Spring Has Sprung And The Season Is Done
Another show season is in the books and I am happy to report that it was the best season ever for a lot of reasons. I would like to share a few thoughts and observations as we look forward to the next great chapter and of course, it is time for another sale to kick off the spring season.
With great privilege comes great responsibility which must never be taken lightly. I am grateful for the opportunity to stand before tens of thousands of you folks, many of whom I count as friends and share hard–won lessons mostly from the world of Woodturning, but with a life lesson or two along the way. Many of my perspectives have been honed through feedback from sometimes thousands of you who have shared your own thoughts and comments which serves to help me refine and improve a technique, product, or idea.
Some observations
The cross–section of American woodworkers which we encounter are generally eager, open–minded, warm, friendly, creative, willing to learn, open to suggestions and don’t mind letting you know when they disagree. Automobile dealers across this great country of ours deserve their reputation for being rip–off artists, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of someone far from home with a problem. I was astounded to learn that a starter can cost over $1000! Who knew? It rains on the just and the unjust alike and all of us are subject to attacks, robbery, mayhem and misfortune. The only thing we can control is how we react and file the insurance. And if I ever meet the low–life in Indianapolis that broke into my truck and robbed us . . . well never mind. Good customer service in a hotel setting can be worth its weight in gold and all hotels are definitely not created equal. There really is no place like home, sleeping in your own bed surrounded by all of those familiar things. A good nightlight in a hotel room makes it a lot easier to find the bathroom at 3 o’clock in the morning when you don’t know where you are. A sure way to know that you have crossed the line and are now a veteran show circuit person is when you can’t remember what city you’re in today, or where you were last week and all you know is that you have to pee.
Traveling to over 20 shows and symposiums each year really helps to crystallize what you think you know about many things. Much like running a marathon, this will separate the men from the boys and the girls from the women. You have no idea how much your encouraging words and expressions of appreciation have meant to sweet Janice and me as we traveled literally from coast to coast and border to border this season and chalked up close to 20,000 road miles. We are looking forward to a very creative, productive and exciting off–season and will be focused like a laser (insert pun here) on bringing you new products, a new line of kits and even more how to videos. Thank you for helping us to serve you in an even greater way in the coming years. We intend to increase our participation in turning symposiums and woodworking shows even more going forward.
One final thought is that if you don’t have the courage of your convictions you are just paying lip service. A firm foundation in the heat of battle is the best guide that you could possibly have. It is on that solid rock I stand. Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you again next season.
Because, “Wherever you go, there you are.”
Ron and Janice Brown
