Marbod Kern's Public Apology

[adamantium]

This was sent to me and was asked to be shared. I expect you will keep your comments somewhat civil regardless of what your thoughts on the topic are - you can express yourself without being a jerk to everyone else. Marbod Kern is the owner of MSpeed performance in Vancouver/Burnaby. This apology is part of his deal with ICBC as per the news links later in this thread. (added this last sentence as it's been published in the news and is relevant to how it's accepted).

Letter of apology

I am hereby apologizing and taking full responsibility to the public in general, and to the motorcycling community in particular, for my actions during the first half of 2003. During this time I knowingly purchased stolen motorcycles and motorcycle parts. I wasn’t aware then, but certainly am now, that by doing so insurance rates for all ICBC customers would be affected.


This gross error in judgment on my part was out of character for me as people who know me will attest, and I do feel very remorseful about it. Motorcycling is my passion and since 1999 has been my business focus at MSpeed Performance. Since these events occurred in early 2003 both my business and passion for racing have been severely affected. I have paid a very high price financially, publicly, and personally for those past decisions, and deservedly so. I had not contested the criminal charges and have just settled with ICBC civilly for all damages paid to their customers. In doing this I have accepted full responsibility and have learned a valued lesson. I urge anyone of you who has knowledge of motorcycle thefts, who the thieves are, and where the motorcycles go after being stolen, to please call the ICBC TIPS line at 604-661-6844; or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


I ask for forgiveness from the motorcycling community as a whole, and at the same time would like to express my appreciation to those in the community who have stood by me as I went through this difficult time. Please use my experience as an example of the costs of such bad decision making.
In settling with ICBC I think I have proven that I am worthy of my customers trust. I made a mistake, will not do so again, and can actively speak out against auto crime as it affects so many.


Marbod Kern,
Owner,
MspeedPerformance

[flowrider]

I can appreciate this.
Thank you.

[heisenberg]

This has been quite an evening.

I have to process this.

[Mighty Kentor]

I've felt the sting of staring at a few bits of cut lock in the morning on more than one occasion. Thank you for taking responsibility.

I've certainly not been perfect in my life, have learned a few good lessons as such, and am grateful for the 2nd chances I've been given. Best of luck to you in the future.

[Focker]

Hopefully this can give people the closure they deserve.

[Madman]

I've logged onto the Twilight Zone ...

[Khalnath]

I don't believe in the Christian idea of turn the other cheek. People need to earn forgiveness, not have it given to them. That said, taking responsibility for your actions is a step in the right direction. What was done cannot be easily undone, but making restitution is a good start too.

I do not forgive you yet, Mr. Kern, but I applaud your attempts to make things right.

[Val_0]

Not the first one, not the last one. They come and go like the seasons. He just got caught and now he is paying for the crimes of others as well as his own. Admirable letter but still doesn't bring the bikes, the money and take away the pain that people suffered. Not impressed.

[Good old Pete]

About time.

I was victim of this incident, I lost my prized gsxr.

I've moved on after confronting Marbod at his shop and hearing him say just about the same thing as the initial post by Adamantium.

What's done is done but I personally will never shop there again.

Pete

[JamieJames]

The most effective punishment is for someone to truly regret their actions and to forever live ashamed in that shadow.

It would have been easy to take the low road and it appears Marbod didn't, not just in the letter but from how it appears he approached it from day one. Most people have a hard time admiting the smallest faults or mistakes.

You can't please everyone, you can only please some people and yourself.

I'm sure many people will appreciate the apology. Hopefully some good can come out of the ashes of this.

[CorvetteBoy]

A day late and a dollar short.



I'd rather pay an extra $50 a tire to a dealer than support a chop shop.

[Tigon]

As the community grows and so does the number of bikes. Trust is something that is not easy to give. And to hand over my bike to someone to service and then have it stolen cause they know where you live and sell back your own parts. I can only hope that one day all can be forgiven. But for now I feel vulnerable and uneasy leaving my bike with any shop for service not knowing what other agenda they have.

[SkipTkt]

Even as I'm aware first-hand of the damage done (on many levels) in this particular case, I don't believe that we -an evolved society- have the right to endlessly chew away at the flesh of someone who's done wrong. So, for what it's worth, Marbod: I appreciate your apology.

As for what follows, I think we can naturally expect a period of cool silence, certainly prolonged distrust, but eventually (I hope): a time when suspicion gives way to the simple need to move on. Let's face it: we've all done wrong at one time and paid a price for our mistakes. At the same time, we've all been impacted by bike theft and -if we're honest about it- looked forward to Marbod's period of 'repayment'...

Well, here it is. One part of a multi-part 'repayment'. Hardly a 'light' payment at that, given the man never challenged -or ran from- his mistakes. It doesn't lessen the seriousness or the impact on all of us, but the ball's in our court now. For all of us, and for Marbod, I genuinely hope this [apology following restitution] might at least be seen as Step #1. People will decide for themselves just how many steps are 'required' (and rightfully so) but I personally hope this apology is seen as 'a start', toward an 'end'.

Peace,
Charles

[Khalnath]

Originally Posted by SkipTkt

Even as I'm aware first-hand of the damage done (on many levels) in this particular case, I don't believe that we -an evolved society- have the right to endlessly chew away at the flesh of someone who's done wrong. So, for what it's worth, Marbod: I appreciate your apology.

As for what follows, I think we can naturally expect a period of cool silence, certainly prolonged distrust, but eventually (I hope): a time when suspicion gives way to the simple need to move on. Let's face it: we've all done wrong at one time and paid a price for our mistakes. At the same time, we've all been impacted by bike theft and -if we're honest about it- looked forward to Marbod's period of 'repayment'...

Well, here it is. One part of a multi-part 'repayment'. Hardly a 'light' payment at that, given the man never challenged -or ran from- his mistakes. It doesn't lessen the seriousness or the impact on all of us, but the ball's in our court now. For all of us, and for Marbod, I genuinely hope this [apology following restitution] might at least be seen as Step #1. People will decide for themselves just how many steps are 'required' (and rightfully so) but I personally hope this apology is seen as 'a start', toward an 'end'.

Peace,
Charles

As usual, Charles is the conspicuous voice of reason.

[Biker69]

Originally Posted by Tigon

As the community grows and so does the number of bikes. Trust is something that is not easy to give. And to hand over my bike to someone to service and then have it stolen cause they know where you live and sell back your own parts. I can only hope that one day all can be forgiven. But for now I feel vulnerable and uneasy leaving my bike with any shop for service not knowing what other agenda they have.

Wow, holy misinformation.

Anyhow, he has made a mistake and certainly paid for it in more ways than one. How many other shops have apologized? NONE. We've all made mistakes, done things we weren't proud of. As stated, its how you learn and what you do from now on that make the difference.

I hope this can me pushed aside and let bygones be bygones.