Welcome to my first blog post. This week I wanted to blog about my experience at the NATDA (North American Trailer Dealers Association) show in Dallas Texas. Sounds like a thrilling event I know but it was actually quite interesting.
I was recently named Product Marketing Manager over Utility Trailer category as well as my other responsibilities of Lawn & Garden Product Marketing Manger here at Lifetime. Since the trailer category is new category for me I decided that this show would give me an excellent opportunity to see first hand, under one roof, what is being offered in the trailer market. The show could have been for Lifetime tables too since many of the exhibitors were using them to display their brochures.
Backfire – I was so impressed and hyped up about our trailers after the show that I purchased a 5’x8’ Fold-Up trailer for myself. I have been wanting one for some time and finally broke down and did it. Finally, I am no longer reliant on others to haul stuff to the dump or pick up materials for my remodeling projects. And since we only have a small amount of space to store a trailer the fact that I can fold it up easily, and by myself, makes it even better. I have room to store this one with no problem. Also, the compact size, 29” wide when folded, is small enough to keep it out of sight of neighbors who might be inspired by the sight of it to ask me to help them move. You can never be too careful with that.
Work or Play? - Dallas is a beautiful city, but driving around I felt totally lost not having the mountains around me to indicate direction like we have here in the Salt Lake valley. I have been there several times and am impressed with how friendly everyone is and even more impressed with the barbeque. I will probably be visiting again from time to time as we often do marketing research there. Does anyone have suggestions for restaurants - especially good barbeque?
We also saw the Cowboys stadium and the new stadium which is under construction. I read that the new stadium once completed will be one of the biggest sports facilities on the planet. I guess the old saying is true that “everything’s bigger in Texas!”
Reality Check – I would have like to have stayed and had more fun in Dallas but it was a quick trip. My flight left at 4:30 AM so that I could spend time at the show and make the 9:00 PM flight back the same day. When my alarm clock went off that morning at 3:30 AM I debated giving up my job and staying in bed for the rest of my life. Fortunately for me the snooze button was invented. After all I really do love working here at Lifetime. The people are great and the products are great. There is also that little thing about needing money to eat and for a bed to sleep in and a roof to cover it!
So, thanks for reading my post. I will try to keep it fresh and interesting, maybe even funny, over the next few weeks. I am excited to use my new trailer and keep you informed, in more detail than you could have ever hoped for, about my adventures with it.