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.
Occidental Leather: "Occidental is a unique American company whose original designs have provided professional contractors, builders, electricians and trim carpenters with tool belts, tool pouches, tool bags, tool holders and ergonomic tool carrying systems that promote maximum working rhythm on the job for 26 years!"
Festool: "This is a new line of woodworking power tools at Ace. It's in our store because customers asked for it. Festool technology offers portable solutions for on and off the jobsite. Festool never offered its line to the Big Box stores. They are very exclusive, which promotes customer loyalty and a good following."
Freud: "This is one of the best known lines of specialty blades and woodworking accessories. The line is extensive and being an innovator in the cutting tool industry makes it an easy sell."
Honda: "This company has had a huge impact on our business; from generators to pumps and snowblowers. We get calls daily asking for Honda by name. Certification in service, parts, and sales has allowed Ace Tool to be recognized by Honda as one of its few Power Pro dealers."
Irwin: "One of the best recognized names for speed bore bits and drill accessories. All of our customers buy something from the Irwin line. We maintain a full inventory since there isn't a day that goes by where we won't sell a number of our customers a Strait-line, Hansen, Sharpie, Vise grip, Marathon, Quick Grip, Speed Bore, or something."
Makita: "Makita is a valuable and highly demanded line. From corded to cordless, Makita offers a very broad and extensive line that's easy to service and repair."
MultiQuip: "This is a company contractors are extremely confident in. We sell plate compactors, pumps, generators, concrete mixers, diamond blades and specialty equipment."
