Thoughts after attending my first Expo
Posted by:
Gary Henderson
(---.mco.bellsouth.net)
Date: February 23, 2010 11:29AM
WOW! That's the first thing that comes to mind. WOW!
OK, I can be a bit more specific.
First: now I understand why Batson has such a popular product line. It isn't just the high quality of the components (although that is a good part of it). It's the people. I was looking for a specific fly rod blank for a specific use. One of the folks from Fishsticks walked me down to Karry Batson, introduced me, and I had ALL my questions answered. No sales pitch, no denigrating competitors' products, just honest answers about the pros and cons of particular blanks in their product line. I bought their fly rod blank and three others, along with guides and tip tops. Their dealers are as fabulous as their products.
D2. Silvia, what can I say? You are wonderful, the product is terrific, Karen, Lance and Bill represent you very well and embody what you strive for your business accomplish: Flawless quality sold and serviced with integrity. You have ALL my finish business. Period.
Lance and Bill...6 blanks, guides, rod stands and hot sauce. I love Cajun with my fishing. It was a real pleasure guys.
Cason Crystal Clear: I have been testing your product and was glad to be able to buy it in larger quantities. Let me know how you like that mango thread.
Trondak: Now I know the CORRECT method of mixing Rod Bond. I thank you for the gracious lesson.
REC, if was terrific talking about fishing in my home state and the waters with which I am most familiar. I have your email Paul, and will drop you a note.
St. Croix: It's terrific to be able to talk with a blank designer to get the skinny on a specific blank. Again...terrific folks sharing their knowledge, and the pride in their products comes shining through.
Morris: your free demonstration of wood turning is costing me the price of a 1 hp Delta midi lathe and accessories. Thanks a bunch. :-)
Renzetti: Nice to meet my neighbors from across the river. The products speak for themselves.
Billy...you almost got the leftovers from Karen's dinner from Liberty Steak and Brewery. See you on Facebook, my friend.
Tom: FABULOUS job. Karen and I enjoyed ourselves from the time we booked the hotel months ago, through taking and sending shop photos, making the road trip, and absolutely everything about the ICRBE. We will be there next year. Please keep a lookout in the paper for the pic the reporter took of me speaking with the Dragonmaster.
And a final thought: I have never before had the pleasure of spending 2 1/2 days with such an amazing group of people. Each and every person Karen and I encountered was friendly, helpful, and simply delightful to be around. I have been building rods since 1974. In those 36 years, I can say, without any reservations, that High Point 2010 was the high point of my rod building experience.
