Today expect low clouds, high of 30 degrees and snow with possible accumulation of up to 8 inches. When I heard this, I thought I was waking up in Montana, but a quick look to the West from my hotel window quickly reminded me I was in Sherman, Texas. I can only imagine what the Meteorologist felt like when this was his report. I am sure it is one he's read only a few times and maybe even only once. This is the climate the Time is Money Tour found itself on a recent Wednesday morning. Good thing Jessica set up us with cold weather gear. It was needed.

It's that time of year again. Actually, it's not. That is, the average temperature is supposed to be 60 degrees Fahrenheit though some one forgot to tell Ole Man Winter. During my visit to Werner Electric in La Crescent, MN, the annual Southern migration of the Northern glacier found me with a garment bag packed as though it were Spring break in Cancun. Long sleeves? Nope. Sweaters? Nada? Battery operated heated socks? Who needs it? Well, actually I did but let's forget about the cold for now.

When the snow finally turned to cold rain and the burgers had to be grilled in the Canvan (don't tell Allison) we opened shop on Main Street to a very eager crowd of electrical contractors. Folks from P & T Electric, Graf Electric, Craig Electric, Stokes Electric and others couldn't wait to get their hands on the new QuickLights® 180. For a relatively small community, this is one of the busiest and most successful events that I have witnessed so far. Werner did a great job hosting this event. Deb from P & T Electric proved she could install the QuickLights® 180 faster than the former Capri Product Manager. I still think someone advanced the clock during my install and my rematch request went unfulfilled. I knew I should have faced the clock. Next time Deb! Next time!

We had 10 different participants take the challenge and install the QuickLights® 180. Each contractor and an agent salesperson installed the product in 1/3 the time of a standard downlight. When it comes to labor, Time is Money and Philips Capri proved it again with the fastest installing downlight anywhere! Now back to the cold.

It was 34 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater was on and I had on as many layered short sleeve shirts as possible while still being able to move. Then the two Kyle's from Stokes came into the trailer wearing shorts. Yeah. Shorts. That's when I had to stop, go inside and get a cup of coffee. The folks up North are tough. Oh yeah, both of these guys took the challenge. When I presented them with a t-shirt, they said, Thanks. This will get me through February. Come on guys. That's enough for me. Lynn's up, I am out and the tour is coming South. SOON! Now who can I get to remove these tire chains?

It was a cold, gray and windy day when I pulled into Detroit for the next Time is Money Tour event. It didn't take long to notice empty automotive factories and factories still open with an abundance of vacant employee parking. I was told ahead of time not to expect much in terms of turn out or support of the QuickLights 180. Despite what I saw and heard, I set out to listen to each contractor and then illustrate how our new QuickLights 180 can assist them.

Each contractor had their own issues when it came to downlights. Each contractor knew how much time it took to install a downlight. They also knew the hurdles involved with multiple housing catalog numbers as well. So, I proceeded to show and tell each contractor how the QuickLights 180's convertible IC, Non IC and Airseal listings can minimize their inventory, simplify their forecasting and reduce potential misapplications. Eyes opened wide, attentiveness increased, and then the magic came.

Before the dinner bell rang (that's lunch for non-southern folk) several contractors left the Canvan, went inside to the counter, and purchased several cases of the QuickLights 180. Hey, I thought the market was dead up here? What a tremendous success! Only it didn't stop there. Before I knew it, one of the distributor co-founders came in, by-passed me, grabbed a sample and then proceeded to tell and sell one of his strongest contractors about the product's benefits. Like any smart contractor, he knew the labor savings real fast as the co-founder went through each feature. Wow! I didn't expect such an overwhelming positive response.

I had to make an internal conclusion. Just because the economy may be less than what we would like, there is always a need for new innovative products, especially when the innovation reduces the contractors total cost.

So Detroit contractors, I would like to say thank you for taking the time to come listen to us and for allowing us to help you to increase your margins regardless of the economy. Now, it's time to get back in the truck, turn on the wipers as the rain has increased, find some good traveling music and head to the next event. Until next time, will someone hand me a jacket? The glacier is starting to move South much faster than I expected. Burrhh.

Congratulations to Nicholas M. Pavicic ! He was our grand prize winner for the QuickLights® 180 Website Promotion! He will recieve a $500.00 Visa Card! Capri Lighting would like to thank all the people that helped with the promotion and thank Nicholas for his interest in the QuickLight® 180!

"How in the world did I end up here?" and then followed up with "Oh boy, I really hope that I don't hit anything." These are just a few things to load my mind as I found out a GPS is not always your best resource.

I'm in the Canvan traveling north through Washington DC to Pennsylvania from Virginia. The GPS plots out a direct course. As I was navigating fairly heavy traffic, I noticed Arlington Memorial Cemetery across the freeway to my left And then there's the Washington Monument which towers over all other buildings in the visual field. "Wow, look at all the white wash stone buildings. Most impressive collection of buildings I have ever seen. Rome must have looked like this in its hayday." Completely impressed and then patriotism set in. Similar to how I felt when I would stand at attention with full salute in full dress uniform during reveille as the color guard retired the US flag for the day. Truly; everything on base stopped for this daily ceremony. Even the jets on the F-15E's seemed to cease for flag ceremonies.

Being my first time in DC, I was even more astonished as I passed the Capital building. Then it happened. I realized that I was the only large vehicle in sight. There were no other trucks, RV's, busses or anything else larger then a limo on the highway or anywhere that I could see. Sign post up ahead: "Freeway ends. Pennsylvania Avenue. "Oh crud. I don't think the feds would appreciate 50 feet of Canvan rolling up to the white house and forget the notion of trying to navigate Dupont Circle."

Instant panic. I began to sweat like G. Gordon Liddy at a Senate Oversight inquisition. Blood pressure hit the roof and to make it even worse, I had a 1/8 of tank of fuel. There's an off ramp. RFK Stadium. Take it. No traffic. Hooray. Ooops. Too soon to celebrate just yet.

Well, not such an oops. I found the only 60 feet of road space in DC not being used for buildings or parking. It gave me 5 minutes for deep breathing. Map reading and traffic pattern observation. A quick U turn and I'm out of the woods. Or so I thought.

Back on a highway northbound. Take the right. NO! THE LEFT! THE LEFT! Too late. Now I had the Canvan in city roads which were not designed for this vehicle; or any vehicle larger then a Mini Cooper. I wonder if the Oscar Mayer Weenie Mobiles ever got lost here. GPS. Don't fail me know.

A couple of right turns. Way too many pedestrians and looks from everyone. "No cops. Pleeze no cops. I know I shouldn't be here." I took many turns but yet not a curb jumped. Although a few low branches on trees that had never before been privy to a truck, ended up on the road in the wake of my wayward path. Finally I was back on my way. Across the Potomic and I was outta there. Whew! Sweat diminished. Heart rate returned and palms start to dried. Sorry about the drivers seat Mike. It'll dry by the time you take over next week.

Oh yeah. Our Time is Money Tour event in Laurel, MD at Dominion Electric Supply? It was great! Next time I'll read the map, use the bypass around DC and not be in this situation again. Always double check the GPS.

To The Melody of The Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jr

Who can take a big truck, a massive trailer too Cover it with red and white and toss in a little blue The Can Man, oh the Can Man Can The Can Man can cause he's all over the road and he's tailgating you

Who can take a highway, mountain road so high Forget to use the brakes and then toss you to the side The Can Man, oh the Can Man Can The Can Man can cause he's all over the road and he's tailgating you

The Can Man shakes even, when he brakes, lost and no G P S Talk about your truck stop wishes, but you shouldn't eat from their dishes

Oh, who can pass a Chevy, blow it off the road Forget to use his mirrors and let the ole lady get towed The Can Man, oh the Can Man Can The Can Man can cause he's all over the road and he's tailgating you

The Can Man shakes, even when he brakes, lost and no G P S Talk about your truck stop wishes, no time for the parking lot wenches

gas, gas, gas Oh, who can pass a Chevy, blow it off the road Forget to use his mirrors and let the ole lady get towed The Can Man, oh the Can Man Can The Can Man can cause he's all over the road and he's tailgating you Yes, the Can Man can cause he's all over the road and he's tailgating you a Can Man, a Can Man, a Can Man

A few things we learned while on this road trip: 1. Small town USA "Gas& Go" convenient stores do not appreciate you taking up their entire parking lot to fill up the big rig with Diesel fuel. Beware the wrath of the convenience store clerks! 2. You must call the hotels you are staying at during the road trip to make sure they can accommodate a 50 foot long truck & trailer combo!! If the parking lot is not equipped to accept such an animal, you have a mess on your hands!! During our stops in Florida, we had to issue apologizes to the 5 Sarasota Courtyard guests who (involuntarily) started they day at 6:30 AM by being contacted by guest services and asked to get dressed to go out to the parking lot to move their vehicles. This was the only way that the CanVan could exit the premises without ripping the back end of their cars off! Not a pleasant way to start any day! 3. Duct tape is not a suitable substitute for electrical tape when the trailer-light cord becomes disengaged from the truck and the driver drags the cord 250 miles before you realize you have no trailer lights! Splicing this cord at a truck stop in the rain is no walk in the park. Until next time, we will keep on learning!!

In Orlando on April 14th we saw a lot of wind and rain, but it didn't prove too much for the folks at Mayer and their faithful customers. We didn't have a packed house like we hoped, but those that attended were impressed by the new QL6 product and everyone was rewarded with a second hamburger! In Lakeland, the weather improved dramatically as did the volume of attendees. Over 16 contractors visited the trailer and eight gentlemen tried their hand in installing the QL6. We have several installs in the low 42 to 43 second range, very close to the record set in the Florida Panhandle. But that honor went to a Contractor in Lutz! There we had another beautiful day and good attendance. And Shane McAdams from Shane McAdams Electric would not be denied; he was determined to be the best and came through with a new record install of 38.32 seconds! This came during the CED Lutz Tour stop. Congratulations to Shane.

It was a solid week for the Time is Money Tour, and we're looking forward to the next couple of weeks while the truck and trailer continue their trek through Florida. Look for us soon in your neck of the woods!

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"...well, not that melodramatic! But, the QuickLights® 180 Time is Money Tour did have to travel through some pretty nasty weather through Alabama, Georgia and into Florida to begin the Tour's month-long Florida trek! Despite the foul weather, another successful week, and some fun along the way, a great time was had by all. First our thanks to the managers and staff at Mayer Electric in Orlando, CED in Lakeland, and CED in Lutz for their support and great food for each of the events. Also Kudos goes to Steve Norris and Bill Shemela of Sesco for helping to coordinate and organize each of the events. A lot of time and energy is needed to pull these events together and we couldn't do it with the help of our local rep organizations!

In Orlando on April 14th we saw a lot of wind and rain, but it didn't prove too much for the folks at Mayer and their faithful customers. We didn't have a packed house like we hoped, but those that attended were impressed by the new QL6 product and everyone was rewarded with a second hamburger! In Lakeland, the weather improved dramatically as did the volume of attendees. Over 16 contractors visited the trailer and eight gentlemen tried their hand in installing the QL6. We have several installs in the low 42 to 43 second range, very close to the record set in the Florida Panhandle. But that honor went to a Contractor in Lutz! There we had another beautiful day and good attendance. And Shane McAdams from Shane McAdams Electric would not be denied; he was determined to be the best and came through with a new record install of 38.32 seconds! This came during the CED Lutz Tour stop. Congratulations to Shane.

It was a solid week for the Time is Money Tour, and we're looking forward to the next couple of weeks while the truck and trailer continue their trek through Florida. Look for us soon in your neck of the woods!

The Canvan found itself in the windy city of Chicago during the Imark Showcase. Fortunately, this event took place inside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center where all were protected from the cold winds and weekend snow. Bringing the 50 foot QuickLights® 180 Canvan through a myriad of crates, pylons, and material handling equipment presented a real challenge. Fortunately, Mike was able to manipulate the Canvan like a steel ball in a Pachinko machine and dodge all obstacles and position the truck and trailer in a great location. After a quick game of Treasure Hunt, convention personnel were able to eventually bring power to the 50 amp service plug.

We had tremendous foot traffic during the show. Many of those coming through asked to see the ambidextrous QuickLights® 180, the featured product. I'm not really sure how the word spread so quickly about the 180 degree feature of our downlight, all I know is that folks were seeking us out for the duration of the show and we gladly showed it off!

We had several Imark distributor members come through and set up event dates while there. Once again, the Canvan showed very well and everyone was impressed with the many impressive features and benefits of the QuickLights® 180.

Until next time...

The official kick-off for the Time is Money Tour was held at the Day-Brite/ Capri/ Omega headquarters in Tupelo, MS, on Monday, March 30. Contractors, distributors and electricians from the area were invited to stop by the Lighting Institute from 11- 1 pm and tour the Canvan (aka Time is Money Tour trailer).

The 36' trailer embellished with QuickLights 180 product, logos, etc, was definitely an attention grabber! People driving by confirmed their curiosity by rubber-necking and trying to figure out what the monstrosity was parked outside DCO! We generated a lot of buzz around town and had a great customer turnout. We had some customers drive over an hour to come by and learn about the product and try their hand at the installation. The local newspaper also stopped by and wrote a nice story about the Time is Money Tour in the weekend edition of the Daily Journal.

We appreciate all who turned out for this event. It was definitely a showstopper and was the perfect beginning to a long 3 year journey!

Blog Entry: March 27, 2009

Greeting from the Canman on our first week of the Capri QuickLights® 180 Time is Money Tour. Our trail this week is taking us to Mobile, AL, Ocean Springs, MS, Pensacola, FL, and Panama City, FL. And just in case you are wondering&..yes, the Florida dates fell at random on Spring Break. We didn't plan it this way. Really!

For our first day, we struggled like mad with the Canvan awning and the DVD player. How many lighting guys does it take to operate a trailer awning? We stopped counting at six. Six cases of downlights that is.

Ocean Springs brought a lot of contractors along with the spirit of competition as each tested their talents against the others to see who could install the QuickLights® 180 the fastest. Kenneth with Duprey Electric, a veteran in the industry, pretty much shamed the rest of the pack with a time of 60.19 seconds. This was the first time I have ever watched a contractor use a roofing knife for Romex stripping! Not to worry, we keep a first aid kit on hand and 911 is loaded on our cell phones for just such on occasion.

Now, back to the awning.......

If it took 6 (or more) to open the awning, how many do you think it takes to close it? How about zero. East bound I-10 leaving Ocean Springs at just about the Western Alabama border, a guy in the number one lane pulled up to us at 70 mph yelling at the driver. At first, we thought he liked the truck. Then, we thought he hated our product. Or maybe he liked some one in the cab?! Wrong. He simply wanted to alert us to the awning dancing in the wind due to becoming unrolled. One major OOPS, a quick truck-stop and we were back on the road. Awning saved. Whew! And p-l-e-a-s-e do not tell our controller, Allison. What she doesn't know...

Hello and greetings from the road.

Hey, I know we've not started the tour yet but it's just around the corner and why not share some preliminary thoughts from the highways and byways. Before the continual endless roads fade into a journey not to soon to regret. Oops, rather I mean to forget, I decided to pre-charge my batteries during Mardi Gras. Bumper to bumper cars, the finest in Cajun cuisine, and crowds so tight you can hardly breathe, I found a moment of brief quiet while waiting for the next Krewe to roll along (see picture). Shortly after this picture was taken, the Krewe members used parade spectators as target practice with their beads, doubloons, stuffed animals, empty alcohol containers and whatever an over the limit Krewe member can use to whack the crowd of spectators with. I actually think float people (members on the floats and not third world seekers trying to bust the coast guard) take odds at who can knock out or disorient the most parade revelers.

As for me, I had a great time. Caught a lot of stuff. Ate well and enjoyed a Hurricane or two. Just what I needed before I embark on the upcoming Capri QuickLights 180 Time is Money Tour. Now, for the guy who stammered into the hotel and collapsed not once but twice into the wall adjoining my room, I hope he checked the front desk for his cell phone. After two wall collisions and dropping all his belongings, I guess he crawled the rest of the way back to his room---not that he will remember it!

Until the next time, keep your hammers close and your tool belts fastened cause we'll be rolling your way soon.