Thursday, May 10, 2007
A early recap of our trip
A quick trip recap: What did we accomplish? What did we learn? What should we do next? These are some of the questions I will attempt to answer.
First what did we accomplish? This was a good time for Galen to visit face-to-face his top customer Breck, his staff, shed personnel and customers. Mission accomplished! On Friday, we all attended (25 of us) a Chicago Cubs game sponsored by World Wide and had great fun and bonded in unusual new venue. I also reviewed our entire product line, especially from Mexico in a live warehouse format. Checked out the Sysco, Piazza and Tony’s conditioned fruit and reviewed the overall look of our product. I have great reports on our fruit quality except the number 2’s from Mexico and our California avocado box from Weyerhaeuser, it was atrocious. (We need a credit)
On Saturday, I got to meet the owner; Dominick of Tony’s Finer Foods and received an education on retailing like I never had before. During the show, had the opportunity to meet and greet our big customers like, Costco, Safeway and Gentile. John had even more customers swing by and discuss various programs with us-he was swamped. Both of us had a productive meeting with Steve, an owner of Ranch Markets that was very positive. They are growing like hotcakes! John overall had a very strong show.
Brian and Heath did extremely well and learning the show circuit. They were both in front calling out attendees like it was the Del Mar Fair. Even though they were green at times, I think they are learning quickly and will become seasoned veterans for the PMA. I really enjoyed their maturity, willingness to do anything and dedication during the show.
Trevor of course was assisting both sides and did well as a more seasoned employee. He filled in admirably with the tougher clients and maintained his presence. We learned our marketing material lineup is very strong and it received uniformly praise, especially from the California Avocado Commission staff. Our Produce News ad was a hit with the tag line “We Promote a Sense of Well Being.” Our give away, a USB storage devices went over well and our only snafu was our Sales pamphlet (with Matt’s face) needs updating.
The show itself was a difficult show. We learned we have to stand out and fight against the competition, from the biggest companies down-like Budweiser, to hundreds of companies giving away samples of chocolates, cheeses, wines, pâté and everything organic. Just to be a produce company was almost too boring.
What should we do different, what would make us standout? Maybe, an avocado food product and with hot serving GIRLS, would get us more attendees. But are they what you want? Just people grazing for freebies? I noticed new products or new packaging seemed to catch the retailer’s eye. Everyone and I mean everyone took a close up of our bag rack. It seemed to be the ONE universal looking point for all individual. Also, our giveaways, DVD and product manuals were a strong draw. Overall, we should consider a food giveaway for PMA maybe for buzz, but a new product design or packaging presentation would actually get the people you want to come by.
Besides just buyers, we got great leads on outside cooling, logistics, freight companies, customs experts, packaging companies, bagging net suppliers and many others. These are just as important profit centers.
Lastly, we have to act on the new contacts, fix the complaints of current customers and use our knowledge to make a better upcoming PMA show. Customers no longer want a call on the phone. They want MORE services and cheaper solutions. They want more innovation, green and organic. It means getting 100% into customer service more-getting to know the customer better-getting intel on what is going on inside their companies-acting faster- and learning the lessons to apply for all of our key customers.
First what did we accomplish? This was a good time for Galen to visit face-to-face his top customer Breck, his staff, shed personnel and customers. Mission accomplished! On Friday, we all attended (25 of us) a Chicago Cubs game sponsored by World Wide and had great fun and bonded in unusual new venue. I also reviewed our entire product line, especially from Mexico in a live warehouse format. Checked out the Sysco, Piazza and Tony’s conditioned fruit and reviewed the overall look of our product. I have great reports on our fruit quality except the number 2’s from Mexico and our California avocado box from Weyerhaeuser, it was atrocious. (We need a credit)
On Saturday, I got to meet the owner; Dominick of Tony’s Finer Foods and received an education on retailing like I never had before. During the show, had the opportunity to meet and greet our big customers like, Costco, Safeway and Gentile. John had even more customers swing by and discuss various programs with us-he was swamped. Both of us had a productive meeting with Steve, an owner of Ranch Markets that was very positive. They are growing like hotcakes! John overall had a very strong show.
Brian and Heath did extremely well and learning the show circuit. They were both in front calling out attendees like it was the Del Mar Fair. Even though they were green at times, I think they are learning quickly and will become seasoned veterans for the PMA. I really enjoyed their maturity, willingness to do anything and dedication during the show.
Trevor of course was assisting both sides and did well as a more seasoned employee. He filled in admirably with the tougher clients and maintained his presence. We learned our marketing material lineup is very strong and it received uniformly praise, especially from the California Avocado Commission staff. Our Produce News ad was a hit with the tag line “We Promote a Sense of Well Being.” Our give away, a USB storage devices went over well and our only snafu was our Sales pamphlet (with Matt’s face) needs updating.
The show itself was a difficult show. We learned we have to stand out and fight against the competition, from the biggest companies down-like Budweiser, to hundreds of companies giving away samples of chocolates, cheeses, wines, pâté and everything organic. Just to be a produce company was almost too boring.
What should we do different, what would make us standout? Maybe, an avocado food product and with hot serving GIRLS, would get us more attendees. But are they what you want? Just people grazing for freebies? I noticed new products or new packaging seemed to catch the retailer’s eye. Everyone and I mean everyone took a close up of our bag rack. It seemed to be the ONE universal looking point for all individual. Also, our giveaways, DVD and product manuals were a strong draw. Overall, we should consider a food giveaway for PMA maybe for buzz, but a new product design or packaging presentation would actually get the people you want to come by.
Besides just buyers, we got great leads on outside cooling, logistics, freight companies, customs experts, packaging companies, bagging net suppliers and many others. These are just as important profit centers.
Lastly, we have to act on the new contacts, fix the complaints of current customers and use our knowledge to make a better upcoming PMA show. Customers no longer want a call on the phone. They want MORE services and cheaper solutions. They want more innovation, green and organic. It means getting 100% into customer service more-getting to know the customer better-getting intel on what is going on inside their companies-acting faster- and learning the lessons to apply for all of our key customers.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Morning Time Blues
Well, its time to head to the airport and catch our Southwest flight. We are stopping by World Wide to say goodbye to all the fine folks who took care of us this week. We had a good show, learned a lot about ourselves and again, even with the high costs, its important to be out in front of the industry and the people.
Overall yesterday was slow but key customers for John and others like Bakker stopped by our both. I had good meetings with International Paper, Edgardo from APEAM and the owners of AMEX the Cirulis. The United show will be in Las Vegas next year and we expect a better attendance.
John, Trevor, Heath and Brian did an outstanding job. They worked hard and were very professional. I look forward working with them in the future
Last night we went to the Cheescake Factory in Chicago. The food portions are way too big but the place was hopping. We went to the 95th floor of the Hancock Building for a drink. The view was clear and the we could see 4 states from the top. After that we headed back to the hotel because were up and ready and it's 4 your time!
Wish us a good FLIGHT! SEE YA!
Overall yesterday was slow but key customers for John and others like Bakker stopped by our both. I had good meetings with International Paper, Edgardo from APEAM and the owners of AMEX the Cirulis. The United show will be in Las Vegas next year and we expect a better attendance.
John, Trevor, Heath and Brian did an outstanding job. They worked hard and were very professional. I look forward working with them in the future
Last night we went to the Cheescake Factory in Chicago. The food portions are way too big but the place was hopping. We went to the 95th floor of the Hancock Building for a drink. The view was clear and the we could see 4 states from the top. After that we headed back to the hotel because were up and ready and it's 4 your time!
Wish us a good FLIGHT! SEE YA!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
BIG Trev. in Chi-TOWN.
Hey everyone this is Trevor. I'm currently standing at the United on Tuesday morning typing my brains out. It seems as though this show is increasingly getting smaller and smaller. But, we have had a lot of potential new customers and existing customers stopping bye to say hi. I hope that we can continue the momentum that we had yesterday and produce some good results when we come back. The marketing department will immediately have a post United meeting at the office and targets new potential customers that we spoke to here in Chicago. I am very excited to say that it looks as though our marketing efforts are showing progress. We have receive a lot of compliments from people within the industry. We just need to stay focused and motivated in our efforts to target these customers. Consistently offering new and innovative marketing and value added services to ensure our competitive capabilities.
Later!! BIG Trev.
Later!! BIG Trev.
"Baby Go"
Wow, Chicago is amazing, people here are very welcome and the food is great. The show was a great experience, i met a-lot of potential new customers, when i wasn't at the booth i spent my time walking around admiring the craftsmanship of other company's booths and sampling their product. I'm overwhelmed on how big the McCormick center is, its like being at a never ending Costco. I'm very thankful West Pak gave me the opportunity to come to Chicago, not only was it a great learning experience for me but it was a blast too.
Deep Dish Troubles
Man; standing around a booth can tire one! Again, we had a good day on Monday and just hope for half the contacts we got yesterday. This is the last day of the show and we start wrapping things up around 4 PM. I still have quite a list of booths to visit including the entire organic show downstairs.
We finally got our Chicago style pizza last night. We went to the famous Gino's East thinking we were going the real stuff. We arrived and our service was terrible. They us stuck upstairs by ourselves with a half funked out server (Pictured). Well. as you would predict, no service, no drinks and cold food made us MAD! We got into a little discussion with the manager and he said leave. Since we got nothing but cold appetizers we said heck yes your pizzeria sucks!
Motored over to Uno's Chicago and they were happy to get our business. Appetizers in 10 minutes, excellent Pizza and the staff was super attentive. They welcomed us back! Today after the show we plan to elevator up the 110 stories of the John Hancock tower to get a panoramic view. Hope to show you all some great pictures when we return.
Wish us luck at the show today! Go West Pak!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Good Day Mate
Today was a excellent day all around. In the past, we had always thought the first day was the most important. Being the second day and Sunday being less than impressive, we were worried. But to our surprise we had most every major company, that West Pak currently does business with and attended, stopped by our booth. Costco, Safeway, Ranch Markets, Gentile, Certified, Lange to name just a few. We also have some interesting potentially new customers in Florida, New York and Canada. I personally goofed, not knowingly, when Sobeys, one of Canada's largest retailers came by to look at our bag racks. Not reading his badge, I told accidentally we would supply the racks if he bought fruit from us but did'nt realize they have 250-300 stores! Oh, well I guess he's going to remember me at least.
We also meet with CHR, Produce Plus, produce careers and many other service providers. Tomorrow we plan to get around and meet with other potential customers and providers. We actually we relieved that things went so outstanding today! John could'nt even go to lunch, he was so busy! Wish us luck tomorrow!
We also meet with CHR, Produce Plus, produce careers and many other service providers. Tomorrow we plan to get around and meet with other potential customers and providers. We actually we relieved that things went so outstanding today! John could'nt even go to lunch, he was so busy! Wish us luck tomorrow!
The United Fresh, Chicago. Sat. Sun. Mon.
Sat:
Show Set up
Sat morning started out by the West Pak Boys and Galen meeting up for a good mornings breakfast in the hotel. Galen and Breck had a meeting at Tony's Finer Foods. John, Trevor, Heath, Brian, and Kellen went to World Wide Produce to pick up the marketing material and supplies for the booth and take a tour of the Chicago Market. After leaving World Wide Produce the boys had the opportunity of setting up the booth and doing last min. touches. Around 2pm Chicago time the boys meet up with Galen, Breck and a few other guys from World Wide Produce for lunch at LaLoos Mexican Restaurant. After lunch the West Pak crew went back to the hotel and had about a hour and half of downtime, everyone rested and got ready for the festivities that night. That night WestPak accompanied World Wide Produce, Bodega, and New Mecca at the ESPN zone for dinner and cocktails. We were having such a good time they had to kick us out because they were no longer open. They stayed open a half hour past closing just for us. After leaving ESPN zone the West Pak Boys were released out on the town to show Chicago what we were all about. The Boys were accompanied by some customers from Bodega and some employees from World Wide Produce. The night came to end at around 1 am Chicago Time.
Sun:
First Day of Show
The crew meet up in the hotel restaurant for coffee, water and a light breakfast. After Breakfast we made our way to the convention center. The show began at 10am Chicago Time. The booth was maned by all of the West Pak employees as well as Kellen all day 10am to 5pm Chicago time. Sun. turnout for attendees was more of people wanting to see what the show was all about. Not to many big retailers had come by the booth. But the ones that did come by we made a valiant effort to solicit our business. After the show ending at 5pm Chicago time the crew made their way back to the hotel to relax before dinner. Dinner consisted of Galen treating the Boys to a nice sushi dinner to discuss the days prior events and the following days to come. Believe it or not everyone was in their rooms by 9:30 pm.
Mon:
After getting a greats night rest the crew was ready for round 2 at the convention center. We started out by having breakfast at the corner cafe, everyone enjoyed bagels, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and coffee. 10am Chicago time the show started. Everyone was at the booth anticipating the same turnout as the day before. To our surprise all of the big retailers decided to show up today. We have been approached by a few big retailers like Costco and Sobeys Markets ( Sobeys is a huge chain store all throughout Canada) and a few others.
So far everyone is putting their best foot forward and stepping up to the plate.
Brian: He is making a a good effort to bring in new customers and has been a great help to our bilingual department. He is doing very well in promoting WestPak Avocado.
John: He is always on top of his game, you cant ask for much more from him he has doing great. He is helping Brian and Heath very well.
Trevor: Same for him you can't ask for much more of an effort from him, he has helped Brian and Heath out a lot as well. Trevor has received many compliments from people regarding our marketing material. The Avocado Heads have been a really big hit here in Chicago.
Heath: As well has been doing a great job and putting a good effort in bring in new customers to West Pak. Everyone has at least one or two big customers cards in their pocket to bring back to work for some follow up calls .
More blog to come...............................................
Show Set up
Sat morning started out by the West Pak Boys and Galen meeting up for a good mornings breakfast in the hotel. Galen and Breck had a meeting at Tony's Finer Foods. John, Trevor, Heath, Brian, and Kellen went to World Wide Produce to pick up the marketing material and supplies for the booth and take a tour of the Chicago Market. After leaving World Wide Produce the boys had the opportunity of setting up the booth and doing last min. touches. Around 2pm Chicago time the boys meet up with Galen, Breck and a few other guys from World Wide Produce for lunch at LaLoos Mexican Restaurant. After lunch the West Pak crew went back to the hotel and had about a hour and half of downtime, everyone rested and got ready for the festivities that night. That night WestPak accompanied World Wide Produce, Bodega, and New Mecca at the ESPN zone for dinner and cocktails. We were having such a good time they had to kick us out because they were no longer open. They stayed open a half hour past closing just for us. After leaving ESPN zone the West Pak Boys were released out on the town to show Chicago what we were all about. The Boys were accompanied by some customers from Bodega and some employees from World Wide Produce. The night came to end at around 1 am Chicago Time.
Sun:
First Day of Show
The crew meet up in the hotel restaurant for coffee, water and a light breakfast. After Breakfast we made our way to the convention center. The show began at 10am Chicago Time. The booth was maned by all of the West Pak employees as well as Kellen all day 10am to 5pm Chicago time. Sun. turnout for attendees was more of people wanting to see what the show was all about. Not to many big retailers had come by the booth. But the ones that did come by we made a valiant effort to solicit our business. After the show ending at 5pm Chicago time the crew made their way back to the hotel to relax before dinner. Dinner consisted of Galen treating the Boys to a nice sushi dinner to discuss the days prior events and the following days to come. Believe it or not everyone was in their rooms by 9:30 pm.
Mon:
After getting a greats night rest the crew was ready for round 2 at the convention center. We started out by having breakfast at the corner cafe, everyone enjoyed bagels, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and coffee. 10am Chicago time the show started. Everyone was at the booth anticipating the same turnout as the day before. To our surprise all of the big retailers decided to show up today. We have been approached by a few big retailers like Costco and Sobeys Markets ( Sobeys is a huge chain store all throughout Canada) and a few others.
So far everyone is putting their best foot forward and stepping up to the plate.
Brian: He is making a a good effort to bring in new customers and has been a great help to our bilingual department. He is doing very well in promoting WestPak Avocado.
John: He is always on top of his game, you cant ask for much more from him he has doing great. He is helping Brian and Heath very well.
Trevor: Same for him you can't ask for much more of an effort from him, he has helped Brian and Heath out a lot as well. Trevor has received many compliments from people regarding our marketing material. The Avocado Heads have been a really big hit here in Chicago.
Heath: As well has been doing a great job and putting a good effort in bring in new customers to West Pak. Everyone has at least one or two big customers cards in their pocket to bring back to work for some follow up calls .
More blog to come...............................................
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