When I first started out with Professional Distributor, the extent of my “automotive background” included being able to put gas in my car and change my windshield wipers. And if I’m being honest, I had no idea the profession of “mobile tool distributor” was even a thing. Inevitably when attending family gatherings or meeting new people, the question of “So how did you end up in that job with no automotive background?” always comes up.
My answer is simple, I wanted a job where I got to tell people’s stories and where I would constantly be learning. This one checks both boxes. I’m sure, like me, those of you who weren’t technicians before becoming distributors have been asked a similar question, and based on the answers we receive whenever we ask this to those featured within our pages, your answer is simple too – you wanted a job that offered you the freedom of running your own business.
All this to say, I don’t think it matters what kind of background you had before entering this industry. You can be successful regardless. However, if you’re looking for a little extra guidance on how to make your business thrive, check out Alan Sipe’s Go Sell Something article for this month (pg. 38). He goes over all tips and tricks on how to use your lack of knowledge to your advantage.
“If you are really new on the truck, simply start a conversation with the technicians at your stops and explain that you are not a technician,” Sipe says, “you’re learning the business, and you would really appreciate their help in getting started.”
In my experience with starting out in this industry, everyone is happy to share their knowledge to help you continue to learn.
Also featured in this issue are the 2024 PTEN Innovation Award winners (pg. 12). So if you’re looking for something new to stock on your truck, look no further. The products we’re showcasing were hand-picked by a panel of judges out of over 100 submissions as 25 of the best new products to enter the industry in the past year.
Each product was judged on the following criteria:
- Time savings
- Simplifying a task
- Unique/new approach
- Improving a current tool
- Ease of use
If you’re not sure which products to add your inventory, show the winners to your customers and see what they have to say. And if you do end up stocking any of these products, reach out to us at [email protected] to let us know!
