Orbita’s Road Show Visits World Lux
I had the pleasure of meeting The Orbita Road Show on November 2nd when it arrived on 4th Avenue in front of Seattle’s World Lux showroom at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The 24-foot long trailer is outfitted to resemble a fine New York 5th Avenue jewelry showroom and is gorgeously replete with custom cherry-wood shelves and cabinetry, deep plush carpet, a huge plasma video display, and the full line of Orbita’s American-made Watchwinders and Watch storage products.
Along for the ride was National Sales Manager Donna Conklin and Customer Service Representative and Roadshow Manager Kevin Williams. Their personable manner and extensive product knowledge greatly impressed upon me that the success of Orbita is not only because their products are well-made, but because the company’s prime focus is their attention to excellent customer service. While I was talking to them a gentleman came in who had been having problems with the cup piece on his winder and both Donna and Kevin listened closely and even provided him with a replacement cup while showing him the range of winders around us.
I asked them what had prompted this tour of the country, which has included stops in Aventura, Florida, Auburn, Indiana, and Scotsdale, Arizona. Donna mentioned how Orbita had gone to Basel but found the experience unfruitful because their placement wasn’t as visible as they’d hoped for and also because the nature of Basel is so hectic and courted only by those who can travel there. They decided Basel wasn’t practical for most people, so they decided to “bring Basel to the U.S.” and give the presentation to customers as well as employees of Orbita retailers. The showroom on wheels became the best presentation for the customer.
“It’s about building confidence,” said Kevin. “Customers and employees can touch the products and see them demonstrated, and especially to see how easy our products are to program.” Donna added that “When employees are comfortable with knowing how our products work, they can more easily explain to their customers.”
A particular point of pride for them is the fact that all Orbita watchwinders are designed, manufactured and repaired in the U.S., with both of their large warehouses located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Their company is comprised of about 10-12 people in the offices and about the same number in their factories. The people are close-knit and like family, many of whom are literally family, and that business model is why their service is incredibly personable.
I asked them how owner Chuck Agnoff, who personally designs the winders, was doing. “He’s starting to get out once in a while and enjoy his retirement,” Donna said with a laugh. “But he always stops in to see us and he always helps with the development of new designs.” If you’re wanting to know what’s up ahead for Orbita, you can expect to see a new line of Sparta Winders that are completely electronic, virtually silent, and don’t use batteries at all. You may also expect new additions to their Artisan series, in particular a new wood veneer winder with an aquatic theme.
If you missed them in Seattle, they’ll be traveling the coast through Oregon and California over the month of November. For the Roadshow Itinerary, visit http://www.orbita.net/pages/19101.htm