Mac Tools

In tune with this motor trade franchise

When Ray Earley left school, he joined the Army as an Engineer where he developed his initial skills and interest in the motor trade. Upon leaving the Army, Ray then took up a franchise with Hometune Motoring Services, which was a family-run firm in the South of England. After 14 years of running a successful franchise, Ray decided it was time for a change and started lecturing in motor vehicle maintenance at the local college.

Seven years later, Ray chose to become self-employed again and discovered the franchise opportunity being offered by Mac Tools. After researching the role and comparing it with competitor options, Ray decided to join the Mac Tools franchise network to run the Slough territory.

"Having previously worked in a franchise for 14 years, I was aware of the advantages that come from being part of a strong network," says Ray. "Knowing that I wanted to return to the motor trade in a self-employed capacity meant that going back to franchising was a great option for me because it allowed me to have the freedom I wanted while reducing the risks often associated with starting a business from scratch. I first heard about Mac Tools from one of their distributors so I did some more research and determined that they had a very reputable franchise opportunity available. In comparison to some of their competitors, Mac Tools was a much better deal based on the initial set up costs involved."

Mac Tools is part of Stanley Black & Decker, an $11+ billion global organisation employing over 30,000 people and owner of the famous Stanley Black & Decker, Facom, Britool Expert and DeWalt brands. With over 100 franchise owners in the UK, Mac Tools operate in a potential UK market of over £150 million.

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

"It took me about three months to decide upon buying my Mac Tools franchise and my territory was launched in June 2007 using my savings as finance," continues Ray. "My launch followed a series of training, with ten days spent in Ohio, USA at the Mac 'Tool School' followed by two weeks of on-the-job training with a Regional Franchise Manager who was a great help at getting me started and familiar with my route.

"When I started with Mac Tools they didn't have the current franchise model so I was initially a distributor. When the franchise model was introduced, it allowed even more freedom and flexibility, meaning that my self-employment dream was more comfortable.

"I would recommend to anyone who is considering joining the Mac Tools franchise network now that they spend time with a range of existing franchise owners, such as a top dealer, a middle dealer, and someone who is not meeting their targets as easily. This will allow you to gauge the possibilities. Make sure you research the franchise in-depth, including a look at the British Franchise Association website."

As part of their national promotion, Mac Tools are involved with a range of sport sponsorship deals such as the 2012 MSS Colchester Kawasaki British Superbike Team and the 2012 Dynojet Racing Team in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Although experience working with tools is not required to become a Mac Tools franchise owner, the existing franchise owner often find that having a natural interest in motorsports can help them build relationships with customers. For Ray, this has definitely proved beneficial for him.

"I tend to follow the oval circuit racing series and read Evolution magazine so my interest in the motoring field is ongoing outside of work. Mac Tools' sponsorship programme demonstrates our dedication to highly-skilled mechanics.

"My plans for the future are to keep building my territory without being financially dependent on it."

Originally based in the state of Ohio, Mac Tools was founded in 1938 as the Mechanics Tool and Forge Company by seven men with the shared vision to manufacture the finest tools in the world. After steady growth and numerous successful partnerships, Mac Tools launched in the UK during 1990, where it quickly became the number one choice for professionals all over the country. Now with over 100 and a dedicated head office team, Mac Tools is still recognised as one of the top brands in the country known for having new and innovative products, a brand that you can trust at a price that you can afford.

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