Tekton is looking for a Tool Expert based in West Michigan

[Dave.R]

This is an on-site position in Grand Rapids, MI. We're looking for someone with extensive hand-tool experience to join our Tool Applications and Content team.

You can learn more about this at the link below.

Hand Tool Technical Marketing Specialist | TEKTON Careers

Do you deeply know hand tools and have the ability to describe them and their uses? In this role, your work is to know our tools, their applications and user communities, and the competitors’ lineups so you can help us improve our product lineup and make effective marketing content. You should...

www.tekton.com

 

[M.Jay]

We're looking for someone with extensive hand-tool experience

Why don't you just send @four.cycle a PM?

 

[four.cycle]

There is no way I would move to Michigan, and I doubt they could afford me.
I'm not workin' for less than 5% of net sales.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Nuts, if it was in a warm climate......

 

[four.cycle]

besides, I retired in '97.

 

[KnurledNut]

The fact they posted this job opportunity here speaks volumes about the collective knowledge base of our members.

 

[Fedwrench]

The fact they posted this job opportunity here speaks volumes about the collective knowledge base of our members.

and that there are spies everywhere

 

[KnurledNut]

and that there are spies everywhere

Fed, you'd be on my top 10 for this job!

 

[M.Jay]

The fact they posted this job opportunity here speaks volumes about the collective knowledge base of our members.

True, there are so many knowledgeable people and there is always at least one who has an answer.
For that reason I mentioned four.cycle, because he is one of the guys around here that is literally in every thread and always has something interesting to say.

 

[engineer2]

If I had this opportunity 10-20 years ago, I'd be interested, but I'm retired.

 

[WhataTool]

The fact they posted this job opportunity here speaks volumes about the collective knowledge base of our members.

They also posted this on Facebook... and have you read the comments on that platform before?

 

[zendriver]

This could be a deal-killer here.

"You are a team player who knows when to ask for help or change your mind"

 

[KnurledNut]

They also posted this on Facebook... and have you read the comments on that platform before?

Nope. I don't use Farcebook.

 

[four.cycle]

True, there are so many knowledgeable people and there is always at least one who has an answer.
For that reason I mentioned four.cycle, because he is one of the guys around here that is literally in every thread and always has something interesting to say.

I'm "in every thread" only for the purpose of picking up names of manufacturers I have not yet heard of that are not yet entered into the list. I've been retired since 1997. They couldn't afford me: minimum 5% of net sales + travel expenses. And I'm not moving to Michigan.

 

[AEAdam]

We’re thinking about this wrong. At the end of the day, despite what the req says, this is a tool marketing position, not a tool engineering or design job. At Tekton, my guess is, the suppliers do the engineering. Also guessing, the suppliers themselves are not tool experts. I think that’s pretty common actually.

So I think Snap on Val is the right person (or someone like that). Tekton should find a media influencer. I‘ve seen this before in other industries and it works. And back then, they didn’t have or need any *** appeal. Today, that might be a job requirement.

Last guess, competition among Chinese and Taiwanese tools is fierce. There are plenty of companies who have discovered the secret lands of semi industrialized underpaid laborers, and there wil be many more in the future. As we have all seen clearly by now, quality of the finished product is better now than ever before, and in some cases rivals top tier western brands. Discriminating between these otherwise similar offerings will come down to marketing. I wonder if Tekton even appreciates how important this role will be for their business. The greatest businesses I know of are all run by enthusiasts. Tekton needs enthusiasts with the power and drive to develop their brand. Right now, if I were shopping for Chiwan tools, what would drive me to choose Tekton over Harbor Freight or Astro, or just go to Amazon? (Please don’t answer this question unless you are on the Tekton payroll. This needs to come from the person who accepts this position at Tekton)

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think Snap on Val is the right person (or someone like that). [...] And back then, they didn’t have or need any *** appeal. Today, that might be a job requirement.

You're joking, right?

Finding an onlyfans **** in order to do what? The job description clearly states: "You have exceptional values including honesty, integrity, and empathy"

 

[Callelle]

You're joking, right?

Finding an onlyfans **** in order to do what? The job description clearly states: "You have exceptional values including honesty, integrity, and empathy"

Yeah, as if I'd need another reason to not care much for Tekton.

 

[rust in the eye]

So, they want an at least moderately experienced mechanic, familiar with competitor's lines, tech savvy, ability to manage a project, a communicator, know graphic and web design, writing and photography skills.
That unicorn will be enriched to the tune of $60-$85k.
Good luck
More likely (at that rate) to settle for some youngster who's hands on experience is with mostly thumbs only but knows his(her)way around the pernicious social media then teach them about the business end of a screwdriver.

 

[dnschmidt]

Fed, you'd be on my top 10 for this job!

Come on Nut. You think my neighbor in Phoenix is going to move to Michigan to shovel snow? I respect you like a brother pal but if you think that's going to happen when it's going to be 78F here today then you really are a nut.

 

[milkovich]

• You are highly precise with details and determined to deeply research any given topic to become an expert
• You are exceptional at thinking in models and patterns

You're making my ADHD tingle but 4 hours is too long to commute

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'd do this job remote for $75,000.

 

[aka Larry]

There is no way I would move to Michigan...

I wouldn't move to Michigan if they paid enough for me to retire tomorrow.

 

[four.cycle]

Right now, if I were shopping for Chiwan tools, what would drive me to choose Tekton over Harbor Freight or Astro, or just go to Amazon? (Please don’t answer this question unless you are on the Tekton payroll. This needs to come from the person who accepts this position at Tekton)

I'm going to take the liberty of answering your question, because I know somebody from Tekton is reading this:

Warranty and delivery service, both of which are outstanding. The sockets I ordered Wednesday should be waiting for me at the post office today - not too bad considering it's two weeks before Christmas.
From comments posted by other GJ members here, "warranty" couldn't possibly be easier than with Tekton.

That said, they need to keep the momentum going on "new products", even if it's only repackaging existing stock as a "Small Engine Kit".
But in that respect they're still playing "catch-up" with ICON, Wiha, and others - they have fallen behind the curve on the whole "bit"
thing, which has just exploded. Check new offerings from China (PRC) made "Power Torque" (Ozark Automotive Distributors, Springfield, MO) or "Titan" (Star Asia LLC, Kent, Washington) for examples of just a few of a multitude of new widgets being introduced into the tool world.

Another player they need to keep an eye on is DuraTech (Zhejiang Yiyang Tool Mfg. Co. Ltd., Zheijiang, China) - Mr. Tang will be more than happy to eat Tekton's lunch, and not even bother to say "Thank you." Incredibly nice-looking product - fabulously packaged. Marketed with "lifetime warranty", but I have no personal experience either using the tools or dealing with warranty issues. Cosmetically the product is at least on par with most of Tekton's line-up. (DuraTech's most recent knock-off of the Facom "440" line.)
Joe Average Consumer is not a metallurgist, he just needs to turn some nuts and bolts. Shiny objects win the day, irrespective of "COO".

 

[driftpin]

if you think that's going to happen when it's going to be 78F here today

That's at-least 12 degrees F below my pool/spa temperature at the moment. How do you deal with your 'wind-chill factor?'

I used to live in SW MI, and within commuting distance of Grand Rapids, a bit to the S.E. It sounds like a job for someone who's internet-savvy, and who has a thick skin. Tools knowledge too, of course. I have a good weed-out question:

How do you spell the name of this tool?

​

I believe the name should be "vise," but perhaps I'm being pedantic to say that "vice" isn't the proper term. Yes I know that many people use the latter spelling instead of the former. In a manner of personal conciliation, I now accept either one.

My weed-out question? "Fuhgeddabowdit!"

Even though Merriam-Webster says this:

For our part, we'll stick by this recommendation for readers on the American side of the pond: use vise for the tool and vice for the bad habit.

'Vise' and 'Vice': (Mostly) Not the Same Thing

One you keep in your toolbox, and one you keep secret.

www.merriam-webster.com

Oh thy damned pedantry, thou hast-not slipped its surly bonds.

 

[logical]

I wouldn't move to Michigan if they paid enough for me to retire tomorrow.

 

[drmarkr]

Michigan......MICHIGAN??? **** that....

(Tucson forecast)

 

[M.Jay]

Joe Average Consumer is not a metallurgist, he just needs to turn some nuts and bolts. Shiny objects win the day, irrespective of "COO".

This pretty much sums it up. Enthusiasts like us are a tiny fraction of the market and most "normal" people just don't care about all the stuff we discuss here. Consequently, the two main pillars of the tool business nowadays are price and marketing.

 

[AEAdam]

When I was young, Sears had just about every tool a homeowner needed. From lawn equipment and woodworking equipment to tools to fix your car. The Craftsman section in the lower levels of Sears stores everywhere had a range of tools in terms of quality, sockets & wrenches available as singles, and Lisle's specialty automotive tools, and of course tool boxes, jacks, stands, creepers and stools. It was a "golden era" for tools.

The demise of Sears has produced a hole in the market Harbor Freight is trying to fill. One thing Sears had that HF will never have is a floor where many many women might like to shop. Put that aside. Comparing that dungeon level of Sears to HF is a pretty close comparison. I feel like HF now owns that Sears market.

The "mail order" tool suppliers have always been around. I had friends with weird SK branded tools or weirder USAG made in Italy or Hazet stuff. That too is the same only with more supply, more brands.

I think it's likely the non metallurgist Joe Average believes all Asian tools come from a single factory in China (despite a Taiwan marking). We have a lot of evidence of that belief here on GJ. For him and literally millions like him, he's shopping for lowest price, knowing the brand names mean nothing. I further believe many Joe Averages believe tool warrantees represent a smart buy, even though the overwhelming majority of Joe Averages will never warranty a tool.

So the challenge for the person who accepts this role is, how does he or she distinguish Tekton as something different from the other myriad Asian tool importers? As an outsider looking in, it looked like they were actively reaching out to US suppliers, maybe growing domestic tool manufacturing, then course corrected on screwdrivers. This makes Tekton look just like all the other importer distributors to me. So what makes Tekton special?

One possible answer could be something like: Tekton is special because Kim Kardashian has taken up auto repair to relieve stress and uses Tekton tools. Or Jay Leno or Jeremy Clarkson say they are perfectly good enough. We have tons of evidence this works in the US economy. Agree, discussing metallurgy is a losing battle. I'd also say if you are not in the top 3 rankings in a YouTube strength test, you are irrelevant (which is not true).

If I were Tekton, I'd focus on media influencers more than mr fixit guys like me who love tools.

 

[dr_clyde]

I live in West Michigan, about 20-30 mins from GR. If I was unemployed and wanted an office job, I’d consider it. It’s probably the only office job I’d be interested in doing, aside from some sort of design or engineering type job. I almost went into film instead of manufacturing, so my Venn diagram overlaps more than most peoples would.

The person they’re looking for will be a tough putt because the “tool experts” generally get to be experts by USING tools. Those types of careers are generally not intertwined with the office skills they’re seeking. Best case, they get a good office guy who doesn’t seem like a complete goober to actual tradespeople when taking about tools. Worst case, they get someone who doesn’t know how to actually communicate with their customers and it ends up coming across as disingenuous or just plain stupid. Real recognizes real. It’s painfully obvious when someone who doesn’t know anything about tools starts talking about them. Kinda like when you see machines or car mechanic scenes in movies. They look cool to the average person but anyone who knows anything about them just laughs. It’s like a Shibboleth for gearheads.

Graphic designers don’t make a lot unless they’re really good and have their own gig. My buddy has a degree in GD and makes more money as a pest control tech than he could have hoped to make as a GD, so the pay range is decent for a GD. The guys who actually USE the tools will probably have to take a pay cut if they’re only offering 60k to start.

I dunno. This feels like they just want a mechanic who got hurt on the job or something and decided to get a degree in photography or graphic design instead of going back to the shop.

 

[Yarpo]

I dunno. This feels like they just want a mechanic who got hurt on the job or something and decided to get a degree in photography or graphic design instead of going back to the shop.

Is there something wrong with that or? Maybe I'm misreading it but you make it sound distasteful. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants a career change, as being in the field/trades are rather hard on the body.

Its honestly sounds like a perfect position for many tool nerds, myself included, more so because I love research, data, models, patterns, and the nerdy side of analytics. Pair that with tools, something I'm rather nerdy about and bam, sign me up!
I went to school for graphic design, but realized the pay wasn't great and I detest yellow iridescent lights humming above me all day.
Then I went to work on equipment and vehicles for 11 years. EVT (Firetrucks) into Automotive (BMW and Mercedes)
I'd researched tools extensively when I entered into the field because I couldn't afford snap On and Taiwanese tools had really started coming along 10 years ago. I built up a huge collection and made money with those tools for a decade, but already I'm realizing I don't want to be in the shop anymore. My back hurts after leaning over an engine bay for so many hours a week, and I'm only 33...

This is a cool position and I think as you stated, a graphic designer, mechanic, photography student/ex mechanic or any of the above sound perfect. Too bad its not remote, I'd definitely apply.

 

[kngelv]

Not sure where all the Michigan shots are coming from. North Carolina and Arizona are nothing to write home about.

James

 

[dr_clyde]

Is there something wrong with that or? Maybe I'm misreading it but you make it sound distasteful. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants a career change, as being in the field/trades are rather hard on the body.

Its honestly sounds like a perfect position for many tool nerds, myself included, more so because I love research, data, models, patterns, and the nerdy side of analytics. Pair that with tools, something I'm rather nerdy about and bam, sign me up!
I went to school for graphic design, but realized the pay wasn't great and I detest yellow iridescent lights humming above me all day.
Then I went to work on equipment and vehicles for 11 years. EVT (Firetrucks) into Automotive (BMW and Mercedes)
I'd researched tools extensively when I entered into the field because I couldn't afford snap On and Taiwanese tools had really started coming along 10 years ago. I built up a huge collection and made money with those tools for a decade, but already I'm realizing I don't want to be in the shop anymore. My back hurts after leaning over an engine bay for so many hours a week, and I'm only 33...

This is a cool position and I think as you stated, a graphic designer, mechanic, photography student/ex mechanic or any of the above sound perfect. Too bad its not remote, I'd definitely apply.

No, nothing wrong with that.

Just going to be hard to find, especially if they limit the position to local guys only.

My point was mostly that the people who know a lot about tools tend to not be the same guys who would be good at this job.

This forum tends to distill people like us who are very into tools but also are somewhat into other tech stuff. The "tool nerds" so to speak. Most people aren't like that. The tools are a means to an end, and the WORK is what they're passionate about. They just happen to know a lot about tools as a byproduct of being an excellent mechanic or whatever.

Case in point, when I was in welding school, I had to take some CAD classes. Most of the welders in these classes not only were unfamiliar with CAD, they were unfamiliar with computers all together. Quite a few of these guys were outright HOSTILE to computers and anything having to do with them.

 

[rust in the eye]

When I was young, Sears had just about every tool a homeowner needed. From lawn equipment and woodworking equipment to tools to fix your car. The Craftsman section in the lower levels of Sears stores everywhere had a range of tools in terms of quality, sockets & wrenches available as singles, and Lisle's specialty automotive tools, and of course tool boxes, jacks, stands, creepers and stools. It was a "golden era" for tools.

The demise of Sears has produced a hole in the market Harbor Freight is trying to fill. One thing Sears had that HF will never have is a floor where many many women might like to shop. Put that aside. Comparing that dungeon level of Sears to HF is a pretty close comparison. I feel like HF now owns that Sears market.

The "mail order" tool suppliers have always been around. I had friends with weird SK branded tools or weirder USAG made in Italy or Hazet stuff. That too is the same only with more supply, more brands.

I think it's likely the non metallurgist Joe Average believes all Asian tools come from a single factory in China (despite a Taiwan marking). We have a lot of evidence of that belief here on GJ. For him and literally millions like him, he's shopping for lowest price, knowing the brand names mean nothing. I further believe many Joe Averages believe tool warrantees represent a smart buy, even though the overwhelming majority of Joe Averages will never warranty a tool.

So the challenge for the person who accepts this role is, how does he or she distinguish Tekton as something different from the other myriad Asian tool importers? As an outsider looking in, it looked like they were actively reaching out to US suppliers, maybe growing domestic tool manufacturing, then course corrected on screwdrivers. This makes Tekton look just like all the other importer distributors to me. So what makes Tekton special?

One possible answer could be something like: Tekton is special because Kim Kardashian has taken up auto repair to relieve stress and uses Tekton tools. Or Jay Leno or Jeremy Clarkson say they are perfectly good enough. We have tons of evidence this works in the US economy. Agree, discussing metallurgy is a losing battle. I'd also say if you are not in the top 3 rankings in a YouTube strength test, you are irrelevant (which is not true).

If I were Tekton, I'd focus on media influencers more than mr fixit guys like me who love tools.

Well said and the job description clearly indicates wanting to go that direction.
I see nothing remarkable about Tekton (aside recent offerings of silly gimmick sets) and have only a few of their tools, some torx drivers which I seldom use so cannot comment on aside having comfortable handles.
I did recently place an order for their closeout (Ernst??) wrench trays and a single hex driver for a specific fastener on my race car. I had the order in hand a couple days later. I like their wrench roll ups too.

 

[rust in the eye]

From what I've gleaned here about our administrator, Ryan he seems the sort of fellow Tekton is after.
However something tells me he ain't leaving Hawaii for Michigan and $60k.

 

[aka Larry]

Not sure where all the Michigan shots are coming from. North Carolina and Arizona are nothing to write home about.

To be clear I'm not singling out Michigan. Any where it's cold as f*ck and a snow blower is needed is on my "never going to live there" list.

As for your North Carolina comment, all I can say is I've never heard anyone say "When I retire I want to move to Michigan".

 

[mm08822]

That's at-least 12 degrees F below my pool/spa temperature at the moment. How do you deal with your 'wind-chill factor?'

I used to live in SW MI, and within commuting distance of Grand Rapids, a bit to the S.E. It sounds like a job for someone who's internet-savvy, and who has a thick skin. Tools knowledge too, of course. I have a good weed-out question:

How do you spell the name of this tool?

​

I believe the name should be "vise," but perhaps I'm being pedantic to say that "vice" isn't the proper term. Yes I know that many people use the latter spelling instead of the former. In a manner of personal conciliation, I now accept either one.

My weed-out question? "Fuhgeddabowdit!"

Even though Merriam-Webster says this:

For our part, we'll stick by this recommendation for readers on the American side of the pond: use vise for the tool and vice for the bad habit.

'Vise' and 'Vice': (Mostly) Not the Same Thing

One you keep in your toolbox, and one you keep secret.

www.merriam-webster.com

Oh thy damned pedantry, thou hast-not slipped its surly bonds.

What was once just an old vise is now one of many as part of my newest vice.

Or

When I was young I bought a vise at a time when I had no vices.
Now I have many vices but still only one vise.

 

[dr_clyde]

To be clear I'm not singling out Michigan. Any where it's cold as f*ck and a snow blower is needed is on my "never going to live there" list.

As for your North Carolina comment, all I can say is I've never heard anyone say "When I retire I want to move to Michigan".

And yet, we have a massive amount of retirees.

Despite the snow and winter weather, our lakeshores and generally nice spring/summer/fall weather attracts an incredible amount of people from other states.

The oldest people usually just have a condo in Florida they run to for Dec-Feb.

As far as I'm concerned, the winter is all that's keeping our real estate from approaching SoCal prices.

 

[LS1-IROC]

Wow, so much hate for Michigan....lol It's okay, we don't want you thin skinned guys here anyways.
Sounds like a cool opportunity for the right guy. If the pay was better I'd apply for sure.

 

[liliysdad]

Maybe they will hire someone from Michigan, make a big press release and media push bragging about creating US jobs, then quietly fire them and hire someone from Germany or Taiwan.

Nahh, that’s crazy.

 

[four.cycle]

How do you spell the name of this tool?

Depends upon which side of the Atlantic you're on.
In Britain, it's a "vice".