Dear Gregg,
I can't describe to you how much I enjoyed the pheasant-hunting trip last week. It was uniquely pleasurable for me since I rarely get out of the office on trips. Something I am trying to do more of after being in this business for over 20 years.
You, Be and your children worked hard to make sure that we had a great time and it showed. The group of guys that we hunted with really clicked well together. If the situation ever arises, I plan on making this trip again.
If you are ever in Atlanta, please take a few minutes to come by and see us. We would enjoy giving you a tour of our facility.
In case you don't remember me out of the 32 guys that were there, I was the tall guy with glasses that has your namesake, Gregg.
Once again Gregg, the trip was first-class and I hope I will be back in the near future.
Sincerely,
Gregory Lucas
Chief Financial Officer
Dear Gregg,
I just wanted to take this opportunity and sincerely extend my appreciation to you and your family for the wonderful 4 days of hunting I just experienced this week. I am sure you have heard that this was my first pheasant hunt ever. What a magnificent way to start. Your accommodations, hospitality, quality of food, quality of family and the quality of hunting were all superb. I just can't say enough of how magnificent it was for me.
Given your history, your marriage to Be, and serving your wonderful children all set the stage for how important family is to you and what you've been able to achieve because of it. I sincerely congratulate you on a job well done in setting the example of what can be achieved if family comes first.
Give my best to Be and Jess and I really look forward to seeing you next season. My very best to you and your wonderful family.
Warmest regards,
Century, Inc.
Bill Janis
Chairman and CEO
Dear Gregg and Be,
On behalf of myself and Brad I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your family for a wonderful time in South Dakota. The trip was all that we expected, and more. We had a very relaxing time and were able to get away from all the pressures of work and the city. The trip was even better than the video tape represented, and it is great when an outfitter delivers all that is promised.
You have more pheasants in Gregory than we have pigeons in New York. The hunting was the best I've ever seen, and it was all the more enjoyable because we realized that we could take the daily limit without any trouble. Your retrievers Bull and Bear are also top shelf. the dogs can either make or break the day, and they were a pleasure to have in the field. I'm sure that Jason's dog Shadow will be up to their high standard by next year, with some training and basic discipline.
The accommodations were very nice and totally worry free. All of South Dakota and especially the people of Gregory really make the hunters feel welcome. With so much anti-hunting activity here in the city it is great to be accepted and not always on the defensive. We also had wonderful people to hunt with, especially Pete and Faith (great Chesapeake Retrievers) and the crew from Arkansas. I think that I have made some new friends and hope to see and hunt with them again.
Be is a superb cook and there was always plenty of good home cooking. My favorites were the pheasant strips, the soup with the unusual noodles and the pecan pie. The fresh milk was also a treat. It is great to eat a lot of good food and then be able to go out in the field and burn it all off.
Enclosed please find a little something to dress up your vehicles, (with a care and instruction sheet). I hope that you like them, and that I will be able to come out again next season and see how they look in the field. Any time that you want to come to New York the door is open and I will do whatever I can to help you get theatre or museum tickets, just let me know what you want to see. I can also introduce Be to my friend the jeweler or maybe bring him along next year. Once again, thanks for a fabulous time.
Sincerely,
David Lenkowsky
Dear Gregg & Be Biggins,
It has taken me over 2 years to write you this letter. Jerry had such a wonderful time pheasant hunting at your place. When he came home he said his head kept popping. His right arm and leg became very weak. After having an MRI they found a tumor, it was removed 2 weeks later after radiation and a very technical procedure. He was good after that, But every 2-3 months other cancer was causing problems. We lost him May 8, 1995. We miss him so much. Jerry and I were married 40 years. he was my best friend and partner. Our 3 children and 6 grandchildren miss him so much.
Jerry talked about his trip with you all the time. He did a lot of hunting all over the country, but yours topped them all.
I thought you would like to know. I know he would have come back, he loved it so much and you and your wife were wonderful to him.
Thank you,
Mrs. Jerry Wall
Dear Gregg,
Just a quick note to let you folks know that Henry, Dick, and I had a truly great time with you, your dogs, and your birds.
A couple of days ago, I talked with Drew Bitler who also had a great time with your hunts.
Our hunt remains a topicof conversation.
I imagine that over the holidays, most of the birds will be eaten up.
I hope that the remainder of the season goes well with you.
Yours very truly,
Henry
Dear Gregg, Be and Family Members:
What a great time you provided for all of us with the Lee Enterprises hunting party. You do an absolutely fantastic job of providing people even more than great South Dakota hospitality. The friendliness of everyone in the family is very much appreciated.
As I mentioned to Gregg, I have never been on any private hunts in my life, and never have I been on one that provided such turn-key hospitality. A hunt is more than just shooting game. It is a total package of friendship, quality care and great food. You provide all of those ingredients for a tremendous hunt. It is no wonder that this group comes back to your operation year after year after year.
Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming holiday season, I am
Sincerely,
Steven W. Lowrie
Publisher
Gregg & Be,
Thanks for the terrific hospitality - as usual, it was beyond words, you are quite the host and hostess!
It's been fun to watch your family grow - in spite of the infrequency of our meetings. You have an unbelievable gift of making people feel comfortable around you.
I'd love to have Judy met you sometime, this winter when you come to Minneapolis - if the schedules would work. Otherwise, I may just have to bring her out sometime to experience true SD hospitality!!
Thanks again for the memories (and recipes!) I'm already looking forward to my next trip out!!
Regards,
Joe Bayer
Dear Gregg and Be:
I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the pheasant hunt this year. As a "second timer," this hunt was a confirmation of your commitment to quality and your position as the best overall experience that I have ever experienced in a hunting service. Also, the north lodge is a great retreat - first class. Be, your cooking is just like going home to the farm meals we had growing up in Ohio. It's like Thanksgiving every day!
Our friends at Premdor are great people. It is a pleasure to know them as both friends and business colleagues. I am very pleasedthey introduced me to your family and business. I'll look forward to continuing our acquaintance in the coming years.
Best personal regards,
William E. Smith
President
Dear Gregg,
Just a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed my first encounter with the Biggins operation. You have done a superb job of keeping just the right balance between professionalism and a relaxed informal style of operation. You and Be should be proud of your efforts.
I will certainly look forward to seeing you next year.
Best regards,
Tom Rankin
Biggins Hunting Service Inc.
