Another Life Update... (5 Viewers)

[upNdown]

It's not bashing Spinettis to say that the garbage that they were peddling last week was insulting. Like, damn, they're finally out of chips.
Anyway, I've been through it brother. I got laid off twice in the months leading up to my wedding. It's frustrating and scary, but you know what you've got to do, and you'll do it!

 

[Thomacetti]

WTF.......

Hope the people at new CPC are reading this, you would be a dream ambassador for their new business.

 

[justsomedude]

So sorry to hear this news, Oscar!!

I got to know you better through our WSOP chip-seller-guy shenanigans, and our follow-up in-person meet this past spring, and it’s awful knowing you’re going through this.

I will be praying for you and your wife and baby; and will pass on any worthwhile graphic design job prospects that I come across.

PS: Please let me know if you need anything!

 

[Josh Kifer]

Wish you the best. Once I'm back up and running maybe we can do some jobs.

 

[dizzyChipper]

I can echo what others have mentioned.

Theres a huge weight on your shoulders now but you’ll get through this. Best to your wife and child and their respective health.

WRT your future: I didnt think of @CPC_Mike until others mentioned it but its a great idea and a natural progression for you. Let Oscar do design and sales and let the people doing manufacturing just do that.

WRT Spinettis: I didnt call them out at the time because doing so could've damaged Spinettis and Oscar but that ship has sailed...

So I went to Spinettis during WSOP to visit Chip Mecca, meet Oscar, drop something for @divinerites and spend some money...

I spent my own time and effort and energy and an Uber to go to Spinettis in LV and...

THERE WERE NO CHIPS. ​

What was there was a half dozen or so empty display cases. Oscar could've said:
"Yeah there's a security concern and they want to keep them off prem."
"We have construction starting soon so chips safer off prem."
"They're being professionally photographed for a new website launch."
"They're on loan to a museum."
"They're being displayed at a casino or convention."

Any of these reasons wouldn't have been cause for alarm. But Oscar had no answers. At least none he was at the liberty of sharing.

So are they being liquidated because the business is going away?

Are they off prem so people that have been freshly laid off aren't tempted to take anything on the way out?

It sucked. It sucked for Oscar to deliver the news of "no news" with uncertainty.

Oscar did say he can still sell and check inventory but the magic was gone. I went to Spinettis and saw no chips. I went to Mecca and didnt pray.

In the moment I was bummed and worried what it could mean for Spinettis and Oscar.

===

This is all, of course, secondary to Oscar's families' health and future security.

Best to you and yours @Okku

 

[onerand]

Oscar,

Wishing you and your family the best.

R

 

[digirati]

Praying for the family.

 

[UniLover]

What a mistake on Spinetti's.

And what a joke of a Christmas in July sale.

To bigger and better things Oscar!

 

[Okku]

Thank you all so much for the kind words, encouragement, and support you've shown me over the last few days. It truly means a lot.

Right now, I can honestly say I’m not feeling too stressed about the situation—I’ve had some great conversations with a few of you over the phone, and a few more have reached out wanting to talk. This community continues to prove time and time again that it’s one of the best in the world. Wherever I look, I find genuine support, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Several of you have reached out with inquiries about custom artwork, and I truly appreciate it. I’ll be working on those projects this week, and I’ll continue to take on more as messages come in. A big thanks as well to those who’ve shared job leads, helpful tips, and contacts in graphic design, marketing, and other related fields. It’s all incredibly valuable and appreciated.

I don’t remember if I mentioned this before, but I’m also working on something that I believe could benefit not just me, but many of you in this community as well. I’m hoping to eventually get my own equipment to start printing labels and doing custom sticker work. I’ve already done the research, I know exactly what printer, materials, laminate, and tools I’d need, and where to get everything. The biggest challenge right now is saving up for the equipment itself, which is the most expensive part. But it’s a goal I’m serious about and really excited to pursue when the time is right.

I'll be sending out a few messages tonight and tomorrow to people I think might be able to help, and I plan to have more phone calls with a few of you later this week to talk about some other things I have in the works.

Again, thank you. I’m lucky to be part of such an incredible community.

Oscar

 

[casinochipper22]

I’ve already done the research, I know exactly what printer, materials, laminate, and tools I’d need, and where to get everything.

What's the total to start with a minimum viable product and start to grow from there? I will be the first to donate to the "crowd funding for Oscar" campaign.

Sending a PM now.

 

[Thomacetti]

What's the total to start with a minimum viable product and start to grow from there? I will be the first to donate to the "crowd funding for Oscar" campaign.

Sending a PM now.

There is already one.....

Registry link:
Aili johnson and oscar lappalainen's Baby Registry https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/ail...r_apin_dp_MF8N8JXR5WH7YV4984H0&language=en_US

 

[Spinettis Gaming]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

 

[upNdown]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

Hijacking Oscar’s thread was a bad choice.

Warm regards,
Rob

 

[Rieguy]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

I think this would've been more appropriate as its own post versus being on this thread for Oscar's personal circumstances and life update.

 

[kaimat]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

Why would anyone go through Spinetti's when they could just work directly with Oscar who is an actual member of our community?

 

[dpeks13]

Looks like he might have been in charge of PR as well before he got laid off.

Yikes.

 

[Matco]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

 

[JMC9389]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

Respectfully, this is incredibly tone deaf.

 

[billnict]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

I've always had a lot of respect for Spinetti's, spent quite a bit of money (for me) over the years in your store but it appears that you just sacked a long term employee why he's in the middle of a family crisis. SHAME ON YOU!

 

[BPTDirector]

Team Oscar for me! What an incredibly classless post in this thread. Spinettis you will not get another dollar from me.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Sorry @Okku , this is a situation I have never dealt with: a former employer joining my thread on a social media platform to ensure that we still care about the annual blanket n trinket sale.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

This isn’t the thread for this. Let a sleeping dog lay. I wouldn’t have commented on a thread where a PCF member was talking about his situation.

If anything, you could’ve used it to highlight your employee’s time with your company, thank him, and wish him the best (just like he did in his post about your company, appreciated the opportunity, and didn’t slight you at all).

Your sales efforts belong elsewhere.

Regardless not knowing the full story between the employer and employee…that’s how you should have handled it. Not bring up your sales in a thread about a member losing his job and moving on.

 

[divinerites]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming

One of the worst PR reaction I ever saw.
You could have instead open a thread explaining the pure sickness and lack of respect of your latest « so called sale ».
Before that post I could have doubts about the situation and the business reasons underneath. Unfortunately I now have no more doubt.
This will be teach in public relation school as a NOT TO DO roadmap I guess.
I still wish you the best tho.

 

[Eriks]

Wow!
#teamOscar

 

[Pippa]

Oscar (@Okku )
your passion on the store was incredible ( look like you was the owner!!!!!!!)
we are beside you
but its not a bad idea if you will work for CPC
@CPC_Mike keep in mind this kid please
His passion for this hobby its unbelievable

cheers

Paolo

 

[Thomacetti]

While I will always be #TeamOscar....let us not burn bridges on his behalf.
None of us know all details, none of our business either.

I'm sure we in many ways show support for Oscar without burning Spinnetis.
It's all about Oscar & his family now.

 

[JMC9389]

While I will always be #TeamOscar....let us not burn bridges on his behalf.
None of us know all details, none of our business either.

I'm sure we in many ways show support for Oscar without burning Spinnetis.
It's all about Oscar & his family now.

I understand what you're saying brother. I would have had no problem if the owners posted that on their own thread on their vendor subforum.

To come in and promote their business on the off topic subforum of a former employee that is going through a lot of hardships recently let go by that business is incredibly tone deaf at best, and antagonistic at worst. Like one last needle or "f you" on the way out. Very unprofessional

 

[Highli99]

Really sorry Oscar. All the best and I’m sure you will come through this stronger. All the best for wife and baby most of all.

 

[DrunkleWade]

I assume the response is to this paragragh (or part thereof).

From what I understand, Spinettis may no longer be offering custom items going forward, or at least that part of the business seems to be winding down....

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect....

We don't know the circumstances as to why Oscar was let go. Maybe it was a financial decicion or perhaps it was personnel performance based, only you know. Was it poorly timed and very unfortunate considering what is happening in Oscar's personal life? Yep, it sure was.

As it has been rightly pointed out to me, you have a right to defend and/or refute the above statement but you gotta read the room here. We're all feeling a bit bummed about a young man and his family doing it tough so perhaps you could have at least thanked the guy publicly for the time he was in your employ and perhaps apologize for the unfortune timing of it all. Not jump straight into a PSA that your custom work is continuing.

Best of luck to both Oscar, his Wife and children. And best of luck to you too, Anne. I trust we'll all move forward in time.


*edited because I'm willing to admit I was a little bit wrong*

 

[UniLover]

Dear Members of the Poker Chip Forum,

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the enduring legacy behind Spinettis and the values that have guided us from the very beginning. This company was built by my late husband Mike Spinetti’s deep appreciation for the poker chip hobby—its history, its collectors, and the passion that brings us all together. From day one, our focus has been on preserving and supporting this unique community. That commitment remains as strong as ever.

We’re aware of a recent post and while we respect individual privacy, we'd like to clarify that the community has accurate information about our company.

Besides all the gaming supplies and collectables, Spinettis continues to offer custom orders as we always have. Our commitment to personalized service remains unchanged, and we’re here to meet your specific needs with the same attention to detail and care you’ve come to expect. You can reach the custom service department directly at [email protected] as before. All orders will be shipped as usual, with the efficiency and professionalism that define our operations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to speak with the members of our community.

We appreciate your continued trust and support.

Warm regards,
Anne Spinetti
Owner, Spinettis Gaming