Cornwell Tools dealer Ron Davitt considers himself an “old-school tool guy.” So his brand new mobile shop makes for a great complement to the business.
Davitt has been servicing auto and truck repair shops and body shops in Virginia Beach for the last three years. He recently upgraded from a 22’ 2007 International truck to a 2017 24’ wide body Kenworth T370. His new rig is a source of pride for this East Coast distributor. It’s a source of comfort, too -- with three A/C units pumping out cool air on hot beach days.
Before becoming a tool dealer, Davitt worked as a technician for 30 years. That background gives him an advantage as far as what the technicians need, what they’re looking for and what they are talking about when they need a tool.
“I brought back the old school tool guy to the technicians, and I am able to give them an up-to-date and outfitted tool truck,” Davitt says.
When it came time to prioritize the features he wanted most, one thing was clear: Davitt wanted more space for his customers to shop.
“I am very organized and I restock my truck every day,” he says. “I also like to put things in sections, such as lights, diagnostic tools, wrenches, suspension [tools], oil and maintenance [tools], air tools and electric tools.”
The shelves above the toolbox openings are removable. The truck features shelving units on wheels that fit in the toolbox openings, as well as pull-out drawers under the fixed shelving. All of this is specifically meant to add storage and versatility.
“I also have pull-out walls for more wall space [to hold] small items,” Davitt says. “I keep my truck clean inside and out.”
Davitt likes to open boxes and tool sets so technicians can handle the product. He rotates his stock weekly. Colorful tags indicate special, limited-time pricing deals.
The new workspace was custom built when Davitt ordered his truck. It consists of a two-level desk where customers can set their purchases down at checkout. On his side of the desk, Davitt has a “usable workspace where most items are out-of-sight for customers.” In addition, he can easily show customers products and pricing on a large touchscreen monitor.
“[The monitor] is nice for my own use, as well,” he says.
For Davitt, a brand new truck that’s set up exactly how he wants it is a sound investment for his business.
“When I built this truck, I spared no expense,” Davitt says. “I checked all the boxes and then some. Even down to the cabin chassis. The generator makes the truck completelty self-contained. I can run three A/C units because it’s very humid here in Virginia Beach, especially in July and August. You can always spend a little bit upfront, but it sure makes everyone’s life nicer down the line. If the guys feel comfortable on the truck, they’re going to stay on the truck.”
The workhorse retailer is a new and pristine specimen, to be sure - but that doesn’t keep Davitt from having some fun.
“I decorate it for every season,” Davitt says. “We use the flags on Memorial Day, Labor Day and Fourth of July. I do what’s called ‘Fall back into the deals’ where I actually will have pumpkins and stuff starting in October. Then we do Halloween, and convert back and do the more traditional fall settings for Thanksgiving. We do Christmas, and during the Christmas break I’ll actually do a New Year’s decoration.
“My guys are not too much about Valentine’s Day but we put things on the truck that they can get for their wives. These guys work long hours and we’re not notoriously good for shopping. So they can come on the tool truck and pick up a nice basket of bathing stuff for their wives. I keep it very light and fun.”