Photos courtesy of Darrin Tenkhoff/Gerri Schneider
With 2025 already being halfway done, we wanted to take a look back at what's happened this year. We compiled the three most-viewed Tales from the Road articles from all of our 2025 issues so far -- which tales is your favorite?
3. Brad Astin, Cornwell Quality Tools
Photo courtesy of Brad Astin
Brad Astin handles his route in Pensacola, Florida, although it wasn't always smooth sailing. Starting out as a distributor during COVID wasn't exactly the easiest time, but Astin persevered and found himself locked in for life. Customers became friends and sales continued to rise, but as any distributor knows, the hard work never stops.
2. Darrin Tenkhoff, Independent
Photo courtesy of darrin tenkhoff
Tenkhoff has experienced some monumental shifts in the industry since first starting out as a wagon jobber all those years ago. Through it all, he's kept his business thriving and his customers happy, although he'll be the first to tell you he couldn't do it alone.
1. Gerri Schneider, Independent
Photo courtesy of gerri schneider
With her 77th birthday on the horizon, independent dealer Gerri Schneider has no intentions of slowing down. After more than 40 years in this industry, she's become a legend on her route as Suffolk County's Tool Lady. She's even managed to retain some third-generation customers, meaning she supported three generations of technicians throughout their careers.
Associate Editor | PTEN & Professional Distributor
Griffin Matis is an associate editor for the Vehicle Repair Group. A graduate of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism,Matis works with Professional Tool & Equipment News(PTEN), Professional Distributor, and VehicleServicePros.com.
