Linda Colt leaves Lowrance

[fishfordollars]

Sad news for all of us that depended on her for help. She has been forced out. Lowrance will suffer for this decision.

No idea what I/we will do now.

Just sucks,

Jack

[Jim45498]

I have never dealt with Lowrance and Linda Colt but I have lots of friends that have. Everyone of them hold the highest regard for this lady. Sad news that she is leaving Lowrance. She was a valuable link to the customer service and has the reputation of being a great person that would step forward and help with any problems.

[fishfordollars]

I have never dealt with Lowrance and Linda Colt but I have lots of friends that have. Everyone of them hold the highest regard for this lady. Sad news that she is leaving Lowrance. She was a valuable link to the customer service and has the reputation of being a great person that would step forward and help with any problems.

She was the ONLY one that I ever had any confidence in that maned the phones at Navico. I sent her two  superiors an email yesterday. Here it is word for word.

louis.chemi@navico.com, jeanine.coleman@navico.com

Friends, I do not know either of you; however, I know Linda. I was shocked to hear the news yesterday concerning her termination. What do I/we do now? She was the only person that ever showed any interest in solving my problems with your units.

The following units currently mounted on my boat will now be listed in the "For Sale" sections of several internet sites I visit.

LMS480M

X-125

LMS522c/igps

Gentlemen/ladies, your customer service is absolutely the "Bottom of the Barrell". Without Linda there will be no reason to "Fight the Fight" any longer. Plans were to purchase two new HDS units this spring. In light of yesterday's news, it will now be Humminbird.

Thank you,

Jack Yates

[fishfordollars]

Update on Linda Colt.

A release was issued yesterday by Louis Chemi at Navico stating that the company has taken another look at the issues. The release stated that the company was in current negotiations with Linda.

Sad companies never bother to address employee concerns and work site procedures before making decisions. It's all about the bottom line.

The real issue that needs to be addressed is their customer service department. Not whether to bring Linda back or not. They need educated, trained, employees that are willing to do the job.

[Paul Roberts]

Update on Linda Colt.

A release was issued yesterday by Louis Chemi at Navico stating that the company has taken another look at the issues. The release stated that the company was in current negotiations with Linda.

Sad companies never bother to address employee concerns and work site procedures before making decisions. It's all about the bottom line.

The real issue that needs to be addressed is their customer service department. Not whether to bring Linda back or not. They need educated, trained, employees that are willing to do the job.

It's pretty common all over. Managers are rarely trained in what they are REALLY managing -people. If this is a lack of communication, this ought to be a wake-up call. If it's a matter of values -it sounds like a top down overhaul might be necessary.

[FishinTN]

I have not had any issues as of yet to call Lowrance, but from all the good things i have heard about Linda Colt, I e-mailed the above people to express my concerns about not holding on to a employee with such a great reputation, and years of service and experience with a company.

[simplejoe]

Good deal with that e-mail Jack. You never know, you might of saved her job by it.

[fishfordollars]

Good deal with that e-mail Jack. You never know, you might of saved her job by it.

Not my email. I heard the company was inundated with calls and emails

[Long Mike]

Linda Colt's departure from Lowrance has created a nation-wide uproar among Lowrance users.  The article below was published in today's Tulsa World newspaper.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=358&articleid=20100121_29_B2_Inatim636995

Lowrance's headquarters is located only a few miles from my house.  I think I'll drive over there today to see if there are any protesters out front.

[JohnnyBigger]

Great article....I was looking to buy my first lowrance, it was the new hds but after hearing what i heard i will be buying the new hummingbird 798 model

[b.Lee]

I don't own a boat or even Lowrance equipment, but I will send an email as well. I think we all should in support for Linda and our community.

I think it is absolutely amazing how one person could stick out like that and they let her go.

I must say, that article was inspiring.

[shootermcbob]

Good deal with that e-mail Jack. You never know, you might of saved her job by it.

Not my email. I heard the company was inundated with calls and emails

Maybe it wasn't just your email Jack, but you certainly did your part.

[Long Mike]

Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent to Lowrance.

It's a crying shame that Lowrance, notorious for it's lack of Customer Support, should lose the only bright light it had to offer. I will miss Linda Colt and her wisdom. Linda really cared about her customers. Best I can tell, she was the only one who did. God only knows how much money in lost sales Lowrance will lose due to its failure to put the proper emphasis on Customer Service.

And here is their response.

Customer Service is the top priority for Navico, Inc. Linda Colt exemplifies what we want to achieve with our customer support. Linda has been a truly valued member of the Customer Service team and we did not wish to see her resign from Navico. We want to assure you that we have heard all of your inputs, and we appreciate all the passion that you have shown in this matter. We are continuing our discussions with Linda.

Thank you for contacting Navico.

[Glenn]

2 things:

- The power of these forums shows we CAN make a difference!

- It's great to see a print publication citing websites in their stories. That used to not be the case. It's also cool they mentioned us!

I certainly hope your voices have been heard and have made a difference for Linda.  She has earned all our support.

[Fishing Rhino]

Here's my windbag email to Lowrance.

I will be getting two sounders for a new boat which I will be getting in June.  I was looking at your HDS units, and on the internet found the HDS sounders have a problem with water intrusion.

I was looking at your products at the Bass Pro Shop in Foxborough, MA.  Three of the units on display had doors that would not remain closed.  Whoever designed that method for receiving the chips should be drawn and quartered.

I've had 27 years as a commercial lobsterman, and instantly could see several problems with that design.  I am familiar with electronics including radar, loran (now defunct), sounders, epirbs, etc.

First, the feeble magnet which is supposed to hold the door snug to create a seal is inadequate.  Secondly the receiver for the chips could not be in a worse place, on the face of the unit.  Heavy spray or rain will run down the face, into the crevice, leaving only the seal to prevent intrusion.  The slightest gap or nick, or failure to close the door snugly means that water will enter the unit through those slots.  Gravity dicatates it.

In addition. merely brushing against the side of the unit can leave the door ajar, rendering the seal useless, if it isn't noticed.

How to do it properly.  Simple.  The receiving ports should be on the bottom of the unit.  A rectangular rubber or neoprene plug can be pressed into the recess to create an absolutely watertight seal.  Thirdly, a raised ridge around the receivers will act as a drip edge, much like that over windows and doors in a house, that will direct the water away from the chip ports.  In addition, its location will prevent the problem the current design affords.  Merely brushing against it will not affect the seal.  The raised lip around the ports will also serve to protect the plugs from being accidentally dislodged.

Now, to my second point.

First and foremost consideration for buying any product is not price.  It is service.

I am a member of the Bass Resource forum, and have read some disturbing things about you losing a customer service rep who had done much to maintain customer loyalty for your product, namely, Linda Colt.

As a potential customer, I can tell you that this is a prime consideration in selecting a product.

I'm budgeting three thousand dollars for the two sounders, or sonars if you prefer.

I felt it important for you to know what will be considered by me when selecting a product.

[JohnnyBigger]

Here's my windbag email to Lowrance.

I will be getting two sounders for a new boat which I will be getting in June. I was looking at your HDS units, and on the internet found the HDS sounders have a problem with water intrusion.

I was looking at your products at the Bass Pro Shop in Foxborough, MA. Three of the units on display had doors that would not remain closed. Whoever designed that method for receiving the chips should be drawn and quartered.

I've had 27 years as a commercial lobsterman, and instantly could see several problems with that design. I am familiar with electronics including radar, loran (now defunct), sounders, epirbs, etc.

First, the feeble magnet which is supposed to hold the door snug to create a seal is inadequate. Secondly the receiver for the chips could not be in a worse place, on the face of the unit. Heavy spray or rain will run down the face, into the crevice, leaving only the seal to prevent intrusion. The slightest gap or nick, or failure to close the door snugly means that water will enter the unit through those slots. Gravity dicatates it.

In addition. merely brushing against the side of the unit can leave the door ajar, rendering the seal useless, if it isn't noticed.

How to do it properly. Simple. The receiving ports should be on the bottom of the unit. A rectangular rubber or neoprene plug can be pressed into the recess to create an absolutely watertight seal. Thirdly, a raised ridge around the receivers will act as a drip edge, much like that over windows and doors in a house, that will direct the water away from the chip ports. In addition, its location will prevent the problem the current design affords. Merely brushing against it will not affect the seal. The raised lip around the ports will also serve to protect the plugs from being accidentally dislodged.

Now, to my second point.

First and foremost consideration for buying any product is not price. It is service.

I am a member of the Bass Resource forum, and have read some disturbing things about you losing a customer service rep who had done much to maintain customer loyalty for your product, namely, Linda Colt.

As a potential customer, I can tell you that this is a prime consideration in selecting a product.

I'm budgeting three thousand dollars for the two sounders, or sonars if you prefer.

I felt it important for you to know what will be considered by me when selecting a product.

Well put

[Bassnajr]

I have had nothing but problems with Navico customer support except Linda. I sent her and e-mail regarding the incompatibility issues regarding the emulators and Windows Vista, as well as other issues. She got RIGHT back to me. Told me that she had already had disscussions with the powers that be and well the worker bees can only do so much. Linda was probably telling them all the truth...just what the boss DOESN"T want to hear...that customers are not happy. I was looking into the HDS 8 with down/side imaging at around $2500.00. I now hear that there are already bugs and problems because "they" rushed it to try and catch up with/ compete with Humminbird. Won't be making that purchase. Gotta make these guys listen by hitting them where it hurts, in the wallet!!!!!! >

I also sent an e-mail:

"Hello,

Just wanted to congratulate Navico for once again shooting themselves in the foot by losing Linda Colt...the only person who cared about customers at Navico. Linda monitors several of the bass fishing forums that I belong to and is a great asset to all members. She answered e-mails quickly, gave HONEST answers, and helped to the best of her ability. Sounds to me like she may have been "let go" because she was telling you the truth about what's going on out here with the" little people". Things you didn't want to hear. I was in the process of buying an HDS 8 with down/side imaging capabilities. That purchase is no more. Things are not "OK" out here. You better wake up and listen to what you are being told or the next notice may be that YOU are now looking for a new job!!!"

Alan Ross

Bassresource.com member

[Willzx225]

I too was looking to change out my unit on my console with an HDS-8 and had heard all of the nightmares with them but, dispite all of that, I was going to purchase it b/c I knew Linda would make it alright in the situation that I got a lemon.  Now I don't know what to do.  Actually, I do.  I think I will send Lowrance an email as well.  haha

[fishfordollars]

I held off posting this to help keep Linda's personal life as private as possible. It has been reported elsewhere so here goes.

Linda was hospitalized Monday night due to chest pains. She reportedly spent the night resting well. All test came back negative. She was released the next day to her home.

It was reported that many employees did contact her regarding her health situation while there; however, the latest report I read stated no one in upper management made any attempt to check on her.

Again, that is what has been reported. If in error I do apologize to the management of Navico.

Jack

[Wayne P.]

Linda made a personal post on another web site concerning her health and thanking those all over the world for their support.

She indicated that she will let her fans know the outcome of the "meeting" with management.