Cornwell Tools dealer Ben Aurich visits Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minn., once a week. It has turned out to be a lucrative stop with a general automotive shop, an auto body shop, a heavy duty shop and a shop specifically for diesel-related work, in one location. “All four of those shops have between 50 and 100 people in the class,” he says.
Because of the volume of potential customers at the school, Aurich has to use his time on campus wisely. “There are so many people there; I don’t try to glad-hand everyone. I just walk through and be sure to make eye contact and make sure they visibly see me there,” Aurich says. “From then on, I just pull up and pop my head in and everyone comes rolling out.”
He says for new techs beginning their careers, visiting a tool truck is “like a candy store” and it provides the students a brief break in the middle of the day. He also hopes to secure business with some of the instructors in the future.
“I imagine it will be a great stop for me. It’s already been a great stop,” Aurich says.
