Pave Tool’s Story, written by Phil Bahler (Owner/Inventor):
Built by Experience
In 1985 my brother Tom finished his degree in landscape design and convinced me and my two brothers to start a business together. This was a dream come true for a 15 year old boy. We called ourselves the Bahler Brothers (how original). All four of us were single and we didn’t need to make a lot of money, so we had nothing to lose.
Soon, one by one we married and had children and needed to get serious really quick! We spent countless hours evaluating our business for strengths and weaknesses. We hired professionals like Vander Kooi (Longtime industry consultant) to help us be more profitable.
In the late 80’s, we decided to make hardscaping the focus of our business which was challenging since most homeowners didn’t even know what pavers were.
Not too long after we were challenged again with some stiff competition. How could we install faster and become more competitive? This was the beginning of our Pave Tool products. Many of the tools helped us become 2-3 times faster. Tools + efficiencies = Greater Productivity – Not to mention, Easier! Bahler Brothers growth is astounding since 1985 but we learned a lot the hard way.
In 2007, we decided (with the help of a large innovative paver manufacturer) that we would offer this tool line to our fellow hardscapers. We had to think about what hardscapers needed, luckily, we already knew the answers to those questions because that is where we started. First, we knew we needed quality and our tools needed to withstand the weather and rigorous use. We also wanted adjustability because I always appreciated tools that had multiple uses and could adjust to fit a wide variety of materials. Additionally, I wanted the tools to be easy to use. Time is money, so I couldn’t be bothered with endless hours trying to figure out how to use a tool. Lastly, I’ve learned that over time that the only way I could continue to be an installer is to have the proper tools to save my body from the countless hours and wear and tear.
Our wish is to help other fellow hardscapers advance their businesses to save time, increase profits, satisfy their employees, reduce physical strain, decrease workers comp. claims and to become more professional. After all…this is what tools have done for us.
It’s a great way to make a living if you enjoy hard work and love the satisfaction from what you can create with your hands. If you incorporate into your business plan honesty, integrity, hard work, tools and systems, you will be successful.
Pave Tool continues to strive to provide tools and services that exceed your expectations. We extend our family values of hard work and integrity in all that we do. We look forward to adding you to our Pave Tool Family!
