area has them. Or online corporation searches or business licenses. Or online property records- I'll bet the shop landlord knows where his rent check comes from. There are lots of ways to use public records to get the owner's info.

And yes, file a complaint with the police. This has gone on long enough.

[LoriO]

Don't let him give you the run around. Perhaps you can find out through the town tax office who the business owner is.

[indigoiis]

I wouldn't bother with research. Cawl the coppers.

[Biciclista]

I had my friend call and the guy picked up again. She asked for the manager and he was very rude, telling her that he was the manager on duty. When she asked for the owner, he said there is no owner, just 4 managers, and he named them. The guys he named are all sales people and I think they are incompetent and all friends with him.

Gah!

this gets creepier and creepier. Is there another LBS nearby? maybe ask them who is the owner? And it wouldn't hurt to call the police, Tell them up front, it's not an emergency. They usually have people trained very well to handle cases like this one.

[Irulan]

Don't forget online tax records, if your area has them. Or online corporation searches or business licenses. Or online property records- I'll bet the shop landlord knows where his rent check comes from. There are lots of ways to use public records to get the owner's info.

And yes, file a complaint with the police. This has gone on long enough.


Or Dun and Bradsteet

[Pedal Wench]

Remember, YOU did nothing wrong. Be strong, ask for the manager, and set up the appointment.

[Aggie_Ama]

How can no one own the place? This guy's behavior reeks. File a complaint and take your business elsewhere. Isn't worth it but it should be out there this place has creeps. Do you Yelp? BBB reviews, bike reviews, anything? And I would put in a general harrassment complaint to the police (I did this one when I was extensively harrassed via AOL IM by someone I knew) in case this yahoo tries anymore nonsense. It is on record you have had a problem with unwanted advances from him.

[Blueberry]

That blows. I agree with the other posters. Call the cops and file a report. Does the store have other locations? If so, call one of those and ask who the manager is for that store. The cops will not be amused by the 4 "managers."

I bet the bike companies know who the manager is....As does the secretary of state....

CA

[Biciclista]

How can no one own the place? This guy's behavior reeks. File a complaint and take your business elsewhere. Isn't worth it but it should be out there this place has creeps. Do you Yelp? BBB reviews, bike reviews, anything? And I would put in a general harrassment complaint to the police (I did this one when I was extensively harrassed via AOL IM by someone I knew) in case this yahoo tries anymore nonsense. It is on record you have had a problem with unwanted advances from him.

Do you YELP means go to Yelp.com and file a review!!

[Bluetree]

Fujichants PM'd me the name/location of the store. Since it is a chain, I took the liberty of forwarding this entire thread link to the company's corporate headquarters.

They were very quick to respond (and very apologetic) and have promised to start an investigation. I have forwarded Fujichants all of the contact information. Hopefully this issue will be resolved to her satisfaction and such things will never happen to her or anyone else again.

Peace.

[sundial]

Good! I hope it turns out well for Fuji. What a bad business! It's sad when an innocent woman had to be victimized by one's inappropriate behavior. :mad:

[Blueberry]

Bluetree-

Thanks for helping with this - they could have some major liability on their hands if they didn't take it seriously.

CA

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Fujichants PM'd me the name/location of the store. Since it is a chain, I took the liberty of forwarding this entire thread link to the company's corporate headquarters.

They were very quick to respond (and very apologetic) and have promised to start an investigation. I have forwarded Fujichants all of the contact information. Hopefully this issue will be resolved to her satisfaction and such things will never happen to her or anyone else again.

Peace.


Excellent.

[Fujichants]

Thank you so much for helping me with this Bluetree. I really, really appreciate it.

I called Sam the minute I got your PM, but he was already out of the office. I am expecting his call tomorrow.

I want to thank all you ladies for the amazing support and advice you have given me. I was so embarrassed and upset about it that I had kept it to myself at first, but then decided to post about it because I knew everybody would understand.

I only told my BF today about it. I was afraid he would get really mad and go to the shop and punch the living daylights out of that guy. Which would have been nice, but wouldn't have solved anything.

I am relieved this will be over soon!

[sundial]

Please keep us posted on the latest. There is strength in numbers. :)

[Tuckervill]

What was your boyfriend's reaction?

Karen

[arielmoon]

Fujichants PM'd me the name/location of the store. Since it is a chain, I took the liberty of forwarding this entire thread link to the company's corporate headquarters.

They were very quick to respond (and very apologetic) and have promised to start an investigation. I have forwarded Fujichants all of the contact information. Hopefully this issue will be resolved to her satisfaction and such things will never happen to her or anyone else again.

Peace.

YOU ROCK!

Fuji- I hope for the best in this!

[Fujichants]

I just got off the phone with Sam (HR Manager at Performance) and explained the whole situation to him. He was appalled and stunned and he assured me they will get down to the bottom of this and make sure the correct disciplinary action is taken.

He was very apologetic and I am glad that I got to talk to him. Thank you again, Bluetree.

My concern is now, that if they do give this guy the boot, that he will find a job at Cynergy Cycles or any other bike shops I like to frequent. I do not want to get in the way of anybody trying to make a living, but I don't want others to encounter this guy, and I sure as heck do not want to run into him again.

[Irulan]

I just got off the phone with Sam (HR Manager at Performance) and explained the whole situation to him. He was appalled and stunned and he assured me they will get down to the bottom of this and make sure the correct disciplinary action is taken.

He was very apologetic and I am glad that I got to talk to him. Thank you again, Bluetree.

My concern is now, that if they do give this guy the boot, that he will find a job at Cynergy Cycles or any other bike shops I like to frequent. I do not want to get in the way of anybody trying to make a living, but I don't want others to encounter this guy, and I sure as heck do not want to run into him again.


don't give this cretin that kind of power over you. That is a choice you know. If you ran into him again, stand straight up and tall, look him in the eye with a look that says, "I know your gig and you KNOW what will happen if you so much as bat an eyelash at me".

[Pax]

don't give this cretin that kind of power over you. That is a choice you know. If you ran into him again, stand straight up and tall, look him in the eye with a look that says, "I know your gig and you KNOW what will happen if you so much as bat an eyelash at me".
I would do the same thing, and have, I just wish we weren't raised to be so nice all the time, to be the ones who try to make everyone comfortable and happy...it makes it so hard to do a 180 and get a little fierce.

[vinbek]

Don't give your power away to this guy. Go into every shop you want with all the confidence in the world. You should not change anything that you do. He is the one that needs to change the behavior. And if he doesn't, someone needs to inform his wife....

[Aggie_Ama]

I am proud of you Fuji (or Trekchants :)). You had no reason to be ashamed but I think that is such a normal reaction for this type of violation.

Hold your head high, try to find a new shop if you feel more comfortable. Just do what you want and don't let the Sleeze take away the confidence you seem to have. He is a jerk, not you. ;)

[Biciclista]

and if this guy gets fired for inappropriate sexual overtures, do you think another bike shop is going to hire him?
can we have recommendations? oh yeah, him?

[SadieKate]

The other shop would have to know the reason for the firing and most HR depts will only confirm employment dates.

[Biciclista]

The other shop would have to know the reason for the firing and most HR depts will only confirm employment dates.

most employers ask for recommendations and references.

[Aggie_Ama]

Not to mention here the bike community is very small even though it is very big. The little information would spread like wildfire amongst the shops.

[SadieKate]

But the fired employee is the one who provides the recommendations and references. You think he is going to use the shop that fired him?

Any shop that he applies to would have to read between the lines and ask why he doesn't provide a recommendation from the shop he was just working for. I'm not an HR professional but I've taken university extension classes as a manager.

And with no legal action against the guy? The previous employer can't say a word.

Irulan has it absolutely right.

don't give this cretin that kind of power over you. That is a choice you know. If you ran into him again, stand straight up and tall, look him in the eye with a look that says, "I know your gig and you KNOW what will happen if you so much as bat an eyelash at me".

[maillotpois]

most employers ask for recommendations and references.

Oh no way. They call, you say "Yes, X worked here from ___ to ____." That's IT. Otherwise you face exposure for libel, etc. No HR department will officially say a WORD. Word of mouth shop to shop maybe, but an HR department generally won't even say the person was FIRED.

They ask for recommendations - and if you get them, great. If you get only dates, that's a red flag. But I've been told many times not even to say good things about people - fears of reliance on that and disappointment in the person recommended, etc. Tis a most litigious age. And yes, I profit from that, generally.

At least you dealt with it - and good work, Bluetree!

[Bluetree]

I heard on the grapevine today that the offending mechanic was "released."

I hope the store gave you ample apologies/compensation to your satisfaction, Fuji. ;)

[Geonz]

A toast to courage!

[Fujichants]

I haven't been back to the store to see what happened, but good to know!

I received a gift card from them...I gave it to BF so he can buy whatever he needs. :)