Homecoming

"Welcome to Vita-Mix Leigh Lambert"

 It finally happened. Thor and I arrived at the international headquarters for the Vita-Mix Corporation. There was a sign reading the above as I entered the reception area. They really know how to roll out the red carpet. I felt like a rock star. Everyone was expecting me and they had planned an entire tour of the facility where I saw the household machines assembled and met so many of the faces behind the company.

The company is completely family owned, in its fourth generation of management. The average employee (of which there are about 200 on-site, not counting show reps) has worked there for 15 to 20 years. That's the kind of loyalty the company inspires.

When I met John Barnard, the CEO, I could easily understand why he has such a dedicated staff. He is soft spoken and down to earth. Utterly approachable with a bright, welcoming smile. He came downstairs to meet me and obliged in signing Thor.

I have to tell you what a kick it was to shake his hand. We all have our own personal Mickey Mantels and I got to meet one of mine today. It was the first machine he's ever autographed. Once word gets out, I'm sure he'll be baragged with requests.

Everyone instantly referred to Thor by his given name, which cracked me up. Up to this point he's been more of a character in my head. It was fun to see him come out and play with others.

Everything, and I mean everything, happens at their headquarters in this small town right outside of Cleveland. It's hard to believe you can run an international company from one location. The assembly floor was buzzing with activity (no photos allowed) and spotless. It's bright and spacious, not at all what I expected. The household side is separate from the commercial side, but it all happens right next to each other. 

A very interesting note about the commercial side: Vita-Mix designed and sells ALL of the McFlurry machines to McDonald's in the WORLD. That's right, all of them. They also patented the McFlurry spoon. Check it out next time you're at a Micky-D's.

Not a single machine is made until the order is placed. (Had I known, I could have had Thor personalized and signed by all on the line.)

They introduced me to everyone, had gifts for Thor and me (I'm wearing the apron in the picture), I sampled delicious Cheese-Broccoli soup made by their very own recipe developer/chef and made a video for their website in which Thor is featured prominently. It was much more than I expected and most definitely a home coming.