It’s a team effort at Ace Tool Repair, and the team brings a blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm to the job every day. Here, owner Maria Polidoro is surrounded by her staff, including, at least for a day, Senorita Makita Leslie Gomez who was on hand to sign posters and greet customers during an all-day product introduction.
Special events, like bringing in Makita field reps for a day to show off the latest in battery-operated tools, always attract attention. This special day was promoted heavily via radio ads inviting customers to not only try out the newest tools, but to have lunch and get a poster personally autographed by Senorita Makita Leslie Gomez.
Senorita Makita Leslie Gomez signing autographs
Sales manager Javier Venagas, a native of Columbia, South America, has been working in the tool repair business since he was 12. His knowledge of the business coupled with his “people” and language skills have made him a significant asset for Maria Polidoro’s Ace Tool.
All the available space, floor to ceiling, is used to display tools and accessories.
Throughout the parts department, bins and drawers are coded to dovetail with Ace Tool’s computer system so finding the right piece for a repair is a smooth process.
Colorful presentations with high-traffic items within easy reach make it more likely that a customer will find something he or she “needs” when they come into the store.
Going the extra mile…Sometimes the repair department is asked to go well beyond the norm. Ali Berna, is hoping to salvage a gas-powered cutoff saw after it was run over by a cement truck. Or, the sales staff may reach new heights to get just the right hammer.
Ace Tool website address
While relatively new, the Ace Tool website has proven to be a potent sales tool. Jason Gould, monitors the site throughout the day, processing incoming orders and preparing products for almost immediate shipping.
Space is a premium so the sidewalk serves as a walk-up display for large, heavy-duty items in the inventory as well as sheltering the current manufacturer’s demo area.
"A tool can be tracked through the system quickly," she adds. "All the details like who the mechanic is, when it came in, when it was picked up, what parts were used and the costs are right there. A new module will also include a photo of the tool when it comes in and one when it's done — we often repaint tools and always clean them up.
"The system also generates a daily call list for alerting customers when their tool is ready and there's also a spot to note who has been called. At the end of the day, one person can make all the calls," she continues.
Everyone benefits from the tracking and reporting power of the system, but perhaps none appreciate it more than comptroller Bobbi Edelson. She's been a part of the Ace Tool team for more than 10 years and has witnessed the evolution of the business and its accomplishments.
In 20+ years of business, Maria Polidoro has many accomplishments to be proud of, but near top of the list is her ability to share her good fortune with others. "The most rewarding part of this business is seeing the growth of the people around me," she says, "and having the ability to provide for such projects as Toys For Tots and the Peace of Mind Foundation — a foundation Polidoro created to help provide medication for the elderly.
Where does Ace Tool go from here? No matter what the future holds, the team at Ace Tool Repair will be making sure the welcome mat is out and the back door is firmly latched. They intend to keep their customers happy.
