About Us
T&E Tools started in 1987 by unlikely circumstance.
John Ries, who owned Mid-American Tool, was introduced to Roger Kirkpatrick, owner of Challenger Tools in Sydney Australia at an award ceremony at SK Tools in Chicago by the credit manager of SK, Mike Kaufman.
Both were receiving awards for being one of the Top SK Dealers in the world. After the ceremony we all went to dinner. It was an amazing dinner as we started to realize we had the same attitude about tools as we both wanted to sell the highest-quality tools in the world and control our own destinies. Both Roger and John had the desire to have the finest service and pricing that could be offered. It was at this dinner that Roger said, "Why don't we start and build our own brand together?"
After all, we were 9,000 miles apart and we shouldn't run into issues with each other's customers. It was music to John's ears. This was the most meaningful business deal of our life. We sat until two A.M planning what was to become, in my view, the most elite line of tools ever made.
The next day we began traveling to the most elite U.S. manufacturers we could find to make our elite product. We travelled for days and started the foundation of what's been a 35-year partnership with hundreds of millions of dollars in T&E sold.
When we got back, we went to John's house for a homemade meal. The first thing his wife said was: "How could you have a tool guy 9,000 miles away that is excited about selling tools and loves tools as much as you do?"
For 35 years the foundation has lasted. The deal done with a simple handshake - unheard of in today's world. Roger has now gone on to a greater place, but we will honor and value his values in quality forever. Collin Kirkpatrick, his son has taken the brand to the next level and with the grace of God John's boys Justin and Zachary will do the same.
T&E Tools is the professional’s advantage.
Tool Truck Quality at half the Price, direct to your door. Our customers are loyal to our brand for a reason. Join the Cult. Buy some T&E today!