Finish Line - Exciting New Leadership

Enzo Alibrandi · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 07:47 AM

Hi Guys,

You guys have been awesome with your support throughout the sale. I appreciate your notes of encouragement and kind e-mails and messages to "Please Don't Close!!" At first when I started the sale that is exactly what I thought would happen. Spoke to lots of you, lots of companies, lots of manufacturers, lots of interest in the company but just kept doing my sale. My daughter Dawn, who took many of the calls, kept encouraging me and saying the Cobra community really wants Finish Line to stay open.

Then I heard from and met the greatest guy, Drew Serb. I can tell you all from the bottom of my heart Finish Line is not only going to continue but it is going to flourish and have much more than I was able to offer.

Drew has loved and owned Cobras all his life. I'm sure you will find out more about him in the coming days and be as excited about the new direction of Finish Line as we are. He owns the original car that you see on the front page now. He is an avid Cobra enthusiast for over 40 years. Not just a fleeting hobby.

Finish Line is in the process of being moved to San Francisco to be included in some really exciting cobra experiences Drew already had planned before acquiring Finish Line. I don't want to give away any of his secrets until he is ready so you will just have to wait but we could not be happier about the new location.

What I am most excited about is that Drew is not a big corporate entity, doesn't manufacture a car, and is open to helping everyone who loves this hobby and shares his passion for the Cobra.

Finish line will now have what it has been lacking since we lost Enzo: cobra knowledge, growth, new products, completed products, and the attention to detail Enzo was so passionate about. Drew even has guys that are still pounding out original style items that no one even markets any longer. He is re-ordering much of what I ran out of and adding new items as well. It will be a great addition to what Finish Line already offered the Cobra community.

I am extremely thankful that I will be able to retire and leave Finish Line in good hands. I plan on staying involved and supporting Drew for as long and as much as he needs me during this transition.

Back in May, when I began the sale, I told myself that Enzo will have been gone three years on August 16th so I would give it three months and I would like to be walking out the door with his blessing. Everyone thought how silly to grab a date out of the air like that. Guess what..Drew's grand opening is August 18th so silly or not.... I'm happy!

If I have any parting favor, it is to please get behind Drew and give him your encouragement and support. We chose this direction because you begged us not to close and felt for the Cobra community as we heard your concerns during the sale.

After we closed for inventory, this decision was made and we could not be more thrilled to share it with you now. We apologize for the confusion during that time and we know many of you attempted to order when we were closed.

All paid orders to date that came in before we closed for inventory are on the way. I am still here so if you have an outstanding issue that concerns refunds please call me and leave one detailed message during the day and I will call you back and refund your promptly.

The manufacturers were also put on hold during this transition but their orders will be delivered and sent to Drew for completion as well.

I'm not sure if I know how to attach the e-blast so if it doesn't come through please one of you guys do it for me.

Ciao for Now -- With Deep Appreciation -- Paula Alibrandi

FatBoy · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 07:58 AM

That's great news Paula and congratulations on finding a worthy successor to take the business forward.

Happy retirement, you've earned it.

Paul

ACademic · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 11:07 AM

What Paul said. Congrats to both you and the new owner!

eschaider · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 12:17 PM

What a great legacy you and Enzo have left and what great footprints in the sands of time...

Ed

Bxx1 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 12:33 PM

Great news and very happy for you and the new location in S.F. I can't wait to visit the store.

vref120 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 03:40 PM

Very excited for your retirement and that fact Finish Line will live on. Enjoy it Paula.

twobjshelbys · #7 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 07:12 PM

This is great news for you and the hobby. Congratulations to you and to the best to Drew!

mickmate · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2014, 07:43 PM

Hey Paula thanks for what you've done carrying the torch. You got the right guy on board with Drew. I'm looking forward to seeing the legacy continue and excited for the future.

ERA 778 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2014, 06:41 AM

Really glad to hear that Finishline will continue! You guys have always been my first choice for Cobra parts - great service, prices, and selection! Enjoy your retirement, I know I am enjoying mine!

stephen_becker · #10 (**permalink**) 08-01-2014, 04:51 PM

I spent an hour on the phone with Drew the other evening - Great guy and ready, wiling & able to "take care of business"

SGB

awfink55 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2014, 08:38 AM

Exciting News, I'm looking forward to having Drew take care of my Cobra needs. Best of Luck to Paula and Drew............

Danr55 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-04-2014, 07:32 AM

Paula, Thank you for all the years of dedication and support. While I wish Drew all the luck in the world, I want you to know that you will be missed just as Enzo has been missed. You've worked hard and deserve to enjoy some well earned time off. Best of luck.. Now, Drew, are you going to continue with the dynamite calendars? I still have room on my wall for a couple more..

1985 CCX · #13 (**permalink**) 08-04-2014, 02:14 PM

Great news............

Paula thank you for all the years and enjoy retirement.