Vinnie, The show just won't be the same without you. Whenever there is a problem with one of the bikes, Vinnie is always the one who gets the job done. I think they should offer you whatever you need to stay. Sorry to see you go.

Good Luck,
CLM

With Vinnie gone who is going to do all of the work.Jr may have to get his hands dirty.

I'm with oldscll and frog on this one. I've always liked Vinnie and Rick as a team; and I think they would make a really good show together as long as the "suits" didn't mess it up!!!! And hasn't it been discussed many times before about Vinnie and Rick going out on their own?

At any rate, Vin if you didn't like it there you made a good decision. I know from experience on this one. I stayed and in the end ruined my health in more ways than one; stress is only one way to destroy your health. I only learned that when I finally quit and regained my health. It was hard because I had worked there 30 years. You are much more wise than I, it didn't take you as long to make such a decision.

By the way, I hope you do get famous enough to travel around because my husband would like to shake your hand.

Vinnie,

I wish you the best in whatever you do. Good Luck to you and your family.

I do have to admit, I am totally bummed. I have VIP tickets to the Allegan Michigan live event and I was really looking foward to meeting you. I'm still going, but it definately won't be the same. I also agree with everyone else that the show will not be the same without you.

I seldom post here, but I wanted to add to the many voices that are wishing you well. It seems that you are one of those rare men who do everything well and with pride of workmanship. It was a pleasure to watch your skills, sense of humor, and love for your family. You are indeed a classy fellow and I wish you nothing but the best.

[quote]I don't post here too often, but I had to add my two cents (for what it's worth)...

I think that it's important to understand a few things:

1. When Vinnie came onboard at OCC they were a small business that was just beginning to be filmed as a show. They didn't have a master builder (with great knowledge about electrical) at that time and he sure fit the bill.

As time went on Paulie found that Vinnie was the only one he felt comfortable enough with and trusted to work with (I specifically remember Senior saying much on one of the episode's).

I have watched all the shows from the very first and all I have seen is that the relationship between Paulie and Vinnie has always been like that.

2. Fast forward--

OCC has blown up! They are bigtime on TV and a huge enterprise. Now Senior and Paulie have to do a lot of public promotions, unveils, and have answered the call for bit parts in Movies and also being in commercials.

And why not? Does not major principles in a company have the right to develop all the success they can muster? Absolutely! Does it mean that relationships within the company change? Of course.

Now with that said, it is pretty obvious that Paulie no longer works on much of any build. What he does is come up with the design with Jason Pohl and then gets the project started. He comes in and checks on what each person is doing and then gives input to any necessary changes or helps solve a problem. He's no longer working on primarily building bikes.

This leaves the pressure on Vinnie, Rick, Mike Armareti, etc. to do the work. And as particular and fussy as Paulie is this can be a problem when he's not around much.

3. Then there's the matter of events where mostly the whole shop's personnel (at least the ones we see on TV) have to attend. Most of the people at OCC have families. This means that they have to leave their families and add their personal time off the job to an event somewhere where they are expected to be available.

That has got to cause pressure on the homelife. Especially if you are married and your wife is tending to THREE girls (two of which are barely toddlers and are twins).

I am sure the other wives are objecting as well. So that is an added pressure on top of everything else that these guys have to do. (And let's face it--the deadlines at OCC are brutal.)

3. Personal relationships in a business that has grown like OCC will suffer. They do in every business that grows like this. What may have been close ties in the beginning will dissolve into strained working relationships at best.

We don't know the true infrastructure at OCC and how all these guys are being managed...

4. I don't doubt that OCC will suffer because of Vinnie's departure, but overall sometimes a change in personnel is a good thing (for the person who left and for the crew left behind).

I wouldn't doubt that this will cause management at OCC to consider a new game plan and how they are doing things.

Yes, Vinnie was an very important part to that business in a way that is far beyond being a great guy to meet and greet at events.

He was a master builder and has mad skills that any shop will be counting their blessings to have when he is working somewhere else. And you can bet before Vinnie left he found an opportunity that he just couldn't say no to.

Vinnie is entitled to a decent homelife and a job that he can proudly go to and make a good living at.

In conclusion, I wouldn't be surprised that the reason Vinnie left was because the whole public hubbub that OCC goes through spills out on others lives and becomes overbearing.

It may have nothing to do with money that Vinnie left. Could be some of the above...

Of course we will probably never know the whole truth and in the scheme of things does it really matter?

Good luck Vinnie. You deserve a chance at a decent homelife and a work situation that doesn't have a camera stuck in your face all the time.[/quote]

Wow, looks like a pretty good guess on ocsunray's part. If I was a betting man, I'd think he was someone from one of the front offices, be it OCC or TLC. Nothing personal, I'm sure. Just business? Yea right. But I'm not a betting man so what do I know... If I were to add my two cents, I guess (for what it's worth) that Jr.s childhood friend didn't get the proper re$pect, seeing he did jump in when they lost their initial master builder (with great knowledge about electrical) and seeing as Vin was a big part of American Choppers success, as well as Rick, a betting man would think he would have reaped a more fitting reward or small percentage of the biz. But business being what it is and blood being thicker than water, they didn't even give him the same value as a certain long haired son who never shows up on time and sleeps most of the time when he is there to Vinnie because his last name isn't Teutul. But as I said, I'm not a betting man and what do I know??? So much for childhood friendship when money is involved. Huh, go figure...

WOW! Last on the scene, Vinnie left? OMG! I can believe and disbelieve. Firstly, I will always remember the episode where Vinnie had to leave the shop while the Tuetules argued over who spent the most time in the shop and Paulies answer was always " check the time cards, ask Vinnie who has spent the most time in the shop" I hope that this isn't real. Did he really leave? I won't be watching the show any more if this is true. He was the Yin in the Yang. He kept the show grounded, the man's man so to speak. If he is indeed gone, I wish you the best. Sadly, I believe that NOW is the eve of the show, I am dumbfounded, for me Vinnie WAS the show.My allegiance is gone, there is no rainbow, no reason to watch.This is the end. WOW, I can't believe it. What the #%$@ were these guys thinking? I prat that this is not true, a sick joke. I've got to go throw up now.

I HAVE LOST RESPECT!!!

I'm going to buy a bike from Trotta now!

Goodbye OCC. You just lost a big fan. I know it won't effect business but integrity is KEY. OCC lost mine!

Relax,The way I take it is Vinnie is burned out. Do you blame him? Do you blame OCC? The guy has a family and this whole OCC thing takes a lot of time and energy. Here's Vinnie with very young kids at home and the job wanting so much of his time. I understand the scenario and I don't think anyone is to blame for Vinnie leaving. Hopefully,Vinnie and the guys can find a good balance that will work for them and him as far as time on the job and time at home. In talking with some of the guys you can tell that Vinnie would be welcome back if they can work it out and there has been no official announcement from OCC other than Vinnie is taking some time out to be with his girls. Everyone needs to give them some space and hopefully it will all work out,at least I am hoping that it will. In the meantime I hope that Vinnie is enjoying his time off and I hope to see you soon.

Vinnie didn't claim to be on sabbatical. He confirmed a rumor that he has left OCC. I think his own words are "official" enough. Whether or not whom, if anyone, is to blame is no one's business, anyway. Vinnie is the epitome of integrity. He will be successful in whatever he decides to do.

Who is to "blame" doesn't matter. While I really came to enjoy Vinnie's craftsmanship and attention to detail, none of us would have ever have known about him if it had not been for AC/OCC. He has grown a lot from the beginning shows and now it's clear that he will do well wherever he goes or whatever he does. Since we don't know any details about his dismissal, it doesn't make sense to even start attempting to assign blame until factual details emerge.

This is a bad situation for OCC, but if their operations were dependent upon one individual, their business was doomed to fail anyway.

As a Vinnie fan, I hope he does well and finds what he is looking for.

As an OCC fan, I hope they do well and are able to quickly recover without spiraling into the two stooges show (Mikey and Pohl).

"Wow, looks like a pretty good guess on ocsunray's part. If I was a betting man, I'd think he was someone from one of the front offices, be it OCC or TLC. Nothing personal, I'm sure. Just business? Yea right. But I'm not a betting man so what do I know... If I were to add my two cents, I guess (for what it's worth) that Jr.s childhood friend didn't get the proper re$pect, seeing he did jump in when they lost their initial master builder (with great knowledge about electrical) and seeing as Vin was a big part of American Choppers success, as well as Rick, a betting man would think he would have reaped a more fitting reward or small percentage of the biz. But business being what it is and blood being thicker than water, they didn't even give him the same value as a certain long haired son who never shows up on time and sleeps most of the time when he is there to Vinnie because his last name isn't Teutul. But as I said, I'm not a betting man and what do I know??? So much for childhood friendship when money is involved. Huh, go figure."

First off oldschll, I'm a woman...LOL And secondly,(IMHO) you are assuming a lot. I will remind everyone that we only got to see an edited version of what goes on in the shop each time that the show is aired. We really don't know how Vinnie was treated totally. And again--we don't know what are the real reasons. So to sit here and try to exactly figure that out is really futile.

And let us not forget that we also don't know the current relationship between him and Paulie. Bottom line is that what has happened has happened. Vinnie has confirmed it and we wish him well. It is now going to be interesting to see how things progress.



"Relax,The way I take it is Vinnie is burned out. Do you blame him? Do you blame OCC? The guy has a family and this whole OCC thing takes a lot of time and energy. Here's Vinnie with very young kids at home and the job wanting so much of his time. I understand the scenario and I don't think anyone is to blame for Vinnie leaving. Hopefully,Vinnie and the guys can find a good balance that will work for them and him as far as time on the job and time at home. In talking with some of the guys you can tell that Vinnie would be welcome back if they can work it out and there has been no official announcement from OCC other than Vinnie is taking some time out to be with his girls. Everyone needs to give them some space and hopefully it will all work out,at least I am hoping that it will. In the meantime I hope that Vinnie is enjoying his time off and I hope to see you soon."

Much of what you say here occparts makes good sense. Especially the part about having your business depend on only one man. There are some talented people that still work for OCC even though Vinnie's leaving is going to create a major deficiency there. And they will continue on (long after the show is cancelled).

It's always hard to see someone like Vinnie move on. I am sure that even the Teutels are sorry as well. (And probably more than just looking at the productivity of the company.) We have to remember that the DeMartino family and the Teutel family have been friends for years. Believe me, I have a feeling that everyone is feeling the loss.

As I see it we have maybe one more season of AC..But with the huge success they have made they have maybe 5 more yrs that they can take this world wide and then it's back to the shop for the guys or the new headquaters what ever it is..

just what to set one thing strait, i was not happy there, i was not burned out,there's a diffence

[quote]just what to set one thing strait, i was not happy there, i was not burned out,there's a diffence[/quote]
A BIG difference. Anyone who's ever watched you on the show would know that you're not the "burn out" type. You're not the kind of person who would just give up, you have to much character for that. Personally, I hope you open your own business and TLC has the sense to follow it.
Rob

Vinnie - I don't know what it's like to work there day in and day out, but from the glimpses of what I get see on TV, it looks like either extremely fun (paintball, tubing, snow mobiling, etc) or extremely horrible (the fighting, insults, etc).

You don't need to tell us what happened, it's not important for us to know. You have done what you think is best for you and your family and that's all you can do. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to make and in making it you've shown again why you have so many fans.

Give your girls a big hug and look forward to what's ahead. Good luck and don't get frustrated with the speculation on the message boards!

Hopefully, he makes only a break. He should go back after a few months.

My 2 cent's.I stopped watching because,as I stated years ago the show was not about building anymore.It was turning into the Mikey show.A no talent DADDY"S boy who think's he is funny.NOT.Vinnie,you will alway's have my respect man.I do not know how you did it for that long.I work as a lead mechanic and would not mind having a few of you Vinnie.Good luck.

OCCparts, talking to what "guys"? I suppose you have inside knowledge? Vinnie himself posted he wasn't happy there. Thats why he quit. And as far as leaving because of his children- thats ridiculous. Most everyone who works has kids. You don't quit your job to spend time with them. You work to support them. Your post is pretty half-baked at best.

Tingly, personally, I think after the show runs its course you can stick a fork in OCC. You can feel a backlash against the Teutel's and what the show has become. ONE BIG EGO TRIPPING, CELEBRITY SCHMOOZING INFOMERCIAL FOR THE TEUTEL'S. Too bad. At one time they were very likable.

"personally, I think after the show runs its course you can stick a fork in OCC."

bmacsys, I believe your above statement is true. I also think the guys at OCC see it coming as well, which is probably the reason they've started the line of less-expensive production bikes for the general public-a wise move on their part, very wise. I think they know they'll need to assure themselves a place among the other bikemakers-Big Dog, Harley Davidson, Victory etc... in order to have some longevity. No matter what happens, I'll always have the highest amount of respect for what they've accomplished so far. They've lived out the American dream-no one can argue with that. Oh, and as for Vinnie leaving-I'm glad he's doing what he feels is best for him and his family-that's always the most important thing. That said, you were one of the main reasons I watched AC and even though I respect your decision to leave, it just won't be the same without you. You'll be missed-a lot. Best of luck in whatever you do.

Vinnie, I can relate, if you aint happy at work, than your not happy. So what if your part of a very successful venture that you had direct hand in. If your not happy than your not happy and it took serious cajones to walk away from that cash cow or maybe it didn't, I don't know but, you did what you had to do and that my friend is what a man is made of. You want your name mentioned as a person of integrity and self worth but a peerson to be admired. You are that.That can never be taken away. Good for you man, I am dissappointed in what OCC has become, an earlier post said it. OCC is the 2 stooges show Mikey and Pohl. I can't even watch the new episodes anymore, I don't tape them like I did in the beginning.At some point though, I would like Vinnies take on the events that led to his decision to sever ties with the Tuettles. I would like to know what his future plans are and in general just like to know how the guy is holding up. The show just isn't going to feel right anymore and I hope that there is time for those at OCC to right a serious wrong. When you have people like Vinnie leaving someone needs to wake up and see that something is wrong with the internal chemistry of the company that would allow for events like this to unfold. I mean, come'on VINNIE, OCC's Rock of Gibralter, left OCC! I thought I would never see the day.

Oh Yeah. I'm still going to buy Trotta. Or maybe Kendall.Or maybe even a Honda.

As long as we are speculating on our friend Vinnie, money would more than likely be a factor in his leaving OCC. If Sr. is "giving" Jr. 10 percent, what do you think Vinnie's paycheck looked like? I know we saw a new Caddy and a roof on his house, but if you consider what Vinnie has given the show, then he should be developing his "new property" and be halfway into some expensive new hobby. As I see it Vinnie was 25 percent of the show and a major influence in fixing most of the problems that arose. I'm sure others see (saw) him as a major player in the rise of the company and the show. I'll bet that some other people saw the same thing and Vinnie's life will now take a turn for the better. BTW, Vinnie, if you ever get down to South Florida, I'll buy you a beer.

Frog, I have suspected all along that Vinnie, Rick etc... Were treated like ordinary, hourly employees. If that was truly the case I could see how Vinnie could harbor some ill- feelings. The guys who helped make the show deserve extra even if they aren't named "Teutel"

All Vinnie has said is that he was unhappy at OCC, and had been for some time. That's the only thing any of us know for certain. You could be on the money, Frog (pun intended) but that is not necessarily the case. All the money in the world can't compensate if you are generally unhappy, whatever the reason.

You know as I see it Vin is a class act. And as such he won't be telling "his side of the story" unless he sees a need for it.

And you know what its really none of our business. This is all about his personal life and some major, difficult decisions he has had to make.

Whatever happens Vin my husband and I wish you the very best. But our selfish desires would be that you continue on the show. However, we wouldn't want you to stay there and be miserable. Good luck in whatever you do!

Hey Vinnie, Good luck in your movie career!!!

Inside Man (2006)

Vincent DiMartino.... Barber

hi guys and gals, i have sent a few messages so far, but after reading some more on vinnie,i feel i should say a few more,Vinnie, we are all sad mate that you have left,but OCC will continue to grow,only if we the vewier keeps on watching,i have to say,it is not going to be long,till young Rick sees the light,!!!!then it will be Cody and then the rest of them go, leaving the people who started the whole thing in the beginning---My advice to you son,is find a nice location,open spaces,green fields and start up on your own.----Nice and slow----
I can see it ---there you are,your smiley face on a sign with two spanners in your hand
Saying."no worries vinnie will tighten your nuts"--lol lol ---good luck sunshine happy smiling----.

Good luck and best wishes to wherever your road takes you.

I think for ocsunray to say that Vinnie was burned out was not only a white wash, but also an insult to Vinnie. One of the most hard working and detailed orientated guys who paid more attention to even the smallest of things, than the owners of OCC. I don't speak for Vinnie but I think it was rude of you to try to speak for him and if you are able to read between the lines, I think that Vinnie wasn't too thrilled with your remarks as well, madam...

Oldscll51, it wasn't ocsunray that said he was burned out. It was occparts.

I wonder if Vinnie and the Teutuls(Paul Jr and Mikey) are still friends? It soomed like Vinnie did all the work with no glory.

Hey 51
Care to elaborate on this one
[quote]I think for ocsunray to say that Vinnie was burned out was not only a white wash, but also an insult to Vinnie[/quote]
Hey 51

[quote]just what to set one thing strait, i was not happy there, i was not burned out,there's a diffence[/quote]

Take care Vinnie, I wish you the best of luck.

I agree with everyone who have said the show has gotten away from what people really want, watching the creation of a chopper. I started watching AC after watching Jesse James build a bike for Shaq O'Neal. Together with the fighting and seeing how the bikes were built was the intriguing part of the show. Who cares about their trips to the golf course or fishing in a lake or watching Mikey sleep. They need to get back to what made the show popular. I also put the blame on the show's editors. By the way, I saw a posting on an unoffical OCC fan website that stated the Paul Sr. and Beth got married a few weeks ago. Any truth to that ??

Yes, Senior wore a sleeveless tuxedo..Was attended by 150 of thier closest friends.

So much for putting the rumors to rest..Sorry Vin..

bikertotheend, There is a url to an article about Senior's wedding in one of the threads. If I rememebr correctly, it is a thread about Rick, but I could be wrong. If you look around, you should be able to find it, though.

[quote]Yes, Senior wore a sleeveless tuxedo..[/quote]

Classy ... real classy.

I know what its like to be stuck doing all the work while the boss goes and buys a new helecopter, boat, house, motorhome.

Money does not buy happiness but it helps.

Vinnie deserves a bigger slice of the pie, I hope he does well and goes out and does it on his own.

Thanks caddrafter and bikerhart...

oldscll51, I wasn't trying to start an argument. Might want to re-read the whole thread.

I only was addressing the fact that you may assume too much. That maybe more consideration could be made in what we think we know or don't know...

WITEGA:
Thanks.I googled "Paul Teutul Sr." and found an article on a reality TV website. It states footage from the wedding will be shown in an upcoming episode in the fall. I'm surprised he even wore a tuxedo.

There wasn't a tailor in all of Orange County looking to take on those guns..

Not a tailor in all of Orange County willing to tackle those guns

Hey Ben,You think maybe I could get my old log on going again??? PLEASE???

Can anyone here really imagine Senior with sleeves?

Well here is the link. See for yourself...

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070731/NEWS/707310327

You can't cut and paste the link. You have to open a new tab on Explorer and type it in.

Sorry--

The board won't allow you to go to the article for whatever reason.

Type in: www.recordonline.com. The click on news and look for an article dated 7/31. There's a photo of the happy couple with Sr's. big guns hangin' out of his tux..

That's actually a nice photo.