This was my 9th Expo and I can honestly say that each one was better than the last (not sure how next tear can be better than this one, though!) Those that have never attended one can't comprehend it. It's much more than a Custom Rod Show Rodbuilders (at least the ones that hang out here) are the greatest bunch of people in the world! For me, it's so much more than the great deals and massive amounts of product available. It's also about putting faces with names of the many friends that I've made over the years on this forum. It's about the people who share so much with no thought of personal gain. People like J.P. Timberlake calling me to tell me about a new technique, source or product that he found. It's watching Scott Parsons and Karen grow from a small corner booth selling home made foam core molds and odds and ends to becoming Fishstcks and Rod Dancer and remain the same great people they always were! It's seeing one vendor sending someone to a competitor without a second thought. It's sitting in the hotel room with Clyde Thomas at 1 a.m. using 2 computers to bid on wood on @#$%&

It's the massive amount of information freely exchanged, not only in the seminars, but on the show floor, vendor booths and the hotel lounges, etc.
The seminars are fantastic. There is so much to do, I rarely see more than a few. Not to detract from anyone but Mike Petersons Carbon Fiber workshop was one of the best I've ever seen and I hope Morris Schleshinger NEVER stops coming!!!

It was watching first time attendee Don Morse looking like a kid in a candy store making trip after trip to the car with armloads of merchandise.
Not to mention the "Wizard" himself! Billy Vivona's attitude is infectious and spreads to everyone! He's amazing and one of the most sharing people that I know. He is a real credit to the entire Rodbuilding community.

The credit for ALL of this goes to Tom Kirkman, who has done and still does more for rod building than anyone. Few realize the work/planning that goes on for a whole year (not to mention the financial risk).

A big highlite this year was meeting and spending time with Col who came all the way from Australia. I sure hope he comes again.

A first for me was sharing Michigan "liquid apple pie" from a gallon jug with Keith and Ann and the rest in the hotel lounge. Smooooooth!!!

I've already started my slush fund for next year and I highly recommend that you all do the same. You won't regret it!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

There was Apple Pie EVERYWHERE, lol. I got teh leftovers sitting next to me now. I wasn't sure we'd see you after making you walk all the way uphill on Sat Nite, that turned into a disaster but it's funny now. I think that was the shortest cab ride in the history of Winston Salem! I'm always happy to see you Mike, and look orward to seeing you again later this year up at St Croix in August.

Sorry, double post

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2013 04:02AM by Bill Eshelman.

Mike, even though I was not in attendance this year, I know what you mean. I really missed talking and laughing with everyone. Many friendships grow from the Expo and this forum. Everything you said
Is so true if not magnified a few times.

From a non attenders. I. Still say thank you Tom. I will be there again. I hope.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Well said Mike....my only suggestion to make it better is shopping carts...lol

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don

This year I slipped to 80% attendance rate (8 of 10 expos going back to Charlotte) One I was in Russia and this year "technical difficulties" caused a severe cash shortage ("flow" was not the issue as plenty left my hands). I would like to thank the several people who offered to help me out so I could attend - but it simply wasn't meant to be this year. Like Mike (and I suspect others) I've started my slush fund for next year with the intention of attending.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2013 09:00AM by Ken Preston.

Hi Mike,
The experience to meet a lot of the people I met on the forum was my biggest reason for coming, I can now put faces to some of the names. Had a great time and did my bit for your economy but did some damage to my bank balance.
Was a pleasure to meet up with guys like you, JP Timberlake, Billy Vivona, Bill Ballou, Don Morse etc etc etc. Everyone I met made me feel welcome so a big thanks again.
Special thanks to Tom and his team for putting on a great reception and Expo. I'm off to High Point tomorrow to annoy Tom again!
Would love to come again, so will keep my weekly saving going and I'll see what happens,

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Col,

Give me a call this afternoon. Thanks.

.............

COl's gonna get some Liberty Steakhouse brews later!

Foothills Brewery and Restaurant was only a few blocks from the Convention Center. Much superior to even Liberty.

...........

Tom, About 30 WALKED to Foothills (uphill BOTH ways, I might add!) and couldn't get in - hour and a half wait. I'm still trying to figure out how the streets in Winston-Salem can all be UPHILL in both directions LOL!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Tom a small group of us ate their on Sunday night, it was good. The food at Liberty is much better. The beers at Foothills is better. FH was good for burgers and other bar-types of food, but it was good. Liberty you could get a really good steak or a prepared meal.

Mike - you took the cab downhill and walked back uphill! lol! SORRY

Hi Tom,
Will do.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

There aren't many flat spots in Winston Salem, unless you're standing inside a building.

..............

My sentiments exactly. It was great seeing you again and as always , great conversations. We all missed Ken Preston and Bill Eshelman.
Gary, Doc Hodges and I had a great time seeing old friends and making new ones. Had some great food at the Crab Shack (?) thanks to Lance and Rachel. We spent a lot of money and had a large time. Can't wait til next year !
Most importantly, a big thanks to Tom Kirkman for making all this happen. Without Tom, it wouldn't happen.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY