19 Apr, 2023
When the CEO tells ya you gotta go, well you gotta go! Rich Blake, President, and CEO of Mellott , did just that when he told Eddie Gonzalez, Sean Fye, Charlie Adkins, and Brittney Hulett to go northwest and visit as many manufacturers in a week as you can. So that is exactly what they did for over 3330 miles. This was a make it or break it expedition for them and they were going to become the better for it or never speak again. In the immortal words of Mark Twain, “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” The journey started in Tampa, FL, with a flight to Des Moines, IA to tour the Eagle Iron Works Facility . They were able to take a tour of the facility and meet all the talented people behind a company that was founded in 1872. “Some of these companies are over 100 years old. You can’t learn about the cities or regions you’re visiting without telling the story of these manufacturers. The imprint on their communities is massive, and the innovation they’ve provided has shaped our entire country.” Sean Fye, Account Manager – Central/North Florida, reflection on the journey. Next it was on to the Deister Machine Company facilities in Ft Wayne, IN, where they were also able to look around and get to know all kinds of amazing people. Then it was off to see Eagle Crusher’s manufacturing and offices in Bucyrus, OH, and Gallon, OH. When asked what his takeaway from the trip was, Eddie Gonzalez, VP and GM FL Sales for KastRock said, “I would say that the trip taught me more about my colleagues and the manufacturers we represent in six days than I could have ever imagined “ On their fifth day of traveling together they headed off to Lexington, KY to the Tema Isenmann facilities. Marion Machine in Marion, NC, was their last stop on their whirlwind tour. They saved visiting their sister company for last. Brandon Godman, Sales Engineer for Marion Machine, had this to say about the visit, “It was nice to meet the new additions to the family, and it was wonderful seeing my old friend Eddie.” The KastRock family is growing, and big things are in the future. New challenges and new adventures abound, and they will face them together. This band of brothers and a sista, will have the bonding of a fantastic travel experience to always hold them together. Thanks Rich!
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