The customers really make Bobcat what it is. And it's a great collaboration.
We got great stories from the customers on the variety of ways that they're
using their machines and that's really what we wanted to get.
The fact they are sharing not only that they're passionate about the machine, and
they're excited about owning it, and being part of the brand, it was incredible.
We just continue to get amazed in the different ways that
they're applying the machine and it makes it exciting for all of us.
Bobcat's always been there for us. Bobcat loaders, skid-steers, and the excavator.
Just with all the attachments that Bobcat has, there's so many varieties
of jobs that you can do. It's just -- you're unstoppable.
We had so many excellent entries that to make a decision was really challenging.
So what made Steve's entry stand out were a number of things. First of all, the legacy even within his
family, of their association with Bobcat equipment. It goes back decades.
And it starts with his father, who is a very passionate Bobcat owner.
It's not just a piece of equipment that enables him to get his work done. It's really a way of life.
For Steve, it actually defines part of who he is and who his family is,
and what his company is all about: tough, durable, agile, rugged, and dependable.
Really that's what I think stood out the most, that made him the obvious choice for the contest.
It makes me understand that what I'm selling is
more than just machinery to help you get your job done. I'm realizing that the
machinery I sell, service, rent -- it goes to help feed families and create lifestyles for people in our area.
Dad was always real fond of taking all of his extra cash
and putting in these two-inch pipes with the caps on the end of it.
That's how he'd save his money. He didn't believe in banks too much.
So that's where we put his ashes in -- a great big pipe, two cap ends,
and then we parked the 611 on it.
Put a battery in it and some fuel and I think you could drive it off.
So here lays Mr. Bobcat.
The fact that there's a Bobcat machine at the grave of his father,
it's going to be an emotional event for him because
I think it's going to be a culmination of a lot of years of pride of owning Bobcat equipment
and being associated with Bobcat. And for this to happen, I think
it's going to be a tremendous event for him.
He's still wondering, why is everybody coming over here? And I told a little fib.
I said, you're one of the finalists and they're traveling around the country with the millionth loader.
So he actually, truly believes that he's probably top five and this is his final interview to see if Bobcat will choose him.
He doesn't realize he's getting it today.
Just to be in the top five, I guess it is. I'm not sure how many that you guys are interviewing or not.
But it's a proud moment for me just to be able to talk with you.
So you've seen this machine?
You can relax now. We're done with all the formal questions.
Steve, my name is Gary Hornbacher. I'm the vice president of sales and marketing at Bobcat.
So you know the whole story about three finalists and we're trying to narrow it down? It's a hoax.
There's only one winner today, Mr. Klumker, and it's you.
You got to be kidding. Oh my gosh.
Here's your keys. Congratulations.
It's an honor to give this machine to this gentleman for the family history
that these guys have. I couldn't be more proud as a manufacturer to be
able to give it a product and a gift to you. Honestly, you you represent
everything we look for in a customer. I'll tell you, just the emotion alone
right there tells me that we picked the right guy. Do you think?
Thank you, Louis Klumker.
Your dad would be proud.
Bobcat, you got me.
What are you going to do with this machine?
I'm going to work. I'm going to show it off.
Did you know this, buddy?
I had a hard time holding back. I'm not used to white lying.
Sorry, no commission, buddy.
I'm sure he's up there with big ol' smile on his face right now. Indeed.