A Tool Shed: Serving the Community Since 1945
By Edita McQuary
May 8, 2020 commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Allies’ World War II victory in Europe. But this year also, the fourth generation of the Pedersen family is celebrating the 75th anniversary of their great-grandparents, Robert and Geneva MacArdell, establishing the family business: A Tool Shed.
Rob W. wears a mask sewn by Rosie Ricca, the company’s human resources director. • Photo credit Jondi Gumz
In July of 1945, Robert and Geneva MacArdell opened an army surplus store called “White Elephant Surplus” in Sunnyvale on El Camino Real near the Sunken Gardens Golf Course. Along with the usual army surplus, he bought a container load that had a tractor inside. Now what was he going to do with that?
Rather than trying to sell it, he decided to let his customers rent it. This was so successful that he purchased more tractors to rent out. He also built some of the first towable cement mixers using a truck axle coupled with re-cycled washing machine drums and gas engines from surplus generators.
From these humble beginnings, A Tool Shed was born, which, in time, transformed into seven locations through the greater South Bay area. Two of the local stores are in Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
Robert Pedersen, his wife Barbara, son Rob W., and daughter Meghann Lovlien run the business. The family has a long line of veterans on both sides of the family. Rob W. joined the business last July after 11 years as a naval aviator and is now in the Navy Reserves. They have another daughter/sister, Erika, who is a naval aviator as well and is currently stationed in Coronado.
Considered an “essential business” under the pandemic regulations, A Tool Shed was able to stay open during the Shelter-in-Place, supplying necessities to emergency services such as Cal-Fire, law enforcement, plumbers and electricians.
From left: Meghann Lovlien, Rob W. Pedersen, Robert Pedersen, and Barbara Pedersen.
With 90 employees, A Tool Shed has had only a few temporary cuts. A few employees volunteered to be furloughed. One employee retired in March after 44 years with the company.
According to Rob, business is getting back to nearly normal. Big construction was on hold but beginning to pick up. There has been a lot of foot traffic in stores.
“Gardening equipment is doing well. Landscapers and homeowners are renting equipment to till soil and get rid of weeds,” he said.
They have applied for the Payroll Protection Program loan and, after a couple of glitches, were able to upload the required information and numbers. Many of their vendors have worked with them by deferring payments.
This family-owned business prides itself on its honesty and excellent customer service. The owners support local groups such as the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Roaring Camp Railroad, Boy Scouts of America, Campbell and Los Gatos Veterans Foundations, and the Santa Cruz Warriors.
To celebrate their 75 years in business, a new logo was created. Plans are underway for customer appreciation BBQs when it is safe to do so.
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A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals is located at 3700 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, at the corner of 17th Avenue, across from Staples, telephone 831-477-7133. Hours: Mon-Sat 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.AToolShed.com.
Story By Edita McQuary