The fire that swept through Charlie's Automotive Transmission and 4WD Repair in Phlox in November did more than destroy a business. It had the potential to derail the careers of seven mechanics, many at the height of their careers.
But, due to an industry-wide effort, it didn't.
Through the efforts of J.J. Fay of Northwoods Tools, a Snap-On distributor, along with Fort Atkinson-based Professional Tool & Equipment News Magazine, Jay Goninen of Find a Wrench LLC, and VehicleServicePros.com, the mechanics who saw thousands of dollars of personal tools go up in flames received a new stake in the industry.
“Shop owners have insurance, but mechanics are responsible for their own tools,” Fay explained. “But most mechanics don't have insurance. We knew we had to do something.”
Goninen penned a blog on the project that was shared on social media.
“When I was meeting with the technicians in Antigo my first reaction was that I couldn't believe how positive this group was after losing so much,” Goninen wrote. “They genuinely cared about one another and it showed. It was a mix of highly experienced veteran technicians and younger technicians just getting a feel for the business...it felt like a true brotherhood.”
The fire's devastation was complete, but the embers had hardly subsided before the various companies banded together and got to work. They reached out, through personal contacts and various social media platforms, to specialized tool manufacturers across the nation, stressing the need to help those mechanics get back on their feet for the holidays and afterward.
“We called it our Holiday Tool Drive,” David Brierley, managing editor of Professional Tool & Equipment News Magazine, said. “We decided we wanted to do anything we could to help out.”
Brierley said his magazine reached out to its advertisers, who in turn responded in an overwhelming fashion.
It reflected, Fay and Brierley agreed, a pent up desire to help those facing an unusual misfortune.
“We got an amazing amount of support for those seven guys,” Fay said. “They all lost their jobs and their ability to make money. They each had realistically, $15,000 to $40,000 invested in their tools, purchased over a period of years.”
And it was all highly specialized equipment, tailored to the unique needs of the automotive industry. In other words, not the sort of stuff that can be picked up at a big-box retailer for a few bucks.
“The younger guys were just building up their supplies, so when they lost their equipment they were out of luck,” Brierley said. “It was really cool to see the industry come together like it did.”
Within weeks, 28 companies got the message and opened their bins.
At a December distribution, Fay estimated there were 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of tools ready for distribution, ensuring a future for the techs.
“We wanted to make sure that the guys we take care of, were taken care of,” Fay said.
“It was our pleasure to help out,” Brierley said. “When we saw the story about the fire we knew we had to get involved and we're so happy to have been able to help them get back on their feet.”
Mechanic Jermey Grassman, who was managing the shop for Charlie Schieve at the time of the fire, said the donations were unexpected and deeply appreciated. The group has spread among various shops, he said, but most remain in the industry.
“Those donations filled up most of those toolboxes,” Grassman said. “It was way more than we ever could have expected and we are humbled and thankful for the response.”
Article originally published on Antigo Daily News
