The Strike Made Me SHUT DOWN The Van Life Business. UPDATE

[@Dooms1972]

Dude it's a shop it's going to get dirty you are not preforming surgery in therel it is going to get dirty you are kind of being ridiculous about it lol

[@VANCITYVANLIFE]

Easy for you to say!!!! ITS NOT YOUR LIFE SAVINGS. I wanna protect MY INVESTMENT.

[@bmm0424]

But, it’s a workshop, with not much going on in it 😂

[@Kmax3000]

@@VANCITYVANLIFEI’m with you. My work trailer is my pride and joy and my livelihood.. I clean that out almost every day!

[@Makeitbymandy]

@@bmm0424 it takes time to set up a business you know, have you done one yet? How much money and time did it take you to set up a big successful business?

[@renee2994]

He is performing surgery on Ford vans. 🎉

[@nicktw8688]

Gotta show solidarity with the hard working postal workers.

[@VanityBitty]

Maybe use your stairwell to hang unique items like that artwork, which is amazing btw. Also, when you repaint your steps, maybe make the edge a white strip because even though you determined that’s not why Cruz isn’t going down them, it would still make it safer for weirdos and dogs both.

[@underhill59]

These kind of videos are amazing! It just feels like you're chilling and chatting with me!

[@lindasteller]

Amanda rocks! We Virgo girls are badass.

[@chiron591]

Awe come on Chrome, they want them all to be part time. Then work them almost full time, ridiculous. I know it sucks but there are other company's that ship. Keep takng orders, eventually canada post will be back to work.

[@ceebee987]

They really need our support right now so thank you for providing those facts. It matters. It's not Canada Posts fault. Blame the people putting them in this position.

[@Makeitbymandy]

He states that he supports them TWICE in the video. But he also vents because it causes both shops a lot of headaches, especially near Christmas time, which is exactly why they are on strike right now.

[@ceebee987]

@@Makeitbymandy absolutely. Impact is important when striking.

[@DLxDaemon]

@5:20 Cruzy making you go to the other door to let him in, he walks in 10 feet, and starts wagging his tail, all the while thinking "I've got you trained well..." 🤣

[@VintageVehicleAdventures]

We got our 3 shirts before the strike !! Best feeling high quality shirts I own !! I don’t know where you buy them but don’t change suppliers.

[@LukaVucinic]

Keep the store open, receive, prepare and pack orders until the strike is over. We will understand! Strike will end at some point and I believe it will happen sooner rather than later.

[@minisurfboardscouk]

Thanks so much for sharing my art work and website again your a true gent Thanks kev mini surfboards

[@wandamervil5987]

❤ That was a nice Piece ❤

[@minisurfboardscouk]

@ thanks so much

[@robmccallum8710]

In my experience we never closed down sales when there were shipping interruptions. We simply informed customers of delays… then shipped once strike etc ended. Never stop the sales channel!!

[@wilvandenhoek4290]

@@robmccallum8710 I have to agree with you, don't stop the sales channel, no point in losing sales especially at this time of year, and always give the customer themselves the choice of whether they want to use Canada Post due to the cheaper rates or use an alternative courier services in order to support you and your channel, meanwhile keeping people employed. It seems like Canada Post likes to go on strike especially before the Christmas holidays.

[@boredtexas7778]

I just ordered stickers. I'll wait. Don't stress. Those of us who love you won't mind the delay.

[@johnnybk20]

Get a few of those metal drip sheets for under cars. Lay them out when grinding and welding.

[@ontheroadwithtenzin]

You can keep your store open, but put shipping delay warning on the order checkout so people know it will be a little slower to get their package. KEEP TAKING ORDERS. People will understand.

[@asmradventureasmr]

The shop should be called "Cruzie's Den", he sure loves his big 2nd home 😊

[@KnightFireSafetyInc.-rx6rh]

Your issues are with Canada post, not the striking workers, who were officially locked out shortly after they gave strike notice in fact (meaning, the corporation isn’t allowing workers to return to work)

[@homerjay8109]

The pain it causes is the power of a strike........

[@1999nathanule]

exactly right, but it needs to happen

[@nicksfishroom915]

I support the union. That corporation grinds people hard. Hopefully the guys and gals are successful in negotiations with Canada Post

[@mbtravel7294]

💯

[@ontheroadwithtenzin]

Wonderful you found a fabricator that is in synch with your visions. You are going to be very successful. In just the few short years I have been watching your channel your growth and business sense has grown out of a solid foundation.

[@Musicescape17]

I’m so sorry you are experiencing this set back. I hope it’s resolved quickly so you all can get back to your normal daily lives. 🙏

[@valeriaproductions]

Don’t stop your sales! Just let everyone know there will be a delay. We understand❤

[@jackieberg504]

Keep the store open.... shipping delayed due to strike. Don't lose income because they are on strike.

[@Andyonthefly]

Dude, I freaking love your dog😂😂

[@Mighty.Lion23]

It’s also significant, in these circumstances to recognize the importance of the postal services and their value. Love your vids. 💚💛❤️

[@LoriFranklin-ee4sh]

The epoxy floor- cleaned up after damage- will still look better than concrete . The shop looks great.

[@Ayleash]

Maybe you can "chain" a series of events for Cruise. What I mean is, as the lights go out he gets a treat (down by the exit door)... then in the van...

[@kdj43560]

His toes like walking on the garage floor inside rather than the rocky terrain outside the garage. 🐶

[@timothyp3378]

Floors can be fixed....just like driving your truck into the bush and getting "pinstripes" on the side from branches. Every ding and scrape will tell a story.

[@Shihtzu99]

3:13 I love Cruz!!❤❤ I had to put my 16.5 year old Shih Tzu down on Monday and my heart is still broken.

[@Makeitbymandy]

Aww im sorry. Big hugs!!❤

[@heavenbound563]

Hey Chrome where's Loren there day's. Love all your videos and I love Cruz. Keep your double V's up.

[@beckymoran321]

I think we need a shop chair race.

[@donaldfrazier5244]

I feel for you guys hoping they get this sorted out soon !

[@rrjohn5]

Chrome! I just realized…. I haven’t seen a video of your in a while! (Been busy). KZbin stopped offering me your videos. Ugh. And I AM a subscriber. Got a lot to catch up on. Sorry your business has been so deeply affected.

[@discerninglight1998]

I was thinking you could put some grip tape on the edge of the stairs to prevent slipping.

[@sherriemitchell3892]

Just keep ordering and packaging and send it out when it's ready. Hopefully they'll be back to work quick.

[@ToddMcCallum-hr7vw]

Love that look Cruzie gave ya in the front seat. Awesome.

[@K-9Gar]

Im so glad i got my hoody even after you forgot to go to post office😅 the hoody is bad a%% 💯 i got to get a green one when it comes out ill wait strikes dont last long bro you and cruise stay positive

[@Shihtzu99]

3:43 Amanda is seriously so impressive!!!!!

[@mammamia200]

Great video! Love the beautiful shop!

[@joannybarra7717]

Chrome, here is something interesting. I was reading google news and came across this gentleman who when I saw his picture I thought it was you. His name is Rick Martinez who is a Chef and Cookbook author out of Austin, Texas. He also appears on KZbin under Food52 along with other chefs. The resemblance is amazing. In some of his photos he has the same salt and pepper hairdo and beard as you, minus the earrings. Amazing!

[@ChosenbyGodprotectedbyJesus]

@joannybarra7717 that could be his brother.... for real

[@Makeitbymandy]

Lol!!! Holy crap!!! Brothers from another mother!!! 😂

[@1LEGATATIME]

Godfather of Van life, lol just have to show respect. Just wondering if y’all ever do anything with mini vans in your van toys store. Just thinking cabinets in the back, etc. I’d love to do something in my Toyota sienna wheelchair van. Not a lot of people touch them on the market. Even coverage for the windows don’t exist.

[@marcklemens9152]

Hey chrome. They sell grip tape to put on the stairs. It’s for people and pets so they.don’t slip. Also they sell grip paint. It has like sand build in the paint.

[@AbrahamVelarde]

2:33 Hey Chrome, I know it’s frustrating that you’re losing money with the courier service strike, especially since Canada Post is your go-to for cost-effective shipping. I just want to remind you that the industry needs your support, even though it might feel like a setback. The workers striking are pushing for a necessary change, and disrupting the system financially is the only way things will improve in the long run. The reality is, costs like these often get passed down to the consumer - it’s a cycle that’s hard to break. But it’s also a necessary step toward fair wages, better working conditions, and addressing the core issues within the industry. I understand that corporations are focused on profit, and I get the need for efficiency. But when profit comes at the cost of workers’ well-being, it’s the employees who bear the brunt of the consequences. So while this situation sucks, it’s part of a bigger fight for fair treatment of workers, and that’s something we all should stand behind.

[@DisabledandPrepping]

Cruz I think wants a bark activated door put in.😊

[@DeborahAnneWeber]

What happened to your old mechanic? Laurence, Lauren, was it?

[@treymack1874]

Hey Chrome! Can you make the art a picture on a T-shirt?

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Chrome if you’re not gonna make your weather window on the driveway just grade it off and get yourself some 1+ gravel and just pour that about three or 4 inches thick. Then that can be compacted with sand when it comes time to put in the concrete.

[@davidfoster3427]

Keep taking the orders and get them ready for shipment. Express delivery at a premium cost. 4-6 weeks delivery otherwise.

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

That's such a cool piece from Mini Surfboards! Love it! Have you considered some of that gritty paint for the stairs? It would also give Cruzie a better grip on them. Amanda is amazing, I'm wondering if there's anything she CAN'T do! You go, Gurl !

[@ramblynrocketeer]

✨❤️✨ 1,000% Agree!

[@margaretyourchuck6417]

Hold tight, support POST, I'm sure a pause will be brief - if you just pause - I know a bad deal, but we will all pray fir a quick resolution. Bulk Ship to a friend in USA Later if too long.

[@marybethrenfrow3331]

I rec. keeping the shop open with a disclaimer about the strike and delay in shipping posted on the website.

[@Riley_sd]

Stay strong Chrome and Cruzie 💪✌️

[@Randy-hg5pi]

Nice to hear you say Lorne’s name.

[@lindapetersen2901]

I don’t think it will last too long they are leveraging the holiday season to get what they want.🤞

[@Kmax3000]

I remember when Canada Post went on strike and one of the things they wanted was ‘instant and permanent job security’.. like.. common, NOBODY gets that in the real world.

[@yasik9393]

Its a shop, not a house, itll get muddy and dirty, just have to clean up every week....not walk around in socks and pretend its your house

[@JoshuaBrittenham]

I'm glad I got my long sleeve double V's shirt today before this starts!

[@marymurray1111]

Katie the boxer is Irish . And we're very proud of her here in Ireland. Glad you enjoyed her match.

[@K-9Gar]

Im excited to see you get the chance of building a brand of van toys accessories

[@Shihtzu99]

9:00 love that art!

[@nailazion3113]

Hey Chrome and Cruz......love the music......I swear Cruz feel your pain....Hey Amanda...and Darryl

[@Aunty-A]

Not the bathroom!!!! It’s too beautiful!!! Everyone needs to be able to enjoy it!

[@lucyalderman422]

Got to love the Vancouver Island weather right!!!!!

[@heyinway]

Doggie elevator ! He's wearing out his hip joints.

[@gummymummy1234]

Yes I agree. Or a RAMP with CARPET on 1/3rd of the stairwell for Cruze Bear! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ ❤🧸

[@J_Drilla]

Them going on strikes hurts them too. They don’t get paid to strike.

[@DragnDon]

That ambulance is gonna be sick! I will definitely be checking it out at Andy's when you get down this way!

[@kathylenn9153]

Glad to hear you are able now to resume your physical activity. Dont forget to get your final sperm count to be sure your surgery was succesdful. Dont just assume you are noe "safe" get your sperm count gest done at appropriate time. Love you Chrome. From an octogenerisn

[@jacquelineoldhaver2672]

There was back in the 80's a company that spung up who forwarded mail to the USPS. There may be a company today that does that.

[@mbtravel7294]

I hope they get a fair contract! Go Canada post employees!

[@gerbearjones6056]

Switch to couriers I guess it won't last long. I can sympathize with you, having been small business person myself. But when you think about it, we should appreciate the work that CP and the workers do for such a low price. Be well

[@van_trippin5260]

If it didn't hurt people a strike would have no effect! So many people getting f..ked over by various postal services, bosses get their bonuses tho

[@shabbychicvintagechicks]

I have a Shopify account too And I had to take hault all physical products off right now as well I’m not paying that much every month

[@apropergirl]

Love your theme song by the way. It's you now whenever I hear it. Stick with it.

[@staceygiometti9680]

Beautiful Painting.😊

[@Outlaw.cinema]

Hiiiii !!! followed you over from Bruce channel if you see a big ol 80s white dodge driving around with Outlaw Cinema on it, that's me!

[@davidmohr9317]

I was at the Tyson fight Chrome. Just flew back to Van. As you know, it sucked. But what you don't know, is the coverage at the arena was also terrible, amongst other problems.

[@1nsertCleverNameHere]

Hey Chrome, I wanted to post something, but I don't want it to come across the wrong way. I also know Amanda will probably respond as she's very protective of you (and I respect that). With that said, although you don't owe us anything, a lot of us have been wondering (as well as asking) what happened to Loren, and why he's suddenly disappeared completely from the channel. We certainly are looking forward to getting to know Daryl (Darryl?), but Loren became such a big part of your life over the last couple of years, and then he was gone without a trace. Now don't get me wrong, I do see from his own admission that he's had some health stuff, and that you recently commented on a live stream of his, but outside of that, you no longer make any reference to him whatsoever. For those of us who got to know him so well, and absolutely loved the dynamic between the two of you, I think I can speak for many of us where we are feeling like a friend was lost without any explanation. Once again, you don't owe us one, but as a guy who prides himself on full transparency and "keeping it real", I think that a lot of us would like to know if he is at least going to be a part of the channel/shop again. Even if it's a yes or no answer. Anyway, sorry for the rant here. Been a subscriber for a while now and your channel has become a big part of mine, as well as a lot of others' lives. All the best! ✌️✌️

[@Makeitbymandy]

I don’t respond to comments just because I am protective of Chrome. I respond because he will often not have time to go through many comments and you all often deserve responses. As for the “where is Loren” question that I have responded to many times, Loren doesn’t have time to help Chrome right now. His personal life and previous commitments have him busy (check out his channel for updates - Lole’s Offroad & Overland) and Chrome has a business to move forward. He can’t wait for Loren in order to get things done. They are 100% still bro’s. In fact if you were on Chrome’s YT memberships, you would have seen a post with Loren in it last Friday. Thats about the gist. We all love Loren, including Chrome - but Chrome is a business man and needs to be able to move forward right now. Will you see Loren on the channel in the future? For sure. When? Who knows. ✌️

[@chana7141]

I feel like shops are suppose to be dirty no????

[@rayvernon3534]

What happen to that school project to design the the insides floor plan?

[@meloscrazyworld]

You guys got all the rain meanwhile in NYC we're in a drought!

[@maryeshenaur6016]

I vote office for the painting. It's too nice to be in the bathroom.

[@LostCauseAdventureBus]

On your travels to Hamilton, I'd love to meet up with you if I could. The skoolie is a work in progress but I've been out in it and love it!

[@catherinesigurdson4189]

I'm in the delivery business. I think I will be busy soon. A lot of northern business will be in trouble.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

By the way, DHL uses local postal services for final delivery when possible. That’s why their prices can be competitive.

[@wes52101]

I support unions and striking workers. Sorry it impacts you, but maybe that's reason enough to support better pay and working conditions for workers. If employers took care of the people who make things happen there wouldn't be a strike.

[@PNWgal58]

@@wes52101 I absolutely agree! Union strong!

[@katydid2877]

When I lived in Cali in the 90s the grocery store cashiers went on strike for $16 an hour. In 1999. Yea, I can scan my own groceries with no training.

[@wes52101]

@@katydid2877 which is one more way employers skirt labor laws in order to avoid paying a living wage to employees.

[@Riley_sd]

Agreed👍

[@bostonterriermomakasandy9722]

Chrome said he supports the workers and their right to fair wages.

[@kevinferguson7936]

Chrome. I have a 68f250 390 c6 doing camper build. Hard times..

[@raybrown9726]

Saw a shot of your Starlink antenna (van with Cruz). The face is trashed! How is reception?

[@vickyschoeneweis4036]

Chrome and Amanda, heads up, I sent you an email concerning the postal strike and a possible solution.

[@ann-marie8235]

1st here in line Chrome and Cruz we are here

[@fredfight]

nice show bud, and agreed, the woman fighting was amazing...brutal!!!

[@JaDem148]

Hopefully you guys take the same turn the U.S. just did. I'm sure Canadian truckers understand the Canadian Postal Service having it's back to the wall. You're still a fan of, "Mister Sunshine Baby", right Chrome?

[@teresacatroppo2277]

Could you do a pre-order on your merchandise until they figure out stuff?

[@wandamervil5987]

Cruzy is just going to wither away to nothing 😂❤😂

[@BlindmanOutdoors]

This strike is going to hurt us small business owners, more than anything else, yet again the crown corporation model in Canada fails us.

[@p8prslar]

Instead of shutting down. Stay open and leave it to the consumer to decide if they want to use other delivery services.

[@TonyPhillips-jy7ev]

Get a paint booth type thing for center bay for that type work

[@knottyadventures]

I just purchased a 1989 Dodge Power Ram 250 Van. Old school bubble top😂. I'm looking forward to purchasing items when I start the remodel, hope you ship to Cali when your back up and running 😉

[@lyseekennedy8829]

I wouldn't panic about the strike yet anyways because it may only last 4 days. Also. For safety you could put some grip tape on your stairs and then you wouldn't have to repaint. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ maybe.

[@Mike.T402]

What happened with Loren being your mechanic?

[@WhocarezWhocarez-nw8ke]

I don't think things were working out , they're still friends

[@Mike.T402]

@ yeah I’m kinda thinking it was a distance thing cause doesn’t Loren live on the mainland

[@dizzy63]

I betting Lauren is still going to do stuff!

[@Makeitbymandy]

Go find a really long comment that I responded to and I explained what’s going on with Loren

[@tylerprattis5441]

He's been busy. Because he lives on the mainland. So, he doesn't always have time to do things at the shop. Loren talked about this in his second live stream on his KZbin.

[@sageflower2680]

I am a Union Sister. I ALWAYS support strikes. I understand that it puts you in a bad place. What you can do is write your postal service and put the pressure on them to respect their workers.