Tool franchisees embark on new adventure

Three Mac Tools franchisees have hit the ground running with their specialist automotive tool businesses

What does a sales manager, field service technician and diesel fitter have in common? They have all got off to great starts in their exclusive Mac Tools franchise territories.

Mac Tools is part of Stanley Black & Decker, a £7 billion-plus global organisation that employs over 30,000 people worldwide, and owner of world famous brands such as DeWalt, Facom and Britool Expert. Over the last three years Mac Tools has achieved 25 per cent year on year growth in what is considered to be a flat market.

Career change
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Sales manager Mark Willgoose recently became a father and decided it was time for a change in career. He completed Mac Tools’ comprehensive training programme alongside diesel fitter Andy Flynn and field service technician Chris Wood. He then received hands-on support from his regional franchise manager for his first two weeks out on the road, as well as regular support from a dedicated team of staff at Mac Tools’ European headquarters in Sheffield.

“The Mac Tools package is a great opportunity to earn a good living,” says Mark, Mac Tools’ Chesterfield franchisee. “The training was very good and the ongoing support is brilliant - no one is ever more than a phone call away. I felt very welcome and you don’t realise how much you have learned until you put it into practice. My favourite moment so far was my first day out by myself, making sure that everything I had learned comes into practice.”

Mac Tools franchisees are the trusted specialists for the professional technician at car dealerships, automotive repair shops, manufacturing units and engineering companies. The company’s range consists of over 18,000 professional tools, including screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches and assorted air tools, as well as its own toolboxes. This particularly appealed to Chris, who now runs Mac Tools’ Stroud franchise.

“I have always wanted my own business, so I can be responsible for my own destiny and success,” he explains. “As a mechanic, I always used the Mac Tools brand, so I believe in the product I’m selling 100 per cent.”

Immediate appeal
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Andy was in the army for 22 years. His career took him around the world and he is now looking forward to a new adventure as head of Mac Tools Darlington.

“I had just finished a 22-year career and was looking for a challenging career for another 22 years,” he says. “I went to The National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham last October and came across the Mac Tools franchise. I had worked with their tools in workshops before, but wasn’t aware of their franchise opportunity.The business immediately appealed to me. It fitted my profile and I knew the products were great. It was like starting a new era when I picked up my van last week. I am out on the road at the start of something new and exciting.”

Existing Mac Tools franchisees are typically earning gross profits ranging from £50,000 to £75,000 from one territory and there are various territories available across the country. Territories typically include around 180 automotive locations, making them bigger than those of similar franchise opportunities.

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE
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Sometimes it’s not a road, but a footpath that leads Mac Tools to achieve its goals. Inspired to raise money for automotive charity BEN, a team from the company took on the Three Peaks Challenge on July 18-19.

The 14-strong group, headed by Mac Tools franchise recruitment manager Chris Magson, conquered the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in just over 24 hours. Together the team of franchisees and headquarters staff raised over £5,000 for people working within the automotive industry and their dependants who are in need of care and assistance.

“With 30 degree temperature most of the day, this was even more of a challenge than we initially expected,” Chris says. “There was great camaraderie on our minibus though and it was a true team bonding experience. Giving back is important to all of us at Mac Tools, so we are proud to have exceeded the £5,000 target we set ourselves this year. Some of us are already signed up to beat our time this year and complete the challenge in less than 24 hours next year.”