Since May 2013, Cornwell Tools dealer Alex Griss has been servicing a route in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, metro area. He sees a variety of customers, including dealerships, “mom-and-pop” independent repair shops and many body shops.

In 2017, he upgraded his previous 18’ 1997 Freightliner MT56 step van to a new 22’ wide body 2017 Freightliner M2.

“I needed more room to carry more stuff,” says Cornwell Tools dealer Alex Griss.

Prior to becoming a tool dealer four-and-a-half years ago, Griss worked for a Porsche racing team, driving a team truck to different race tracks. He opted to get into the tool business because he needed life to slow down a bit after he met his wife.

Now, when Griss is on his route, he spends about 12 hours per day on the truck and likes to work as efficiently as possible. This includes bringing his lunch on the truck, so he can eat on the go. He has a refrigerator on the truck to store not only drinks for purchase, but also his lunch, as well as a microwave to heat up food.

Another aspect of efficiency, according to Griss, is having things neat and organized on the truck. This meant opting for the wide body style to provide more space for him and his customers.

“To me organization and presentation is key,” Griss says. “It’s always the neatest, most organized [truck], you’re not bumping into people.”

Griss adds he likes to put prices on all products.

“You never know when a customer might be looking for something," he says. "They may not ask about it, but they’ll see it on the truck.”

“I’m OCD about that, because it makes the day more productive and faster," he adds. "It’s all right there for them to see.”

Adding to his productivity, Griss emphasizes the importance of showing off product.

“I like to open everything and put everything on display,” Griss says of keeping blow molded cases open on truck shelves. “If he [a customer] sees it right there in front of his face, he’s more inclined to buy.”