Page 14 - CFESA Magazine July / August 2018

OEM EDITORIAL

DAVID NEIDLINGER

DIRECTOR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND
NETWORK MANAGEMENT, KITCHENCARE
WELBILT

ITS ALL ABOUT THE encouraging us to be an active member on
RELATIONSHIPS their committees. While the various sessions
and roundtables discussions might seem
like a waste of time or not meaningful,
I’ve been a supporter of CFESA for over 20
there is another reason to be there. These
years. While many reading this article have
conferences are the only time in the year
been in this industry much longer, I think we
that I can see, talk, drink and eat with
can all agree that CFESA has a place in our
everyone all in one place. The conversations
industry and has taken great strides in the
at “the bar” are always some of the best
past 5-6 years. In my early days as a trainer
we have no matter who is picking up the
for the CFESA Electric, Gas and Steam
tab that night. The manufacturers and
classes back in the late 90’s, I struggled with
the service providers are all in it for one
where CFESA was headed as an Association,
common goal - Take care of the customers
and what exactly their focus was. A few
while still making a decent profit.
years ago, I had an open conversation with
Heather about what I considered some very
During my time here, the industry has
controversial new members and advertising.
changed drastically. Back when I started,
The President back then was Scott Hester,
we had region service provider exclusivity,
and Heather relayed my concerns to him;
and they had to stock parts as many
he hopped on his motorcycle to make a
manufacturers (not mine) were terrible in
visit to Frymaster, so we could sit down and
shipping parts on time. The customers
talk about it. Scott took the time to explain
would drive to the service companies to
CFESA’s position and while I might not have
pick up a part, and it was vital to have it
agreed 100% with his explanation, I could
in stock. Now, not so much. The internet
see that our world was changing.
changed everything in the parts business,
in addition to some manufacturers selling
For many manufacturers it has always
parts directly to customers, the service
been a challenge to convince everyone
provider had to adapt their business models
within our companies that the conferences
to keep the doors open. While many of
are beneficial. As manufacturers, we
our servicers hate the big parts dealers, I
must watch our budgets very closely, and
think we can agree that “They” just saw the
it always seems the conferences happen
opportunity and seized it and if it weren’t
at the worst time no matter what month
“Them” it would be someone else.
they happen to fall in. I have never looked
at the conference agenda until after I’ve
arrived. CFESA hosts a manufacturers (continued on page 21)
rep only meeting for us in addition to
14 CFESA Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2018 | www.cfesa.com