I remember back when I was dating Greg, and as part of the family business he did a few trade shows every year. I would attend with him and after listening to him speak to customers for an hour or so I would feel confident enough to reverberate his spiel and feel like I was the resident expert speaking about different species of wood and various stain colours. I have come to realize there is a lot more to it than that! Greg and I have put in a lot of years together. Dating when we were 17 and 18 years old, getting married at 22 and 23 and now coming up on our 14 year wedding anniversary. I remember Greg’s fathers wedding speech actually had me want to crawl under the table when he made a reference to our early dating days and how we went to the home shows just to get “the hotel.” I still can’t believe he said that in front of a crowd!
As the years have gone by, we have done less trade shows as it is a lot of commitment. I must say, I have huge respect for people that work them frequently. A one weekend trade show standing on your feet in a 10x10 booth and being “on” to chat with those passing by is no joke. We do however have a new resident trade show queen, our very own Ophelia.
Ophelia has come to love the trade show life with all its interesting gadgets and gizmos around every corner, free samples, candy and of course the wind down which usually involves a swim at a hotel pool. We will never forget how adorable Ophelia was when we worked a show in Florida when she was 20 months old (just over 1.5 years… Greg hates it when people say their children’s age in months) Anyway, she was the sweetest salesperson on the block. She had all the show goers stopping to take a brochure from her and smile as she toddled along with her cute little pigtails and dress. When the show was over we stayed a couple extra days to enjoy Florida. Ophelia got sick with a fever and vomiting. It is so sad seeing your little one down and out on vacation. Ophelia has always spoken so clearly from an early age and has the vocabulary of Anne of Green Gables, well not quite but she has always been able to say what is on her mind. I have a video on my phone of 3 days after the home show at 7:44 am right after she threw up all over the bed in the hotel room we were asking her what would make her feel better and besides mommy she asked for pepperoni, pizza, tatoes and noodles. Haha what a kid! So hilarious.
Ophelia has shared her love of trade shows now with her brother Eddie and her pal Parker. Working at Gaylord Hardwood Flooring truly is a family affair and our staff and their family become a part of the team. Greg’s right hand sales lady extraordinaire Kelsey came to help at a show in 2023 and brought her family along for the excitement. Ophelia and Eddie got to show Parker the behind the scenes of the trade show life (quite literally they set up a camp behind the show booth with toys, crafts, books and snacks). They were super excited to show Parker their favourite hotel in Mississauga, The Bloom, have a meal and a couple swims in their indoor pool and have a snack and dance party in their hotel room.
Most recently we worked the Cottage Life Show in April 2024 as a family. It was no easy feat to keep Edison grounded for 2 days but he held his own and participated. He enjoyed handing out brochures. We took turns making frequent laps around the show with him to keep him entertained. Ophelia was once again in her element rearranging the booth just so, handing out business cards and scoping out what purchases she wanted to make at the end of the show. She decided on a small alpaca toy. After the show we took the kids to the Mandarin. They had never been to one before. Lets just say they take after their father with their excitement for a good buffet.
Greg occasionally brings up trade shows happening and asks if we should attend and Ophelia’s answer is always yes. So next time you are at a Home and Design or Cottage Life Show, keep your eyes open for the Gaylord booth and be sure to say hi to Miss Ophelia or our Eddie Spaghetti who are sure to be there (if they are not off exploring and scoping out the nearest booth with free candy).
Until Next Time
Emma
@gaylordhardwood We love going to trade shows as a family! #familybusiness #familytime #familyfun #smallbusinesscheck #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesstiktok #cottage #cottagelife #cottagecore #workplacehumor ♬ Cute Kids - Da Silviaa