Tales from the road: Balancing act

Feb. 4, 2015
Energy and effort have allowed Justin McCarthy to balance the demands of being a full-time technician and an independent tool dealer.

Justin McCarthy is the type of person who can’t sit still. When he’s not doing something, he’s looking for something to do. And when he puts his mind to a task or goal, the chances are great that the Boston-area independent mobile tool distributor will find success.

That combination of energy, drive and determination has allowed McCarthy to balance the demands of being a full-time technician and turning a profit as the owner Bad Larry Tools, his own mobile distribution company. It hasn’t always been easy, but McCarthy has made it work for almost four years.

It all began when McCarthy took a job as a technician, where he worked alongside more than 50 other techs in his garage. He quickly discovered that many of his colleagues complained about the local tool distributor that serviced the facility at the time. Looking to explore alternative options, McCarthy began purchasing tools from a local friend who owned a NAPA store.

“I started getting stuff for myself, and everyone else is like ‘Hey, get me this. Get me one,’” says McCarthy.

“It just ballooned,” he adds.

McCarthy’s work schedule can be rather daunting. He works from 4 PM until midnight five days a week repairing buses. On two of those days, he leaves early for work and makes arrangements to see some customers beforehand. Once he leaves his “day job” at 12 AM, McCarthy travels around to different garages to meet customers working midnight shifts. As a result, there are days where he doesn’t return home until around 3 AM.  

“First it started one day a week, on my day off,” he continues. “Now it’s every day of the week.”

Despite his hectic schedule, McCarthy remains steadfast in his desire to grow his business and recognizes the value his customers see in having a quality distributor at their disposal. To ensure he is ready and able to meet their needs, McCarthy has enlisted the help of his daughter, Amanda, to do paperwork, conduct inventory and assist with other tasks to help his business.

His efforts are starting to pay off. Bad Larry Tools continues to grow and prosper. McCarthy now has two trucks on the road, one of which is operated by a friend. In addition, one of the trucks is also being sponsored by SK Hand Tools.

McCarthy attributes his ability to succeed as an independent tool dealer to his willingness to address his customers’ needs. That means taking care of their warranties and repairs. But more than anything, he says, that means being willing to offer his customers a deal.

“As a mechanic, I used to always like when they had a deal,” says McCarthy. “I’ve seen the other tool guys, and I know they go to the same warehouses. They’re getting those deals, and I know they’re not giving them to the guys. Sometimes you've got to bite the bullet.”

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