ehansen007
01-28-2013, 07:17 PM
I was fortunate enough to get back to Boston last week as a bday present to myself and although I hit a cold front, it was a fantastic experience. Having spoken to most of the staff over the past few years on the phone, it was great to get to meet them face to face (yes even Tony Zullo LOL, he knows I love him). Anywho, we had a lot to cover with HB plans, business talks, tours, etc so I'll get right to it.
Touring the facility is incredible. The video does a decent job of covering it but like most times, seeing it in person is way, way better. I wish everyone could do it and get a better understanding of the challenges of design form and how it affects function, cost, breakfix support, longevity, performance, profitability, and finally, repeatability. Believe me, this is a veritable soup of ideas that, missing any key ingredient, can leave a bad taste in one's mouth. However FFR has a lot of happy customers so they are doing it right. which is rare in their segment. And, having witnessed some of the comments of the forums and eagerness for information on the 818, it becomes paramount that everyone understands this. In fact, the idea that Dave has put so much information out there in response to the thousands of questions on the 818 is just mind boggling! But back to the factory. It's immaculate, which shows pride and organization, the workers are happy (most have been there for more than 5-10 years), which shows management success, and even on the coldest days, customers and prospects drop by to say "Hi." Enough said.
Seeing the 818 mule really firmed up my decision to get on board. I don't need another car but yes I do. The fact that the kit will cost $10k is amazing. I don't see how they will make money on it but my only job is to build it and this I will do. Talking with Jim, Frankie, and the rest of the team was very insightful on all the challenges they've faced and like I said, I wish everyone could do a field trip to see what's going on here. It makes you take a step back and see things you normally wouldn't have and consider that the people building it are busting butt and doing their best to build a great product. All my questions were answered.
And then there's the staff. This looks like a great place to work. The downstairs where all the guys we talk to on the phone have no barriers so remember this when you're on the phone with them! They're not just talking to you, they're talking to everyone, and so are you! And believe me the peanut gallery is in full effect. I should have taken a picture of Mad Dog and Tony having a "hilarious" conversation. Those guys killed me. I was lucky enough to have lunch and dinner with some of them and it was all a great experience.
And then there's Dave Smith. Going 100 miles a minute trying to build the best customer experience, he's got his hands in everything. And to his credit he pulls it off admirably but not without the help of one Sally Bean who keeps him in line and on time. This guy balances singular company ownership, crazy customers who can't call him enough, a large group of hard working, happy people, and, from what I hear, then goes home to a large family and does homework until 10pm. To put it mildly, I want what this guy is drinking.
So,when you buy a car from Factory Five, this is really what your getting; an all American Car Company, support that's in-sourced instead of out, real people, and the idea that you're part of something special, whether you actually ever make it there or not.
Thanks for having me FFR.
e
Touring the facility is incredible. The video does a decent job of covering it but like most times, seeing it in person is way, way better. I wish everyone could do it and get a better understanding of the challenges of design form and how it affects function, cost, breakfix support, longevity, performance, profitability, and finally, repeatability. Believe me, this is a veritable soup of ideas that, missing any key ingredient, can leave a bad taste in one's mouth. However FFR has a lot of happy customers so they are doing it right. which is rare in their segment. And, having witnessed some of the comments of the forums and eagerness for information on the 818, it becomes paramount that everyone understands this. In fact, the idea that Dave has put so much information out there in response to the thousands of questions on the 818 is just mind boggling! But back to the factory. It's immaculate, which shows pride and organization, the workers are happy (most have been there for more than 5-10 years), which shows management success, and even on the coldest days, customers and prospects drop by to say "Hi." Enough said.
Seeing the 818 mule really firmed up my decision to get on board. I don't need another car but yes I do. The fact that the kit will cost $10k is amazing. I don't see how they will make money on it but my only job is to build it and this I will do. Talking with Jim, Frankie, and the rest of the team was very insightful on all the challenges they've faced and like I said, I wish everyone could do a field trip to see what's going on here. It makes you take a step back and see things you normally wouldn't have and consider that the people building it are busting butt and doing their best to build a great product. All my questions were answered.
And then there's the staff. This looks like a great place to work. The downstairs where all the guys we talk to on the phone have no barriers so remember this when you're on the phone with them! They're not just talking to you, they're talking to everyone, and so are you! And believe me the peanut gallery is in full effect. I should have taken a picture of Mad Dog and Tony having a "hilarious" conversation. Those guys killed me. I was lucky enough to have lunch and dinner with some of them and it was all a great experience.
And then there's Dave Smith. Going 100 miles a minute trying to build the best customer experience, he's got his hands in everything. And to his credit he pulls it off admirably but not without the help of one Sally Bean who keeps him in line and on time. This guy balances singular company ownership, crazy customers who can't call him enough, a large group of hard working, happy people, and, from what I hear, then goes home to a large family and does homework until 10pm. To put it mildly, I want what this guy is drinking.
So,when you buy a car from Factory Five, this is really what your getting; an all American Car Company, support that's in-sourced instead of out, real people, and the idea that you're part of something special, whether you actually ever make it there or not.
Thanks for having me FFR.
e