Unlike most tool dealers who used to turn wrenches before running a tool truck, Jared Charlesworth ran grocery stores. Although he didn’t have much knowledge of tools, he did have a valuable resource in his corner – his father-in-law, who for over 30 years,ran a tool truck for a flag.
In fact, his father-in-law was the one who got Charlesworth interested in running his own route in Kalispell, Mont., after getting the opportunity to take on more routes.
Now, 12 years later and going independent after five years with a flag, Charlesworth still loves what he does and enjoys running his own business, A And B Tools.
Earlier this year, the tool dealer upgraded his ride from a 1999 22’ Chevy Kodiak C6500 to a 2006 24’ Peterbilt 335, and with a bit of elbow grease, made it into the truck that he has always wanted.
Charlesworth replaced all the chrome inside with diamond plate chrome (for the industrial look), ramped up the knife rack, added LED lighting throughout the truck, new chrome wheels, new automatic steps (they pop out every time the door opens), and custom-made shelving as well as a new wrap.
“I made it brand new again,” he says.
Aside from the stacks and the 2” ratchet wrench that he turned into a door handle, one of his favorite features is the wrap. There’s a reason why it’s known as the “green beast”.
“It has a very awesome wrap of an American flag with my logos,” he says. “It’s definitely an eye-catcher while going down the road.”
All in the organization
Charlesworth attributes his truck’s keen organization to his previous grocery store experience.
“You've got to have product to sell it,” he notes, adding, “If it’s nice and clean, people feel comfortable shopping.”
He mostly organizes the tools by type but will often mix things up every two weeks to “look fresh” and have his customers walk around more.
Sale items are typically spread throughout the truck, again to have customers walk around, but if there’s something that he really wants to push, he’ll put the item next to his desk.
Keeping customers engaged
Being up against five other franchises in his area, Charlesworth says that it’s important to keep your customers engaged. He does so in two ways: Bubblegum machine and contests.
Charlesworth has a well-known bubblegum machine on his desk filled with not only bubblegum but prizes ranging from free shirts, hats, coats, gift cards to his truck, etc.
“It’s fun,” he says. “Guys come out with a handful of quarters.”
He also holds a monthly contest as a way to say thank you to his customers. The more they buy, the more tickets they get to put in the raffle. And these prizes are top-notch. From minibikes and Traxxas RC cars to grills and guns.
Future plans
When Charlesworth bought his latest truck, he didn’t sell his other one. Instead, he’s keeping it. He’d like to grow his business someday and hire another driver or two.
“I’ve been very blessed,” he says. “I thought with COVID and all, that business would drop off, but it’s actually been the best couple of years that I’ve had. If you have a good customer base and you take care of them, they will take care of you.”
