Lonestar Balsa

[Michael Massey]

Anyone know what is happening with Lonestar Balsa?  I placed an order about 3 weeks ago and was shorted 24 pieces.  I called and they said they would correct the problem.  Have not heard from them since.  My e-mail goes unanswered and the phone message is simply something like they are busy and can't come to the phone at the moment.  That has gone on all last week and today.

Does anyone know if there is a temporary problem or something else?

[BYU]

My best guess is that they are all at the JCT Oscars Party. 

[Paul Wood]

Michael,

I've had the same problem.  I only live about 20 miles from their shop and have been trying to order for over a week.  I even left a message for them to call me, since I was planning to drive to their shop to pick up the order.  Never heard back and finally decided to place an order from another company.  If you don't hear from them soon, let me know and I'd be glad to drive over and see what's going on.  I hope they are well, they are good folks and I've always had excellent service from them.

Paul

[builditright]

This is the message on their site.
"Note:
LONESTAR BALSA WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  ANY ORDERS PLACED SINCE FEBRUARY 17TH WILL NOT BE SHIPPED.  WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. "

[Michael Massey]

Thanks all for your help.  It would appear, unfortunately, that Lone Star did not make it.  Too bad after coming back from the fire of a few years back. 

Mike

[Terrence Durrill]

Thanks all for your help.  It would appear, unfortunately, that Lone Star did not make it.  Too bad after coming back from the fire of a few years back. 

Mike

Thanks, BO!       

[john e. holliday]

Who says they didn't make it.   Has someone spoke to them on the phone or via E-Mail.   Temporary does not mean they are done.  Could be a problem with supplies or equipment.

[Dennis Moritz]

What happened. In the past they told us what happened.

[pat king]

I too hope they make it, but right now they have more than $100.00 of my money and are not shipping any wood to me.

Pat

[Richard Grogan]

I think they will reopen when using "temporarily closed" in their notification.They're probably shopping balsa, or taking a well deserved vacation from the family business..I had an order in with them 2 days before they burned down that sad Thanksgiving. Mike Wooten is a good guy and sent a personal message stating they intended to refund everyone that had orders in. It took a long time, but they made good and sent a check. Stuff happens.And I hope all is well with the Wootens.

[Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach]

They never sent me a check, but then I figured they had bigger problems than my silly $75 bucks.  They are really good people and have always given me exemplary service.  I can't see them closing without refunding.  Besides, I haven't heard or read on their site that they are.  It simply states that they are temporarily closed.  That doesn't sound like "We're out of business!" LOL

[Steve Helmick]

Last post I recall reading on here was that Lonestar said they were out of good balsa and expected a container in about 2 months. I'd bet that's the problem...no wood in stock good enough to ship. It shows me that they are great folks that don't want to sell us crumby wood. Kudos!  Steve

[Reptoid]

In the past I too have always gotten excellent service and great wood from them.

Why don't you guys just ask Riley Wooten? Since it's a family business, I'm sure he could fill you in.

He's a member

[pat king]

They have refunded my payments. I hope they work through whatever is the problem and get back to the good service and wood we have been accustomed to.

Pat

[riley wooten]

I am going to try to give you guys an update on Lone Star Balsa.  For the last several years I have not been involved, having retired in 2001 but still owning the property, all equipment and inventory. All the employees still regarded me as the boss until 2005 when I left everything up to Mike and did not come into plant very often.  The 2007 fire ended my involvement with Lone Star as I lost all my investment and property.  Even with all the insurance I still lost a lot of money.  At that point I was through and have not been involved at all, except as an adviser...  Following is what I know about the current situation...

In the middle of Feb. Mike was informed that his lease would not be renewed, so he had less than 2 weeks to move his equipment and inventory.  That, of course includes finding a suitable building, installing equipment and getting back into production. Not an easy task that also cost a lot of money.  At this point I am not sure what the future holds for Lone Star........ I am sure if any refunds are due to customers they will be taken care of.
RW

PS: Now might be a good time for someone with a little capital to get into the business.  If interested contact Mike, or even me as I can broker a deal!!

[peabody]

Thanks for the update Riley....Mike has had a real run of bad luck.....I sure hope he bounces back!

[Tim Wescott]

In the middle of Feb. Mike was informed that his lease would not be renewed, so he had less than 2 weeks to move his equipment and inventory.  That, of course includes finding a suitable building, installing equipment and getting back into production. Not an easy task that also cost a lot of money.  At this point I am not sure what the future holds for Lone Star.

Riley, I'm a small businessman from a line of small businessmen.  While I've never, ever, had to go through what you did or what Mike is facing, I can imagine the bind that he's in.

When next you see him please extend my sympathies, and let me know that there's folks out here rooting for him.

[builditright]

While checking links on a website I found this posted on Lonestar's site.
 
Lonestar Balsa is no longer in business. Thank you for your interest, but we were simply overcome by events.

[Mike Griffin]

Well I guess that answers everyones questions Walter.  I really hate to hear that. 

Mike