CK Tools, LLC is a Labor of Love for Cozad Family

Cozad, Nebraska – The retirement of an established Nebraska Snap-On Tools franchisee proved to be the perfect opportunity for Chris and Karlie Buss of Cozad to become business owners, securing their own Snap-On franchise and building a future for their family.

Their business, CK Tools, LLC, services Dawson, Custer and Gosper Counties in Nebraska. They run the business out of their rural home, having turned part of their three-car garage into inventory storage.

Chris Buss is a Cozad native, while Karlie moved there six years ago. Chris’ father operated a mechanic shop and was a Snap-On Tools customer before becoming a railroad mechanic and repairing cars on the side. Chris attended auto body school in Milford and worked as a farmhand for 20 years.

When Chris and Karlie learned of the former Snap-On franchisee’s retirement plans, the couple discussed applying for the franchise. “My background is in marketing, office management and sales,” Karlie says. “Chris knows everything about tools. I thought it would be a really good match.”

She says there was considerable interest in the Snap-On franchise, so they turned to the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and Odee Ingersoll, Kearney center director for America’s SBDC – Nebraska, a program of the NBDC. She says she had learned about the NBDC and its services while managing the office of another NBDC client.

Ingersoll reviewed the Busses’ business plan and made helpful recommendations. “The Snap-On people said it was the most in-depth business plan they’d ever seen,” Karlie says. “We credit that to the NBDC program and the advice Odee provided. It gave us the confidence to go from farmhand to business owner.”

After making a down payment, the Busses obtained financing from the Snap-On company for their franchise. They also replaced the previous franchisee’s truck with a newer model featuring more storage space.

Karlie says there have been many challenges to owning their own business. “We didn’t realize how much time it would take,” she says. “Chris runs his routes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then we have to work on promotions and restocking and cleaning the truck. It takes evenings and seven days a week, but for us, it’s really a labor of love. We’re building this business for our family.”

Karlie also works part-time for Syndicate Publishing, a group of four local newspapers where she is the Digital Marketing Coordinator. She also serves as the Creative District Coordinator for the City of Cozad, securing funding for local arts projects.

Running the Snap-On Tools franchise is truly a family affair. Daygen Buss, 15, works part-time with his father, while 10-year-old Brantly helps behind the scenes, breaking down boxes and other chores. Daughter Rosie, 6, likes to decorate the truck and help with the weekly promotions, Karlie says, and 3-year-old Nellie keeps a close eye on everyone.

The Busses are active in the Snap-On company, twice attending company conventions, including the regional convention in Omaha where they were named Rookie Franchise of the Year for 2022.

Karlie says there are several open routes for potential Snap-On franchisees in Nebraska, and says it’s a prime opportunity for a husband-wife team like theirs. “We never thought we’d be entrepreneurs,” she says, “but it’s such a good, stable business to run. It’s been a blessing for our family.”

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