The Lobbyist!

[Anonymous]

Stopped at my local hobby shop today in Reno, and had a great conversation about all the neat MTH products representing the V&T. Turns out the owner of this shop has long been a lobbyist to MTH to produce this "Region" specific line. He just returned from York, and specifically said that these days he only attends in an effort to bend the MTH's ear about the products his customers here in Reno want... certainly western, and specifically Virginia & Truckee products. He called them today, to follow up his York meeting, and to keep pushing MTH to deliver V&T product. The fruits of his labor, has been a string of products that have sold quite well for MTH, and they seem to listen to what Bill has to say.

I think this is Great! Do any of you have local hobby shop owners that lobby the manufactorers on behalf of what you are interested in?

Greg

[brianel027]

Greg, I wouldn't go quite as far as to think of him as a lobbyist. But unlike some of the other bigger companies, Mike Wolf is really a train guy. And whatever faults he may or may not have, I think he gets personally excited about coming up with new ideas. And being that he's a train guy as well as a businessman, I think he has a little more passion and interest than let's say your typical suit-n-tie hired-hand CEO.

Most of the companies that go to YORK are also listening to the customers too. And they listen to the dealers too. But whereas some of the other reps might say "that sounds like a good idea" I think when something neat is suggested to Mike, He "feels" it's a good idea. There are some other train guys out there too: Jerry Williams is one. For all I know there's probably some at Atlas.

I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Walter Matuch is also a train guy. Either that or he's just a very smart businessman when it comes to the train hobby. Maybe both. He seems to have his finger on a part of the market that has been overlooked these past few years. While the other companies focus on more expensive items with more technology, Walter has found a niche with well made, affordable, non-high tech, traditionally sized train items. Not so far off from the business path taken by Williams too.

I think your hobby shop owner Greg just had a good idea that hit a chord with the folks at MTH. They were willing to listen and not just dump the idea as another whim from another train nut. Chances are good others have also mentioned or bantered about the same idea and MTH went with it. There's a difference between "that's never been done before in 3-rail trains" and "not only has that not been done before, but it's an idea that will sell trains." New ideas usually involve some big investment dollars and I'd think that these days, the train companies are not just jumping on every idea the way they once might have.

In a way, the train forums themselves also serve as a lobbying force. The train companies do monitor what's being said. Walter Matuch even participates openly under his own name a little bit on the OGR forum.

[Anonymous]

I agree with what you say, but I'll stick by my lobbyist remark. Taking time, and spending money to "lobby" a particular manufactorer to deliver products that would satisfy the hobby shop owers customer base most certainly is lobbying. In this particular case he has been successful with his efforts, and Mike Wolf, creative fellow that he is, responded with a good line of V&T products... with more on the horizon. You fellows talking about the lack of Georgia Road names may want to consider this approach. Have a local dealer back it up with commitments to purchase X amount of units, and you may well get your regional railroad product.
Good day,
Greg

[Anonymous]

"wouldn't be surprised to hear that Walter Matuch is also a train guy."
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Yor're darn right he is! At one point I believe he even owned a 1:1 scale "speeder" that he and a group of similar enthusiasts used to tool around on over various railroads. He also worked with Aristo-Craft for some time ealier on in his choo-choo career.