Mac Tools franchisees welcomed to the fold

Mac Tools has recruited a batch of new franchisees to its UK network of over 100 distributors

The pace is picking up in the automotive industry - particularly at Mac Tools, which has just recruited seven new franchisees.

Mac Tools is part of Stanley Black & Decker, an $11 billion-plus global organisation that employs over 30,000 people worldwide and owns the world famous Stanley Black & Decker, Facom, Britool Expert and DeWalt brands.

Support
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The new franchisees join a UK network of over 100 distributors - and they’re keen to get out on the road after completing their training in the UK and at the Mac ‘Tool School’ in Ohio, USA. During their launch and opening weeks they’ll receive hands-on support from a regional franchise manager and regular support from a dedicated team of staff based at the company’s European headquarters in Sheffield.

Each Mac Tools franchisee has their own exclusive territory - Kevin Rault based in Jersey, Steven Grant in Salisbury, John Coleman in Mansfield, Jamie Jones in Hereford and Garry Budd based in Mangotsfield. Father and son team John and Stephen McKnight have taken the Portadown and Omagh territories in Ireland.

John Coleman has worked in the motor trade for 10 years and was a Mac Tools customer. “I have a huge belief in the product and a massive interest in the motor trade,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge and feel that having a vast knowledge will enable me to shine when dealing with my customers.”

Jamie Jones was previously a freelance photographer looking for a change of career. He says: “I felt I would be able to undertake a Mac Tools franchise because I had an interest in sports cars and motorcycles, and understand the products being sold, having used a number of from previous jobs would be transferable.”

Worldwide
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Steven Grant invested in a Mac Tools franchise because he wanted to be his own boss, while Garry Budd is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life as part of a worldwide brand.

The Mac Tools range consists of over 8,000 professional tools, including screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches and assorted air tools, as well as its own toolboxes. The company’s franchisees are trusted distributors of what many consider to be the best quality tools on the market to customers such as car dealerships, automotive repair shops, manufacturing units and engineering companies.

FLEDGLING FRANCHISEES
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Father and son John and Stephen McKnight, from Whitecross in Ireland, launched their respective territories of Portadown and Omagh at the end of May following extensive training at Mac Tools’ facilities.

John had previously worked as a haulage contractor for 22 years, so has experience of life on the open road visiting customers and meeting new people. Having also spent 10 years as a pub landlord, he has excellent people skills, which will be of great value to him when dealing with customers every day.

John says: “Becoming a Mac Tools franchisee means I am able to work for myself with the support of an experienced franchise team behind me. That kind of support is very reassuring.”

Stephen (pictured) agrees that having the Mac Tools franchise team provide ongoing support was a big factor in choosing to join the business. “I’m looking forward to becoming a successful businessman, and I think a Mac Tools franchise will be a great way to achieve my goals,” he says.

Stephen’s former job as a truck driver and company secretary for five years allowed him to travel to America, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, as well as around the UK. With prior experience as a carpenter, Stephen has used a variety of tools before, but still found the Mac Tools training in Ohio helpful.