General
Automatic Win: Eliminating Manual Back Spotfacing Headaches
When one of our customers came to S&D with a manufacturing challenge, they were frustrated with a back spot facing process that was slow, labor-intensive, and causing unnecessary downtime. The application required multiple holes to be back spotfaced using a traditional bayonet-style back spotface tool. While the process worked, it required constant operator involvement and…
Read MoreMore Than a Number
There’s something special about living in a place where family-owned businesses still thrive. From local hardware stores to cozy restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops, these are the places I choose whenever I can. It’s not just about what they sell, it’s about how they make you feel. Walking in and hearing, “Jim! Good to see…
Read MoreInventory Control vs. Inventory Management
Every day on your shop floor, time matters. Deadlines loom. Machines run. Customers are counting on you. But behind the scenes, small inefficiencies quietly drain your productivity — a missing tool, an empty bin, an employee walking back and forth to the toolcrib instead of doing the job they were hired to do. Manufacturing has…
Read MoreReal People Solving Real Problems In Industrial Tool Supply
Does anyone really want to talk to the automated receptionist? Press 1 for this or press 2 for Customer Service. At S&D we believe you deserve better. When you call our office a real person is going to answer and greet you. There’s no need to be transferred, our capable team is ready and able…
Read MoreCritical Mass Business Talk Show: Growth Strategies with S&D Industrial Tool Supply
In this episode of the Critical Mass Business Talk Show, host Ric Franzi sits down with two key leaders from S&D Industrial Tool Supply—Chandan Shiroy, Vice President of Sales and Operations, and Darren Dives, Vice President of Sales. With decades of combined experience in manufacturing, engineering, and sales, Chandan and Darren share valuable insights into…
Read MoreThe Changing World of Manufacturing
Over my 48 years in the machining industry, I’ve witnessed incredible advancements that have redefined how we manufacture products, from everyday items to cutting-edge technologies. It’s easy to overlook the impact of innovations that have become standard practice. Here are a few key products introduced during my career that truly changed the game: Indexable Carbide…
Read MoreThe Value of Mentorship
Finding skilled professionals in the tooling industry is becoming increasingly challenging—whether in machine shops, factory representatives, or as in our case, distributor sales teams. To some extent, we have ourselves to blame. The number of programs in schools and companies that promote careers in manufacturing has dwindled, which is unfortunate because manufacturing plays a vital…
Read More2025: A New Perspective
As one year comes to a close and another begins, it’s a time to reflect, set new expectations, and embrace fresh opportunities—and this year is no exception. 2024 was a whirlwind, both personally and professionally. We sold our home of 30 years and relocated across the country, making several trips to California to support our…
Read MoreA Fresh Set of Eyes
Occasionally, a fresh perspective is needed to identify solutions to challenges. Scenario: Take, for instance, a situation encountered by one of our clients, a substantial job shop located in Orange County. They were facing difficulties in machining the internal diameter (ID) of a large part with a 2.48” ID, boring to a depth of 5.0”…
Read MoreSales Growth Through Diversity
As an Industrial Distributor catering to the machining industry, we recognize the necessity for a wide array of products and suppliers to effectively address the diverse needs of our customers. The Southern California market exhibits significant diversity, primarily propelled by the aerospace and military industries. Unlike many distributors in the region, who concentrate on serving…
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