Customization caters to customer interest

Dec. 2, 2016
Cornwell dealer Mario Mendez says “this is good business” about upgrading his tool truck.

California-based Cornwell Tools dealer Mario Mendez has run his tool route for nearly 10 years. Prior to becoming a tool dealer in July 2007, he turned wrenches as an ASE Certified Master Technician for nearly 20 years. Mendez says this helps him relate to customers, and his past experience has aided him in helping customers find the tools they need for repairs.

Mendez handles a route in Fontana, Calif., and stops at a variety of shops, including truck shops and dealers, auto dealerships, independent repair shops, body shops, and more. Nearly 90 percent of his customers speak Spanish.

Regarding the upgraded truck, Mendez knew the change would benefit his business.

“Customers definitely like to get into a new truck, enjoy their time in the truck and buy tools,” says Mendez.

“This is a good business,” Mendez adds, of upgrading his truck. “The difference between an old one and a new one (truck) is a big difference. My plan was to increase business with the new truck.”

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC),  the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).  

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.

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