Owner: Roberto Rodriguez Yanez
Shop: Jones Collision Center
Location: Lemoore, Calif.
Twenty years ago, Roberto Rodriguez Yanez purchased his first toolbox – a yellow rolling box that measured smaller than his current rolling boxes. Five years later, he traded it in for one of the rolling boxes pictured. “Every time I get extra cash, I add to it,” he says.
Yanez started his career as a technician, working as an apprentice for his uncle, 21 years ago when he was just 18 years old. A year after starting his career, Robert's Collision Center extended Yanez job offer for the painter technician position. Yanez says this position has opened doors to his future and given him the opportunity to learn multiple different areas of the business. "I want Robert's Collision to know I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
His current title is shop manager for Jones Collision Center in Lemoore, Calif, a repair facility that specializes in collision. The facility also performs restoration, suspension work on motorcycles and RVs, and mechanical work, as well. "I like to tell people we can fix anything but a broken heart," he adds.
His Snap-on toolbox, which measures 17’ long, 7-1/2’ tall and 2-1/2’ wide is comprised of three rolling cabs with double banks, a side cabinet with a storage chest, a top cabinet and a mini fridge. He also has an additional white tool cart, pictured above.
Yanez likes the amount of space the rolling boxes afford. Because most tools come in cases now, he says, he’s had to swap out some of his smaller drawers for deeper ones. “By doing that, not only do I make it a one-of-a-kind box, but I gain lots of space for more tools.”
He also keeps his drawers extremely organized. “Anybody can walk to it and find the tool they need in a second." He adds, “That's how I know when something has gone missing.”
Although he doesn’t have just one favorite tool, Yanez says, “I think they are all my favorite because they are there when I need them.”
In addition to the many traditional tools in his toolbox, Yanez has added a monitor to use in conjunction with his Snap-on SOLUS plus. The center bank where he keeps his monitor and battery charging station is his favorite part of the toolbox. "It seems to be the spot where I always get to when I need to fill out paperwork or to take a look at something.”
