The CEO (right) and the POTUS
What TV reporters didn’t tell you about that San Diego carve-up
As many in the Trikke world know by now — and as seen on TV — in March, the 39th U.S. President met John Simpson, CEO of Trikke Tech, Inc., the makers of Trikke carving vehicles.
Why Jimmy Carter? As many in the Trikke world also know — and as seen on 60 minutes — Jimmy and wife Rosalynn are avid Trikke riders.
Why San Diego? The Carters were in town for the winter retreat of the Carter Center, a charitable organization committed to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering.
Why John Simpson? Trikke Tech HQ is located up the coast in Buellton, CA.
For many carvers, this much has been known since March. What the mainstream media didn’t tell you was, well, many things potentially of interest to curious carvers, like the day’s events from the perspective of someone in the Trikke world.
“It was tremendous,” said Simpson of the occasion. Sure, he’d exchanged handshakes with President Ford, but this was his first real interaction with a POTUS, interaction that took him by surprise:
“One minute I’m meeting him, the next I’m helping him adjust his helmet, up really, really close.”
Simpson admits to being nervous as he met both Rosalynn and Jimmy, but apparently, not for long.
The carving POTUS
“He’s a very down to earth guy,” said the CEO of the former leader of the free world. “He’s got these bright, blue eyes that bore right into you as he’s talking to you.”
Perhaps even more impressive to carvers: “He has such an appreciation for Trikke,” said Simpson, who came bearing gifts. The Carters were given custom, Trikke polo shirts and new T8 Sports. They were also named honorary Trikke trainers, a role that just might come in handy.
Before the Carters arrived and the TV cameras were rolling, Trikkes of all varieties stood idly in the hotel parking lot. That is, until several attendees of the Carter Center winter retreat — who were up in age, according to Simpson — started “just jumping on [the electric Trikkes] and riding around.”
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the spontaneous outbreak did plant a seed in the CEO’s mind: a riding school, of sorts, for the Carter Center staff.
It’s an idea Jimmy and Rosalynn would most likely approve of.
“Bottom line, they love the product,” said Simpson. “They ride it religiously. [While speaking to the media], President Carter didn’t want to talk about anything but Trikke.”
The fact that the former Prez has had hip and knee replacement surgery — and thinks Trikke is the best way to rehab — planted another seed in the CEO’s mind:
The carving First Lady
“We really have to lean more about promoting Trikke as a great rehab option,” he said. “For knee, hip, anything orthopedic, really.”
But ideas weren’t all Simpson took away from the day. When asked about lasting impressions, he replied:
“They way the Carters ride as a couple. It’s a thing they do together. They’re just out having fun, enjoying this thing called Trikke, which they love riding together.”
That love of Trikke is making a difference. The President and First Lady donated the day’s gifts — their helmets and two T8’s — which were auctioned off during the retreat, raising $7,000 for the Carter Center.
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More Carter Coverage on TrikkeWorld:
The President Who Rides a Trikke
The Son Who Gave the President a Trikke
Teaching the President How To Ride a Trikke
Presidential carvings on Presidents Day
See President Jimmy Carter ride a Trikke (videos)
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