Big-Time Boxes: John Alexander

OWNER:

John Alexander
The Swedish Solution
Memphis, TN

BOX:

John Alexander, owner of The Swedish Solution in Memphis, Tenn., sometimes gets comments like, “What do you need all those drawers for?” about his Snap-on toolbox. But Alexander keeps it pretty well-organized.

“(The boxes) are all full of tools; there aren’t any dead spaces,” said Alexander. “Some guys have junk drawers and stuff like that.

“It’s been a natural progression,” said Alexander.

He keeps the same tools inside his box.

“Ninety-five percent of (my tools) are Snap-on tools,” he said. “I have a few Mac and very few Matco.”

He even has a favorite. “I like the little (closed-in Snap-on) ratcheting wrenches,” said Alexander. “That’s probably the single-most helpful tool that’s come along in a long time.”

Alexander’s favorite part of his Snap-on box?

“I like the drawer mechanisms,” he said. He likes the easy sliding drawers.

PROFILE:

The Swedish Solution specializes in Volvo repairs and maintenance.

“We’ve been here for 18 years. I used to work for the local Volvo dealer here,” said Alexander. “Prior to that I was with Nissan, back when it was called Datsun.”

Because of changes in business within the last few years, he has cut back from previously employing 14 techs.

“Right now, we only have four technicians, plus myself, the service manager and two receptionists, including my wife,” explained Alexander.

“Volvo is an expensive car to maintain,” he said. “And a lot of people don’t know that until after they buy them.”