The art of selling tools is in Pennsylvania-based Mac Tools distributor Doug Mansell’s DNA. Over 25 years ago, Mansell’s father launched his career with Mac, inspiring his son to follow in his footsteps.
Now, with over 12 years of experience under his belt, Mansell has stepped onto a new 2024 International MV, ready to show up and show out for his customers.
Small details, big impacts
Mansell picked up his new truck in March after working with Herr Display Vans. While there weren’t many things he wanted to change from the previous truck, there were still a few new details added to update his new ride.
“There’s more shelf space,” Mansell explains. “Moved a couple things around and I went from the black interior back to the white and a natural look.”
We had a chance to speak with Mansell at the 2025 Mac Tools Tool Fair and get an up-close look at all the unique features of his truck’s layout and build. On the outside, the truck boasts a newer body style from his previous truck, with LED headlights for increased visibility and billboard lights on both sides that illuminate his name and number.
“If I show up to a stop early in the morning, I can turn them on and just let everyone know I’m here,” Mansell says. “I added the lights underneath because everyone’s got a little kid inside of them, so why not?"
All aboard
When customers step inside, they can help themselves up by using the wrench shaped handrail Mansell had installed, a piece brought over from his previous truck. If they look up, they’ll see a variety of beef jerky snacks to choose from as they peruse. Above the rail are two rows of plier holders and two rows of pry bar holders.
“Tim Herr suggested I move my pry bar holder to the front instead of the back,” Mansell explains. “[Pliers] can be as tall as they want, and I can display them now.”
Want to hear more from Mansell and other distributors? Check out this month's Pro Tips where they share how they handle difficult customers!
Further into the truck at shoulder height is his cordless tool display. Mansell can keep these products out of the box, allowing customers to interact more closely with the tools. Beneath this is an opening where additional products or toolboxes can be stored. Another toolbox opening sits across the aisle. Additionally, Mansell felt an extra row of pullout shelves was a necessary addition to his truck.
“It’s just super handy, you can store a lot more stuff in a smaller space,” Mansell notes.
The extra storage spaces help keep the truck organized and staying organized is key to keeping things operating smoothly. Mansell tries to keep everything in its proper place while also making sure customers are still engaged with his offerings.
“My pullout shelves are organized [by] different groups, but on the shelves [it’s] just whatever fits there,” Mansell says. “I put the new stuff out on shelves that people look at more often.”
If wall space on the truck ever runs out, Mansell’s got himself covered with two additional pullouts that allow a flat space for velcroing tools.
Tailored to his needs
One of Mansell’s favorite parts of the truck is nestled up in the front beside his workspace. Six pullout drawers outfitted with low profile magnets for socket storage, additional drawers for odds and ends or small tool accessories, and a mini fridge.
Mansell is deaf out of his left ear, so his workspace has been situated and organized to accommodate him. His desk sits on the passenger side with his computer facing the back of the truck and his planner and catalog sitting right beside. Across from his workspace Mansell keeps a microwave to heat up his lunch so he doesn’t have to “borrow” one from a customer along his route.
Perhaps the best part of all, hung up above his workspace is a plaque that reads: “Mansell Tools: Be more like Pap.”
“That’s for my Pap,” Mansell shares with us, pointing at the sign. “I told him I was getting a new truck, and he never got to see it. Love you, Pap.”
About the Author
Elli Carder
Assistant Editor | PTEN & Professional Distributor
Elli Carder is an assistant editor for Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group. With a background in professional and creative writing, Carder helps edit for both Professional Tools and Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines, as well as VehicleServicePros.com.