In 1986, Arthur Jones sold Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries* to two brothers in Dallas, Texas - a pair that ran the company into the ground by trying to save pennies along the way. As part of the deal, a number of employees from the company were sent to Dallas to facilitate the transfer. After a year, many returned (by agreement) to Arthur's new company, MedX Corporation in Ocala, Florida. One of those employees, a design engineer who came to Venezuela to set up my MedX facility, told me the following:
"I was required to present three estimates for each and every part purchase in Dallas. When I needed a specialty bolt for a particular project in Ocala, I approached Jones out of habit."
The reply was swift.
"Scott," said Arthur, "just go out and find the best g.. d... bolt you can and put it in."
No discussion, no concern for cost. The best, only the best. MedX hasn't changed, years after Jones' death.
Suggestions:
1.) Recall this incident next time you sit on a tin can being passed off as an exercise machine (tough when neither machines nor quality are in vogue).
2.) Demand the best tools in your training environment.
3.) Don't get overpassionate about latex tubing recommended by certified experts.
* Nautilus was eventually repurchased by a group of 'old' employees who restored machine quality to former standards. Kudos.
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