About Us
In the entrepreneurship landscape, there are those who bring a rich tapestry of experiences to their journey. John Krumrey, the visionary behind Beaver Industrial Supply, Inc., embarked on his entrepreneurial path with a remarkable blend of vocations — including Union Steelworker, Dock Worker, Union Carpenter, Trucking Sales Manager, and even a stint as a part-time Real Estate agent. This eclectic career portfolio established Beaver Industrial Supply's eventual success.
The Beginning of Beaver Industrial Supply
By the age of thirty, John had experienced multiple layoffs and downsizings, fueling his desire for financial independence. With no concrete business plan, he embarked on a quest to explore available opportunities. With a modest budget, the options were limited, and it was a small enterprise named “Beaver Tools” that captured his attention. The name itself hinted at its purpose: tools—a perfect fit for someone who relished building and working with their hands.
In the fall of 1995, John made a pivotal move by acquiring Beaver Tools, which included the name, equipment, a patented laminate fabrication tool, and goodwill. Armed with a single employee making cold calls and his own hands-on skills, John took on the responsibility of fabricating and assembling the tools. The product lineup comprised the Air File, Air Trimmer, Air Seamer, and Air Router—all pneumatic tools tailored for laminate fabrication.
An Internet Presence Emerges
In 1996, Beaver made a prescient decision by acquiring the domain name beavertools.com, unknowingly anticipating the digital age's significance. Simultaneously, the company initiated efforts to establish a distribution network for its products. John's travels across the USA and parts of Canada, attending trade shows and setting up distributors, became the company's modus operandi.
By 2000, Beaver Industrial Supply had outgrown its humble 1,500-square-foot space and upgraded to a three-level building spanning 14,000 square feet. The company's expansion had been driven by the success of its in-house laminate fabrication tools and imported pneumatic tools, alongside a growing network of distributors.
The year 2001 marked a challenging period, with sales dipping, partially attributed to the events of 9/11. The company's high-quality tools proved too durable, resulting in low replacement demand. However, John's proactive approach led to the early adoption of online sales through custom software development, introducing digital shopping cart functionality—a novel concept at the time. Beaver also diversified its product offerings, starting with the resale of sandpaper from Mirka Abrasives.
The success of sandpaper sales paved the way for an expanding product range. Beaver welcomed Festool as one of its first tool lines, setting the standard for excellence that every subsequent product line had to meet. The company's suppliers were held to a rigorous standard of offering quality products and exceptional support.
The Digital Evolution
Between 2001 and 2008, Beaver Industrial Supply underwent a digital transformation, redirecting its focus away from manufactured tools and trade shows. Instead, the company concentrated on expanding the distribution of other brands, thus charting a new course for its future.
By 2011, Beaver Industrial Supply consistently achieved seven-figure revenue, all while maintaining a lean team of three employees. With key systems in place, the company was poised for significant growth in the ensuing years. Between 2011 and 2016, Beaver's sales surged by an astonishing 500%, prompting the need for more space.
The company set its sights on a larger building in central St. Louis and ultimately relocated in January 2017. Today, Beaver Industrial Supply continues to flourish, driven by the unwavering loyalty and support of its valued customers.
Our Business Philosophy: Quality Across Budgets
At Beaver Industrial Supply, our product offerings cater to various customer budgets. Regardless of the price point, we maintain an unwavering commitment to quality. Our industry-leading product offerings boast cutting-edge features, while our budget-friendly options provide dependable tools in their most straightforward form.
We don't just "sell" products; we offer solutions. Online, we provide comprehensive information to empower our customers. When communicating by phone or in person, our focus isn't on what customers want to buy but on what they want to achieve. By understanding their goals, we guide them to the right tool, machine, or consumable product that not only saves them time and money but also enhances the outcome of their project. Our mission is to listen and offer solutions, making us a trusted customer resource.
A Forward-Thinking Vision
Beaver Industrial Supply is committed to expanding its range of high-quality product lines for woodworking, metalworking, manufacturing, and construction industries. We invest in the professional growth of our employees and continually advance our local and digital marketing strategies to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our valued customers. Our journey is one of perpetual growth, with our customers at the heart of every endeavor.