After renting trucks, digger derricks, and machines to contractors and utilities, Tempest Storm Rentals built on their rental business with a new stream of income by selling hand tools, personal protection equipment, power tools, and more to jobsites. This eventually led the business to providing a solution for craftworkers performing storm restoration. Announced in May 2024, the company launched the "TSR Mobile Store" consisting of a fleet of mobile warehouses carrying everything from crimping kits and batteries to fire-resistant clothing and tire chains. The aim of the 24-by-7 mobile tool-and-gear shops is providing most of what a craftworker might need while performing restoration work.
TSR is part of the Tempest family of companies that provides a full range of storm response and utility consulting services.
“Storm restoration can take days, weeks, or months, and craftworkers often need tools because something breaks, is lost, or a piece of gear wears out,” says Kevin Hollingshead, director of Operations for TSR. “Everyone in the field working a storm is potentially a customer for the TSR Mobile Store.”
As explained in the official announcement on May 22, TSR will strategically position its TSR Mobile Store as close to the hardest hit areas of a storm, or equidistant from the points of a multi-region event. According to Hollingshead, TSR President Bill Cain saw a need to create the TSR Mobile Store during an “after-action review.”
The TSR Mobile Store will work independently of and complement the Tempest Energy command center. TSR and Tempest Energy are both members of the Tempest family of companies along with Tempest Utility Consulting. TSR will notify craftworkers about the location of the TSR Mobile Store, and they can search the online catalog to order and pay for tools, PPE, and other gear. Once purchased, TSR Mobile Store staff will deliver orders within a 40-mile radius to crews. Craftworkers can also drive to the TSR Mobile Store, which is fully equipped and capable of processing orders and payments by credit card.
“If craftworkers need a tool they’d ordinarily find on a bucket truck, then we’ll likely have it in the TSR Mobile Store,” Hollingshead adds. “We can help them replenish what they need from a variety of tool manufacturers we stock.”
Even while mobilizing to reach a region engaged in restoration activities, the TSR Mobile Store will begin taking orders from craftworkers. To place orders, craftworkers can use the Tempest Storm Tools app, available in the Apple App Store, which is activated through a satellite communication system. TSR will set up its mobile warehouses in locations that are convenient for crews without interfering with restoration activities.
“Our fleet will go wherever we can best support crews and restoration work across the nation,” Hollingshead says.
