jrpraeter

My apologies... I was so caught up with writing that I did not clarify. - The 12% was in reference to total reservations booked. The total cost to PRO was less than one-half of one percent (0.004) of my total revenue in 2010. The total cost to PRO is 5.1% per reservation's total cost (example 5.1% of $230 = $11.73). I also use PRO on the administrative end (call in, walk in, etc.) to book customers, which costs me nothing and obviously, these types of customers are the majority of my bookings. - There was no need to increase business to cover the cost of PRO, it pays for itself as these customers have a propensity to book/buy online so if you do not have the online option who's to say how many of those 12% would have bypassed my DZ and gone to one that had online reservations? Furthermore, any online reservation option would cost money, even if I developed my own product as I would have to pay out development costs, labor, personal time, hosting and e commerce costs (which start at 2.5% and go on up for your average small business for just the payment processing). - My bottom line has fluctuated so much since the recession that it's hard to tell if PRO, or any other things I have done in the past 5 years, has increased (or decreased) my bottom line. I am assuming this is in reference to my speculation that the new JumpRun integration will save me up to $30 a day in labor costs, which in turn would affect my bottom line.(?) Please feel free to clarify if I have not answered this satisfactorily. - I was hoping to dispel the myth that services like PRO (or TandemRS, etc.) are similar to the service that Skyride or similar companies offer. The Skyride or Soaring Adventures model directly drives you customers at a large cost per customer (anywhere from 22-30%), whereas PRO is a comprehensive model that is very customizable and can be used in many ways that only costs you if the customer books online. In short, there is no similarity to the two types of services, monetarily or in principle. What PRO costs me is not what it will cost you unless you have the exact same amount of PRO reservations and charge exactly what I charge. However, I have given the figures that one might need to calculate costs and decide whether PRO is a system for them. Please feel free to message directly for further information; I don't check the forums enough to respond in a timely manner. For now, I have Christmas presents to wrap!

This is music to my ears. I am a fledgling tech geek/ third generation DZO. Over the 41 years we have been operating (19 that I have been working) we have tried just about every type of office organization, manifest system (paper & electronic), and a plethora of marketing ideas. Some things worked okay for the time and some just did not. When manifests entered the electronic age with Manifest Master in the early 90's (at least at our DZ) it really started a ball rolling with electronic organization. Unfortunately, the extended support issue has always plagued the DZ industry. After having used MM, Skywriter, JumpRun (4&5) I still longed for something more. Moreover, while you can "get your friends" to make you things you have to have the vision to imagine the complete model before anything can be created. At that, I am not good. I just knew I wanted something better. In software, it seems there is always an answer, even to questions you did not know you had... expect for in skydiving. I started working with the folks that have created PRO in 2005 and have had nothing but positive experiences. The PRO predecessor was a monthly paid service and offered everything that PRO offers, expect for the additional exposure and web presence. I was very happy with the product and very happy with the monthly fee. When PRO arrived, I signed on without question. The new features and ease of use for this system allows the most computer illiterate users to breeze through the reservation process. Reports are easy and detailed. Now with the integration of JumpRun and PRO, the ease of handling students and inputting their data will eliminate one entire step that takes at least 3 hours at my DZ on an average Saturday. That is a minimum of $30 in labor not to mention the multitude of things your office staff could be doing other than inputting data multiple times. The Skyride comparison is completely unfair. The average cut out of a Tandem from Skyride or Soaring Adventures is approximately $50-70 from retail in my area. In just 16 Tandems, you have paid more to a third party reservation system than I did all year on PRO. Please note** Whether or not a DZ accepts reservations from Skyride (or similar companies) is their own decision and I am not endorsing or dissuading the acceptance of this type of business, merely illustrating the facts. PRO reservations (reservations made through either my site or PRO's site) were accountable for only 12% of my total business. So, I got this fantastic system for less than I was already paying plus increased web exposure of my company's name. I realize this is a lengthy post but I have lurked many other posts about PRO in the past year and out of fear of retaliation did not post to defend a product that has created so much ease for me. I realize there is much controversy about the loss of control of the independent businessperson (whether perceived or real) but rest assured the folks that create this product are not out to monopolize the skydiving industry. These products are an answer from an operation that has been through the trials and tribulations that each DZO has had and still has in trying to run a more efficient and profitable business. I am so pleased to have been able to benefit from the fruits of their labor. In closing, if you are a DZO I highly recommend trying out PRO and I am sure JumpRun 5.1 and 6 will be a joy to use at any operation.

Join Us in celebrating our 21st Richmond Boogie! August 29 - September 1, 2008 Skydive Chicago Super Otter Mike Mullins Super King Air Pre-register for cheap registration! [url "http://www.skydiverichmond.ecrater.com"] Click Here to Register[url] Questions, comments? FMI: Call 765-965-0435 or email us at [email protected]

Fantastic first day!! The band is rocking at the moment so only stopped by to say that if you aren't on your way, get on your way!! Richmond 2007 rocks the house!!!

Words cannot express mine and my family's, sincere appreciation and gratitude at everyone that reached out of our skydiving community to comfort our family during our time of pain and loss. It is unfathomable the amount of people that my Mom was able to touch so deeply, and to me how to imagine that she is gone and how I will live my life without her and her guidance. So many people during this time have asked us what they could do and after so many times being asked this question my only response is to say, "please honor my Mother". She was the megaphone for the skydiving community for over 35 years to the FAA, PIA, and USPA. Ensuring that all things were equal, and all things were in the best interest of the individual skydiver as well as the skydiving industry. Her life was dedicated to you, each one of you... honestly. She organized the world's second largest skydiving event, second only to WFFC. She did this while running one of the most successful northern skydiving centers in the country and successfully raising five kids and adding one more along the way embracing him as if he were her own. She took us everywhere with her. In later years of her life she wasn't always seen at the DZ, busy working in her flower beds, playing with her grandchildren and enjoying the time so deserved that she unknowingly had so little of. Nevertheless, Mom was always there with an idea. How to retain first jump students and turn them into skydivers, how to make the boogie just a little more entertaining, how to more efficiently operate a skydiving center, the list goes on and on. I was just telling someone the other day. My first phone call in the morning was my Mom, and last one before I went to bed. During the day you could count on at least three small calls, or large depending on the available time either one of us had. She is my hero, and my whole life. As I grew older, my relationship with her more precious, with love that only my mother could give. Imagine how busy this alone made her, and realize that she did this for each of her children. In this horrible time right now, as I sit typing this to all of you, I can only express my innermost desire to honor her and her life. I want to shout out at the mountain tops that this woman was my Mother and she made mine and your life better. I want everyone to know how much personal time and effort she put into making the sport of skydiving a better and safer place to be. I want people to know that no matter how horrible someone treated her, she would always have nice things to say about you, even if I didn't. Everyone keeps asking... "What can I do?". I will say this again, please honor my Mother. Many people have been questioning whether or not we would go through with Mom's boogie.Twenty years ago, two Fridays from now, Mom and Dad embarked on a journey that would open the mid-west to the world and bring people together year after year. Richmond "THE" Boogie 2007 is the milestone that we were gearing up for. Mom and I have been excited about this since last year. This boogie is hers, and is in her memory. She wanted nothing more than it to be a success. Even after a few terrible rain years (03 & 06), she kept persevering and telling me that those that came to our boogie made it all worth it, that we had to keep the ball rolling for them. Over the past week I have seen people long since out of skydiving as well as very new and fresh babies, coming to us and caring for us. I have told them each that Mom would have wanted them to come and join us for her this year. Jumping is not required. (Come on guys... she had never even made one skydive). What was most important to my mother was family, anyone that met her felt her mother's love touch them. Come and help us make Mom's boogie the success she always aspired for it to be, one big family reunion. Thank you again for your kind words and love, we look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, Jaime On Behalf of: Dad Steve, Dad Jim, Jason & Emily, Stew & Emily, Eric & Kelli, Amy, Jaime & Jonny (and "the Kids") Jaime Praeter Skydive Wayne County, Inc. 765.965.0435 PH 765.965.0436 FX www.skydiverichmond.com

Words cannot express mine and my family's, sincere appreciation and gratitude at everyone that reached out of our skydiving community to comfort our family during our time of pain and loss. It is unfathomable the amount of people that my Mom was able to touch so deeply, and to me how to imagine that she is gone and how I will live my life without her and her guidance. So many people during this time have asked us what they could do and after so many times being asked this question my only response is to say, "please honor my Mother". She was the megaphone for the skydiving community for over 35 years to the FAA, PIA, and USPA. Ensuring that all things were equal, and all things were in the best interest of the individual skydiver as well as the skydiving industry. Her life was dedicated to you, each one of you... honestly. She organized the world's second largest skydiving event, second only to WFFC. She did this while running one of the most successful northern skydiving centers in the country and successfully raising five kids and adding one more along the way embracing him as if he were her own. She took us everywhere with her. In later years of her life she wasn't always seen at the DZ, busy working in her flower beds, playing with her grandchildren and enjoying the time so deserved that she unknowingly had so little of. Nevertheless, Mom was always there with an idea. How to retain first jump students and turn them into skydivers, how to make the boogie just a little more entertaining, how to more efficiently operate a skydiving center, the list goes on and on. I was just telling someone the other day. My first phone call in the morning was my Mom, and last one before I went to bed. During the day you could count on at least three small calls, or large depending on the available time either one of us had. She is my hero, and my whole life. As I grew older, my relationship with her more precious, with love that only my mother could give. Imagine how busy this alone made her, and realize that she did this for each of her children. In this horrible time right now, as I sit typing this to all of you, I can only express my innermost desire to honor her and her life. I want to shout out at the mountain tops that this woman was my Mother and she made mine and your life better. I want everyone to know how much personal time and effort she put into making the sport of skydiving a better and safer place to be. I want people to know that no matter how horrible someone treated her, she would always have nice things to say about you, even if I didn't. Everyone keeps asking... "What can I do?". I will say this again, please honor my Mother. Many people have been questioning whether or not we would go through with Mom's boogie.Twenty years ago, two Fridays from now, Mom and Dad embarked on a journey that would open the mid-west to the world and bring people together year after year. Richmond "THE" Boogie 2007 is the milestone that we were gearing up for. Mom and I have been excited about this since last year. This boogie is hers, and is in her memory. She wanted nothing more than it to be a success. Even after a few terrible rain years (03 & 06), she kept persevering and telling me that those that came to our boogie made it all worth it, that we had to keep the ball rolling for them. Over the past week I have seen people long since out of skydiving as well as very new and fresh babies, coming to us and caring for us. I have told them each that Mom would have wanted them to come and join us for her this year. Jumping is not required. (Come on guys... she had never even made one skydive). What was most important to my mother was family, anyone that met her felt her mother's love touch them. Come and help us make Mom's boogie the success she always aspired for it to be, one big family reunion. Thank you again for your kind words and love, we look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, Jaime On Behalf of: Dad Steve, Dad Jim, Jason & Emily, Stew & Emily, Eric & Kelli, Amy, Jaime & Jonny (and "the Kids") Jaime Praeter Skydive Wayne County, Inc. Many have asked what the registration looks like for this year, currently we have the exact same amount of pre-registrations as in the past five years. Pre-registration tends to be approximately 8 - 10 % of the total registration... in other words... we're looking great. Pre-registration officially ends this Friday, August 24 - as do all pre-registration discounts. Click here: or the following www.skydiverichmond.ecrater.com should you want to take advantage of online discounts.

Some rumors have been circulating that due to our recent loss of Janie Stewart "THE" Boogie will be cancelled. THIS IS NOT TRUE!!! In fact, in light of recent events we are hoping to make this boogie bigger and better than ever! That's how Mom would have wanted it. So quit slacking, pre-register, come out and party like a rockstar for the 20th anniversary of Mom's "THE" Boogie!!!!!!! Register now at: http://www.skydiverichmond.ecrater.com/category.php?cid=241395

Of course, since the post has already been made, the official information is a little harder to find, but here it is! Richmond "THE" Boogie 2007 August 31 - September 3 It's our 20th Year!!! Early campers are welcome, set up occurs Monday through Wednesday, join us for a few cold ones in the evenings... enough people to fly before official events starts? We might just pull one of the planes in a little early! Same great boogie, same great people, same great planes and of course same great parties! New to "THE" Boogie, or just considering? We would love to have everyone to help us celebrate our 20th year of the Stewart family hosting the Richmond Boogie! LO's for all levels and disciplines, world class down to local favorites! Register online at www.skydiverichmond.ecrater.com for discount registration and jump tickets! Discounts end soon! Online registration is open until one week prior to the event, August 24 is the last day of online registration. FMI: Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 765.965.0435!

Richmond "THE" Boogie 2007 August 31 - September 3 Established 1972 Second only to WFFC We host some of the worlds finest organizers for Freefly & RW and ensure the perfect amount of lift capacity provided by Mike Mullins Super King Air, Skydive Chicago, Chicagoland Skydiving, and Aire Express. Join us to revisit good times, see old friends and make new! Click below to register! http://gallery.bcentral.com/GID4799557DD289489-Richmond-THE-Boogie.aspx ** A high number of pre-registrants may increase the date range to August 29 to September 3.

Our apologies for that. Our webmaster seems to have taken a vacation and has not updated our site for the boogie this year to no explanation yet at this point. To compensate we have included all current boogie information on our events page (one page we can update). It's not perfect, but what in skydiving is? Please feel free to click on this link for the current boogie dates and information! http://www.skydiverichmond.com/events_event.php?event_id=258 Also, feel free to contact us at 765.965.0435 or email us at [email protected] for any of your questions! Thanks for keeping us on our toes, we'll see you soon! Jaime

Save time and money by registering online for Richmond 2006! Discount jump tix now available! Register Now by clicking link below http://gallery.bcentral.com/Gallery/ProductListing.aspx?GID=4799557&Dept=163256 Online registration ends August 23, 2006! 19th Annual Richmond "THE" Boogie August 30 - September 4, 2006 Need some organization? Sporto ~ Marshall Scalasi Matty Wright ~ BoXman John "T" and more... Mike Mullins Super King Air Skydive Chicago Super Otter Chicagoland Super Otter Specialty A/C TBA "The original boogie" FMI: [email protected] or call 765-965-0435

Just have a free moment... first day is going excellent! Weather forecast is looking spectacular for the entire week! But to answer your question... yes, ice can be purchased at the boogie. Looking forward to seeing you there! Blue Skies! Jaime Jaime Praeter Richmond "THE" Boogie 765.965.0435 PH 765.965.0436 FX www.skydiverichmond.com

The Richmond folks would like to extend to you a formal invitation to our annual event, Richmond "THE" Boogie. As always we have spectacular aircraft, organizers, and skydives for your enjoyment! In addition we will be offering gourmet eats courtesy of Scotty and Tami Carbone. For more information on our event, please see our website at www.skydiverichmond.com. A correction on previous posts, the dates for "THE" Boogie are September 1 - 6, 2004. Due to a mistake by our webmaster our site had previously given incorrect dates. We are sorry for the inconvenience and sincerely look forward to seeing you there! Blue Skies! Jaime Jaime Praeter Richmond "THE" Boogie Skydive Wayne County, Inc. 765.965.0435 PH 765.965.0436 FX www.skydiverichmond.com

Skydive Wayne County, Richmond, IN Middle America's most exciting night life... oh yeah, we skydive too! Come out for October 11 & 12, 2003 $99 per day all you can jump, or $150 for entire weekend (Saturday and Sunday)! One rig only. 12 person load minimum on Grand Caravan. Guaranteed excellent party on Saturday night... show up early for Friday and join the infamous "Office Party"! FMI: Skydive Wayne County www.skydiverichmond.com [/url][email protected][url] 765.965.0435 Tele

Richmond "THE" Boogie, Richmond, IN! Wednesday, August 27 - Monday, September 1, 2003. Mike Mullins Super King Air Skydive Crosskeys Super SkyVan (here on on the DZ as I type this) Super Otters (2), Skydive Chicago, Skydive Tecumseh Skydive Crosskeys Helicopter Skydive Crosskeys Steerman Standby Skydive Wayne County Grand Caravan -And just for some giggles... Extra Standyby Skydive Wayne County Twin Beech Extra, Extra Standby Skydive Wayne County C-182 Extra, Extra, Extra Standby Ultralight Extra, Extra, Extra, Extra Dodge Neon (1995) SWEET! For Real though Registration fee is only $35 and covers great things like free beer every night, free food on Saturday night, live bands, DJ's, camp fires every night, parties, parties, parties and more parties... oh yeah, and more parties. Fun, fun, fun... come see for yourself or give us a call at 1.888.234.5867 for more information! OK... I am tired... but I am for real! See you this weekend! Blue ones... Jaime Jaime Praeter Richmond "THE" Boogie AKA Skydive Wayne County 765.965.0435 PH 765.965.0436 FX www.skydiverichmond.com