In the profound words of my pit-bull of a partner, Chet O.E.P. Burozski... "ready, fire, aim." And I respond today... Go with God, but never leave my heart.

I met Chet, when he emailed me from a biker website asking me if I would pinstripe his next bike build. He mentioned he had met East Coast Artie (who is a friend of mine and veteran striper at Myrtle Beach), and had gained an interest in hand painted bikes.

He proceeded to email me photos of a previous build, an edgy green "O.E.P." creation. I immediately knew he was a contender... I hesitated for a moment... For the first time ever, I wanted to duck and run from a valid paint job.

This was the real deal. He knew EVERYBODY in the motorcycle industry... So I proceeded to respond with a small novel, recommending three other Master Pinstripers that I know, (Alan Johnson, Jim Norris and Mark Peters) along with my phone number and I thanked him for considering me. I don't think a second had passed when my phone rang... And a booming voice barked at me, "If I wanted somebody else to paint my bike, I would have called them. Your fuckin' painting it and that's that!"

Upon founding our first marketing venture, OEP Productions, we had to create a tag phrase that captured his style of sales. After many charming debates he agreed on: "Aggressive problem solving... Not for the timid." because NOTHING else described what he did.

I have never known a more giving, talented, honest man. An amazing father, a great friend and teacher, a champion for the disabled, a hero for children's charities and one hell of a salesman.

Well, Chet, you did it, man... You changed the world. You changed my life forever. Not many men, even great men, can say that. It has been the quite a ride, my friend. I wish it would never end... You set the bar for others.

Chet O.E.P. Burozski, a force comparable to a human tsunami, my partner, my dear friend and life coach. (I miss you like a fat boy loves cake!)

For every waking moment of many, many lives... You will be missed!

Xo
I believe in you.
Your silent but deadly shadow
~Carol