Good Morning All!

It has come to my attention that I actually have a bit of a readership, as I have had several folks ask how my trip to Europe went, because they read that I was going on the blog.  Well, it was incredible!  I feel like I know so much more about what we at the Fandstan Electric Group are capable of.  Let me just do a quick day-by-day.

I arrived Wednesday morning at 8:30 AM European time (I flew into Amsterdam, met Ian, and took a two-hour train ride to Schuttorf).  That means it was about 3:30 AM in my body, and, after failing to sleep on the red-eye, there’s nothing like a long day to cure some jet lag!  We arrived at Schuttorf, and had discussions about the American market with a number of Stemmann’s department heads on Wednesday and Thursday.  Thursday evening, Ian left, and I began training with Stemmann on Friday morning.  Stemmann has a marketing department, so I began there.  I was very encouraged by Georg.  He does quite a bit!  He even showed me their Facebook page which included some links to very basic concepts of what our companies do (i.e. a very basic slipring).  It was quite helpful.

Friday afternoon, I took the train back to Amsterdam and flew to Rome for the weekend (I figure, if you have to be in Europe for the weekend, you might as well make it worth your while).  Rome was very cool, and I think I walked between 15 – 17 miles on Saturday.  But this blog is not about that (although, I’d be happy to share pictures with anyone who is interested).

On Monday, I visited AKAPP, and got to meet Jos Baars and the rest of the AKAPP team.  I was facinated by the product line, even though I have worked with it quite a bit.  It is always helpful to see where something is made and hold it in your hand.  I certainly gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the Multiductor and Productor.

I returned to Stemmann on Tuesday and Wednesday to train on Slip Rings, Pantographs, Shoe Gear, Third Rail, Cable Reels, and Conductor Bars (enclosed and open).  I learned so much, and am very grateful to Stemmann for their hospitality.  I don’t think I ever ate a meal alone, and they always made sure I had everything that I needed.

In an effort to be brief, I have decided to not be long-winded.  Suffice it to say, I may have learned more about our product lines through my brief visit to Europe than I have since I’ve gotten here.  I am still chewing on the question of what to do with that knowledge.

When I got back into the office on Friday (yes, I flew home on Thursday and returned to work Friday), I immediately got involved with a few projects.  So much for reflection.

One of those projects is the AIST trade show that is coming up in early May.  I have to admit that it has been a good deal easier to plan this one than the last one; although that scares me a bit.  I can’t help thinking that there must be something I am missing.  I guess we’ll find out.  I have worked a good deal more with the engineering department on this project than I did on the last one.  Brandon Johns, David Gilbertson, and Matt Blouir have been very helpful in getting our displays designed and built, and I think our booth is going to look pretty sweet!  I am also very pleased with the hotel we have booked for this show . . . we won’t be walking 5 blocks like at APTA.  One thing I was a bit shocked about, however, was the price of a pub table and two bar stools.  To rent these for three days was going to be $750.  I purchased the same item from Amazon for $225.  Once you add in shipping to and from the show, it will probably be about $350.  I am continually amazed at the mark up at these shows.  Oh well, that goes with the territory, I suppose.

Well, for me to cover one month in under 1,000 words . . . nay! . . . under 750 words, is quite a feat!  I will let it be at that.

Nevermind, I guess I won’t let it be at that.  Be sure to check out our sister company, Austbreck’s, new website at http://www.austbreck.com.au