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It had been a dream of Cody Pick’s for over a decade to be a mobile tool dealer. Just a couple years after starting his career as a technician, he thought selling tools from a truck looked like a lot of fun. It was about 10 years in the works, but as of September 2021, Picky Tool Service is officially open for business.
“It took me a while to figure out what I had to do on my end, change some things financially and straighten some things out that I may have screwed up in the past – get all that handled,” he says. “I looked at a couple different stickers on the side of the truck, and when I called them and talked to them, they said, 'You’re not where you need to be. Call us back. It’s not a no, just a not right now.’”
After getting all his ducks in a row, Mac Tools called him back and told him he was good to go. Pick says the company held his hand the entire way, and he has been “blown away” by the support he has received from them, including access to a financial analyst.
Ultimately, Pick was thrilled he was able to join the Mac team because he truly believes in the quality of tools they offer at a fair price.
“When I was a technician, I loved buying from my Mac guy because it left money in my pocket. I am working my behind off to make a paycheck," he says. "Why should I give it all to the tool guy?"
There was also a lot of demand for a Mac truck in his region of Sioux City, Iowa. Pick’s route is mostly urban, and he serves a lot of dealerships and tons of body shops, which has resulted in him learning a lot about what tools those customers need.
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“I’m not afraid to take a tool in and ask, ‘What is this? How does this work for your trade? Teach me!’ Pick says. “The guys are really receptive to it.”
The number one conversation Pick is having with his customers is around cordless power tools. His customers appreciate that the Mac tools allow them to buy batteries elsewhere, which is not the case for some other companies.
“They’re not held captive by me when it comes to batteries because that’s the most expensive thing in the whole deal,” he explains. “I want to sell them batteries, but sometimes there are other outlets that have better deals at that time. "They have options. I care for my guys. I don’t want to corner them.”
Facing the challenges
When Pick started the business, he bought a used truck, a 16' 2013 Freightliner MT45, and there have been a few issues with it, including going into limp mode one day.
“You’re never dealing with just selling tools, but we didn’t get into business for it to be easy," he says. "Nothing that’s worth it is ever easy.”
He tackles the challenges by putting out the immediate fires, letting others wait that can wait, and not letting on to his customers that he’s having any issues. He encourages other tool dealers who may be just starting out not to get frustrated with those challenging days.
“Don’t get down on yourself. Be fluid and roll with the punches,” he says.
Appreciating customers
Pick sets himself apart by consistently showing up at his stops every week, telling his customers how much he appreciates them, and treating them how he would want to be treated. For example, a customer needed a new fender cover and was very impressed when Pick ordered two and brought them in for the customer to choose the one that he wanted.
“My main focus is how I interact with my guys,” Pick says. “I always make sure to tell them, ‘Me and my family appreciate everything you guys do for us.’ That is first and foremost in my world. Everything else will follow behind.”
