Power Bolt and Tool: Building Strong Foundations in Florida’s Construction Supply Market:

A Strategic Acquisition with a Vision for Growth:

Tony King’s journey with Power Bolt and Tool began not with its founding, but with a bold acquisition. After two decades of consulting in the distribution space, Tony transitioned from IT to owning a supply house, buying Power Bolt and Tool in 2022. His familiarity with the company, combined with a strong desire to shift his career focus, made the acquisition a natural fit. “I didn’t have a grand vision when I started,” Tony recalls, “but I knew I wanted a new challenge for the next decade.” Within his first year, he expanded the company’s growth by 30%, revitalizing operations and bringing fresh energy to customer relationships.

A Personal Approach to Business:

Power Bolt and Tool competes with large industry players, many of whom are backed by private equity or operate at a much larger scale. Despite this, Tony’s company stands out by focusing on personalized customer service and building long-lasting relationships. “We compete against giants, such as Home Depot, but we create a more personalized experience for our customers,” he explains. By focusing on being responsive and adaptable, Power Bolt and Tool has established a reputation for reliability that keeps clients returning in a competitive industry.

Rebuilding Relationships for a Strong Foundation:

When Tony acquired Power Bolt and Tool, he saw an opportunity to strengthen the company’s relationships with vendors and clients. “Building stronger connections has been essential for growth,” Tony shares. By prioritizing transparency and mutual respect, he and his team have worked to ensure that Power Bolt and Tool is seen as a trusted and valued supplier. This emphasis on relationship-building has helped create a solid foundation for the company’s continued expansion and success.

Overcoming Challenges:

As a smaller player in a market with large, well-established competitors, Power Bolt and Tool faces the challenge of differentiating itself while remaining competitive. The Power Bolt team has tackled this by focusing on exceptional service and working with the Sphere 1 buying group, which enhances their purchasing power. This approach enables the company to offer competitive prices and deliver consistent value, allowing Power Bolt and Tool to thrive alongside larger competitors.

What it Means to Be an Honoree:

Being named a GrowFL honoree is a meaningful milestone for Tony and his team. “This recognition shows our team that we’re on a winning path,” Tony says. For a company that previously operated without recognition, this award validates the hard work and transformation Power Bolt and Tool has undergone in the past two years. Tony sees the honor as a testament to his team’s dedication and as a motivating force to continue pushing for growth and innovation.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

Tony’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is candid and rooted in experience: “It’s hard. I hope your stomach is good for it,” he shares. Drawing from his journey of building businesses through the housing crisis and COVID, Tony emphasizes the grit and resilience required for success. “Be prepared to have the grit and the grind—it’s not going to be comfortable, consistent, or predictable. But if you can get to the other side, to having a business that’s profitable enough to take care of you and your family, then it’s the greatest thing ever.”

Tony is honest about the challenges entrepreneurs face: “You’re guaranteed to have some very hard months and probably hard years. If you’re the right person for it, it’s the best thing you could ever do in a career. If you’re not, it will eat you alive.” Despite the difficulties, he believes that the lessons learned along the way and the sense of achievement are invaluable. With over two decades of success in multiple businesses, Tony’s journey exemplifies the rewards of perseverance and commitment

Notable Community Involvement:

Tony’s dedication to community extends beyond his business. In honor of his son who passed away from cancer, he supports pediatric cancer charities, including Cannonball Kids’ cancer and Kids Beating Cancer. Through his charity, Nolan’s Wheels, Tony donates collapsible wagons to pediatric patients at hospitals in Orlando and Kansas City, providing families with a practical, much-needed resource during treatment. Additionally, Power Bolt and Tool sponsors FC America, a local youth soccer club, and frequently supports local charity events and youth programs, especially those focused on children’s health and well-being.