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3 weeks ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
Innovation Award Profile: SUNEX Tools 8” x 10” Flexible Magnetic Mat Q&A with C.J. Fay, digital and brand senior marketing manager for SUNEX Tools. Photo courtesy of SUNEX Tools Content brought to you by PTEN. To subscribe, click here. Q: What makes this product innovative? A: One of the things that really makes this product innovative is its 12 ounces, so it's so light. It's got the PVC layer, so that you don't have to worry about cleaning it up or whatnot.
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3 weeks ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
Sales Tip: How to beat big box storesThere's a massive difference between customer service at a big box store and the customer service you offer as a distributor. Photo courtesy of Elias ValdovinosDistributors know that customer service is a key part of having a successful truck. Many times, that customer service is coming directly from you as the distributor.
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3 weeks ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Griffin Matis |Emily Markham |Elli Carder
While it might be convenient to click "add to cart" instead of leaving the shop, technicians miss out on a lot when they forego face-to-face interactions with you, the distributor. It's your job to show them what they're missing and get them on your truck instead of surfing the web. We've compiled a list of tips from fellow distributors who know just how to keep their customers from shopping online. 2.
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3 weeks ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
Independent mobile tool distributor Gerri Schneider started working in this industry 40 years ago, and she has no plans of slowing down. At 76 years old, soon to be 77, she notes, “I’m not ready to go yet … at this point, I’m still full speed ahead.”Back to the beginningWhile many distributors started off turning wrenches before selling them, Schneider began her journey with a milk crate and 13 products.
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3 weeks ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
VOTE NOW: 2025 PTEN People's Choice Awards Readers can now weigh in on 2025 PTEN Innovation Awards nominees through our People's Choice program. For the 11th year now, readers can voice their opinions on the top products nominated for the PTEN Innovation Awards program, with the 2025 PTEN People's Choice Awards.
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1 month ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
Photo from Ekahardiwito on Adobe Stock How many of you have ever felt burned out by your job? Maybe your work-life balance is getting trounced by work, or perhaps you’re having issues with a customer and only feel dread every time you step on the truck. Or maybe you’re wondering what the heck burnout even is? According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout, specifically job-related burnout, is a type of stress linked to work.
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1 month ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
ETI ToolTech's day one keynote speaker, Steve Greenfield from Automotive Ventures. Early in April, I attended the Equipment and Tool Institute’s ToolTech event. The day 1 keynote speaker, Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures, spoke on many key topics in the automotive industry, including vehicle repairability. Greenfield walked the audience through how the future of vehicle repairability could pan out from the manufacturers’, consumers’, and technicians’ sides.
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1 month ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
At the beginning of 2025, Felipe Salazar Jr. upgraded his previous toolbox setup to one with more modular capabilities. Out with the old, in with the newAs is the age-old tale of many technicians, Salazar was running out of space in his previous toolbox and had to decide what features were essential for the next evolution of his tool and equipment storage. The new setup features a 56” by 22” double-bank toolbox, a 27” steel locker, and a 36” by 22” tool cart, all from Milwaukee Tool.
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1 month ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
During the 2025 Mac Tools Fair, we spoke with Mac Tools distributor Sean Beauchamp of Glendale, Arizona, about being a tool dealer and what advice he'd give newcomers. Get more exclusive content for mobile tool dealers here, and subscribe to Professional Distributor here. Emily Markham | Editor | PTEN and Professional DistributorEmily Markham is the editor of Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines.
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1 month ago | 
vehicleservicepros.com | Emily Markham
On the Show Floor: An interview with Mac Tools distributor Chris HiggsWe spoke with some of the distributors at the Mac Tools Fair about how they found success. Emily Markham, editor of Professional Distributor magazine, spoke with attendees of the Mac Tools Fair 2025 to learn more about why they became mobile tool dealers, what they love about being a distributor, and some tips for success at tool shows.
