Iwen Tool Supply

In 1974, Ralph and Janet Iwen created a sole proprietorship called Iwen Tool Supply Company. Ralph, who had previous launched and run RICO Tool Company for 15 years, brought in his son-in-law, Ermin Sallmen, and the two men worked part time out of a bedroom in the Iwen's home. Things moved more quickly than anyone expected. Shortly thereafter, Ermi... n devoted himself full-time to ITSC as a sales rep. The Iwens' youngest daughter, Shawn, joined the team to manage accounts receivable while simultaneously attending college. This was the birth of the company motto: Lowering cost by increasing productivity. Even when the business grew to four times its size, the Iwens kept things close, bringing in friends to process the orders that were constantly flowing in, continuously maximizing productivity and, in turn, keeping costs low for customers. It goes without saying customers appreciate low costs and efficient timetables, and it led to ITSC finally incorporating in 1988, with all the principles remaining and Ermin taking the helm as president. Although Janet passed away in 2001 and Ralph in 2003, the Iwen team continues in their original vision.Read More