Who is Secretive about their Ferrari Ownership?

oh yeah!

I strongly believe there are some things that are none of anyone ones business anyways, and I don't need someones validation of what I own to be proud of what I accomplished even if its driving my cars around town.

 

THATS THE WAY PAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

no, it was not about 'bragging' or letting people know this or that, nor about anything being anyone else's business...it was about one not being 'shamed' into being secretive--being fearful of negative responses just because you are doing well/own such and such cars, etc. it was about not worrying what others would think if you wanted to drive the Ferrari to work, or if people in general 'found out' about ownership. it was about how it seemed weird that anyone successful, would be 'shamed' by others just for being successful, and as a result be 'secretive'.

 

funny topic. My boss who's a global SE manager knows that I have a ferrari. We were at a bar with one of the local Sales VP and he was bragging about his BMW 550i..."this thing is so fast that I could smoke anything out there." My boss was joking around with him and said he'll put up $1000 bucks and said "I'll even race you in Josh's car." The next day, the VP shows up in his 550i... We pull up in the CS. Needless to say. We got a nice steak dinner that night and then some..

The funniest comment from my boss was "If you could sell, you wouldn't be driving a 550i!"

 

I'm not sure why.
I have several hundred employees, several hundred more independent contractors and literally thousands of people who derive their living by working on any of my projects. My employees and associates are, I believe, motivated by seeing the fruits of success and I am proud that many of them who aspired to ownership of lovely cars have achieved that goal and continue to excel. If I drove a minivan to work, the message that I would be sending would be that hard work gets you not very far at all.
Yes I do haul stuff around. I have a mid size SUV and I have an Enterprise agency a couple of miles away which is very useful for when I need a club wagon or a pickup.
I really think you didn't get the point at all.

 

I think it comes down to what kind of business you own. If it's something like small stores, gas stations, etc, that are cash based, some employees could get upset over their pay (lack thereof) and start stealing. Lower wage type jobs where employee theft is more often to happen and possibly in lower age employee groups as well that work for $7/hr or thereabouts.

I wouldn't see such a big problem driving a car like an Enzo to work if you own a large business comprised mainly of adults with families that are professionals. Not temporary, low-wage, hourly positions among those who feel the system is screwing them or something.

For those non-business owner professionals, such as doctors, I don't think it would be a good idea either. If you work at a hospital, you build relationships with co-workers such as nurses. They can seriously make your life a living hell if they hate you. I'd say it's best to play safe in a working environment like that. I'd like to think that driving a Ferrari to the hospital won't result in any "blacklash" so to speak, but it's certainly possibly. I think it's more of a case-by-case thing.

 

Wow, nice point of views here. Very interesting thread.


Guess this depends on what you do for a living.

 

I have a small manufacturing and distribution business with no employees, but if I have employees, I would not hesitate to let them see my Ferrari.

I am friends with my supplier but I have not told them for fear they might raise my prices! I also cannot let my parents know because they will endlessly criticize me for wasting money as they have done so about my other expensive hobby of collecting arms and armor.

But all my regular friends know and they are happy for me. I drove my car to a meeting at a large customer's company. Many people saw it and were all very impressed and complimentary.

Of course it is tacky to tell people on purpose, but unless there are practical reasons for hiding your Ferrari from certain people, it is crazy to purposely keep such a wonderful thing a secret.

 

For those non-business owner professionals, such as doctors, I don't think it would be a good idea either. If you work at a hospital, you build relationships with co-workers such as nurses. They can seriously make your life a living hell if they hate you. I'd say it's best to play safe in a working environment like that. I'd like to think that driving a Ferrari to the hospital won't result in any "blacklash" so to speak, but it's certainly possibly. I think it's more of a case-by-case thing.[/QUOTE]


I have 7 exotics now. Have had anywhere up to 15 at any one time. From Renault R5T2 to an F40. Most of my 15 employees know what I have. They have all worked for me for years. It doesn't help at wage negotiations-even though the topic isn't brought into the equation 'cuz how do you justify things aren't going WONDERFULLY when any "one" of the cars costs more than thier home. Still isn't my concern. They get paid better than average-and treated very well-that's why they've been there for years. The issue is the consumer and immediate peers. If you appear to be struggling along with them, your good old such and such. They arrive proudly in thier lexus, you show up in a ferrari or lambo, regardless of model (as most just need know the brand) and you are a MF'r. Most hate you. Period. Cold day that person sends any business your way. If your business relies on peer referrals, your dead. There will be a few that appreciate them. They're generally enthusiasts as well and likely have something tucked in the garage themselves. However, even those individuals can be encountered which feel your one up'ing them and they hate you also. Those truely into it. I am more than happy to share with them-but it has to start from thier side, I won't bring up the topic.
Hence I live in the country, drive my cars to work and park them in a private enclosed garage. Joy rides and runs are a must obviously. I'm just being specific about the at work issue. "whatcha driving these days?"---> a truck is my answer 99.7% of the time.
I own these to impress me. Someone could love 'em-that's cool. Hate 'em-that's cool too. I could not care less.

 

Your ability to relate to or understand those in the middle class is on par with that of Paris Hilton.

 

Ouch!

 

ever since i can remember, I have been a car nut . I grew up dreaming about someday owning a Porsche or even better a FERRARI ! I played with my F-car and P-car toys , put the posters on my wall , read any magazine article I could find about them ,went to any car show that I could find . After busting my @$$ for years working (6-7 day work weeks,60+ hr days) and saving so that one day I could actually own one , I finally was able to purchase the first of my "dream cars" ; a brand new Porsche (can't quite afford the Ferrari yet) . The following day ,I pulled into my spot at work . A coworker sees the car and the first words out of her mouth: "wow ! I guess they are paying you too much ! You're obviously making way too much money!" ..... We live in a world of jealousy;a place where people make their own assuptions ,form their opinions,and open their mouths without knowing the facts. I understand why many of you keep your ownership a secret .

 

The Middle Class! WTF are you talking about. I built my business from nothing after I worked my way through college. I employ hard working honest people who are motivated to become better and give their families wonderful lives and I reward them commensurate with their success for our company. They are the middle class and they are motivated to improve their lives as I was and continue to be. How dare you compare me to an airheaded bimbo who inherited her name and everything else she has.
you clearly are one of those losers who hates anyone who has succeeded and is better than you. That means you probably hate everybody. Talk about not being able to relate or understand!

 

BTW ! who said anything about being ashamed about what they owned or drive???

 

That a good one! let those big EGOS brag all day!

 

VERY WELL SAID, THANKS!
LOL I wish that my employees made $7 or $10 an hour , they are mostly $18 / $25 hour, but they think they make min wage,

 

YEAH LOOK AT ME!

GOOD POINT MY FRIEND..

 

YEAH LOOK AT ME! LIKE a MR TRUMP

GOOD POINT MY FRIEND..

 

In my industry, we attract and retain the very best people by creating very real opportunities for them to become wealthy; in the past 40 years we have created a few billionaires and tens of thousands of multimillionaires. The fact I drive a Ferrari to work is tangible confirmation of what is possible for my employees to achieve.

 

Let me guess, the .com biz?????

 

Nope, the .com market is really only 15 years old. My business is semiconductors which is a $250B a year market.

 

Wow ... I cant believe this

 

He's one up om me.

 

Hallelujah to that.

 

In the industries which I have worked, the employee (engineer) is required to assign the the rights to any invention to the employer. Is it different in semiconducters?