Uphill Design

The utterly baffling, completely untrue reply, regarding an item intended as a 'Professional Collaboration" for a Charity Auction, from Dan Sedlacek, owner/proprietor of Uphill Designs Company: "Hey will, I don't know who you are. Please stop whatever it is you're trying to do.

Whatever is going on inside, the vibe comes across, and it is not pleasant. You handed me an old jacket and tried to tell me things. Then you wanted it back." September 28th, 2019 3:30 pm

Around May of 2018, I spoke with three different leather vendors at Pike Place Market. I met Sami and Oliver, representing Uphill Designs.

I explained my idea to transform the (Never Used) inside pockets from a beautiful, impeccably well preserved Italian Leather (Suede) Jacket into an airline ticket holder, and the chosen collaborator could use the remainder for whatever they would like to create. I went back three weeks later, spoke with Sami and Oliver once again, indicating they had discussed the situation with Dan, and he was interested in the idea.

Months went by, and on October 15th, 2018, I ran across Dan's card. I called, introduced myself, he recalled the idea, and we discussed the proposal to which he agreed. Mind you; I was new to Credit Card Processing and asked if he would help me out and texted the link.

I then received the following text at 12:48 pm: "Hey Will, I won't be completing this, the company has quite a few bad reviews that come up on google immediately and I don't want to interact with a business that buys in to poor communication." Silly me, I looked on google and low and behold. I was quite impressed and thankful for his reply, as I completely agree with his statement! I never proceeded with the company since.

I had already chosen Dan's company through my research on his website, storefront, and the fact that they make everything inhouse. My decision, by the fact that he clearly stated he didn't buy into "Poor Communication," was highly bolstered at this point.

I entered his store just before 3:30, presented the "Canvas" if you will, and we discussed my initial proposal. He wholeheartedly agreed that the Jacket in question was in Ab Fab condition, and the inner pockets were perfect for my idea! I felt terrible about asking him to help me out, considering the bad reviews, and changed up my approach. Instead of making the Travel Piece for me, as initially intended (as I didn't want to come off as selfish, nor do I travel much), I suggested that he create this "Special Peace for a Charity Auction." We then mutually agreed that a Travel Piece would bring more money, as it would appeal to a higher income level individual who would be bidding.

I followed up by stating that if it were not possible, for some unforeseen reason, to make a Travel Piece, to inform me of that fact and "Get Creative." He agreed, and I left his lovely little store.

October 29, 2018, 4:15 pm I texted: "Hi Dan, It was Sami and Oliver that I met. Say hi! Have you figured out what you'd like to create? Good meeting you.

Will" I asked the question, not sure what was possible to make, as previously discussed. October 30th, 2:24 pm "Oh nice, they're awesome. Not sure yet, it's in our prototyping section, but we might keep it as a photo shoot piece since it goes with our goods we'll!" I figured the Jacket was safe in my closet (no pun intended) for years (considering I had worn it less than three dozen times, as it was a little baggy on me at 6'3" 210 lbs, hence the Perfect Condition), so it also sounds safe in his "Prototyping Section" and only used for "Photoshoots." 4:53 pm I replied: "Hmmm? Only for a year...

Then get Creative! Lol" 5:27 pm he replied: "We always do!" 5:28 pm, "We always do!"

Forward to September, 24th 2019 3:07 pm, I called Dan: 'Hi, It's Will. What have you created?" Dan: "Nothing. Do you want to come to pick it up?

Me: "Sure?" I questioned as I was utterly dumbfounded! Why on earth would he ask me to pick up the Jacket? Why is he no longer interested in a collaboration contributing to either Lifelong AIDS Alliance OR Food Lifeline? Shortly after that, I walked into his store, and before I could even give his dog a proper greeting, tail still wagging and enjoying the attention, Dan quickly handed me a wrinkled Jacket, not on a hanger, turned around, and walked away saying something like "Thanks, see ya later." I felt as though I was in an episode of The Twilight Zone, and was somewhat confused by the whole interaction.

What seemed like a Professional Transaction to start with, turned into a Nightmarish Debockle in which I am forced to take further recourse.

The following is the only communique we have shared since. September 25th, 8:23 am a text sent: "Morning Dan, would you please send me some pics of the photoshoots with the coat? I tried to find some on your website and clicking around, to no avail. It would be nice to see.

Thank you, Will." 9:19 Reply: "Will, this is not a business number. Feel free to look at our Instagram, there's some shots there." 9:40 am my reply: "Will do. What's your email address? Thank you." 10 am his reply: "Feel free to contact us through the website."

After some time to research, review and maintain my poise and composure, I replied on September 28th at 3:20 pm: 'Your website does not give me the documentation of our conversation.

I need your email address, and contact info for Sami and Oliver unless they would prefer to contact me. I did my research and chose your company for a specific purpose. I hand-delivered a valuable, flawless, impeccably preserved canvas, in the form of a beautiful Italian jacket, with the request for a flight travel piece using the inside pockets to donate to a charitable organization. You misrepresented yourself and your company as "Prototyping" and "Photoshoots" do not correspond with your audacity to return a disheveled, well worn, soiled, and unusable canvas...

for any Charity Piece! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on recompense."

THE STATEMENT ABOVE IS WHY I'M COMPLETELY STUMPED! WHAT?

September 28th, 4:24 pm, I replied: "We had a verbal agreement. You amended it, and I (unfortunately, now understanding your egregious incompetence) agreed.

After one year, you were to "Get creative," as in make something of value for Charity and use the rest for whatever you like. I was hoping you might make a little something for me, as well? When I called last week and asked "What you've created," you replied "Nothing" and you asked me if I wanted to pick it up (and yes, if you can't remember, you asked me if I wanted to come and pick it up), and I was thoroughly confused. If this is your way of taking responsibility for your actions, I will see your extremely narcissistic persona in court.

Unless you are willing to make amends for your petulance, I have no other recourse. If we go this route and I happen to break into a rendition of Take on Me on the way to court, all the better!

I have not heard back. So I replied on Sept 30th: "Dan, Please forward any and all "photoshoot' pics as evidence. Also, you still have not provided Sami and Oliver's contact info.

Do you still employ them? It appears that uphill design has Downhill Ethics that will not be tolerated."

I look forward to seeing you in a Court of Law, Mr. Dan Sedlacek. Unless, of course, you do something to rectify this horrible situation you have created for yourself.

And me, mind you.

I hope, for your sake, you have more than the three photos of the two of you on Instagram "Traipsing Around in the Snow." It certainly will show in court how well you've taken care of the Jacket for Charity. What on Earth were you even thinking? I didn't just hand you a perfect item for you to destroy through personal use. I'm certain you've heard the term "Cute, but Stupid." Not very bright, young man.

Not very bright.

Extreme narcissism always comes back to bite you when you least expect it. I call the only photoshoot that you've provided: Dan and Narcy Darcy!