Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Twitchell.
Tim, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For the past 36 years, I have worked within the Maintenance Supply Industry, initially as a direct sales rep for a large company and then as a sales rep for an Independent Rep Agency. In September, 2008 I started my own Independent Rep Company, TNT Unlimited, Inc.
I would like to say there were issues with my past employers, but that was not the case. As a person gets older and perhaps wiser, you begin to learn who you are as a person. I’ve learned that when I am busy and have a lot going on, I am much more efficient and productive. This is a result of my inability to stay focused, or to put it mildly, my undiagnosed ADD. When I grew up in Chicago and attended a Catholic school on the northwest side of the city, my parents loved to tell the story of my 6th grade teacher. The Nun mentioned to my parents, “this boy is going to give you a lot of gray hair until he latches on to something that requires his entire focus.” Her assumption could not have been more accurate. Throughout my life, I had many opportunities that I enjoyed and that inspired me at the same time and I was able to focus all of my attention on them. School, sports, friendships-all at one time or another, became my focus.
I started my own company because I needed a new challenge and knew I could be successful in a new endeavor. My previous employer was not ready to retire and even though we had numerous conversations about selling the company, I realized my position was not going to change. I was at a dead end. So I left and started my own company and am having lots of fun with it. No longer am I bored!
In 2008, my rep company started covering the states of Wisconsin and Illinois for approximately 6 different and unique manufacturers. There are a number of manufacturers who do not want a direct sales force and the responsibilities and costs associated with the employees. In order to grow their business, they need salespeople calling on potential customers to present their products. The manufacturers hire independent reps to represent their products on a straight commission basis. The manufacturer only pays a commission on items that are sold in the contracted territory. This is the most economical way to bring your products to the market place. These costs are fixed because the reps pay all of their own travel expenses, auto insurance/repairs, medical insurance, office expenses and entertainment. It is not an industry for the faint of heart, since your only income comes from paid commissions.
In 2010, I added a sales rep for the state of Wisconsin and an inside office administrator in 2012. Although we were representing 11 different product lines in a two-state territory, we were still evolving. Expanding our geographic coverage for our manufacturers was a top priority, so in 2014 I hired a sales rep for Minnesota, and North/South Dakotas. Because of this expansion, we obtained contracts with larger manufacturers and expanded our sales force in Illinois to 4 sales reps, 1 rep in Wisconsin and 1 in Minnesota. Additionally, we added 2 office personnel to handle inside sales and office administration. TNT Unlimited has grown tremendously over the past 10 years which has led to other manufacturers interest in us representing their product lines in our five state territory.
Has it been a smooth road?
Our struggles have been manageable. Finding the right salespeople has been challenging as most people want a base salary, expenses and benefits. But, they also don’t understand that most corporations limit salespeople’s earnings. They are not interested in unlimited income potential – they want security and not a lot of risk.
Additionally, we have struggled with our northern territory of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Since the major drawback to this territory was its underdevelopment, we had to overcome our obstacles and currently the business is strong and expanding.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
TNT Unlimited, Inc. is an independent sales agency specializing in facility supplies, safety products and MRO related items. We sell products from our manufacturers to local distributors and help them market the products to the end user. Schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, municipalities, contract cleaners, etc. are just some of the busnesses using our products.
TNT Unlimited is best known for their exceptional service and knowledge – we are experts in the field for all of our manufacturers. Professional sales presentations to our distribution partners and the end user, timely follow up and an aggressive marketing program to both manufacturers and distributors are just a few of the areas we excel in. I’m proud of our professionalism and flexibility as a company and our ability to adapt to all levels of the marketplace.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I have been blessed to be able to traveled into some of the largest cities in the United States and I strongly believe Chicago has the most to offer. Chicago should be the choice for every large corporation for several reasons:
1) Centrally located with an international airport offering direct flights to all major cities.
2) Cleanliness – Chicago is the cleanest big city in the United States.
3) Midwest values – Chicago is commonly referred to as the city that works – referring to their political purposes and work ethics.
4) Friendliest city in the Midwest.
5) Originated by Danial Burnham in the late 1800’s, the lakeshore has been maintained and developed into one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It attracts both young and old. Who doesn’t like our downtown & the lake?
I have been born and raised in the City of Chicago and as I’ve traveled I continually brag about our city to anyone who will listen. I’m a big Fan of people coming to our city! It is one of the best places to visit in the country……
Contact Info:
- Address: TNT Unlimited, Inc.
101 Lions Dr. Ste 121
Barrington, IL 60010 - Website: www.tntreps.com
- Email: sales@tntreps.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
