Jeff Muchnik Interview with Home Improvement Zone - Sep 28th 2007
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Jeff Muchnik, Founder of RedBox Tools, Inc. Podcast Interview - May 2007
Host: Ken Rayment
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ONLINE DISCOUNT TOOL COMPANY GIVES BACK TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Tool theft at Habitat for Humanity Inspires Local Business Owners to Chip In
 SIMI VALLEY, CA - April 19, 2006 - RedBox Tools, Inc., an online discount wholesale tool company based in Simi Valley, is doing their part to recover the two thousand dollars worth of tools that were stolen from a local Habitat for Humanity housing project earlier this month. The company has agreed to donate five-hundred dollars worth of tools.
"Habitat for Humanity is one of those organizations that makes you feel good about business and community. Its sole purpose is to help people who need it the most. My wife and I are new to Simi Valley and are busy looking for a location to warehouse our rapidly growing hardware supply company, but when we saw the news about the theft at the Habitat site, we knew we were in a great position to help. We're donating drills, saws, drill bits and more to help recover the stolen goods." said Red Box Tools owner, Jeffrey Muchnik.
RedBox Tools is a new business venture for husband and wife team, Jeff and Marina Muchnik. The couple, married in 2004, recently left San Diego where they owned and operated a small publishing company that focused on Holocaust literature. The couple purchased the assets of WhiteBox Tools, Inc. and will continue operating the online tool store from Simi Valley. www.redboxtools.com
 About Red Box Tools
RedBox Tools, Inc. has been in business since 2002 and is a California Corporation with it's primary offices located in Southern California. We are committed to bringing a solid core of retail, low-cost tool sales to the online marketplace. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and attention to detail. No problem is too small and we never over-look any of our valued customers, like those other guys do.
About Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County
- Founded in 1983 by Virgil and Lynn Nelson
- It is the oldest Habitat affiliate in California
- Has repaired over 500 homes throughout the County
- Has built 37 homes in Oak View, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Piru and Oxnard.
- Recently completed a 22 home subdivision in Piru
- The ReStore, a building materials thrift store, is located at 167 Lambert Street in Oxnard, adjacent to the business office
- Web address is www.habitatventura.org
RedBoxTools.com Featured In Ventura County Star
Jason Redmond / Star staff
Marina and Jeffrey Muchnik, co-owners of RedBoxTools.com, live in Simi Valley.
RedBox Tools Inc.
August 23, 2006
Owners: Marina and Jeffrey Muchnik.
Product or service: Hardware supply wholesale tools. We have approximately 100 customers per year.
Location: Simi Valley.
Date established: April 7.
Hours open: Internet based — 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 582-0427.
E-mail: jeff@redboxtools.com.
Web site: http://www.redboxtools.com.
Employees: Owners plus two contractors (1 in Valencia and 1 in Canada).
Start-up capital: $20,000.
Estimated annual gross revenues: $100,000.
Questions to Jeff Muchnik: What prompted you to start your own business? I wanted more control and tax advantages in my life. I was an employee at an international Simi Valley company. I did not feel that all my skills were being properly utilized. I feel that owning my own business and using all my business and creative skills and experiences along with my work ethic and the ability to exceed customer expectations would allow me to fulfill all my dreams.
What is your educational and career background? I have an international MBA, partial completion of the CPA, and a Microsoft Certified Professional Designation. I have performed business management consulting in the United States and Canada for more than 10 years. I focused on business strategy, business plans, raising public and private capital and operations. I have also acted as a contract chief financial officer, controller, head of finance and internal auditor for various companies, including a publishing company, law firm and securities company.
How much research did you do before starting your business? I researched the hardware supply tool company industry. I watched a program about the author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." I realized that owning your own business gives you the most control and tax advantages, which is what made me very interested. I searched online for available businesses for sale. I looked at eBay, The Star and the L.A. Times. I found this business on Craig's List, and contacted the owner. I met some suppliers and examined the past history of the company, and then negotiated a sale.
When were you the most discouraged? I was never truly discouraged. I understand that there are ups and downs when you deal with people. Dealing with people can be frustrating. Relying on suppliers to correctly fill my customer orders can be frustrating. Finding customers is not easy and exceeding customer expectations can be a challenge. Overall, I enjoy the challenges of owning a business where I have ultimate control for the success of the business.
What company or individual do you admire? I admire my own company, myself, and my wife for the belief that we can and will be successful. I admire companies that start off small with an owner's dream and grow into a large company with the same ethics and integrity of exceeding customer expectations and offering the lowest priced, quality products.
What will make your business stand out from competitors? My business will succeed because of: low cost (average price of 50 percent compared to competitors), quality products and customer service that exceeds expectations. These are the goals that will separate me from all other retailers. These beliefs and the execution of these principles will allow RedBox Tools to grow and obtain new and larger customers, both individuals and corporate clients.
Who is your target client/customer base? Examples of clients include homeowners, general contractors, builders, developers, plumbers, electricians, tilers, roofers and other trades people.
— Businesses less than one year old can be profiled in Who's New in Business. Businesses older than one year can be profiled in Company Spotlight. Those owning franchises in the region can be profiled in Franchise Focus. Only businesses that have never been profiled in The Star may participate. For more details or the questionnaire, call 645-1049.
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