Editor’s note: at the time this article was planned, it’s original intention was to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Craftsman Club. Recent events in this community have changed the tone of this writing, but we hope this does not detract from the celebration itself. Happy Birthday, Craftsman Club!
For me, it all started with my Dad’s old wood vise. I dug it out from a corner in the basement and thought to myself, what an awesome symbol of America: a tool like this vise which has withstood the test of time. That tool was of course, @craftsman. It sparked an interest, and very slowly, Craftsman tools trickled into my shop.
The heart of this story however, began a year after that. My curiosity for the Craftsman brand led me to stumbling upon an event space the brand used to have in Chicago, titled the Craftsman Experience. With a trip to Chicago already planned, I added this venue to my itinerary.
After driving, taking a train, and hiking across downtown Chicago, I showed up only to find out that the event space was closed for the day, despite hours on their website indicating otherwise.
Disappointed, I took to the internet. I expressed my dismay publicly in social media, more or less to vent, with no expectation of a resolution, merely to release my frustration and disappointment.
Enter Cristina. The heart, soul, scholar, and sweetheart behind the Craftsman brand. An initial e-mail from her was laced with a heartfelt apology and an offer to return, not just to visit, but to make me part of the Experience venue by filming a segment with me!
If I wasn’t in love with the quality of Craftsman tools already, I sure was now. Being part of that filming made me feel like part of the brand. A footnote for the history books of an American icon. It gave me a sense of pride and empowerment.
And so returning home from that, it was Craftsman or nothing. More tools were purchased, and a plan developed to phase out everything in my shop that wasn’t Craftsman. I also became more connected with the Craftsman Club Community.
Communications with Cristina continued. Every time I needed something, had a question, or even a concern, I was greeted with a warm reply and a solution to all of my troubles. It reinforced the concept: Craftsman cares about me, and Cristina takes my business and interest in the brand seriously.
Why wouldn’t I be so passionate? Cristina embodies the spirit of the Craftsman brand. She proves that in this day an age, a brand can still be socially responsible.
While we have just received word at the time this post was written that Cristina is no longer with Craftsman and is in pursuit of other opportunities, the brand carries on, still toting that same spirit and drive to be a brand that isn’t just born on tools, but is rich in heritage.
Cristina, I know you’re reading this. You will be deeply missed not just by me, or just this fan site, but by an entire community of fans just like me. Your talent and skill set have us knowing you will not have any difficulty in all of your future endeavors. From all of us to you: this is not good bye, but rather good luck! We hope to hear from you from time to time.