RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted its fifth annual RIDGID Experience trip, a VIP event that invites select members of the skilled trades to gather for fun, camaraderie and hands-on experiences. The event also serves as a “thank you” to the trades for the role they play in building and maintaining our country’s infrastructure.

The contest, which draws entries from tradespeople across the country, concludes with RIDGID treating nine guests to a three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. The highlight of the visit is a factory tour that invites each guest to build their own iconic RIDGID customized pipe wrench. Guests also received a sneak peek at the latest RIDGID tool innovations and provided their opinions on product that is currently in development. Evening events included treating the guests to a preview of the company’s 100 Year Anniversary celebration plans, set for 2023. Guests also had the opportunity to network with guests of Greenlee Experience, a similar contest hosted by professional tools brand Greenlee. The two concurrent events created a full-scale celebration of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.

“The excitement around RIDGID Experience, both by trade professionals and the RIDGID team, has grown each year. After every contest our team is always impressed by the pride and commitment each guest has for their profession,” said Becky Brotherton, director of engagement marketing, RIDGID for Emerson. “It’s a privilege to be able to thank each of them for their dedication and hard work with this VIP experience.”

Winners included the following nine guests:

• Tyler Dale – Seaside, California 
• Armando Ramos – Phoenix, Arizona 
• John Snyder – Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 
• Derek Newton – Kirland Lake, Ontario 
• Colton Henkowski – Denver, Colorado 
• Mary-Anne Bowcott – Sooke, British Columbia 
• George DeJesus – Stanhope, New Jersey 
• Alan Carlson – Wheaton, Illinois 
• Christopher Armstrong – Ulster Park, New York 

This year’s guests were equally enthusiastic about the trip, with one guest calling it the “bucket list” trip of a lifetime.