January 2012

The Volume 15 #1 issue of RodMaker mailed yesterday. This issue went out a tad early to facilitate subscribers getting their tickets for the RodMaker Reception on February 24th.  Presorted 3rd class mail generally takes about 3 to 4 weeks to reach most everyone, therefore the first issue of each year always mails about a…

One of the perks for RodMaker subscribers who attend the International Custom Rod Building Exposition each year is the RodMaker Magazine Reception. This annual event takes place on the eve just prior to opening day of the Expo. It’s free for any and all RodMaker subscribers.   The Reception features free refreshments (light hor d’oervres…

No matter how carefully you select and mix the ingredients, you can’t just toss it all in the oven and expect to enjoy a delicious dinner inside of a few minutes. It’s going to take some time for things to get to the point where they’re going to provide you with an enjoyable meal.  …

Just over 4,300 custom rod builders responded to the Rod Builder Survey published in the Volume 14 #3 issue of RodMaker Magazine. This represents the largest number of individuals to ever participate in any survey or questionnaire having to do with custom rod building. The results tell us a great deal about the demographics and…

For those of you who like picking through back issues of RodMaker at the Expo each year, I regret to inform you that we’ve had so many new companies sign on for the 2012 event that I had to make the decision to leave RodMaker Magazine out of the exhibit hall this year.   Each…

I like numbers.  I particularly like numbers when they represent the effectiveness of something you’ve tried.  For instance, the daily page view total offered by the administration page of the Expo website gives me a spectacular idea of how varying advertising endeavors are working.   For instance, when I do a direct mail postcard push,…

The Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Expo took place this weekend. I traveled over with Rodney Powell and Sammy Mickel. Although our portion of the Country has been unseasonably warm this year and remains pleasant for fishing, it seemed like enough guys stayed off the water this weekend to keep the show aisles crowded.   We…

Just four companies account for nearly 75% of the total rod building blank and component sales. That leaves several dozen other companies left to fight over just one-quarter of the market. What do these top four know that the rest don’t?   The four leading companies in terms of rod building supply sales know the…