Notch 6 Podcast- New Episode with Richard Maddox former President of Lionel (Both parts now availible)

All right!  Looking forward to listening to it on the way home.

Trying to remember, when was Maddox at Lionel?

Late 1990s to early 2000s.  If you need the exact years, ask Dick .

Good interview. I always found Dick to be a very interesting chap. Many years ago while recovering from hip replacement surgery, I made my way through the Rosemont Convention Center in a wheelchair and found Richard manning the Lionel booth. I was impressed that he was by himself and the then President of Lionel. We must have talked for about 45 minutes and he answered all of my questions and he could not have been nicer.

 

I look forward to part 2.

 

I'm quite sure he answered all your questions back then. Very knowledgable about the train business.

I've heard plenty of train stories, enough to stuff an elephant's mouth, at the dinner table with him and his wife and when my friend Rich and I go back to his house and sit around the kitchen table.

Another great interview Derek.

 

Can't wait for the part 2... and your teaser comments at the end of part 1 will no doubt be fuel for a thread of two on this forum.

 

Charlie

I had the same experience with him.  Minus the hip of course.  I found him to be an "in touch" president.  We talked trains at an operational level.  He asked me many questions as to what I like, disliked and why.  I felt he was genuinely interested.

In an attempt to make things easier for our listeners, I've taught our podcast how to embed itself into our OGR forum posts. As we release new episodes you'll be able to listen to them directly in our posts. You can see the top post now has the player for the Richard Maddox interview Part 1. Hope this saves you all a few clicks.

You could not have made it any easier for us. Thanks.

Terrific interview with whom most old timers would agree is one of the great gentlemen of this hobby.  His recollection of moving Lionel overseas is very interesting.  His insights into Wellspring are also telling:  No Harvard MBA?  Who is this guy?  LOL.  50+ years in the hobby and industry can't possibly count like that MBA!

POTRZBE, I agree with you on the MBA. In my opinion the school of real world experience usually outweighs what happens in the class room. Dick and I have had a few phone calls since this was recorded and his wealth of knowledge about how the business works is really incredible. I learn something new each time we talk.

I was surprised at just how interesting this interview was.  Thanks for posting.

 

Great interview!  I am looking forward to part two!

Very interesting interview. Looking forward to part 2.

Derek,

 

Thanks for everything you do,It's great to hear Dick Maddox after just seeing him in only pictures. I wish I could have met him at a train show I can tell he would enjoy talking with people in the hobby!  Can't wait for part 2!!!!

 

Doug 

Excellent interview. Really lookinng forward to part 2.

Now Im gonna be going NUTS waiting for part TWO.When will we be able to hear it?Nick

Hey Nick,
Part two will be out this coming Monday. You just have to make it through the weekend!

Finally got around to listening Derek.....what a great production!!  Thanks so much for promoting the hobby in all the ways you do!

 

Alan

Happy Monday everyone! Part two of this interview is now available in the first post of this thread, or through our website, Itunes, or Stitcher. Hope you enjoy.

As much as I love the trains and accessories, I love the behind the scenes information provided by these interviews.  Thanks a very much lot, Notch 6.

I have to agree with POTRZBE, this behind-the-scene look at Lionel, and to a lesser extent Atlas was very well executed by Derek.

 

I had to chuckle about a few comments that go back many years at this point, the old AOL'ers and longtime OGR forumites will get a chuckle as well when Mr. Maddox puts to sleep some long rumored issues, both pro and con to Lionel’s business practices during that time.

 

With all the marketing Einstein’s we have around here you would think we would have
50 huge companies instead of the 6 or 7 we do have.

 

Overall, this was one of the best interviews you have had so far Derek, keep up the good work.

 

Charlie

Part two was un real.Thanks!Nick

Great 2 part interview Derek. Dick Maddox is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. What a great insight to all of us on the behind the scenes look at Lionel over the years.

 

Sure enjoyed it very much. One of your best so far.