THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS What’s it all for, if not personal satisfaction? See the full range of tools and equipment at
www.hodgsontoolhire.co.uk
With two busy depots, has your reach extended at all?
“We try not to go too far,” says Mike. “You might send a van down yonder, but then you run the risk of losing your local customers. We have six vans now – four of which are for deliveries and two for customer support. With the increase in fuel prices, we probably only work within a 30-mile radius now.”
I was struck by your social media activities, which is something that your son Callum looks after. Is he having an effect?
Seen here on a much nicer day, just some of the Hodgson fleet.
“Callum has made a big difference. For instance, my wife Andrea bought the wrong teabags the other day – Tetley instead of Yorkshire Tea! Callum put something on social media for a bit of fun, and the next day one of our customers rocked up with a massive bag full, saying ‘there you go, lads.’”. When it comes to social media, I’m a bit old school – I’d much rather put an ad in the local paper. However, we have a lot more
up to date with a bit more colour. This will be used on all our clothing and literature, and we have just rebranded the Ainsdale depot.
“Callum is young and full of ideas, just like I was at his age, and I’d be very pleased if he ends up running this place one day.”
And what about yourself – is all of this still bringing you joy?
“I still love the thrill of the chase – I’m still checking the delivery schedules the night before, and I’m always the first in and last out every day.
the difference when the cheaper kit has been out to work for a bit
‘‘
My buzz is getting the equipment prepared and ready to go out.”
’’
25 years and two depots in, with family succession hopefully on the cards, what will the next five or ten years look like?
“Callum wants to develop the powered access business and he is going to be looking for more depots. As for me, we've been looking at other locations and developing a few more supplier partnerships. However, I'm quite happy here - I think I've taken this place as far as I want - for now." n
followers on our social channels now.”
I notice that you seem to stick to the well- known brands for your equipment. How important is that?
“I think the major brands are very important. I might have bought cheaper equipment when I first started, and everything looks great when it’s brand new. However, you soon notice the difference when the cheaper kit has been out to work for a bit. Also, the big brands are far better for spares and servicing.”
Speaking of brands, you’re apparently in the midst of changing yours, aren’t you?
“Again, that’s something Callum is doing. Our logo is like a stylised signature – it’s still basically the same, but he wanted to bring it
…you soon notice
Hodgson Tool Hire - Profile
Mike Hodgson maintains a tidy hire counter.
January/February 2023 - Executive Hire News 79
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86
