Hard to say goodbye...

[JT Brooklyn]

Working Guy 101

 

Thanks to Stephen and his giving more than a few Guys their Start in "The Wonderful World of The Working Guy" before they went on to Freelance for themselves and how to Learn the Biz!

 

He by showing them exactly what would be expected of them and how to handle themselves in what can be a very tricky "Service Industry" saved alot of them from the downside of being a "Newbie"..The Money is Good BUT you do have to "Work for It" ! JT Brooklyn

[stephen_maximum]

RexAll and RockHard - I have never bashed or made libelous comments about anyone ever, that's why you can't recall it or think you missed it. That has never been my style. This is such petty nonsense I don't even want to bring it up - but just go to my profile and view my posts (there aren't many in the last couple of months) and you or anyone can see for themselves exactly what I have said. And if you want to continue this discussion I would ask, for sentimental reasons, that you start another thread and let's leave this as the Maximum goodbye thread. It would be nice to have it remain unencumbered by negativity, the same way my 15 year tenure as owner and proprietor of the premiere agency in New York City was.

[Guy Fawkes]

don't be tempted.

 

Steven and Matt have been wonderful people in a very difficult business. Haters will be ejected; I have an interview to prep for and don't have the time to be nice to children misbehaving.

[+ Axiom2001]

ditto, couldn't say it better

 

A huge ditto from this avid poster and reader and user as well.... - -

[RockHard]

I have never bashed or made libelous comments about anyone ever

 

Just be clear (now that certain posts have been edited), my "hurling bullshit" comment was not directed at the agents mentioned in this thread. It's clear to me now that I have read all your (Stephen's) recent posts, and I was correct in my assertion that none were "bashing."

[+ Dane Scott]

In 2002 I very nervously walked through the doors of Maximum Agency and I never regretted it for a moment. I felt safe, protected and genuinely cared for. Thank you Maximum for creating Dane Scott and for giving me my start. I wish you all the best in your "next chapter."

 

Dane Scott

[RexAll]

Daddy sez: I'm going to give you guys one chance to back out of the thread before I start swinging the bat.

 

Much as Rockhard said- I was not in any way shape or form trying to cast aspersions on Stephen. My original post was more in the way of shocked surprise that anyone would claim Stephen bad mouthing an escort who didn't work for him. If that did not come through in my original post, I apologize.

 

Rex

[+ Charlie]

We are constantly surprised to discover that parts of the culture which we took for granted as permanent, like newspapers, land-line phones and gas station attendants, are disappearing. Escort agencies appear to be one of the parts of the gay economy that are not sustainable, along with gay bookstores. I don't know whether this is just a natural effect of technological change, or whether the absorption of the gay world into the mainstream corporate economy is making specialized service businesses for gays irrelevant. When I was a youth, the only place to buy publications for homosexuals was from under the counter of magazine stores on Times Square; then came the gay bookstores, which were gathering places for the gay community in many cities; now any Barnes & Noble has a "gay and lesbian" section, and porn can be bought on the Internet. Although I rarely used escort agencies, it was good to know they were there on the occasions when I needed them, and I'm sorry to see that even well-run operations can no longer survive.

[William]

In Praise of Stephen of Maximum

 

Stephen created an oasis for young men, older clients, and others.

 

Because he had excellent taste, Stephen recruited the best young men in NYC for his enterprise. Because he was compassionate, he earned their loyalty (although more than a few repaid loyalty with betrayal).

 

Because he was diligent and honest, Stephen earned the trust and gratitude of hundreds of clients.

 

Stephen of Maximum is a treasure, and I salute him.

[TruHart1]

I wanted to add my praise and thanks to Stephen and Maximum for creating Dane Scott (one of the very best hires I have ever made!) and for making it so easy for me to live my fantasy of being with a beautiful body builder by making Logan available for hire. I will miss having the Maximum option available when I travel to NYC. Thanks so much for some memorable experiences, Stephen!

 

In 2002 I very nervously walked through the doors of Maximum Agency and I never regretted it for a moment. I felt safe, protected and genuinely cared for. Thank you Maximum for creating Dane Scott and for giving me my start. I wish you all the best in your "next chapter."

 

Dane Scott

[stephen_maximum]

It's really hard to reply to this without getting a little sentimental. I remember the first time I met Dane when he came to be interviewed by me and Matt. He's one of the best ever and I think that most people have figured that out by now! We also had some good times when he lived around the corner from the agency in Hell's Kitchen for a while. Having Dane work for me made the whole thing worthwhile because he set the standard so high and I do take some pride in having launched him, though to be quite frank he was "to the manner born" and didn't need much from me in the way of guidance. Dane is the epitome of charm, class, and sexiness - and if you're reading this thread and you have never seen him - DO IT! You will have the time of your life. Thank you Dane for the nice experience of knowing you. :-)

 

 

In 2002 I very nervously walked through the doors of Maximum Agency and I never regretted it for a moment. I felt safe, protected and genuinely cared for. Thank you Maximum for creating Dane Scott and for giving me my start. I wish you all the best in your "next chapter."

 

Dane Scott

[stephen_maximum]

I don't know what to say William. That just touched me deeply and brought a bit of a tear to my eye. I am very grateful you fully appreciated what we had to offer and how we conducted business. What you just wrote is a lovely capsule of what I felt I did over the last 15 years and I will cherish these words always. Yes there were some bad guys along the way, but thanks for your positive observations. This post means a great deal to me.

 

Stephen created an oasis for young men, older clients, and others.

 

Because he had excellent taste, Stephen recruited the best young men in NYC for his enterprise. Because he was compassionate, he earned their loyalty (although more than a few repaid loyalty with betrayal).

 

Because he was diligent and honest, Stephen earned the trust and gratitude of hundreds of clients.

 

Stephen of Maximum is a treasure, and I salute him.

[Diverdan]

My best wishes too, Stephen... It is very hard (no pun intended) to see the end of an era, and Charlie's observations are so true. For some of us, the evolution has been wonderful to be a part of, and at the same time we mourn the demise of businesses like Stephen's because he set the standard. I hope you will stay in touch on the Forum, Stephen, and let us know from time to time what is happening in your life.

DD

[JamesNYC]

My best hiring experience ever was Ross from Maximum who IMO is the absolute best in the business, and his reviews all say the same thing. I also had a number of other very notable meetings through this esteemed agency. Stephen and Matt you will be missed. Even though times change the impact you had on this industry will always be felt and remembered. Bravo to you both and to all of your men, and I hope that the next phase of your lives is even more successful.

[stephen_maximum]

Thank you so much diverdan and JamesNYC. I truly appreciate the good wishes and I will always be a part of this forum in one way or another!

[GoodFella69]

Farewell Stephen and thanks for the superior service you always provided in NYC. I join the many others here in wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.

 

Goodfella

[stephen_maximum]

Thank you Goodfella, you good wishes are appreciated very much!