On May 1, Barton Auto Parts hosted its Annual Trade Show at the Ancaster Fairgrounds in Jerseyville, Ont.

A multi-generational jobber business, Barton Auto Parts currently owns three locations in Ontario. President of the company Stephen Krieger and his son Zakari, Director of Business Operations, currently hold the reins of this family enterprise.

A perfect platform for networking and building relationships, the trade show gave suppliers and their customers the opportunity to interact one-on-one and discuss business. A total of 56 suppliers set up shop on the trade show floor and were visited by nearly 400 people by the end of the night.

Busy schedules throughout the year prevent Barton’s team from interacting with their customers personally on a regular basis as conversations are usually completed over the phone. For Barton Auto Parts, the event is seen as a focal point for staff and customers to get together. The trade show also provides the ideal opportunity for Barton Auto Parts to showcase its full range of products and services. “It is a great platform for us to continue to build relationships with our customers and have the opportunity to speak to them,” said Zakari.

Over the last couple of years, the company has been trying to specifically focus on tools and equipment at the trade show. Barton brought out a hard copy of a pricing book this year to help customers take advantage of special deals on tools, equipment and other products showcased at the event.

The company has worked quite hard on marketing the event this year. “We went out and hit the streets,” said Zakari. About two months ago, we started sending out marketing flyers and ‘save-the-date’ notes to our customers. We were trying to create buzz around the special deals and equipment that were going to be available at the show.” Commenting at the event, Zakari also said the Barton Auto Parts team felt it was a “well marketed, well put-together show. It was a great success and a great evening for us to network and connect with our clients within the community.”

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