When Cornwell dealer Jay Andrews got back into the mobile tool selling business, he aimed to have a lower truck payment in order to have more cash on-hand for purchasing inventory and other business operations.
With a route based in southeast Idaho, Andrews opted to renovate a used truck when he got back into the business. He purchased the 2004 GMC C5500 with 220,000 miles for $15,000, and with a lot of “sweat equity,” the help of his sons and an additional $2,000 investment, Andrews’ truck looks just like new.
Some areas Andrews focused on include cleaning all of the vehicle’s upholstery, sanding and adding three coats of polyurethane to update the existing flooring; removing, repainting and replacing the ceiling panels and lacing; removing the truck’s old decals; buffing, painting and installing new decals; renovating the desk section to a corner location of the truck; and updating the wiring and LED lighting. Andrews is a diesel mechanic by trade, and looks to continue improving the vehicle for the foreseeable future.
Andrews had previously worked in the mobile tool business from 2005 through 2010 with a different flag.
“The economy was so violent in 2010,” Andrews says. “I was paid off, but I liquidated.”
After six years of miscellaneous jobs, he wanted to start selling tools again.
“I needed a job I could put my passion, drive and desire into,” Andrew says of getting back into the mobile tool business. He adds, “I also need to feed three teenage sons at home.”
“My dream was the tool industry,” Andrews says. ”Every morning when I open the door to this truck, it’s just a blessing. I’ve got to repo stuff and people leave state with my money. There can be some negative, but from where I’ve been and where I’m going, it’s just so exciting.”
