When Mac Tools dealer Chris Nelson purchased his new 2020 Peterbilt 337, he never could have imagined the impact it would have on business … especially during a pandemic.
As one of the top single truck routes in Sacramento, California, Nelson was floored by the 25 percent increase he saw in his business this year.
“After being in business for seven years, I didn’t think that kind of percentage jump would happen,” he says. “And especially not in a year where we’re having such crazy issues going on.”
On his route, Nelson mainly caters to industrial and heavy duty shops, a few automotive repair shops, and the Sacramento Airport. Like many mobile tool dealers this year, Nelson has run into some of his stops being shut down or furloughed. Two of the biggest shops Nelson visits, each with fifty or more technicians, have been furloughing their employees on and off for the last six months, making Nelson’s increase in business even more surprising.
While working with Summit Bodyworks to design the layout and display elements for his new truck, Nelson says they told him it would increase his business. Though disbelieving at first, Nelson now whole-heartedly believes the increase was caused by his new truck.
One of the major factors for this, he says, is simply having more space. Having gone from an 18’ box to a 24’ box, Nelson added another 6’ of tool storage and display space.
“I carry [a] big inventory,” Nelson says. “And I had an 18’ truck last year that was probably way overloaded. So having that extra space makes a big difference. I think, too, that kind of [contributes] to the [increase in] business. A lot of times I had so much stuff on my truck, people didn't know where it was. And now that I can spread things out, people can see stuff, [and] it's made a big difference.”
In addition to having more square footage, Nelson had two roof A/C units and an 8,000W generator to run them installed to help keep the truck cool during those hot Northern California summers. He also uses his new mini-fridge to help beat the heat and draw in customers by keeping it full of cool beverages.
A unique feature in Nelson’s truck is a custom beef jerky rack, and like all the other displays on Nelson’s truck, this display is lit with LEDs, making it pop out and grab customers’ attention. Nelson also had a three-tier electrical tool display put in, pry bar racks, and a small air tools display.
Nelson’s workspace is another much-improved area in his new Peterbilt. He now has an L-shaped workstation that goes all the way to the front of the truck, meaning he can see everyone going in and out as well as keep himself out of the way.
Previously, Nelson would have to stand in the middle of the truck, making traffic flow difficult, especially at the stops where he has 10-15 technicians trying to get on the truck all at once. Now, he says he has all his printers and control switches built-in right next to his workstation so that he can operate everything from one spot.
Overall, Nelson says that moving into a bigger truck was the best decision he’s ever made.
