ALL ABOARD!!

I have had the privilege to work for some very innovative and inspirational people in my life. And now that I think back to it, the jobs that helped 'sculpt' my view of the business world were all under Self-Employed Bosses, that started their own business...in one way or another. My first job, aside from mowing yards, raking apples, and operating the most popular kissing booth in Monroe County WV, was working at a video store called, "Beyond Video".

The owner, and my boss, Paul Ball was probably one of the coolest people I have ever known. I remember one time myself and one of my friends were sitting outside the store, smoking and Paul pulled up. He got out, walked over and asked us why we were smoking. My friend said, "Cause it'll put hair on my chest..." Paul proceeded to raise his shirt where he had a scar running from his throat to his belly button and said, "Actually it'll put this on your chest..." I put out my cigarette.

Paul also played bass and sang in a band called Bad Habitz. They were the shit...period. He was one helluva front man, and everyone loved Paul Ball. I know I did...and still do. I remember before my first gig EVER...I was playing in a southern rock band called, "Southern Pride" and we were competing in a battle of the bands. Paul called me and said, "I know you'll do well, just do me one favor...do not get f*cked up before the show. You will think you're a lot better when you're actually not..."

Paul continued to operate Beyond Video for 10 years total, which is pretty impressive for small town WV, where businesses flop daily. He never carried porn (which I was disappointed), and he always made it right by his customers. He worked hard and made his own luck.

Snake Skin Prison is definitely a business, hell we're an LLC for crying out loud! We have an attorney, a manager, merchandise gal, credit cards, bank accounts, and tax identification numbers. I never thought it would grow to this, but just as most businesses do...they grow until the point where they are operating on their own. I love checking my email list to see that this last month I have amassed 156 emails...just this month! Jan 1 I set a goal of 1000 emails (I had 145) for the entire year, SSP now has 1500+ and it's growing daily.

A friend asked me, "Do you miss WV??" Of course I do...but I do not have one regret, moving to Austin and starting Snake Skin Prison was the best idea I have ever had...and trust me I have had a good one. Just ask my mom about the time I was painting the front porch white when my dog Levi (Lab) walked by and I painted a stripe right down his back, from his head to his tail...he looked like a skunk...that was a good idea!!

Speaking of good ideas, I have another one...wanna see it here it goes:




Get your Presale Tix @ FrontGate Tickets


Another former boss once told me, "Running a company is like driving a battleship. If everything is going as planned, you just sit back and let it run; however if not and you have to make changes, change directions and turn that sucker around, it can be very trying..."

I feel like for the past 3 years, I have been twisting and turning this gnarly battleship known as SSP...and come Nov 19...I will have it all lined up...and ready to put the EFFin Pedal to the Metal...

I dedicate this band to everyone that has ever busted their back for something they believe in...cause only then...when a man has nothing...he will give anything...just to have something.

Here's to Paul Ball and my race to the top...I'll see you there \m/
"You ain't gotta go home, but you can't stay here..." - Paul Ball