Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Spiderman on December 22, 2007, 10:01:24 pm
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Just wondering who from the forum is making the trip to Anaheim in a few weeks. I can't wait to go! It'll give me a little break from the snow and cold and the three jobs I'm working right now. I've never been to California so that in itself should be interesting ::) Hope to see all you Hot Spring dealers there and looking forward to making some new friends. See you in Anaheim!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
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I'll be there. :D
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I live 1/2 hour away.... can anyone sneak me in? :)
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Me too. Maybe I can be a spa technician for the day. I'll buy lunch......... :)
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I'll be there - along with Mrs. Chas.
8-)
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Ive been kicking it around, and yes, I'll be going.
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Are events of this type open to the public? An 'open house' perhaps?
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The dealer conferences are under tight security. I believe military contractors are brought in to keep the public at bay. They have very liberal rules of engagement and are instructed to use deadly force if necessary.
I plan on being there and I'm buying drinks for any of you fellow forum members.
Terminator
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I wish that our company had conferences in CA. All we can afford is a booth at the local Chuckie Cheese. :'( Have a safe trip and don't forgot to write.
Create 2008 Conference
http://hssdealerconference.com/index.html
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One of my stores is 5 miles away from Aneheim. I think I'm going to really try to sneak in. I'm just afraid they might try to convert me to the dark side.
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The weather should be good for you Snow Birds. It was 75° today at my place. I changed the water for my X-mas party--had shorts and flip flops on today. My wife is bummed since she is used to her Chicago style Christmas.
Term, I might have to bring my own Shiner Bock since it is rare in our parts. I can't wait. Are you bringing the Hydrotherapy technicians?
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Got your bags packed yet?
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I just picked up my dry cleaning, got to go buy some new drawers, a couple of dress shirts, and some shiny black shoes with tassles (left my old ones in Sydney as a tip for the maid).
Got to go get a box of cigars and find my Zytel daggers, get them packed, then I'm ready to roll.
Esteemed forum member Mendocino has graciously invited to take our posse out to dinner one night. Originally he wanted to do sushi, but I told him we don't eat sushi unless it's cooked so that scrapulated that idea. I believe we've settled on Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which is damn good eatin'.
Anybody else want to go? We fly in Sunday afternoon so I'm thinking Sunday night for supper.
Term
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I just picked up my dry cleaning, got to go buy some new drawers, a couple of dress shirts, and some shiny black shoes with tassles (left my old ones in Sydney as a tip for the maid).
Got to go get a box of cigars and find my Zytel daggers, get them packed, then I'm ready to roll.
Esteemed forum member Mendocino has graciously invited to take our posse out to dinner one night. Originally he wanted to do sushi, but I told him we don't eat sushi unless it's cooked so that scrapulated that idea. I believe we've settled on Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which is damn good eatin'.
Anybody else want to go? We fly in Sunday afternoon so I'm thinking Sunday night for supper.
Term
What! You all don't have steak in Texas? ;) Get yerselves some California cuisine.
I am making this a quick trip. Flying in on Tuesday morning.
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What! You all don't have steak in Texas? ;) Get yerselves some California cuisine.
What do you suggest? I'll eat frog legs, mud bugs, and alligator, but it's got to be cooked.
I tried ya'lls Mexican food when we were in Palm Springs. Blech! :P
What's good out there besides those In and Out burgers?
Term (Chicken Fried Gourmand)
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What do you suggest? I'll eat frog legs, mud bugs, and alligator, but it's got to be cooked.
I tried ya'lls Mexican food when we were in Palm Springs. Blech! :P
What's good out there besides those In and Out burgers?
Term (Chicken Fried Gourmand)
Dont' complicate things, just get a cheeseburger. Of course being in California you really should make it a try tofu burger with goat cheese.
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I am making this a quick trip. Flying in on Tuesday morning.
Is the wife coming this time? You know, the two of you haven't been seen in the same room together for quite some time -
rumors are getting started....
8-)
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What do you suggest? I'll eat frog legs, mud bugs, and alligator, but it's got to be cooked.
I tried ya'lls Mexican food when we were in Palm Springs. Blech! :P
What's good out there besides those In and Out burgers?
Term (Chicken Fried Gourmand)
Term,
If you want some good Mexican food I know the places and Palm Springs is not one of them. I grew up in East LA and know a lot of hole in the walls.
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Mendo, how about we do some seafood? Are there any lobster buffets nearby?
Term
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Is the wife coming this time? You know, the two of you haven't been seen in the same room together for quite some time -
rumors are getting started....
8-)
No, sir. The wife will be home selling hot tubs.
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Term,
If you want some good Mexican food I know the places and Palm Springs is not one of them. I grew up in East LA and know a lot of hole in the walls.
Term,
Palm Springs is not California. Let Mendo take you to an East LA hole in the wall.
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No, sir. The wife will be home selling hot tubs.
Funny, my wife will be doing the same thing. Of course that's where women should be; barefoot, pregnant, and selling hot tubs!! ;D I will be flying in on Monday around noonish. See you all there!
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No, sir. The wife will be home selling hot tubs.
Well, we can all say hi to her via computer vid phone then. Tell her we'll miss her.
Term -
I'll be arriving Monday mid day, and would be glad to GoogleMaps some good Mexican food. I just don't want to eat a lot of it - I'm back on the diet. Sheesh.
But there are more Mexican Restaurants in the LA area than in the rest of the world, so I bet you can find something you like.
I'll be driving in, so if you need to me smuggle in a weapon for you, just UPS it to me.
8-)
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Chas, it will be my pleasure to dispose of your portion of the meal in absentia.
Okay....Mendo has made reservations 6:00 Sunday evening at Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Our plan is to arrive at around 4:30 and enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the patio whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.
http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/index.htm
Any and all are welcome to join us. :)
Term
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Seeing that I wasn't invited as a guest speaker, I guess I won't be there. I guess my talk on how to eat Buffalo Wings in the hot tub while communicating on Whatsthebest-hottub.com was to specific for their audience. They probably got Term doing a photoshop clinic instead.
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I believe we've settled on Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which is damn good eatin'.
Anybody else want to go? We fly in Sunday afternoon so I'm thinking Sunday night for supper.
Term
I love Ruth's Chris I assume you have been there before, you typed it right, not Ruth Chris' I already have a reservation there for Valentine Dinner.
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Best meal I ever got at Ruth's Chris was last year in Dallas. They had a special on Buffalo Ribeye with some bleu cheese sauce on it. Damn good eatin'!
You might try it if you never have before...very lean.
Term
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Chas, it will be my pleasure to dispose of your portion of the meal in absentia.
Okay....Mendo has made reservations 6:00 Sunday evening at Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Our plan is to arrive at around 4:30 and enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the patio whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.
http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/index.htm
Any and all are welcome to join us. :)
Term
sounds good, but I won't be in SoCal yet. Have a Margarita for me. ;) Will Randall be joining you?
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Will do, Dan!
Yes, Randall and his woman are coming.
See you in a couple of days!
Term
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WAIT -
What about Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night?
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WAIT -
What about Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night?
Wednesday night is awards event.
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WAIT -
What about Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night?
I'll eat your supper those nights, too. And drink your beer. And smoke your cigars.
I have to draw the line at tucking you in at night, however.
Term
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Well now that's a fine offer Chris, uh, the food drink and smoking part that is.
:o
But I'll be able to eat my own share Monday thru Wednesday.
See you there!
8-)
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Wednesday night is awards event.
OH! I guess I didn't read the schedule all the way through.
I think I'm getting "most days off in one calendar year" award this year...
8-)
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Chas, it will be my pleasure to dispose of your portion of the meal in absentia.
Okay....Mendo has made reservations 6:00 Sunday evening at Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach. Our plan is to arrive at around 4:30 and enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the patio whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.
http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/index.htm
Any and all are welcome to join us. :)
Term
Term, thanks for the invite. Especially on 101's dime. :)
I've been waiting all year for the Chargers to make it into the playoffs so I can't make it this Sunday. Keep me in mind for next time though.
I would love to go to a spa show in the future...
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Chris,
I've been trying to email you for days, but keep getting
An Error Has Occurred!
104 An Error Has Occurred!: Unable to open 1.txt
Thank you very much for the invite, but unfortunately I have some family matters to attend to. I hope to be able to meet up with you next time you are out here.
Brooke
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Can someone take some photos of our HS dealers receiving their awards this year? I'm sure either Term, Chas or Hottubdan will get something hopefully....
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Can someone take some photos of our HS dealers receiving their awards this year? I'm sure either Term, Chas or Hottubdan will get something hopefully....
I hear Term is up for an award:
Best use of Photoshop.
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Don't forget about the Best Hydrotherapy Technicians Award...
Sorry, forgot about Spiderman. What other HS dealers from this site are going?
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We had a chance to get together with Term and some folks from his company. Had a really nice time with a fine group of people and Term is not quite as unsightly as you might be thinking.... ;)....Term thanks for the cigar.....but boy did I get light headed....My wife and I had a great time and we hope you all enjoyed Laguna....
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Term's dealership won the dealer of the year award. Congrats to Randall, Chris and the rest of the team!
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Congratulations Term, Randal and of course the lovely Miss Lori..... :)
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Congratulations Term, Randal and of course the lovely Miss Lori..... :)
While we're at it we shouldn't overlook the contributions of the hydrotherapy technicians!
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By cracky, what a GREAT time!
We got to have dinner with Mendocino and his very lovely wife Sunday night, we got to meet Spiderman, hottubpoolboy, and old-time forum member Picasso. We saw hottubdan, who has the coolest hair of any forum member. And I finally got to meet Chas and his very tall and beautiful wife Mrs. Chas.
To top it all off, we were honored with the Locksin-Thompson Award as the Dealer of the Year for the entire spalaxy. It was truly a surprise....and we were very humbled and appreciative at having received this recognition from Watkins.
And boy oh boy, do I have some nice pictures to post for your viewing pleasure. It will take me awhile to get them organized, so bear with me.
Also, I want to give a shout out to the loverly people who monitor the forums from the Mother Ship....Jennifer, Celine, Sam, LeeAnn, Lissa, Gary, and to Big JR, the Solana TX plumbing genius. Thank you all for your support. :)
Term
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Congratulations!!! It sounds like so much fun to just attend one of these events, but to come home with the gold...just awesome!! ;)
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[size=20]And boy oh boy, do I have some nice pictures to post for your viewing pleasure. It will take me awhile to get them organized PG-13 rated, so bear with me.
Term[/size]
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Made it a point to introduce myself to Term, Spidey and Chas. Had a great time, got pumped up, now it's time to rip some heads. See you in Panama!
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Made it a point to introduce myself to Term, Spidey and Chas. Had a great time, got pumped up, now it's time to rip some heads. See you in Panama!
Rip some heads pool boy? What are they teaching you at these things?
That's a group of people I'd like to meet too and especially on Mendo's dime. I would have made him take you to Ruth's Chris for supper personally! ;)
Congrats again Term on your award.
Steve
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(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/partydudes.jpg)
Me, hottub.pool_boy, and Spiderman at the Awards Banquet.
Thank you Steve. We were thrilled to receive it.
We did go to Ruth's Chris on Monday night and then Morton's Steakhouse Tuesday. I enjoyed Morton's more better. Three of those Kardashian girls were walking in when we were walking out, but I did not have my camera. :(
Term
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Me, hottub.pool_boy, and Spiderman at the Awards Banquet.
Did they have a "Gaudiest Tie" contest?
Congrats Term. I'll bet winning that award makes all that time you spent last year with the hydrotherapy technicians seem worthwhile!!
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Did they have a "Gaudiest Tie" contest?
Actually, Term looked good every time I saw him. My guess is that 'Ol Meaness did a lot of shopping before putting him on the plane. Either that, or Randal figured out that sumpthin' was up and that they might have a reason to get their picture took.
Either way, Term looked downright civilized.
And I'm please to say that he turned out to be every bit the nice guy we all figured he is.
8-)
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(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/partydudes.jpg)
Good to see that hair-grow stuff I sent you Term was a success!
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hey, that's my harley tie!
Did not get a chance to formally congratulate Term and his companions on their award....Congratulations!!! We all aspire to win the John H., it's quite an honor.
Everyone one please wish Spiderman much-store-traffic in his new endeavor! It takes alot of guts to startup!
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hey, that's my harley tie!
Did not get a chance to formally congratulate Term and his companions on their award....Congratulations!!! We all aspire to win the John H., it's quite an honor.
Everyone one please wish Spiderman much-store-traffic in his new endeavor! It takes alot of guts to startup!
Is that really you in the middle of that pic? You are a lot younger than I thought. :)
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Well I made it back safe and sound last night, but I was sure tired. It also wasn't pleasant coming home to single digit temps. Sunny California was a nice break. I would like to thank everyone there for the great time we had. It was cool meeting some fellow forum members for the first time. You guys are taller in person, especially you Dave. I'm 6'0" and you made me feel like a hobit ;D I will echo Chas' comments about Watkins. I was amazed and very impressed at the organization they run, totally top notch. I'm proud to be associated with such a fine company and great people. All the dealers I met were awesome. Congratulations to all the dealers who won awards, especially East Texas Spa and their Dealer Of The Year award. I was proud to sitting at the table with you. I can't wait to see you at the next conference. I can't wait for Chris to post the rest of the pics, but while we're waiting, here are some of my boring pics.
The view from my room:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAnahei.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-1.jpg)
The Hot Spring Truck:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-2.jpg)
The Awards Banquet:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-7.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-10.jpg)
The Food Taster:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-9.jpg)
Photoshoper Of The Year Award:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-6.jpg)
And This Is What I Came Home To At The Airport:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/MichiganOutlaw/2008HotSpringDealerConferenceAna-5.jpg)
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Good to see that hair-grow stuff I sent you Term was a success!
That's my party and church-going hair I wear on special occasions. Womenfolk love to run their fingers through it as do a few of the menfolk.
Spiderman, are you SURE you want to see the pics? :o
Glad you made it back! Bartemus and I really enjoyed hanging out with you and we'll hopefully be seeing you again before Scottsdale.
OK, I'm fixin' to start the travelogue in the next post....
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The four of us arrived early Sunday afternoon at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana and after a quick limo ride, we settled in at the Hyatt Regency Motel 6. The four of us being:
The Boss- Randall is the owner and overlord of East Texas Spa Tyler, East Texas Spa Longview, and HotSpring Spas of Shreveport. He has been the owner since 1985 and only recently added the title of "Overlord" to his long list of business accomplishments. If one were to look up the word "Texan" in the encyclopedia, Randall's picture would appear.
The Boss's Woman- Laurie is loverly, gracious, kind, and long-suffering. She primarily handles advertising but is also an excellent saleslady. There is no nicer person in North America as Laurie, and that's a fact.
Bartemus Crump- Rookie. Bart was invited to come along for a week long interview for the once again opened position of Shreveport store manager. Bart is a LTFOT (Long time friend of Terminator) who is going to end up being a better salesman than myself due to his nice hair, pleasant demeanor, and long pants. As far as good ol' boys go, he is the goodest.
Terminator- Well, that's me.
After a quick constitutional and nap, we skipped down to the bar to enjoy some libations whilst waiting for Mendo and his wife to arrive. Since Shiner Bock was nary to be found, I had to settle for Guinness Beer on tap (which is not too bad in a pinch). Bart found the Newcastle to his liking. We rustled up a plate of nachos as we watched the putrid effort of the Dallas Cowboys in vivid color on one of the many TV screens in the lounge. Pitiful, but not unexpected.
Mendo (Harry) and Angie arrived in their sporty Lamborghini sedan to escort us to dinner at Las Brisas. I rode with them while the lesser members of our group took a rental car and followed:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/dirtyharry.jpg)
It was an exhilliarating ride through the hills and neighborhoods of Laguna Beach! Harry's new GPS was a little on the slow side. "You--should--have--turned--left--back--there. Next--turn--is--200--feet--behind--you."
We got to see Kobe Bryant's house as well as Colonel Sanders' mansion and the little Taco Bell chihuahua's dog house.
Due to the confusion, we decided to just go ahead and eat at Joe's Crap Shack overlooking the harbor. Harry demanded that the waitresses dance the Cotton-Eyed Joe in honor of his Texas guests, and by golly they did:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04453.jpg)
After putting away tons of shrimp, fish, ersters, crabs, squid, hemp, beer, wine and other assorted delicacies, we headed to the beach!
To be continued....
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Dadgum, I forgot to tell you about the flight from Texas.
Laurie and Randall sat on the front row next to Tommy Lasorda. They said all he wanted to do was talk about his little granddaughter. He was very proud of her! He gave Laurie his business card, but Randall confiscated it.
Whilst they were hobnobbing, I noticed that Bartemus was sitting next to Jennifer Love Hewitt, a good ol' gal from Waco, TX. Bart would not talk to her as his wife is even more beautiful than JLH, so he is a bit of a snob. I didn't talk to her because she is a stranger, but she were nice to look at.
Anyways, after Joe's, we went down to the beach and enjoyed some cigars. I'm sure we broke some kind of California pollution law, but we were livin' the wild life that night:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04467.jpg)
Randall, Harry, and Me enjoying some Monte Christos with the beautiful Pacific Ocean in the background.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04462.jpg)
Me and Bartemus with the beautiful Laguna Beach in the background.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04471.jpg)
Angie and Laurie with the beautiful Laguna Park in the background.
We all had a wonderful time just talking turkey, smokin', and listening to the wailing and moanings of the winos from beneath the boardwalk. Harry and Angie were good as gold and we hated to leave, but it was late and the womenfolk were getting a little chilly, so we bade each other farewell and headed home.
To be continued....
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Monday morning, got up and had the breakfast buffet. Me, Bart, and Laurie loaded up and headed back to Laguna Beach to see what it looked like in the daylight. It was beautimous, and I don't use that word very often to describe anyplace except Texas.
We got a little table on the patio at Las Brisas. What a view!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04484copy.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04486copy.jpg)
We asked an elderly gent to take our picture, but he looked a little sneaky like he might try to steal my camera, so I stayed within Death Dart throwing distance just in case:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04473.jpg)
Rachel Ray served as our celebrity waitress during our visit:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04477.jpg)
The goat-smelling margaritas were $10 for a little bitty glass! >:( You can get a whole pitcher of margarita for $10 at Dudley Bob's in East Texas. California livin' don't come cheap:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04478.jpg)
Bart and I had quesadillas whilst Laurie had some kind of Mahi Hami fish salad. The food was tasty, especially the guacamole which was the best I've ever had!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04480.jpg)
We had a couple more drinks, then Bart and I left Laurie to herself and set out on an adventure to photograph some indigenous wildlife.
To be continued...
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We got a little table on the patio at Las Brisas. What a view!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04484copy.jpg)
Welcome to Paradise!!
8-)
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Congrats on the award Term. Sounds like Life is Good in East Texas. Was the award given strictly by sales volume?
Were any of our other HS dealers on this forum up for awards?
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This award was far more than sales volume. A dealer can be awarded this award without being the top seller - it is about customer service, customer satisfaction, overall quality of the business and about a dozen other related things.
8-)
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A "Dealer of the Year" award represents many things including exceeding expectations at virtually every level of business. Sales are usually in the top 5% in my experience but not the only factor by any means.
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Congrats on the award Term. Sounds like Life is Good in East Texas. Was the award given strictly by sales volume?
Were any of our other HS dealers on this forum up for awards?
Mainely Tubs up in....Maine! was the top volume dealer again. They do a fantastic job out of just a single store, as do several other big time dealers.
We're just a mid-size dealer who has an owner that does business the right way. I like to think that our strong presence on this forum went a long way towards us winning the award, along with our exceptional customer service, involvement in charitable functions, and our strong sales production.
I'm not really sure if any of our forum friends won anything this year as I don't know everyone as intimately as I'd like.
Term
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Mainely Tubs up in....Maine! was the top volume dealer again. They do a fantastic job out of just a single store, as do several other big time dealers.
We're just a mid-size dealer who has an owner that does business the right way. I like to think that our strong presence on this forum went a long way towards us winning the award, along with our exceptional customer service, involvement in charitable functions, and our strong sales production.
I'm not really sure if any of our forum friends won anything this year as I don't know everyone as intimately as I'd like.
Term
The Arctic Dealer Seminar is yet to come (Feb 4th-Feb8th), I will let you know if anyone around here wins anything! Congrats on the award.
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And now, back to our story....
When last we saw our adventurous trio, they had enjoyed a wonderful midday repaste at Las Brisas before setting out in the hopes of viewing the abundant wildlife native to the west coast. Pelican Rock was home to a herd of sunbathing fishgulpers just offshore:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04476.jpg)
Sea buzzards were quietly nestled into the warm tropical sands, waiting patiently for a meal to present itself:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04496.jpg)
We moseyed up the the Weyland Gallery, home of the world famous underwater painter Weyland (I guess):
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04488.jpg)
The most famous dolphin of all was captured in bronze in this sculpture titled "Flipper, Flipper: No one you see is smarter than he":
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04489.jpg)
And I just knew it was true, and now I finally have the proof: Hippies REALLY DO grow on trees in California:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04490.jpg)
To be continued....
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We continued to stroll and smoke our cigars, doing our best to replenish the ozone layer one stogie at a time.
Coming around a corner, we quickly converted to "stalking" mode when we spied this vision of loveliness through a swarm of sea buzzards:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04492copy.jpg)
They even have telephones on the beach so you can call and have your sushi delivered just like we have pizza delivered to Lake O' the Pines! What progressive ideas abound in this utopia!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04493copy.jpg)
We had the opportunity to meet the Watkins manager who devised the Costco/HotSpring merger:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04494.jpg)
Saw some brave souls battling gnarley waves amongst the Great White Sharks which were in abundance, I'm sure:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04502.jpg)
You could walk out on the rocks, but it was again' the law to take shells or seaweed from the tidal pools:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04503.jpg)
Californians pride themselves on being custodians of nature, but they're as bad as New Yorkers when it comes to writing grafitti all over the place:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/love.jpg)
I cried like Iron Eyes Cody when I seen what they'd did.
To be continued....
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We got up bright and early Tuesday and loaded up into several luxury motorcoaches (buses) and made the hour and a half trip down to Vista to tour the Watkins factory.
As we neared San Diego, we could see a Naval vessel being resupplied by helicopter in anticipation of our rumored invasion of Cozumeil:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04518.jpg)
We passed one of the many dairy farms along the coast, their milk silos proudly silhouetted against the Pacific:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04548.jpg)
As always, security is very tight at the factory. Robot sentries were on heightened alert, especially with D-1 and Beachcomber's spy R&D facilities just right down the road:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04545copy.jpg)
***DISCLAIMER****
THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE OF THE INNER SANCTUM OF THE FACTORY AND ARE NOT TO BE DISTRIBUTED.
First stop was the automated assembly line. I was amazed at the prevalence of mechanization utilized by Watkins:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04520copy.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04536copy.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04519copy.jpg)
The automatons greatly reduce the production costs of the spas. Another way in which Watkins manages to keep their prices so low is the composition of their human labor force:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04528.jpg)
Here is the machine that flips the spas over after foaming:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04523.jpg)
We saw the mold room where every single customer's personalized spa mold is kept in a climate controlled environment. I even saw Brookenstein's mold!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04527.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04530copy.jpg)
Every HotSpring Spa is water tested for quality and fun:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04534copy.jpg)
Last stop on the factory tour was the European Bleaching station for our overseas spas. Only Watkins and one other spa company have this bleaching capability:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04532copy.jpg)
Afterwards, we visited the Watkins showroom to get a glimpse at the new products!
To be continued....
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Mainely Tubs up in....Maine! was the top volume dealer again. They do a fantastic job out of just a single store, as do several other big time dealers.
We're just a mid-size dealer who has an owner that does business the right way. I like to think that our strong presence on this forum went a long way towards us winning the award, along with our exceptional customer service, involvement in charitable functions, and our strong sales production.
I'm not really sure if any of our forum friends won anything this year as I don't know everyone as intimately as I'd like.
Term
Mainely Tubs is my dealer and they are good folks. They won the Locksin-Thompson Award in 2003 & 2004 so you are in good company. They do business the right way and put the customer first.
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Mainely Tubs up in....Maine! was the top volume dealer again. They do a fantastic job out of just a single store, as do several other big time dealers.
Chris,
I think they were the number 1 single store dealer, not overall. That is not disclosed.
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Love the MILF mold Term. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face today. I needed it. Hope to meet up with you next time.
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Term, that was great photo work. I really enjoyed Chas's rock and Brooke's spa mold. I think you are in the wrong business........ :)
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I'm glad you enjoyed it Brooke. It actually said HILF (Highlife), but it made me think of you. :)
I think you are in the wrong business........ :)
Many serious spa professionals assuredly concur. :D
OK, we get to visit the Watkins mood room to see the new products. As I'm about to start clicking away, Michael Evans (Western Sales Manager for Watkins) approaches me and says "Term, the Supreme Leader says you are not allowed to take pictures. Compliance is non-negotiable. I'm sorry, but the Mother Ship has spoken."
I patted him on the back and said "It's OK. I understand."
Unbeknownst to him, I was actually swiping his wallet. Here is his SSN if anyone wants it:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/revenge.jpg)
I did manage to sneak a couple of pics past the ED209 Security Robots. I hope you folks appreciate the inherent danger I faced on your behalf and will compensate me accordingly.
First up was the new Grandee Grand with the stone cabinet:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/supergrandee.jpg)
Here is the new Graphite shell on the Sovereign. It also had the optional Moonlight 'n Moonshine Audio and Sanitation System installed, which uses a miniature moonshine still to sanitize the water and dispense liquor for you and your guests:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/moonshine.jpg)
Customization is the wave of the future, so HotSpring has taken the lead in offering completely customizable cabinets for your spa. For the most part, a blending into the environment was the desired effect (stone, dirt, cactus cabinets), but your ability to customize your spa is limited only by your imagination. A few examples were on display:
Diamondplate
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/diamondplate.jpg)
Bling
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/bling.jpg)
Bamboo
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/bamboo.jpg)
The REALLY exciting news had to be the CoverTron, a combination miniature Jumbotron TV and locking insulated safety cover available on select HS spas:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/bigscreen.jpg)
The high doses of radiation emitted by the cover actually help to sanitize the spa, which was an unforseen benefit. It's GREAT!
To be continued....
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It also had the optional Moonlight 'n Moonshine Audio and Sanitation System installed, which uses a miniature moonshine still to sanitize the water and dispense liquor for you and your guests:
I get the feeling you've been demo-ing that option while at work.
I like the Jumbotron cover but what's the deal, no waterfall coming out of it?
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Mainely Tubs is my dealer and they are good folks. They won the Locksin-Thompson Award in 2003 & 2004 so you are in good company. They do business the right way and put the customer first.
They are my dealer as well.... I am very happy with their service! The owner is very big on making sure all his customers are happy! ;)
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Did you get a picture of the De Sade model?
Oh wait,
that was a Marquis.
Sorry.
8-)
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Did you get a picture of the De Sade model?
Oh wait,
that was a Marquis.
Sorry.
8-)
The noun MARQUIS DE SADE has 1 sense:
1. French soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term 'sadism' (1740-1814)
Familiarity information: MARQUIS DE SADE used as a noun is very rare.
Thats pretty off the wall Chas .... :o
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The noun MARQUIS DE SADE has 1 sense:
1. French soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term 'sadism' (1740-1814)
Wow, I didn't know the company went back that far!!
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Thats pretty off the wall Chas .... :o
Well, anyone can have an off day now and then....
:-[
(http://www.topfullsizesedan.com/includes/images/Mercury_Grand_Marquis/MercuryGrandMarquis.jpg)
8-)
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[size=16]THE BIG FINALE[/size]
After being fed and chastised and lectured all week, it was time to put on our fancy duds and cut loose at the Dealer Awards Banquet.
Cocktails and hor d' vouers were served at 7:30 in the foyer.
Spiderman unmasked himself for the evening. Here he is posing with none other than J. Jonah Jameson, editor in chief of the Daily Bugle newspaper:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/peterparker.jpg)
Nothing but the best from Watkins!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/grub.jpg)
One of the really cool things I found out last week was that there is a dedicated group of marketing specialists at Watkins that monitor my activities on the forums 24/7. They have come to call themselves "TermFans" and their sole purpose is to keep tabs on me whilst channeling propoganda in my direction.
It was an honor for them to meet me and they showed their appreciation and support by wearing "TermCaps", complete with bushy eyebrows and shiny dome. Here are my two favorites:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/termcaps.jpg)
These ladies are behind the scenes laboring anonymously to help me with my disinformation agenda, and I can not tell you how much I appreciate their help!
Here was the menu for the evening:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04571.jpg)
Copious amounts of wine, malt liquor, and spirits flowed:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04570.jpg)
The main course was short on portioning but long on flavor:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04575.jpg)
Dessert was tasty:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04588.jpg)
It was time to announce the award winners.........
....the anticipation was too much to bear......
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04576.jpg)
..."and the Greatest Dealer in the World Award goes to...."
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04591copy.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/lockthompdammit.jpg)
VICTORY!!!!
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/gatorador.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04598.jpg)
*That was the last time anyone saw the tropy intact. My boss did a celebration dance and accidentally spiked the trophy and broke it.
As is custom, Randall was invited to sing the celebration song with the band:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/myway.jpg)
Picture time (notice broken trophy):
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04601.jpg)
My boss, as is his nature, was very humble and displayed nothing but class towards his fellow dealers who did not win the Greatest Dealer in the World Award:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04607copy.jpg)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/secondplace.jpg)
The Supreme Leader of Watkins, Captain Steve, gave a rousing toast to all of the dealers that had won awards:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/DSC04578.jpg)
We went out back to celebrate into the wee evening hours:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/cancer.jpg)
The Young Guns:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/spakings.jpg)
My final thoughts, next.....
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I hope you all have enjoyed the pictures.
All kidding aside, what a wonderful week! The longer I'm in this business, the more fascinating people I have the opportunity to meet. What a great pleasure it is to represent Watkins and their products. I can truly say that I have never had to be embarassed about what I sell, and that is a great feeling indeed.
Everything was first class (as always), from the food to the entertainment to the speakers to the upcoming spas, accessories, and merchandise. I was inspired by it all, which is I guess the point of the whole thing.
I don't know how many people came up and asked "Are you Terminator?". (I was always hesitant to answer because I never knew if I was going to get a slap on the back or a slap upside the head.) The Supreme Leader even called me his "Little internet buddy in whom I'm well pleased" which was kinda cool but even more disconcerting than cool...but that's OK.
Now, back to the real world. Been setting up at the East Texas Boat and RV Show all day as it starts tomorrow. Holly is driving in from Dallas and she and Theresa will be hydrotheraping all weekend. I hope to have my live "Hydro Tech Cam" working now that we have a video server and will be streaming video to you fine folks. Stay tuned for details of how to log on.
Thank you for your patience and your support. Keep your fingers out of where they don't belong.
Term