Some wrap up notes on Atlanta
I thank you all for your kind comments about the booth and my displayed carvings at the Atlanta WW Show last weekend. I hope Joe Ragsdale will have equal or better success in Tampa several weeks from now. It really was inspiring to meet so many current owners like GHWIZ and WOODEN WIZARD at the show and too many others to name here. Many long term owners stopped by and want to get their unused machines up / renovated / upgraded and to begin carving again so I look forward to working with these new acquaintances and in some cases also providing a day long software/hardware training session.
“My Wife gave me the machine for Christmas years ago but it’s just sitting in my shop. How can I learn to use it?”
In addition to selling new CW-CX systems and accessories I think most START U members who have done a Show will agree this is an excellent opportunity to gain new customers for your carving services even if they are not yet ready to commit and purchase a full system. It may be for a one time gift, a proof of concept piece that will further assure them it can/cannot make what they want to produce with the CW. I was approached by a gentleman who has now commissioned me to duplicate the last remaining example of a Leica camera repair fixture block from the early 1950s. I have several invitations from Woodworking Groups that would like demonstrations and Educators that wish to bring in CWs for their shops since they are safe and tie into CNC education in general. I’ve referred the Teachers to you Connie since they need to deal with “registered firms” to make purchases. Home Depot looks like a likely vendor.
Lori, thank you for all your help getting our new owner orders entered and fulfilled.
May I suggest that all START U hosts who did a Show send your notes on Lessons Learned (Pro & Con, OOPS moments, Customer comments, display items and booth supplies) by PM or E-mail to Connie to share with our Leadership that will make the Show even more successful next year. We were also sought out by reps of the International Woodworking Fair to exhibit there when it rolls into town Aug 20-23, because our booth generated so much buzz. Connie, I have referred them to you folks in Pasadena if there is interest and any arrangements are to be made. I really appreciate everyone who contributed to making the WW Show in Atlanta a success for us and I’m looking forward to the next one.