Northern Tool & Equipment

Northern Tool & Equipment is a privately owned retailer and distributor that specializes in tools, equipment, and industrial supplies for professional contractors as well as dedicated DIY customers. The company was founded in 1981 by Don Kotula, who opened the first store in Burnsville, Minnesota, with a focus on practical products like log splitters, tarps, and air compressors. Over the years, Northern Tool has grown from this single location into a national chain. As of November 2024, the company operates more than 140 stores across 24 states.

A significant milestone in Northern Tool’s history came in 2012, when it acquired The Sportsman’s Guide and The Golf Warehouse, expanding its reach into outdoor and sporting goods and broadening its customer base. The company remains under the ownership of the Kotula family, who continue to play an active role in its leadership.

In the last five years, Northern Tool has accelerated its expansion, opening new stores in high-growth regions throughout the Midwest, South, and Southeast. The brand has focused on suburban and exurban retail corridors, targeting areas with strong demand from contractors and industrial clients. Its stores are known for a warehouse-style format that offers immediate access to a wide range of products, including both national brands and exclusive in-house lines such as NorthStar, Powerhorse, and Klutch. Alongside its physical locations, Northern Tool has built a robust e-commerce platform, serving both business and consumer customers with heavy-duty equipment, power tools, and repair services.

Northern Tool’s consistent growth posture, flexible store formats, and established reputation make it a dependable anchor for new and existing retail developments. Its presence is particularly strong in priority markets like Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio, where it continues to seek opportunities for further expansion.