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Hett strives for optimism after loss of business

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Troy Hett of Marion is still reeling from the loss of his shop by fire on June 26.

"I lost everything I ever owned in the way of tools," he said.

He had a $25,000 insurance policy, but his tools were worth $75,000 to $100,000.

In addition to that loss, he said he may have to cover the cost of customer vehicles lost in the fire.

He said if he had been working on a vehicle when it caught fire, his insurance would cover the loss. but since the loss was not because of his negligence, insurance won't cover it.

Many of the tools he accumulated during the past 10-15 years were high-quality tools made by Snap-On and Mac.

"I bought good tools with a lifetime warranty but now they are not warrantied because they are fire damaged," he said.

He was especially sick about having to dump a prized tool chest.

He is hoping to be able to salvage approximately 10 percent of his tools. He said they were exposed to intense heat and will take a lot of work to be usable again.

A week and a half after the fire, Hett is concentrating on having a good attitude about it all.

"It's a mess, but you can sit and pout about it or you can pick up the pieces and go on from here," he said. "I've decided I'll either have to throw in the towel and go get a job or try to reopen the business. And I don't want to get a job."

He appreciates the support he and his brother Tony, who also lost equipment and tools in the fire, have received from relatives and other members of the community.

He said his banker is willing to stand behind him and work with him to help him get a fresh start.

The shop loss was the second tragedy to hit Hett in nine months. His farm home in rural Tampa was destroyed by fire in October.

He has two young sons. He noted that several people in Marion and surrounding areas have lost loved ones in recent years.

"At least I didn't lose my kids," he said. "You can replace things but you can't replace your kids. This just sets you back a little. We will survive."

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