This week many of us had the privilege of visiting the Task Force Tips (TFT) plant in Valparaiso, Indiana. TFT was a first class act from the time we were picked up by Curt, the pilot, to the time Brian Podsiadlik (Pods) dropped us back off at the airfield for our return flight home.
Day 1 opened with a round table discussion between Rod Carringer, TFT CMO, the M&L team focussing on how “Teamwork” adds to the importance of a growing organization. Rod’s openness and ability to get conversations flowing and people thinking benefit everyone and it also made us feel like we are on the right track.
Pods, TFT’s Canadian Manager, and Jim Menke, Vice President of Domestic Sales, finished the day with a review of 2014 performance and accomplishments as well as giving us a brief look forward to our 2015 plan.
We were treated to dinner at the Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille that evening. The atmosphere was fantastic. On each table they had little placards with information on local people who had a hand in putting Valparaiso on the map. On our table, we had the Clyde MacMillan story – the founder of Task Force Tips – and how TFT came to be.
Day 2 consisted of an extensive and informative plant tour given by Pods. It struck me as I walked through the plant what a fantastic group of people they have working there. The plant is filled with pride and a vast group of committed people. We also got a sneak peek into Stewart McMillan’s new office and saw some of the new TOP SECRET products TFT is working on. Stewart entertained our group with a couple of stories and passed around some of the things he was working on and asked our guys for their feedback. There are some new and exciting things coming our way in 2015 from TFT – Stay Tuned!
After the plant tour, the guys went out to play in the water and got to try out some of the new products, while I tried to stay dry and take pictures. The afternoon was quite cold there – it almost felt like snow.
The day ended at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria. “Uncle Larry”, former TFT Canadian Salesperson and also an old friend, along with his wife Barb, joined us for dinner. The pizza was one of the best I’ve ever had and the company was great!
Day 3 saw the guys back outside trying out more equipment and playing in the water again, while I had a chance to sit with Rhonda Kaplar, from TFT Human Resources. One of my goals when we hire at M&L, is to add to an already great group of people and to make sure that as we grow, we continue to add the right ‘fit’ into the company. Rhonda provided some insight by sharing her experiences with me and how TFT both retains great people and attracts and hires new great people. Thank you again Rhonda – I really appreciate your time!
After the guys dried off, we took some company photos and then raided Diana’s TFT souvenir closet. It was time to close out the trip. We thanked our hosts for an awesome trip.
Leaving TFT is always bittersweet….you are excited to get back and share the experience, but sad that you are leaving friends. TFT is more than a business relationship to us at M&L. They have become like an extended family to us.
Thank you again – Especially to Pods, Jim, Rod – and also to Mark, for allowing all of us the week to participate.
– Angie.
