ATD Tools, a company that offers tools across 19 categories of the automotive tool and equipment market, held its biennial Expo and training session in St. Louis on April 16th. Bill Robinson, president of ATD Tools, said his primary goal for the event was to provide the 300 attendees with up-close-and-personal knowledge and training in order to better serve the needs of the automotive aftermarket professional.
“One of the great things about ATD is the initiative of this company to continually improve,” said Robinson. He added, “The ATD Tools Expo is just one way that we are able to do so; offering training by category to ensure that our people are well-educated and that they can make sound recommendations to their customers based on the latest information.” Training this year included A/C, battery and electrical, lifting, lighting, lubrication and shop equipment.
Organized into 45-minute classroom-style sessions, the organization was exposed to new products and new promotions with ample time to ask questions and have some hands-on experience. Robinson offered, “This (Expo) is all about information…particularly around products and promotions. The promotions discussed will last through the end of June.”
With a more than 35-year history, ATD continues its mission of offering well-made, well-designed products in categories where there is a need for Advanced Tool Design, said Robinson. “Lighting is our fastest-growing category due to the acceptance of the professional brand and the constant change and innovation that we’re bringing to (the category).”
Andrew Keim, current Chairman of ATD echoed Robinson’s comment. “It’s not just about offering another alternative; it’s about offering an advanced product in a category where there’s an appetite for alternatives,” said Keim. He added, “Our goal is to continue to grow the ATD brand, and to expand where we think the brand will have a strong position in the marketplace. Lighting is one of those places.”
Scheduled every other year (with supplemental training in between), this was the third Expo for the group. The next ATD Tools Expo will take place at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Mo., April 21, 2018.
