Strong relationships can give independent mobile tool distributors another resource to turn to when questions or challenges come up.

At the 2026 MEDCO Customer Show in Nashville, Professional Distributor spoke with independent distributor Brian Lee about the role those partnerships play in his business. Lee and his wife operate two trucks, with each running a route.

For Lee, one of the biggest benefits is having experienced contacts who can provide quick, knowledgeable answers when an online search is not enough.

“You have to have strong relationships just because if you’re looking for something, you have to be able to call your rep and ask them the questions and get quick and knowledgeable answers,” Lee says.

Those relationships also give Lee and his wife another place to turn when discussing ideas and making decisions for their business.

“Having that relationship gives us someplace to bounce other ideas off of,” Lee says. “They are a very integral part of our business, making it work.”