Trip to Festool USA

festnoob

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Joined
Jun 13, 2010
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Okay, so before I show some photos (which all of you probably skipped to already) there isn't anything new which probably hasn't been posted before. This is, instead, to discuss the warm greeting and impression left on my family when we visited Festool USA located in Lebanon, IN.

The intent of my trip was not solely dedicated to the visiting of the US headquarters. It was rather to visit an old college friend who moved to Morton, IL in order to work for Caterpillar. As my wife and I were planning our trip, which also included a 5, 2, and 10 month old, I realized that we would be taking Rt 70 through Indianapolis and therefore putting us within minutes of Lebanon. My wife was reluctant at first due to some jealousy issues that she hasn't come to terms with since Festool moved in, but eventually agreed after I reassured her of my love for her with hugs and kisses.

Due to our schedule and the constant stopping for bathroom breaks we were not able to swing by the facility on our way to IL. My wife called ahead of our return and spoke with the most hospitable woman, who undeniably prided herself in her natural ability to provide selfless service to anyone who would ask, Minnie Gleb. She said it would be fine to swing by, so we did.

I felt anxiousness as I drove past endless Monsanto corn and soy fields and turned onto N. Enterprise Blvd. I felt like a kid on his way to the candy store except I there would be no buying at this store. We parked in front of the main entrance and as I jumped out of the car to walk towards the front door I was reminded by my wife that my boys needed a diaper change.  [unsure]

Anyway, Minnie greeted us at the door and showed us everything. My 2 year old wanted to touch everything and as I restrained him I was restraining myself. I tried keeping a sense of calm because MAN!!! It's awesome in the filming room, but the class room is unbelievable. I had to tell her that I felt like a kid in the candy store and Minnie stated I was doing pretty good.

The repair area is much smaller than anticipated, but as clean as expected. I'm guessing they wouldn't need much more room as 98% of the tools received for repair are out of there within 48 hours. I can attest to this as I sent my CMS router insert in (it had a slight bow across the top) on a Friday and had it routing doors on the following Tuesday.

The warehouse was stacked with tools...can't even begin to explain.

Overall, I was left with the impression that I'm not just a customer there. Minnie was very accommodating and cordial and the girls in logistics were kind enough to snap a photo with us. Well, actually Minnie snapped it, but they took a second and smiled. I forgot their names, but if anyone can fill in the blanks I'd appreciate it. My wife was also impressed with them and I gave her loving stares to reassured her that I wasn't going to run away and camp out in the parking lot of Festool until they hired me.

So here are the photos. A rock at the entrance of Festool, etc., etc. Oh and while in the warehouse, TOOLNUT was there!

 

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For anyone interested Minnie was kind enough to inform me that the girls in logistics are (from the left) Yvonne Childers and Melinda Tanselle.
 
Sean Ackerman said:
I see Tool Nut tape!

Yup...had to shout you guys out. I was introduced to Festool by you guys at a Katz show. Toby Haskins was with Festool then...what ever happened to him?
 
That must of been like heaven!! [eek] I live 45 mins from there and would love to get there someday.  Can u just call and setup a time to visit or do u need to know someone to get in?  Did u get any freebees?!!

Sean
 
WoodWhisperer said:
That must of been like heaven!! [eek] I live 45 mins from there and would love to get there someday.  Can u just call and setup a time to visit or do u need to know someone to get in?  Did u get any freebees?!!

Sean

Many of the people there travel and of course there are training session for dealers and endusers.  As someone who has just popped in ( although I live 10 hrs away ) I would advise you call and try to set something up.

Peter
 
WoodWhisperer said:
That must of been like heaven!! [eek] I live 45 mins from there and would love to get there someday.  Can u just call and setup a time to visit or do u need to know someone to get in?  Did u get any freebees?!!

Sean

As Peter stated, call ahead of time and speak with Minnie. She apparently knows EVERYTHING that is going on so she'll tell you when a good time would be to stop by, if any.

Don't go for freebies, as nothing is sold from there. They take care of their dealers and wouldn't want to sell them short. On the other hand if you really like Festool you will enjoy it whether or not you get something.
 
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