Yesterday Jason and I cruised down to the factory where Daryl makes the KR Multicase stuff and was given a pretty incredible tour and explanation of the entire thing. I have to say I walked away completely impressed. KR is a much larger organization than I had realized and Daryls background in Automotive Manufacturing really does show through here.
Daryl is an engineer, and an expert in the manufacturing process. (For those unaware, that includes everything from the design, creation and assembly of a product, as well as the order processing and delivery of it as well.)
It is evident that a lot of thought has gone into his products. I can’t really go into too many details as I was sworn to secrecy on a number of things, but my overall impressions were raised even higher than the opinion I already had of Daryl. Not to mention that he is probably one of the nicest and most personable guys I have ever met.
On top of all that, I came to Salute 2013 this year with an agenda to speak with Daryl about his web site as well and let him know how I thought it was really hurting his business. I had sent him an email telling him as much, providing feedback from listeners of the show and people who have expressed difficulties with ordering to me.
One of the things I have always felt that the KR system struggles under, is it’s flexibility. This is both an advantage and drawback. It’s an advantage when using it, but a drawback when trying to figure out what you need to order!
Before I was even able to open my mouth to him about it, I was treated to a demonstration of KR’s new “AutoFill!” function going live on his web site in about a month. Holy crap! It is better than I could have even hoped!
Basically it works like this:
- You select the model types and numbers, based on Army Type and game, that you want to buy foam/cases for.
- You hit the call to action button.
The output tells you exactly what trays you want and how they fill the cardcases. If you are short of filling one of the cardcases completely, it makes suggestions based on the army you have chosen, on how to fill the remaining space.
Clean. Simple. Effective. I think this is really the answer KR needs and it will eliminate tons of confusion around his products.
Daryl also took us out to lunch at his local pub, and I finally got the whole “Friendly Pub” experience I had been expecting since coming over here! Of course I ordered lasagna, as opposed to anything particularly English, but the food was amazing and the service was fantastic.
In addition to all of that, I had not realized that KR is also putting out terrain boards and modular terrain, that function with their new line of furniture quite nicely as well. Of course along with the modular terrain will be the card cases and foam to protect them! No more chipped terrain pieces with the pink foam showing through underneath!
My day at KR was really enjoyable. Jason and I talked extensively about it on the train ride home and we were both equally impressed. Most people wouldn’t choose to spend a day of their vacation touring a manufacturing facility, but I am so glad I did.
Thanks for everything Daryl!