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Meet an amazing team —
Cole Hardware Commercial Supply
Commercial Supply General Sales Manager, Jeff Polonsky led his team for years from a small office at our downtown San Francisco Cole Fox location. Although a bit cramped and behind the scenes, they made it work. Fully situated in their office and warehouse space in a business park on Cesar Chavez Street, Jeff and his team continue to serve a broad range of customers.
To get some insight into the history of the Commercial Supply, the Hardware Hotline sat down with Jeff for a Q&A session.
Has this always been your job at Cole Hardware?
No. I started working at Cole Hardware when the Cole Street location was the only store. I have managed, sold, stocked shelves and everything in between. Twenty-three years ago I proposed an outside sales program. One afternoon a week I would call on customers. I worked out of what is now the housewares stock room with a table and a phone.
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What kind of services does Commercial Supply offer?
We can source building and cleaning supplies, hardware, paint, plumbing and electrical supplies from an extensive array of manufacturers, and we can come on site to assess needs, offer credit terms and just-in-time delivery. Property management firms, Bay Area municipal entities and various county and city departments are just some of our customers.
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Who are the team members who make it happen?
Joe and I are the outside salespeople; Larry is in charge of deliveries; David runs the warehouse and assists with delivery. Damion handles customer service and is the resident graphic artist. And then there is Liz, who makes sure the entire operation runs smoothly. If you’ve ever seen the cartoon with the octopus phone operator answering five phones at once—that is Liz.
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You have a supportive team. How is the new space working out?
The team is great and we’re almost fully situated. We’d like to expand even further if we find the right established salesperson with a diverse customer base that complements our existing base.
Any good stories to share?
When I was first starting, I read an article about San Francisco Board of Supervisors President, Nancy Walker, having a pigeon problem outside her City Hall office. Cole Hardware carries safe bird deterrent products so I offered to treat her office ledge with one of them gratis. My picture was in the paper and Commercial Supply was officially launched. Note: A signed official letter of recognition from Supervisor Walker is framed and hanging on the wall.
Cole Hardware Commercial Supply can be contacted by email: colesupply@colehardware.com or by phone: 415/647-1800.
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- Hardware Hotline July, 2009
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