Professional Distributor - 50

A little appreciation goes a long way
Mac Tools distributor Jeff Mitchell hosts customer appreciation
events to thank his customers for all they've done for him.

L
BY EMILY MARKHAM,
ASSISTANT EDITOR

920-234-6359
Emily@VehicleServicePros.com

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ast time we checked in with Mac Tools
distributor and owner of Mitchland Tools,
Jeff Mitchell, he was in the process of
launching a second truck. Seven years later, he
has three trucks, three drivers, and a warehouse
full of inventory.
Located in Reno, Nevada, Mitchland Tools
has been in operation for almost nine years. Jeff
and his team visit a variety of stops, providing
tools for multiple industries including marine,
aircraft, automotive, motorcycle, and some industrial. Even with three routes, though, he says their
"heaviest hitters" are the independent automotive
repair shops.
Going into the tool distributing business, the
multi-route owner had the advantage of being an
automotive technician for 30 years prior, so he
understands the tools and what technicians need.
In order to best serve customers, Mitchland
Tools rented a 3,600 sq. ft. commercial warehouse
space about four years ago. They are able to securely
park the three trucks inside as well as inventory
including carts and toolboxes.
"The advantage of having the inventory stored
on the racks in the warehouse is that it allows for
quick and easy access to needed tools and tools [are]
readily available for customer needs," Jeff says.
Another added benefit in having the warehouse
is that customers don't have to wait for a tool to be
shipped from the distribution center.
"We have the majority of top moving items on
hand in the warehouse," he notes.
Jeff understands the importance of showing
appreciation to his customers, so in addition to the
added benefits the warehouse provides his customers, he also hosts customer appreciation events.
Mitchland Tools plans on hosting its second
customer appreciation event. The event will include
a warehouse sale, an advanced diagnostic class
taught by a diagnostic specialist from Mac Tools,
and a barbecue. Jeff believes it is important to host
events like this because "it makes the customers that
you do regular business with feel more appreciated."
This kind of event also offers opportunities
for Mitchland Tools to grow. Customers are able

50 Professional Distributor I April 2020 I VehicleServicePros.com

The Mitchland team visits a variety of stops,
but independent automotive repair shops are
their "heaviest hitters."

to see products in the warehouse they may not see
on the truck, which encourages future purchases,
Jeff says. It also creates a chance to be introduced
to other types of customers you don't normally see
on your route.
"[Customers] might bring a friend that is a car
enthusiast, but not a mechanic," he says. "They'll get
the bug, you know ... because this is not the stuff
[they] see at Lowe's and Home Depot. It gives them
an idea of how to up the game for their personal
[tools] at home."
Between Reno's car show, Hot August Nights,
the air races, and the motorcycle rally, Street Vibrations, "there's a lot of enthusiasts in this area," the
multi-route owner says, "and these guys are looking
for tool vendors and quality tools."
Looking ahead, Jeff hopes to retire in the next
five to seven years, though it's unlikely he'll sell the
business. Instead, he'd like to find someone to run
the business for him.
Until then, he is pleased running his multi-route
business and working with his talented employees.
Editor's note: Due to the outbreak of COVID19, the Mitchland Tools appreciation event has been
delayed. For updates on the event please contact Jeff
Mitchell at mitchlandtools@sbcglobal.net.

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