Unicorn Spotting in Central MO

eborcim · Jan 13, 2015

Finally got a chance to step on a Cornwell truck a while back. Found out recently a guy I raced stock cars with several years ago is a new Cornwell dealer. He still has an off-road Jeep, but sold all his other toys to make a start. He researched the mainline tool truck franchises and after 20+ years in various mechanical repair jobs decided to change directions and be his own boss. He is the only Cornwell dealer central MO. We visited a little bit and I browsed the truck. He had it nicely stocked for the size and owns it outright (paid cash for a decent used, ex-MATCO, 18' tool truck). Nice mix of hardline and rebranded Cornwell as well as the outsourced and other tool brands. He's in the area once a week and is enjoying the change of atmosphere so far. Targets ~20 shops a day. He started a warranty claim for me on a 18mm 12pt socket and he also replaced the switch on my Streamlight LED pocket light right there. I ended up buying a long mini pick set and a long handle 1/4 ratchet. Anyway a few pics and he laughed when I said I wanted to do a "Unicorn" post. Hats off to Billy I hope he is successful.

Order of pics:
His truck.
The boss in the office.
Some of the stock.
My purchases.

Bull · Jan 13, 2015

Very cool.

Get this unicorn driver to join GJ!

Ign · Jan 13, 2015

I see a Cornwell truck at least once a month, just driving around the area.

Arps · Jan 13, 2015

20 shops a day? Wow.

zkling · Jan 13, 2015

I've been seeing one at least once every other week. Not the same one either. :dunno:

I've been told that they offer financing to about anyone and thus they are popular with some people.

jlh92 · Jan 13, 2015

I just emailed Cornwell a few weeks ago about replacing an old 3/8" ratchet I have. They said there wasn't a dealer in my area and just to mail it in.

I assume he comes into Columbia? I wonder why Cornwell didn't mention him.

shockwave · Jan 13, 2015

Not too shabby always great to here of a good start up now Mac dealers are like unicorns around Atlanta I see more so,Matco and Cornwell

CNGsaves · Jan 13, 2015

Smart guy if he's found a niche market in central Missouri. That sounds tough to do. He must be a real go getter and serve customers well.

Like the setup of truck . . . very organized and neat, even the pliers on roof !!

Strouty · Jan 13, 2015

iajonesy · Jan 13, 2015

You know, I really like the look and feel of Cornwell tools but for some reason,that name just makes me cringe.I can't explain it,but it's very off-putting to me.

Mike

justinmc · Jan 13, 2015

There is a few running around the KC area but I almost always see them "in passing" on the highway. One of them stops at a body shop around from work but I never see him come into our shop oddly enough. I own quite a bit of Cornwell stuff I've picked up here and there. The hardline stuff seems to be good quality and I really haven't broken much. The broken stuff I've seen is usually abused or just plain worn out (old). Best of luck to him!

Askme42 · Jan 13, 2015

Where at in central mo? I was a ups driver there for almost 10 years delivering all over and never saw one. I know you said new hopefully it's the columbia area.

eborcim · Jan 13, 2015

He's based in Moberly and comes to Columbia on Tuesdays. I know he stops at shops in Moberly and Centralia. I'll see if I can get his general stops, but you can call his number in the truck pic. There are Corny guys in Shelbina and Macon too, but not as active. I know his manager has a dealer in STL which can service that area.

Askme42 · Jan 13, 2015

eborcim said:
He's based in Moberly and comes to Columbia on Tuesdays. I know he stops at shops in Moberly, Mexico, Centralia. I'll see if I can get his general stops, but you can call his number in the truck pic. There are Corny guys in Shelbina and Macon too, but not as active. I know his manager has a dealer in STL which can service that area somewhat.

I've moved and am in the southern Illinois / bootheel area. I wish him luck the snap on dealers are very engrained there hopefully he can carve out his niche.

Bigblue&Goldie · Jan 13, 2015

I'll beat the dead horse and say Cornwell needs to start doing more in-house manufacturing and update their ratchets, wrenches and chrome sockets to stay relevant. I just don't see new techs buying Cornwell when the other trucks are putting out more modern hardline tools. I've been happy with the limited Cornwell I have, but dollar for dollar I would go elsewhere.

ryanedoyle · Jan 13, 2015

I don't believe I have ever seen Cornwell truck in Texas. All I have ever ran into is some odd off-brand tool trucks and your run of the mill snap-on trucks.

franzdom · Jan 13, 2015

Bigblue&Goldie said:
I'll beat the dead horse and say Cornwell needs to start doing more in-house manufacturing and update their ratchets, wrenches and chrome sockets to stay relevant. I just don't see new techs buying Cornwell when the other trucks are putting out more modern hardline tools. I've been happy with the limited Cornwell I have, but dollar for dollar I would go elsewhere.

They have updated their ratchets, I haven't seen one in person but their new line of 72T ratchets looks really nice, possibly the best combination of smooth handle and fine tooth anyone could want.

Notgrownup · Jan 13, 2015

Strouty said:

Crop dusting....

Davefr · Jan 13, 2015

Bigblue&Goldie said:
I'll beat the dead horse and say Cornwell needs to start doing more in-house manufacturing and update their ratchets.

The recent Cornwell JR72 is the nicest ratchet I've ever used. I'd use it over a SO dual 80 in a heartbeat.

The problem is they're next to impossible to buy unless you spot the unicorn.

mrborohachi · Jan 13, 2015

Hell in Southern California the Unicorn that shits rainbows is a MAC Tools truck :lol:

Buckgnarly · Jan 13, 2015

They could join 1999 and offer interweb sales! :willy_nil

Bigblue&Goldie · Jan 13, 2015

Davefr said:
The recent Cornwell JR72 is the nicest ratchet I've ever used. I'd use it over a SO dual 80 in a heartbeat.

The problem is they're next to impossible to buy unless you spot the unicorn.

Buckgnarly said:
They could join 1999 and offer interweb sales!

This is where they are really lacking. I understand their market focus is the professional working in a shop environment, but they are really missing out. Snap On has always treated me well over the phone and internet, and their products are so good that I don't feel the need to chase down Cornwell.

MikeF2316 · Jan 13, 2015

mrborohachi said:
Hell in Southern California the Unicorn that shits rainbows is a MAC Tools truck

Around here, there's plenty of MAC trucks, probably as many as Snap-on. I work near the airport, I've bought stuff off a MAC guy that is only services aviation related shops, there's another that is for the automotive shops.

And to the OP, I wish your Cornwell guy the best of luck. It's always great when you have more choice!

Unicorn Spotting in Central MO

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