Nearly 500 visitors representing 267 businesses and municipalities attended the Compact Equipment Field Days hosted by Milton CAT at its Milford, Mass., location on March 31 and April 1. Even before seeing the full parking lot, the traffic on Quarry Drive indicated that something special was going on. Welcoming signs indicated the way, and as visitors walked up to the main hall, Milton CAT team members made sure each person was greeted, handed a registration tag, and got an explanation of the layout and the planned activities.
“We wanted our message to be loud and clear,” said Steve Macridis, Milford Equipment sales manager. “We were personally telling our customers — we appreciate you, we understand your needs and we have what it takes to support you.”
Milton CAT President Chris Milton and members of his staff were on hand to say hello to old customers and meet new ones, exchanging stories and comments and gathering around for lunch, turning the Field Days into a great opportunity for relaxed conversations.
Ten “stations” were set up inside, focusing on some of the most important aspects of the Milton CAT complete solution, including financing options, the Rental Alliance network, and safety, as well as organized tours of the parts operation and service department. Each station was manned by experts on the subject, allowing participants to ask questions and get explanations, one-on-one. Questions and comments ranged from wanting to know more about parts drop box delivery locations and parts options, to interest in the resources offered by www.safety.cat.com, and a lot of attention to the Milton CAT used equipment programs.
“Many people didn’t realize that we don’t just sell used equipment, we also buy it, and of course this is a great time for them to take advantage of that option,” said Equipment Sales Representative Doug Mauch.
The tours included visits to the parts distribution center and the service department.
Seeing up close everything that’s involved in a Milton CAT certified powertrain rebuild was many visitors’ favorite part of the event. Gary VanVooris has been buying all his oil and other consumables at Milton CAT for more than seven years, “But I didn’t know they could do that type of work here,” and he added, “It’s incredible the level that it gets down to, they literally take it all apart and put it together again.”
Outdoors, visitors could stop at generator and air compressor demonstrations, see compact equipment with different work tools engaged in challenging tasks, and participate in an obstacle course that attracted 129 competitors. Last but not least, a red tag sale gave everyone a chance to buy machines, compressors, generators and work tools at very attractive prices.
Visitors were asked to have their name tag punched at each station; a minimum of seven punches qualified them to receive a free CAT hat and to have their name entered for a chance to win four VIP tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 19.
According to equipment sales representative Dave Fenton who had a number of his customers attend the event, the Compact Equipment Field Days had outstanding results, but he added, “Beyond the number of machines and work tools sold, what really stands out is how our customers and visitors appreciated the chance to meet face-to-face with members of the Milton CAT team, talk to people who understand their needs, attend hands-on demonstrations and see with their own eyes what’s going on behind the scenes.”
Fenton’s words were echoed by Chris Butler and Ron Samuelson, from Linders Inc. in Worcester. When asked to describe what’s good about Milton CAT, they responded, “The people.” Chris explained, “They remember your name, they shake your hand, even when we first started coming here and we were just kids they treated us with respect.”
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