Techo-Bloc Showcases

[Dreams To Designs]

Is anyone attending any of the Techo-Bloc seminars. They run from the end of January till the end of February.

http://techo-bloc.com/contractors/index.php?p=Events

Kirk

[neversatisfiedj]

I'm signed up for one on Friday, but I have to reschedule it.

[mrusk]

I just signed up for the Feb 11 one in Saddle brook nj.

[JLAWNCARE]

Just Signed Up For Feb 4 Pa

[Dreams To Designs]

These showcases have proven to be a good time and a worthwhile experience in the past.

Kirk

[GreenMonster]

with the $100 coupon for each attendee, it's just about a no-brainer to attend.

[mikeny]

feb 18th Albany NY, who could pass up the "paver Pete show"

[Paver Gangster]

feb 18th Albany NY, who could pass up the "paver Pete show"

Oh, it's a "show" all right! Just keep that in the back of your mind before you go see him. :rolleyes: :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[ChampionLS]

Paver Pete Rocks!

[LB1234]

Hey kirk,

What specifically is it?

Honestly, is it one of these "this is our product and its better than the others" shows???

I'm really interested in working with techo as I have not done a job with it yet...and therefore only know as much as what I've seen in brochures and the distributors.

[DVS Hardscaper]

Hey kirk,

What specifically is it?

Honestly, is it one of these "this is our product and its better than the others" shows???

I'm really interested in working with techo as I have not done a job with it yet...and therefore only know as much as what I've seen in brochures and the distributors.


LB1234 -

We have been using Techo-bloc since they have become available in our service area, which I believe is going on 4 years now. Maybe 5. I don't know for sure.

And yes, their showcase is "this is our product and its better than the others shows".

And YES, of all the products available here where I am located....they REALLY are BETTER.

From a quality stand point, a customer service stand point - TECHO IS number one. The owner of Techo has spared NO EXPENSE when it comes to our satisfaction. I kid you not. None of the other manufacturers even come close. I have another manufacturer I also use, whom is of lessor quality than Techo. They tell me if we ever have any problems to call them on the spot. Well, for me thats fine and dandy, but thats not good enough. As I have become accustomed to Techo, and when their pavers leave their plants....they have made sure that there will be no problems whereas a contractor must make such a call. I don't have time to call our rep and say "uh....the pavers have stress cracks......". I hate babysitting! With techo - there is no babysitting.

If you were to do 3 jobs with Techo....I bet you, you'll start using more.

[LB1234]

Thanks DVS.

I think I'm going to attend one of the ones here in jersey and see what its like. At least I can prepare myself for the speech. After all, that's why we keep extra earplugs in the truck right???

Trust me, I want to use techo but haven't had the opportunity to do so.



On a side note I read your post about the septic tank installs...quick funny story. Wife and I bought a house with a nice patio off the back of the house. Came to do the septic inspection before purchase..........you got it, right over the septic tank lid. Pull the pavers up and THEN dig down two feet to get to the tank lid. I just laughed:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Dreams To Designs]

This year's program has changed a bit to be more informative for the installer and still promote Techo's new products and manufacturing facility. There is usually good food, excellent information and an opportunity to network with other professionals in your area. The chance to win some nice tools is an added bonus.

As DVS stated, once you use Techo, you find that most other products do not meet the same standards nor have the type of support that goes all the way to the owner.

Any program where Paver Pete is a speaker is guaranteed to be entertaining as well. I definitely think it is worth the time to attend to further your business and your own knowledge.

Kirk

[LB1234]

This year's program has changed a bit to be more informative for the installer and still promote Techo's new products and manufacturing facility. There is usually good food, excellent information and an opportunity to network with other professionals in your area. The chance to win some nice tools is an added bonus.

As DVS stated, once you use Techo, you find that most other products do not meet the same standards nor have the type of support that goes all the way to the owner.

Any program where Paver Pete is a speaker is guaranteed to be entertaining as well. I definitely think it is worth the time to attend to further your business and your own knowledge.

Kirk

thanks kirk...I'm signing up now.

[CinderBlock]

I deal with Techo as well and was at the showcase on Friday in Columbia. I have actually distributed their product for a couple years now and the quality is as good as it gets. I get to deal with Paver Pete a lot and he's great to listen to. He really knows his info and isn't afraid to let you know that. Has everyone in the Maryland/Va area met Big Joe as of yet? He is the representative for the area now, also knows his stuff.

[bigviclbi]

I've heard alot about Paver Pete, nothing good...........

[CinderBlock]

fair enough. if i might ask, what kinds of things have you heard? is it as a speaker or as a representative? there may be some things i do not know.

[mikeny]

Pete knows his product, how to sell it, how to install it and can come off as cocky. I have seen him as a techo rep, as well as ICPI instructor, one thing for sure he has a way of keeping you interested.

[LB1234]

Not gonna jump to any conclusions, I'll make my own...but I hate cocky people...especially cocky vendors.

[DVS Hardscaper]

I've heard alot about Paver Pete, nothing good...........


LOL! Where do you guys come up with this stuff??!!

I have known Pete for about 11 years now. And let me say there is a difference between being cocky and a difference between being CONFIDENT.

Pete IS confident.

I AM cocky!

Pete is also very very thick skinned and he has a sense of humor.

When it comes to the hardscape industry.....yes, he knows his stuff.

Could he tone his seminars down?? I would say yes. And actually...he has toned it down drastically, compared to the past.

Techo has a great product. They really do.

[KeystoneLawn&Landscaping]

I just attended the showcase this past Monday,the 28th. It was informative and entertaining. As for Paver Pete, this is the second time I have had the opportunity to speak to him and hear his seminar/sales info. I find him to be a confident person. Sometimes confidence will come off as arrogance. With his credentials it may be alittle of both. In my opinion, if you have been successful nothing wrong with blow'in your own horn a bit! Anyway, I'm looking forward to using Techo products!

[Hardscaping1]

with the $100 coupon for each attendee, it's just about a no-brainer to attend.

what is the $100 coupon? I did not see anything on their site about that

[Paver Gangster]

what is the $100 coupon? I did not see anything on their site about that

You have to pay $100 for the "privilege" of getting to see their new products, with the rather presumptuous assumption that you will then use the $100 coupon towards the purchase of their products.

I don't know, the way I see it, if a manufacturer wants me to use their new stuff, they will have a sales rep call on me, or at the very least drop samples off at a dealer so I can look at them and then I will decide whether I want to spend "$100" with their company or not.

[Hardscaping1]

You have to pay $100 for the "privilege" of getting to see their new products, with the rather presumptuous assumption that you will then use the $100 coupon towards the purchase of their products.

I don't know, the way I see it, if a manufacturer wants me to use their new stuff, they will have a sales rep call on me, or at the very least drop samples off at a dealer so I can look at them and then I will decide whether I want to spend "$100" with their company or not.

I thought it said it was free to attend on their site -am I missing something?

[Paver Gangster]

I thought it said it was free to attend on their site -am I missing something?

Maybe it is but doublecheck because it was $100 in the past

Maybe enough of us whined :rolleyes:

[Dreams To Designs]

Whiner's aside, showcase attendance is free and all companies attending will receive a $100 coupon towards your next purchase of Techo-Bloc products.

Check with your dealer, but all that I have worked with do have samples to share and most have really decent displays to see the product and colors up close. This has become a new trend for paver manufacturers to hold these information seminars to announce their new products and host a networking gathering for installers and designers.

In the past, attendees received a sample briefcase, a nice promotional kit and the opportunity to win door prizes and a raffle of some quality merchandise. These events are definitely worthwhile attending and the price is right. They also offer a continental breakfast as well as feed the attendees lunch. Not a bad deal for free!!!

Kirk

[CinderBlock]

The Techo Showcase is free this year. Also, they still give you great give-a-ways so far as samples and literature and even raffle off an entire tool set. I would have to agree with DVS Hardscaper about Paver Pete, I love the guy. He has always been helpful to me and it's actually refreshing to have a sales rep that won't just tell the customer anything they want to hear. He tells the the truth as he sees it and will back it up 100%. So far as Techo, they are trying to become more and more marketing inclined and have made good steps. It's more expensive than most products as I'm sure we all know but you get what you pay for. Thats just my two cents anyway.

[bigviclbi]

went today it was great, and Paver Pete was fine. My apologies for being misinformed about him.

[Dreams To Designs]

Vic, sorry I didn't get a chance to talk with you at the showcase. It was a good time today. Paver Pete's program is much more geared to towards information the installers could use, whether you agree with everything he says or not, he gets your attention long enough to make you think about it. The box of promotional and sales material was also a nice dividend.

Kirk

[LB1234]

I went today as well and here are my thoughts.

I really enjoyed Paver Pete. If I wasn't ICPI certified already or already signed up the the NCMA at MAHTS I would make sure to take his class. Didn't think paver pete came across cocky at all...in fact I thought he proved he was extremely knowledgeable (both in the field and the techo product). Best of all he knows his audience VERY well..one the keys to public speaking. I know a thing or two about presentations/public speaking (used to do it in my previous career) and let me tell you he is a great public speaker. I never found myself daydreaming once...which is difficult for me LOL:laugh:

As for the show/conference whatever you want to call it...all it all it was very good and definately worth attending. I have yet to use a techo product and after today I want to...so I guess there marketing plan worked!! And I am looking forward to going back next year. And honestly, IF they charged $100 I'd pay it, it is well worth it.

I still can't believe what some have claimed about Mr. Paver Pete...I didn't find any of it true. I HATE the over the top "our product is better than theirs" speech and found today didn't have that...at least to the point were you were rolling your eyes.

I dunno, never used techo before but after attending today and leaving I would wrap the company up in one word...

PROFESSIONAL

[DVS Hardscaper]

I still can't believe what some have claimed about Mr. Paver Pete...I didn't find any of it true. I HATE the over the top "our product is better than theirs" speech and found today didn't have that...at least to the point were you were rolling your eyes.

I have known Pete for about 11 years or so. Infact, years ago when he was a bachelor and I was free to live as I wanted, we used to hit the bars in the evenings when he would be in the area!

There is a former Lawnsite member that for some reason does not like Pete, and I think this is where people's negative claims derived. As within the last 16 months, he has posted some not so nice stuff about Pete. (when he's never met the guy!) For some reason there was a breakdown in communication between Techo and the former Lawnsite member, and I believe that the former member took things the wrong way.

Now, I don't think he is god by any means.

But you do have to admire and respect someone that is truely passionate about our industry.

[zedosix]

I will attend the one in Ottawa in March, I really want to see the new marking tools. For the guys who have been, what did you think of their tool selection, can you buy them at the show?

[DVS Hardscaper]

Techo no longer charges to attend their seminars.

Many manufacturers do this.

Just like us contractors that charge consultation fees. We don't charge consultation fees because we want money, we do to so weed out the tire kickers.

Most companies charge for seminars and then refund the money at the door. Techo, simply gives a gift certificate, which in theory is the same thing.

The reason some charge for seminars is because people will register to attend, then the company sponsering the seminar will order catering, food, etc - and then people do not show up, and the company has to eat the cost of the food.

This way if you do not show up, they take the registration fee and that is used to pay for the meal that you ordered, but never picked up.

Makes sense to me!

[LB1234]

I would say today was not exactly a small penny...maybe to a multi-million dollar company...but two tractor trailers full of product, a 23' enclosed trailer to see/feel a lot of what paver pete spoke about, food and beverage in the morning, a full course buffet in the afternoon, solid presentation, three giveways (one worth $2500.00 retail), and then all that marketing stuff...

its an absolute no brainer:clapping::clapping::clapping:

[ChampionLS]

Who is attending the Techo seminar in Raritan Center NJ on Friday February 8th?

We will be there. Just look for our Avatar Logo

[DVS Hardscaper]

No Zedo, you can't buy tools at the show.

The marker tools are somthing that I believe we will be buying.

[zedosix]

No Zedo, you can't buy tools at the show.

The marker tools are somthing that I believe we will be buying.

I like the rock guide. I would use that one but it kinda takes that "hey have a look at this cut I just did boys" away from it all. But if it saves time then thats cool too!