Last time we checked in with Mac Tools distributor and owner of Mitchland Tools, Jeff Mitchell, he was in the process of launching a second truck. Seven years later, he has three trucks, three drivers, and a warehouse full of inventory.
Located in Reno, Nevada, Mitchland Tools has been in operation for almost nine years. Jeff and his team visit a variety of stops, providing tools for multiple industries including marine, aircraft, automotive, motorcycle, and some industrial. Even with three routes, though, he says their “heaviest hitters” are the independent automotive repair shops.
Going into the tool distributing business, the multi-route owner had the advantage of being an automotive technician for 30 years prior, so he understands the tools and what technicians need.
In order to best serve customers, Mitchland Tools rented a 3,600 sq. ft. commercial warehouse space about four years ago. They are able to securely park the three trucks inside as well as inventory including carts and toolboxes.
“The advantage of having the inventory stored on the racks in the warehouse is that it allows for quick and easy access to needed tools and tools [are] readily available for customer needs,” Jeff says.
Another added benefit in having the warehouse is that customers don’t have to wait for a tool to be shipped from the distribution center.
“We have the majority of top moving items on hand in the warehouse,” he notes.
Jeff understands the importance of showing appreciation to his customers, so in addition to the added benefits the warehouse provides his customers, he also hosts customer appreciation events.
Mitchland Tools plans on hosting its second customer appreciation event. The event will include a warehouse sale, an advanced diagnostic class taught by a diagnostic specialist from Mac Tools, and a barbecue. Jeff believes it is important to host events like this because “it makes the customers that you do regular business with feel more appreciated.”
This kind of event also offers opportunities for the Mitchland Tools to grow. Customers are able to see products in the warehouse they may not see on the truck, which encourages future purchases, Jeff says. It also creates a chance to be introduced to other types of customers you don’t normally see on your route.
“[Customers] might bring a friend that is a car enthusiast, but not a mechanic,” he says. “They’ll get the bug, you know … because this is not the stuff [they] see at Lowe’s and Home Depot. It gives them an idea of how to up the game for their personal [tools] at home.”
Between Reno’s car show, Hot August Nights, the air races, and the motorcycle rally, Street Vibrations, “there’s a lot of enthusiasts in this area,” the multi-route owner says, “and these guys are looking for tool vendors and quality tools.”
Looking ahead, Jeff hopes to retire in the next five to seven years, though it’s unlikely he’ll sell the business. Instead, he’d like to find someone to run the business for him.
Until then, he is pleased running his multi-route business and working with his talented employees.
Editor's note: Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Mitchland Tools appreciation event has been delayed. For updates on the event please contact Jeff Mitchell at [email protected].
