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PHOENIX — Southwest JCB's recent open house at its Phoenix location on November 6, 2024, may not have drawn the thousands it hoped for, but it did manage to attract two very enthusiastic individuals — and they couldn’t have been more excited.
Held at the dealer’s sleek new facility along West Durango Street, the event featured a full display of JCB’s finest equipment, including backhoes, excavators, and skid steers. While the open house was initially expected to draw a massive crowd, the turnout ended up being, well, a tad more intimate than planned.
“We were absolutely thrilled to spend the day with both of these guys,” said Nic DiPaolo, Southwest JCB’s general manager, barely containing his enthusiasm. “It’s been an incredible year for us, and to be able to showcase our new facility to such a dedicated crowd of two really made it special.”
Among the attendees were Dave from Chandler and Rick from Tempe, who made the trek to the event, each bringing their own unique level of enthusiasm. Dave, who works as a part-time landscaper, was captivated by the JCB skid steer, remarking, “This thing could make my yard work so much easier.” Rick, a self-proclaimed “construction equipment enthusiast” (but without a job in construction), was particularly drawn to the backhoe, calling it “a total game-changer” for his “DIY weekend projects.”
Despite the low attendance, the event was not without its highlights. Guests were treated to a complimentary barbecue lunch, where Dave and Rick discussed their various ambitions in machinery ownership. “I’ve always wanted to get my hands on one of these,” said Rick while eyeing the JCB telehandler. “Not sure what I’d do with it, but it sure looks cool.”
“Honestly, I’m just here for the free stuff,” Dave added, proudly wearing a JCB hat he won in the raffle. “But, you know, I’d definitely be interested in a JCB machine if they’re ever on sale. Maybe a skid steer, maybe a digger, I don’t know. I guess I need to figure out how to use it first.”
Factory reps from JCB were also in attendance, nodding enthusiastically while trying to drum up more conversation with the attendees. Meanwhile, Southwest JCB personnel and reps from other Southwest equipment lines, including Dynapac, mingled with the crowd, keeping the energy high in the face of two attendees who were possibly only there for the free food.
“Getting to share our new facility with Dave and Rick was truly an awesome experience,” DiPaolo said, gazing wistfully at the empty parking lot. “We really hope next year’s open house has a few more people — maybe three or four, even.” Southwest JCB, the official JCB dealer for Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, is confident that future events will see a boost in attendance, though they may never quite match the unique magic of having just two guests.
For now, Southwest JCB is already planning its next open house, hoping to get at least five or six people to show up, even if half of them are just there for the free JCB koozies.
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