Who Am I?
My name is Reggie Byrum. I live on the outskirts of Charlotte, NC in a little area called, Indian Trail. I was raised by God-fearing parents who knew the meaning of honesty, commitment, and hard work. My father served as a sight-setter on the U.S.S. Missouri in WWII. Together, he and my mother raised four children and instill those same old-fashioned values in every one of them. We were raised on a 100-acre farm. My dad worked as a contractor and in his spare time raised 40,000 chickens for Holly Farms, had pigs, horses, cows, and turkeys. When we were not working on the farm we were in church. I cut my teeth on the back of an old wooden pew in a Southern Baptist church. My mother sang in a gospel trio and when not at our church, we traveled around to churches all over the surrounding areas. So you have an idea of what my childhood consisted of.
I went to college and learn advertising and graphic design and spent the majority of my next 20-25 years in that field working for Fortune 500 companies and advertising agencies. I later ran a web design company from my home and sold it to do what I do now. And it’s something I don’t do strictly for money, it’s what I love.
My Philosophy
When I think about Goose Creek Rod and Reel, I don’t think of it as a “business”. I think of it as an outreach. Everything I do, I do as if God Himself walked in, handed me a rod or reel, and asked me to fix it. I ask Him to anoint my hands and my work and allow it to be a blessing to all who touch it. I fancy myself a “craftsman”, a term that is becoming more and more obsolete in this day and age. I don’t want to just “fix” your rod or reel and turn it around as quickly as possible in order to get paid, but I take great satisfaction in slowing down, paying strict attention to detail, and doing it the way I would want someone to do it for me. The joy for me is in the process and viewing a completed work where the customer says, “wow!”. I’m almost “obsessive-compulsive” in that way, and in the end, that works out best for the customer.
I value a man’s word and a handshake as his bond. I guess you could say I’m kinda retro in my outlook. Perhaps that is why I get a great deal of satisfaction out of doing vintage rod and reel restorations. God took a worthless sinner, such as myself, cleansed me of all the dust, filth, and grime, and made me a brand new species of being. I take that attitude with every vintage rod and reel I touch.
My Commitment
Am I perfect? Far from it. There has only been one perfect human that walked this earth and He is currently sitting on the right hand of His Father in Heaven. What I promise is to do the very best I can do, to the very best of my ability. Many times I’ll wrap a guide or service a reel and redo it over and over again if I’m not completely happy with it. It may have been perfectly acceptable to the customer, but if it is not done to my satisfaction, then it is not done correctly. I take no shortcuts and I don’t charge for something that should not have been done. I do not take advantage of anyone and I’m honest in all of my dealings. I may not be as “fast” as others in putting out work, but that is due to my intense desire to do it right, to do it as a ministry of sorts, and present it to you as the very best I have to offer even if I have to do it to my hurt.
If you don’t like what I present to you, I’ll redo it. No questions asked. I will redo it until it is done to your complete satisfaction. That is my guarantee and my commitment to you. I do whatever it takes to make my customers happy. If I cannot satisfy you with my work, I will give you a full refund. There may be others that are will do the job cheaper or faster, but none will care more for their customers than I will. I take that responsibility seriously and I seek to make each customer my close and personal friend.
Whether or not you chose Goose Creek Rod & Reel, know this. God loves you deeply. So much so that He sent His only begotten Son to live a sinless life and die on an old rugged cross for you. He took your place. Then He rose again so that you may have eternal, everlasting life. We all will take our last breath on this earth one day. Please be sure that when you do that you know what awaits. If you are unsure and want to talk, I’m here for you – just you and I. Above anything else you’re read, remember that.
God bless.
Reggie D. Byrum
Goose Creek Rods