PRESS RELEASE
Elyria, OH – August 10, 2023 – RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted their sixth annual RIDGID Experience, an all-expenses-paid, three-day VIP trip that invites select members of the skilled trades to gather for fun, camaraderie and hands-on experiences at RIDGID headquarters in Elyria, OH. Attendees are drawn from a pool of hundreds of professional tradespeople across North America who enter the contest annually.
This year's nine winners hailed from seven U.S. states, plus Ontario, Canada.
One highlight of the event was a factory tour that invited each guest to build their own iconic RIDGID customized pipe wrench. Guests also received a sneak peek at the latest RIDGID tool innovations and provided their opinions on product that is currently in development.
"RIDGID Experience has always been a memorable celebration of the trades, but 2023 was especially meaningful since RIDGID is celebrating our 100th anniversary,” said Maddie Suvak, engagement marketing manager, RIDGID for Emerson. “It is humbling to think about where the company began and how it has evolved into a brand with loyal users of RIDGID tools, many passed down from generation to generation. The excitement of this year’s group for RIDGID and the trades was nothing less than inspiring.”
Participants came from across the country and echoed this same enthusiasm for the trip.
“Loved every second! Being able to see the faces behind the design process and assembly was amazing! Truly an experience of a lifetime, thank you,” said Bobby Drescher, Experience participant. Fellow VIP guest James Brand added, “Thank you so much for inviting us in! This was the experience of a lifetime! So happy to meet everyone! Definitely made me feel like part of the family!”
Guests also had the opportunity to network with attendees of Greenlee® Experience, a similar contest hosted by professional tools brand Greenlee. The two concurrent events created a full-scale celebration of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.
This year's winners were:
- Antonio Delacerda, Tulsa OK;
- Bobby Drescher, Newnan, GA;
- Caleb Segura, Catskill, NY;
- Derek Zeolla, Stoughton, MA;
- Jacob Cordero, Victorville, CA;
- James Brand, Sarasota, FL;
- Jeff Demassari, Parlin, NJ;
- João Escorio, San Lorenzo, CA;
- Megan Weston-Jesso, Hamilton, ON.
Details on the 2024 RIDGID Experience Contest will be announced early next year.
Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee® and Klauke® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professional tools for more information.
RIDGID®, Greenlee® and Klauke® are trademarks of Emerson or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.
RIDGID
For 100 years, RIDGID has been providing certainty and efficiency to the professional trades by delivering innovative plumbing, mechanical and HVAC tools. Inventing the modern pipe wrench in 1923, RIDGID today has more than 100 patents and 300 products that continue to deliver purpose-built tools to help the skilled trades work with more ease and efficiency. They are part of the Emerson professional tools portfolio that also includes Greenlee® and Klauke®. Learn more, visit RIDGID.com/100.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global technology and software company providing innovative solutions for the world’s essential industries. Through its leading automation portfolio, including its majority stake in AspenTech, Emerson helps hybrid, process and discrete manufacturers optimize operations, protect personnel, reduce emissions and achieve their sustainability goals. For more information, visit Emerson.com.
Contact
Jennifer Hickin, [email protected].