Southern Style Offroad new management

Its true, but sad that I can name 6 companies within the last few years off the top of my head. PELFREYBILT, MOBTOWN OFFROAD, SOS CONCEPTS, SHROCKWORKS, EXPLORE OVERLAND, BXBUILT. Every time the customer and our community gets screwed over.

 

A New Chapter for Southern Style Offroad

For years, SSO has stood as a hallmark of quality and trust. Like many businesses that experience rapid growth, SSO encountered challenges they weren’t fully equipped to tackle. This led to financial strains, jeopardizing a brand many trusted for their builds.



We've watched SSO's journey as fellow Baton Rouge business community members. We felt compelled to act when we learned of the challenges they faced. Too many great businesses in this industry have faded away, and we believed SSO deserved better.



As of October 1st, Offroad Holdings, LLC took ownership of the SSO brand. We have led successful automotive aftermarket brands in Baton Rouge, LA, since 2001. We know the potential hurdles of rebuilding a brand and are fully equipped to address them using our extensive resources and experience.



To ensure a smooth transition for the brand and products, we have hired the original SSO fabricator and engineer and have already produced prototypes and the first articles of SSO products. We are moving fast, and our entire team is focused on fulfilling your backorders and keeping you in the loop with timely updates and clear communication. We're dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality and reputation that drew you to SSO in the first place.



So that you can stay updated, we encourage you to rely on the official emails, our newsletter, and our website for updates and information. Our official email newsletter will give you insights into lead times and offer a behind-the-scenes look at our manufacturing process through videos and images. While we have a clear roadmap for SSO's revival, we acknowledge that there may be challenges along the way. We believe in transparent communication, and these updates aim to keep you informed every step of the way.



In addition, over the next 30 days, expect a personal phone call from me. There are well over 400 calls to make, and I will be on the phone every day until every customer who has an order on backorder gets a call from me. We can address any questions on this call and discuss your order details firsthand.



We're excited about this new chapter for SSO. Together, with your continued support and our dedication, we envision a brighter, stronger future for the brand—a future where quality, trust, and community remain at the forefront. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey, and here's to many more successful years ahead for SSO!



-Will

We deeply value the input of the SSO community. As we navigate this transition, we welcome your feedback — both praises and critiques. Feel free to reach out with any insights or suggestions.



If you have an open order, please reference the FAQ below for a summary of the above and the next steps you should take.



Q: What happened to SSO?

Like many businesses that experience rapid growth, SSO encountered challenges they weren’t fully equipped to tackle. This led to financial strains and the old owners filing for bankruptcy.



Q: Who bought the brand?

Offroad Holdings, LLC, led by myself along with my two partners. We have spearheaded successful automotive aftermarket brands in Baton Rouge, LA, since 2001. Our portfolio, which includes recognized names like Hybrid Racing and DC Sports, is a testament to our expertise in brand development, engineering, and manufacturing.



Q: I have an open order. What is going to happen to it?

We genuinely understand the financial concerns surrounding previous orders. While we've taken ownership of the SSO brand and designs, we didn't assume its past debts. The funds from earlier orders are with the original company, which is dealing with bankruptcy proceedings.

However, we're committed to providing viable options for our customers: you can wait for your original order or receive a gift card of equivalent value.



Q: Can you explain the options I have in more detail?

1. Option 1 - Wait for Your Original Order: We're transitioning designs and production to our Ocala, Florida facility. We expect back orders to start shipping by the end of this year and aim to complete all open orders by March 2024. We may also present an option to upgrade your order at no charge if a different product comes into stock that will accomplish or exceed your original goals.

1. Option 2 – Convert your order into a Gift Card: You can receive a gift card equal to your original order amount. This card can be used on our soon-to-be-launched website, where products will be restocked regularly. We'll send you the gift card as soon as the site is live.

Q: How do I finalize my choice?

A: Review the options above and choose the one that best suits your preference. Once you have decided, please visit this link and complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/D8fBKxRUCW

You will also receive an email from the new website in the coming weeks, prompting you to create an SSO password to access your order or view your Gift Card.


Q: When do you anticipate orders will start shipping?

A: We're relocating manufacturing from Baton Rouge to our manufacturer. We aim to begin shipping orders by the end of this year and anticipate all orders to be out by March 2024. Stay tuned; we'll share more specific updates as we move forward.



Q: How do I get a refund? Why can't I get a refund?

A: We genuinely understand the concerns and frustrations many have regarding refunds. To clarify, while we've taken ownership of the SSO brand and designs, we did not inherit its financial obligations or access to its previous revenues. Therefore, we cannot issue refunds directly from our resources. Our commitment to you is to fulfill backorders and provide quality products at our own cost. With this intervention, SSO customers will now receive compensation and products.

We genuinely hope you understand our position and appreciate your continued patience and trust. We want to emphasize that the issues faced by SSO were beyond our control and before our involvement. Yet, we've taken on the challenge to set things right for you.



Q: How do I finalize my choice?

A: Review the options above and choose the one that best suits your preference. Once you have decided, please visit this link and complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/D8fBKxRUCW

You will also receive an email from the new website in the coming weeks, prompting you to create an SSO password to access your order or view your Gift Card.



Q: How will the product quality be ensured under new management?

Our commitment is to equal or surpass the original SSO quality. Despite changes in management and operations, we promise to ensure the products delivered under the SSO brand match, if not exceed, the quality and reputation that drew you to SSO in the first place.

To ensure this promise:

1. All our products will continue to be proudly made in the USA, aligning with the original vision of SSO.
2. We have retained the original jigs and designers, ensuring the core craftsmanship and design principles remain intact.
3. Every product undergoes rigorous quality checks before shipping, ensuring you receive precisely what you expect.

Q: What if something goes wrong?

While we have a clear roadmap for SSO's revival, we acknowledge that there may be challenges along the way. Some potential hurdles include the logistics of relocating manufacturing or unforeseen supply chain issues. Rest assured, with our extensive experience and resources, we're well-prepared to address these challenges head-on, ensuring minimal impact on our customers.



Q: How will I get future updates?

We understand that rumors and speculations can arise during times of change. However, we encourage our valued community to rely solely on the official email newsletter, website, and social media channels for accurate date information.

Our official email newsletter will give you insights into lead times and offer a behind-the-scenes look at our manufacturing process through videos and images. We believe in transparent communication, and these updates aim to keep you informed every step of the way.

 

Not necessarily!

The new owners of SSO have stepped up and decided to make the customers and community whole. So far they have been transparent and given every indication that they will do so. I have an order in and am leaving it. They are approaching this head-on and intend to fulfill the orders. I for one am giving the benefit of the doubt here.

SSO has imho the nicest bumper designs on the market. I wouldn't cut plastic for anything else.

 

If you have an open order, you can submit your options here; I also updated the post with the link but just in case someone has already read it, I do not want them to miss the link: https://forms.office.com/r/D8fBKxRUCW

 

As I get text and images of the work in progress from our team, I will upload them here!

 

As a new owner of a front slimline, I have been very happy with it. Didn’t want to cut, but love the bumper.

Had also decided on their rear due to recent trail damage to the crappy plastic OEM bumper, so hopeful the new owner can get things straightened out. I think their rear is one of the best looking on the market.

I truly hope everyone that wants the SSO product is made whole.

I’ll put off the rear bumper purchase as long as possible, hoping SSO gets things together.

 

I put my order in on June 18th and also received the same long email response when I pressed SSO on no contact.
I'm willing to give the new owners the benefit of the doubt and see how they handle this.
At this point I'd be willing to wait until 2024 to have a new SSO type bumper, since I wouldn't be putting a new bumper on until the Winter weather went away anyway.
As long as the communication happens, and a willingness to work with people like me who got effected and potentially screwed out of our money is there I'm willing to wait.

 

So I understand needing time to start the facility in florida. Having someone verify a brand of theirs is well regarded is reassuring. It would be nice to know how many of what are still backed ordered

 

First article bumpers being test fitted.

 

Are you in Florida yet? Would be great if you could allow a winch delete vs. using the bolt in cover plate.

 

Manufacturing is taking place in Florida. The test fit in the pictures above was conducted at our Louisiana location.

Once we complete all the backorders, we will poll the community on ways to improve the products.

 

Great. I am here in Florida if you need another to test fit. I have one on backorder and was selfishly hoping you would incorporate a winch-delete since I will never be using one. Sounds like all is going well on your end.

 

We are

We are moving fast!

 

Winch Delete and no cut is what the slime line lite was to accomplish. However someone at SSO made the decision to cut FAUX winch access holes and the SSO terrain logo. Totally defeated one of the "LITE" purposes.

 

I discussed it with our engineers, and we are considering the possibility of providing knockouts for all cutouts. This means you would have the option to buy a product without any holes, and you could always choose to knock them out later. So you could knock out for 20" bar, 30" bar, hand holds, winch, etc. Would you be interested in this option?

 

very,very interested! bring it!

 

Also, I don’t think the lite had shackle mounts so didn’t add recovery options. That steered me away from it.

 

I am also experiencing the same issue.
This auto reply from Derek did not answer my question.

Few things that have me concerned was this auto reply email from Derek.
Also, when going through the link for the order I don’t like the verbiage in section 1…
HOWEVER…


Good afternoon,

Thanks for reaching out to us. Yes, we can definitely help with that. At this time we are focused on clearing the largest backorder items from the open order list and having these completed by the end of the year. These items are:

2016+ Tacoma Rear Bumper
2016+ Tacoma Versa Full Bumper
2016+ Tacoma Versa Tube Bumper
2016+Tacoma Versa Bumper
4Runner Versa Bumper
4Runner Stage 2 SlimLine

All other products not included in this list we are planning to complete or offer a replacement for by March 2024.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any other questions about your order, our process, the new management team, or what the future holds for SSO. Thank you once again for your continued support and understanding during this transitory period. Have a great week.


[LPWLWW-0JVD3]

 

the lite doesn't have shackle mounts because it is not a frame mount bumper. It is a clam over that keeps the stock crumple zone intact, and doesn't require cutting the front facia, Sans the no winch bed.

 

definitely well worded covering all their bases