Bullet Tools - Post Falls

Dalen and Mary Gunn began their business just like many other entrepreneurs – in their garage.  After 25 years in the carpet business doing everything from installation to training, sales and distribution, Dalen invented a tool called the Skimmer,™ which makes floor installation easier. The tool was produced in the garage, with the help of family and friends, and sold throughout the U.S. and the world.   

The Idaho SBDC helped the fledgling company create its first business plan and obtain initial financing in 1998.  Bullet Tools incorporated in 2002 and the Gunns, along with co-owner Ben Toews, began focusing on the business full time, growing it into a full-line flooring tool manufacturer. 

After immediate success and several years of growth, the company began to struggle in 2006. “Bullet Tools was bleeding badly and a Band-Aid wouldn’t help,” said Ben Toews.  The products were still selling, the revenue was still growing and the 17 employees were still working. But sales were 50 percent below budget and the warehouse was totally full and needed to be expanded.

Initial business coaching sessions through the Post Falls Idaho SBDC revealed the vastly different backgrounds and perspectives among the owners.  Idaho SBDC Regional Director Bill Jhung suggested that the owners attend a 10-week workshop called Entrepreneurial Leadership Training I.

“The class offered more than information,” said Toews. “It offered interaction with others that shared the same challenges and concerns that we were experiencing.”  As a result, the owners of Bullet Tools streamlined their operations and reduced inventory. By the end of 2007, Bullet Tools had generated a 30 percent increase in revenue and gained 30 percent excess warehouse capacity, all with 25 percent less staff.

“Today, Bullet Tools is thriving,” Toews said, adding that leadership is more unified and the company’s debt has been almost completely eliminated. “Its direction is better defined and its future is once again bright.”