companies that care

Recently a heard a podcast on what it means for a company, or employee, to be a steward.  It could be any number of things - relationships, society, the environment. All good, but not many large companies seem to exemplify this beyond PR efforts.  But some smaller organizations are good at this.  I'll mention one - you can probably think of a few on your own. 

 

I'm not athletic but enjoy rowing as an exercise.  In the early 90s I found myself with a used Concept 2 model B rowing ergometer. It had been abused and needed a serious clearing and a few replacement parts.  Calling the company I found myself talking to the product engineer responsible for its design.  He asked some questions and said he'd send a parts list.  A few days later a box arrived with very clear repair sheets and the parts.  The bill of sale said $0.00.  I started the repair, but one of the old parts was bent and I was afraid of damaging the unit.  Another call and he talked me through the repair.  I asked what the parts cost and was told that wasn't a big deal, he was just happy to see one of his old machines being used. 

 

The old model B still works well.  It was made in 1986 and has seen more or less daily use since the repair in  1995.  I've had to buy some parts for standard wear and tear over the years.  They aren't expensive and the company stocks parts for every machine they've made.  The phone support is always friendly and free. 

 

Their ergs work well and I've probably generated a half dozen sales - word of mouth and gym experience are their big referrals. They're the standard erg in college rowing programs and the sport of competitive erg rowing has grown organically within the user base.  They also make most of the oars used in Olympic class competitions.  A combination of design, execution, support and general friendliness makes them one of my favorite companies.   Here's a piece about them from twenty years ago.

 

(the image is of an ancient model B like mine - newer ones look different, but are functionally about the same)

 

Feel free to write about your favorite in the comments section.  Are there any that will be making people happy and the world a better place fifty years down the road?  How about any that are publicly traded?  Is there a size ceiling? 

 

 

 

Comments

[Jheri]

A hand built Danish bicycle company. They have several standard bicycles, but I am an unusual size so I had a custom frame built about ten years ago. I have a normal dutch bike for getting around and errands, but my special bike is a single speed with no brakes built just for letting my hair try and catch me. The fit and spirit are perfect. She was stolen two years after I bought her. Her damaged frame was found in an alley as her size is so odd. I had some insurance, but not nearly enough as custom bikes are very expensive. They also take a long time to build. The shop built me a new frame at no cost and my insurance covered the new components. It was ready in two weeks. They explained their work has a lifetime warranty and I was still alive. I have sent several people there, but the backlog on custom bikes is years deep now.