The people in our web design department have been pestering me for a while now to start a blog. I’ve been reluctant to do it because it seems a bit self-serving, but they’ve worn me down. So starting with this installment, I’ll be doing a monthly blog.
I haven’t decided what to call it yet, so if you have suggestions, feel free to post a comment. If something tickles my fancy, I just may use it. Now, on with the show…
On the road again, and again and again
Trade show season has been in full swing for several months now. Goodson Tools & Supplies jumped into the fray back in December and we’ve been going strong ever since.
The International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) in Indianapolis was the first show on our schedule. I was a bit apprehensive about this show since 2009 was it’s first outing. With the economy still on the skids, we didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. Not only were there many exhibitors on hand, many of you attended too, making it a great success. IMIS was held during the week instead of over the weekend and it was held in Indianapolis, which hasn’t hosted a major motorsports tradeshow in several years.
One of the best things about the show was the chance to reconnect with the guys from the upper Midwest who either haven’t been able to or have chosen not to attend the PRI show in Florida. The only downside that I found to the show was that it was scheduled for the week before PRI and back-to-back events are tough on the budget and on the people involved. If you’ve been considering going to a trade show, give this one a try.
As I said, the PRI (Performance Racing Industry) Show was on tap the following week. PRI has been going on for 23 years and has become the granddaddy of the high performance trade shows so it’s one that’s hard to miss. It was held in Orlando, Florida again this year, giving us northerners a little break for the cold weather. As we have for the past 23 years, Goodson exhibited new products in Machinery Row. We had a chance to touch base with many of our long-time international customers and distributors as well as meeting new customers from the US and around the world.
Thankfully, we had a short break before we headed off to the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio at the beginning of February. This show is dedicated to a segment of the industry – the V-Twin segment and is a fun one to attend. Goodson has expanded its product line to include hard parts and tooling that is specific to these engines and we’ve been widely accepted into this area. Again, lots of folks stopped by to see us and see what we have that’s new. We’ll be talking more about those new products soon.
The long hours and travel are the downsides of the tradeshow season but meeting so many people face to face more than makes up for it. Getting face time with customers always gets me going and is a large part of why we go to trade shows. They’re also a great way to introduce new products and catalogs, to find out how you think we’re doing, to see what’s new and to thank you for being loyal Goodson customers.
That’s why we go to trade shows. How about you? Why do you go? What do you hope to gain from the experience? What show or shows do you consider “can’t miss”?
See you at your shop or at the shows.
Dave
I agree with the website design department…you should have a blog! But, let me tell you, writing on a regular basis for public consumption is not as easy as it looks.
Here’s what I want to know…what was the new tool that seemed to really capture just about everybody’s attention at the PRI Trade Show?
Best of luck on the new project, Dave.
Yes, I agree doing this every couple of weeks and keeping it fresh will be a challenge. However, being in this business does allow a whole bunch of topics, that should give me plenty of material to work from.
As far as the coolest new tool I saw at the PRI show…………….well it has to be that new Hyper Finish Diamond Valve Guide Sizing System. This newly released tool allows the engine builder, to be in full control for size, maintaining round/straight bores, as well as delivering the finish that engine builders want on any guide material. Yes that is my final answer on what was the neatest or coolest tool I saw at PRI.
What was everybodies else’s opnion? Any other really cool tools that caught your attention?
Hello Dave,
How about the Daily grind?
Dave,
Glad to see you’re starting a blog. I don’t really think it’s selfserving to have something like this going on….look at what Dart Heads has done with their forum. It’s been a great tool for them. Most of the posters there do alot of the work for the Dart crew. One of the board members is even helping out with the administration of the board. I hot like the gas porting tool from there also. Take a look at what they are doing,…you guys may be able to do something like it. Would be a good place for customers to go and ask about tooling and how to use it.
http://www.dartheads.com/dartboard/index.php
Dave: a few suggestions for the blog title…..take ‘em for what they’re worth.
Davey’s Locker
The Good Son
Shop Ramblings
Uncle Dave’s Notebook
Dave’s Diary
Shop Support
Industry Insider
Dave’s Observations
Winona Happenings
Goodson Green
The Supply Line
Dave’s Shop Talk
Straight Shootin’ with Dave
Dave Direct
Direct From Dave
The Performance Shop
Goodson Precision Room
Chatting with Dave
The Goodson Garage
Straight Talkin’ with Dave
Dave: most of these ideas may be a bit lame, but there may be a few possibles.
Good stuff Dave! See you soon……….
Hi Dave,
I am always interested on your take on the industry and where things are headed. I look forward to reading your blog. How about “Dave’s Dogma”.
Regards,
Mike