As a Trusted Family Business, We Honor and Serve Those Who Do the Tough Jobs.
The Best Things Are Built Right From the Garage
Founder Don Kotula's vision was simple right from the beginning — build lasting relationships by providing the right solution for every customer. That vision rang true on the very first day the company started, right there in his own garage, and it's stayed that way for over 40 years.
Don has always been a hard-working, resourceful kind of guy. As a youngster, he grew up on Minnesota's Iron Range and worked at his father's scrap yard. That's where he learned how to recycle old train parts, mining equipment and other industrial scrap. The knowledge he gained in those early days transferred over to his first business venture as a teenager, refurbishing and selling used hydraulic components to loggers...
This early taste of business success led Don to the University of Minnesota – Duluth, where he earned a finance and business degree in 1972. After eight years in the accounting and sales world, a nationwide recession prompted a return to his entrepreneurial roots. In 1981 Don dusted off his hydraulics expertise and set up shop in his garage, selling cylinders, valves and how-to log splitter manuals by mail. It was the start of something much bigger: the birth of Northern Hydraulics. In 1998 the company officially changed its name to Northern Tool + Equipment to better reflect its quickly growing product assortment, and the rest is history.
Sons Ryan and Wade Kotula have been an important part of this company every step of the way. From their early start sweeping floors, mailing catalogs and packing orders, to their valuable time learning the ropes from their father, to their current role as owners, they've worked hand-in-hand with the leadership team to guide the business. Ryan and Wade continue to practice Don's passion for always engaging and listening to the customer, learning the challenges of the people being served, and helping them tackle any job in successful, efficient ways.
From the retail stores, to the manufacturing facilities, to the distribution centers, all the way to the home office, this entrepreneurial spirit carries through the entire Northern Tool team. The company mindset is always open to exploring fresh ideas and challenging team members to use their extensive industry knowledge in creative, helpful and bold new ways. Although we've come a long way from our early emphasis on refurbished parts to our current position as a leader in superior quality tools at great prices, the culture of that garage start-up remains the same. Success grows only by maintaining and cultivating those customer relationships, exactly like Don Kotula has practiced right from the start.
The Perfect Product Lineup
"Quality tools for serious work" isn't just a tagline, it's our company promise. When it comes to selection, Northern Tool doesn't stop at supplying you with over 100,000 tools from the top names in the industry including STIHL, Milwaukee, Honda, and hundreds of other leading national brands. In fact, we take our assortment a step further by designing, building and testing our own exclusive products + equipment, as well. We manufacture and sell NorthStar, Powerhorse, Bannon, Klutch and a host of other premium products you can't get anywhere else. This exceptional lineup ensures that you'll find the right tools and equipment to custom-fit your needs.
Want to Become a Partner to Our Perfect Lineup?
If you have a brand that fits our product lineup, please fill out this form to have one of our merchants reach out to discuss a possible business partnership.
The Strongest Bonds
We're proud, and more than a bit humbled, that we've been given the opportunity to earn the confidence of such an extensive group of customers. From the novice, to the weekend hobbyist, to the serious do-it-yourselfer, full-fledged contractors, trade professionals and more, you've put your trust in us for the past 40 years. We appreciate your "can-do" attitude, your passion for tools and equipment and your excitement to find innovative new products. In fact, it's these shared interests that help cement this unique and special bond we have with each of you. In return for that loyalty, we promise to continually bring you the products and support you can depend on, day in and day out.
All the Right Places
With over 120 store locations across more than 20 states, Northern Tool has a strong retail presence in the U.S. But the Northern Tool experience doesn't stop there. Add in our year-round catalog offerings, a website packed with over 100,000 tools, curbside store pickup, nationwide delivery and a team standing by on the phone always ready to take your order — and the possibilities are endless. But despite the many ways to shop, we're still always here to treat you with that familiar, trustworthy customer experience plus the endless knowledge and support of an entire team of product experts online, on the phone, on the floor and in the field.
Exceptional Teamwork
Our top-notch team bases every decision on six fundamental core values — Know Your Customer; Provide Value; Act With Integrity; Empower The Individual; Be Entrepreneurial; Have Fun. Diligently practicing these values has resulted in recognition as a "Minnesota Top Workplaces" recipient for 5 consecutive years. It's also resulted in millions of satisfied customers along with a very loyal team. We look for talented people who excel at sharing their initiatives, ideas and expertise. Learn about our Leadership Team.
"Since we are a company founded and built on providing solutions, we, as employees, are encouraged to contribute ideas at any level of the company. It's easier to have your voice heard. It's great to be part of a culture that provides such awesome opportunities." - Mike, Team Member
We're All One Community
Northern Tool strongly believes in giving back to the communities we call home. To show our support, we contribute annually to several non-profits, as well as many other events in numerous communities around the U.S.A. Additionally, our " Tools for the Trades" program supports and mentors students pursuing a career in the trades industry. And you can be sure if there's a storm, flood or any other challenging times in one of the communities we call home, Northern Tool will be right there to step up with timely support to help get the area back on its feet. Our communities count on us, and we'll always do our best to provide whatever help we can.