It was a very good year

This phrase pretty much summarizes 2009. It is also the title to what I regard as a rather nice song by Frank Sinatra--not that is has anything to do with me and certainly not 4xGuard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwv-DxOPhSc

Anyway for 4xGuard we experienced a fairly substantial increase in sales despite the economic downturn, had the opportunity to meet lots of nice folks that were either customers or other enthusiasts, wheel'd some fantastic trails on the public lands of our great nation, and attend some exciting and interesting events such as the SEMA tradeshow. There were, of course, some tough times as well, primarily adjusting to a new fabricator and keeping products in stock, but like child birth those times seem now to pale to the good times. We are extremely fortunate to have come so far these past 3 years--a period that allowed us the opportunity to not only build a business but also to experience the personal growth associated with that process. I feel I have a better appreciation of the many aspects of owning a business, have more skills in terms of product design and website maintenance, and have in the process met so many great folks. Again it has been a very good year, and we look forward to the challenges and success that 2010 will bring. We expect the new year will include introduction of a few new products, expansion of affiliate products that we test and sell, and an increase in our participation in off-road events around the country. I wish for all a happy and healthy New Year, and for our country a solution to the economic and military/security challenges it faces.