Tingas and A@ron,
Don't give snowblades dude hell for stating the facts like he's a party pooper or too serious (also that lolcat is playyyyed) because it's true, taking a company public takes lawyers, red tape,venture capital, and a business plan that would mos def dwarf anything like a indie ski shop - basically it's just not possible. Sure Bryant said to follow your dreams but I'm sure he meant dreams that are attainable, otherwise I'd be dreaming of being a liquid metal terminator who could fly into supermodels' bedrooms and it'd be happening.
All the best wishes are great but it's important also to not get everyone hyped on something that ultimately will not pan out but will rather add insult to injury. Give Bryant the due props for all the ill shit he's done and respect his decision to move on.
I'm a small business owner as well (not ski-related) and it's tough times right now, just barely staying afloat. Economy sucks but the main problem is volume-based retailers muscling independent businesses into bankruptcy just through sheer scale of buying power. Lots of kids vow to keep it real and support but when it comes down to it, especially during a recession, kids are going to go for the cheapest package available, and it's the high-volume retailers that can afford to offer it. It's like being in an indie rock band right now - you have a fanbase that's all about having your back on the internet but 90% end up torrenting your album because they think a $8 cover charge at some show that may or may not happen in the future will make up for it, and in the interim you have to sell the van and give up on everything you worked for. Sucks. Best of luck, JB.