This is something I had on the blog late last week and wanted to make sure as many as possible saw it. Not having Rodney there this year (death in his family) spread me even thinner.

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RodMaker Blog February 24th, 2012.

Regrets
The International Custom Rod Building Exposition tends to spread me a bit thin. Anything and everything that takes place there either starts or winds up in my lap. Thus, it’s difficult for me to be able to spend as much time as I’d like to with each subscriber, attendee or exhibitor. I’d love to be able to sit down and talk rod building with each person there, but with 2500+ people involved, it’s just not possible.

Often I worry that the guy whose hand I just shook and exchanged a few quick pleasantries sees my hastiness to move on as a snub. I can assure you, it’s not. The thing is, there is just so much to do and so many people to acknowledge that it’s rare for me to have more than a few quick moments for any particular individual.

So if the best I can do is shake your hand and thank you for coming, please be aware that while I may not say much, I do indeed mean what I say. If I can’t accept your kind offer for dinner or a beer, it’s because a hundred more have already asked and I just can’t accommodate everyone. I do however, sincerely appreciate every person that exhibits and attends the Expo. My only regret is that I just don’t have as much time as I’d like to spend with each one of them.

Tom Kirkman

I stop by Toms shop from time to time and he has always given me the time I neede whether it be a back issue or a technique I'm trying to get the hang of . Thanks Tom for all your efforts and another great show this year.

I appreciate the Time you take for those few words, and a Hand Shake. Everyone should know how Busy you are During the Show! You must walk 5 Miles over the Weekend You are hardly ever still

Sorry to hear of Rodney's loss, def missed him this year. Hes a super nice guy. Also thanks for re-uniting me with my jacket I left at the expo last year. Looks like you pulled off another awesome expo, enjoyed it very much, Morris was awesome but could have did a 8 hr seminar and had plenty of audience.

Hi Tom,
I thought your name was Tom Kirkman, NOT Superman. You have done and continue to do more for rodbuilding than any individual I'm aware of. From the amount of positive comments about the Expo you should be deservedly proud. To the handful of knockers and those that don't understand that I'd suggest they read Kevin Knox's comments on Man's Best Friend. If you've got a few regrets then that just shows your human and I'm sure you will do what you can to overcome them.

Sorry to hear of your friend's loss.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Tom,
I am always grateful that you find the time to just say hello. I cant tell you how much I appreciate what you do and the hours you put in to make everything wonderful for the rest of us. I have been in your shoes on other business matters for my company and it is really difficult to try to see everyone and just spend a moment or two. You did another marvelous job and we enjoyed the show immensely.
Regards
Dave

PS--we found North Carolina "closed on Monday" for almost everything except food. Your suggestion on the Transportation Depot was fantastic but also "Closed on Monday". We plan to not spend Mondays in NC in the future.....wonder what Thursdays are like?

I think the pictures you posted tell the story very well. The Expo is a BIG BIG deal where rod building is concerned. I'm not aware of anything else in our hobby that is even ten percent of what the Expo is. Nothing comes close. To do all you do in organizing and running this takes a ton of time and effort so I see no need for you to apologize for not having extra time for chitchat during the event. You make thousands of rod builders very happy with this event, even if you can't speak to each and every one of them. Make sure you know that.