Go Behind the Scenes at the RIDGID Experience in Elyria, Ohio
RIDGID recently hosted its annual RIDGID Experience, bringing plumbing and mechanical pros to its Elyria, Ohio, headquarters. Now in its eighth year, the three-day event gave attendees an inside look at tool design, production and innovation. For contractors used to long hours on jobsites, it was a rare chance to mix work with fun. From the press release:
“This year’s event truly surpassed expectations! We were thrilled to create unforgettable moments for attendees and be able to say ‘thank you’ for their hard work and dedication to the industry,” said Maddie Suvak, engagement marketing manager, RIDGID for Emerson. “Meeting the people who rely on our tools every day is a truly meaningful experience for our entire team.”
A Trip Designed for Pros
The RIDGID Experience is not a tradeshow. It’s an invitation-only event that pulls back the curtain on one of the most recognized tool brands in the trades. Attendees toured the manufacturing floor, saw how products come to life and tested the newest tools under development. The format keeps things interactive and personal — more hands-on workshop than corporate seminar. From the press release:
Shay Lorette from California (@shaytheplumber) said this about the trip, “Thank you for the experience! You guys rocked it!” Antonio Ybarra of Arizona (@the_bearded_plumber_602) said, “Love it!!! Had an amazing time. Met some great people, once again, thank you very much.”
Building Tools and Connections
Participants didn’t just watch. Each guest assembled their own RIDGID pipe wrench to take home. They also gave direct feedback on prototypes still in the design phase. A highlight this year was the creation of apprentice kits. Every attendee built a starter set of tools and selected an apprentice to receive it, supporting the next generation entering the industry.
A Community Celebration
This year’s event overlapped with the Greenlee Experience, a similar gathering hosted by another Emerson brand. The joint schedule encouraged networking across plumbing, mechanical and electrical trades. Between factory tours, product demos and shared meals, attendees swapped jobsite stories and built relationships with peers from across the U.S. and Canada.
More Than Marketing
Compact Equipment covers the compact machines that move earth and material, but the tools in a contractor’s truck matter just as much. The RIDGID Experience shows how manufacturers can honor that reality. By letting pros see how their tools are made — and by letting them shape what comes next — RIDGID turns a brand name into a community.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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