Somers Business Spotlight: For Those Who Know, Love Tools

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well. This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Here’s a link to simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on the Tool Pro Inc.

Business: The Tool Nut
Owners: The Tool Pro, Inc.
Website: ToolNut.com FestoolProducts.com
Address: Somers 247 Mahopac Ave. Yorktown Hts, NY 10598

How did you come up with the name?
I’ve always loved tools, gadgets, electronics and cars. My sister Susan suggested the name.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
Our 20 year old business started in Yorktown on Rt. 202 next to Nino’s Pizza in 1994 and moved to a larger location as our business continued to grow. 247 Mahopac Avenue on the corner of Rt. 6 in Somers is an excellent business location on a high traffic corner with a stop light. My wife and I had purchased our family home in Somers in 1981 and we educated our kids in the excellent Somers Schools system, so finding abusiness property in our home town was a good omen. Somers has always been a good luck charm for many families.

Briefly, what business are you in?
We sell tools, generators, equipment and gadgets for Woodworkers, Contractors, Hobbyists and Homeowners. Our Tool Nut People love to make our customers laugh! We specialize in excellent and personal customer service!

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
The recession and resulting drop off in business in 2007,2008 & 2009.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
I have never doubted or second guessed any decision. You can always adjust or correct any choice by thoughtfully reacting and making another decision. It’s important to remain calm and thoughtful when responding to changing circumstances and events.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Our success and response from the local community has afforded us many proud moments. In order of importance:
1. Our son asking me to join the family business.
2. Purchasing the commercial strip center property in Somers on Rt. 6 & Mahopac Ave.
3. Working with so many wonderful, long term loyal, dedicated and industrious Tool Nut People who truly care.
4. Surviving the great recession without laying off a single soul.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
My son Sean, with the help of many other valued people here, has developed 4 successful websites which have dramatically aided in our growth and expansion. The sites are:
FestoolProducts.com, ToolNut.com, PowerToolSuperCenter.com, MachinesMachines.com

How do you deal with difficult customers?
If you put yourself in the other man’s shoes, resolving a complaint can be converted into an opportunity to shine and to win a customer for life.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
We provide gainful employment for 15 terrific people and we have spent much money advertising in local media for 20 years.
We also make contributions of product and money to many local schools, educational institutions and scouting groups.