On this edition of Meet the Team, we’d like you to meet the great members of our Ace Tool family. We’re grateful to have such an awesome crew at our Long Island tool store and whether it’s handling online sales or in-store rentals and repairs, our team is always ready to put our customers first. Stop in to Ace Tool some time in Wantagh, Long Island, New York and say hi! Now on to those profiles!

Jeff Terry, Rental Manager

Jeff joined Ace Tool in August 2024, and although he’s new to the team, he brings over 23 years of experience in renting and selling equipment. He was recommended to us by the original owner of Ace Tool—and what a recommendation it was!

Jeff’s passion for this industry runs deep. He grew up learning from his father, who was an electrician, a carpenter, and a fireman. That hands-on upbringing, filled with tools and teamwork, set the foundation for the expert he is today. Jeff is the kind of person who knows his equipment inside and out, and more importantly, he knows people.

That’s why he’s thriving in his role—managing our entire rental division with integrity, precision, and drive.

When you walk in with a question, Jeff will get you an answer—quickly, accurately, and honestly. He knows that in this business, trust and responsiveness matter more than anything.

Jeff studied economics at Stony Brook University and was a passionate baseball player throughout his youth and college years. Baseball was something he shared with his father, who once had the chance to try out for the Boston Red Sox.

When asked if he put his daughters in softball to carry on the family legacy, Jeff smiled and said, “There’s just something about having a catch with your kid.” He added that if he could have one more moment with his late father, it would be to play catch with him again. What a reminder that it’s the little things that are often the biggest.

Outside of work, Jeff is a proud husband to his wife Maggie and a devoted father to their two daughters. Whether it’s softball, soccer, or tennis, he’s always encouraging them to stay well-rounded—just like he was raised.

Please join us in thanking Jeff for bringing his heart, knowledge, and leadership to the Ace Tool team. We’re so excited for this next chapter of growth in rentals and repairs, and we’re lucky to have Jeff leading the way.

Kelvin Willis, Controller

Kelvin has been Controller since 2018. He joined Ace Tool because of his expertise with Great Plains, the accounting software the company was using at the time. Prior to his role at Ace, he gained extensive accounting experience across several companies. He proudly shares that this variety of experience has exposed him to many different types of businesses — a diversity he truly enjoys.

Kelvin appreciates understanding the inner workings of business and how accounting plays a vital role in connecting everything behind the scenes. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Hofstra University, where he studied Accounting. His interest in the field began in high school through his involvement with the Future Business Leaders of America.

Outside of work, Kelvin is a dedicated Scout Master and has been involved with the Boy Scouts since the age of six. He values what being a Scout represents — helping to guide young people in becoming the best adults they can be. While many associate scouting with surviving in the wilderness, its principles often apply to life more broadly.

Kelvin shares a wonderful life with his wife, Sedonna, and together they enjoy traveling and discovering new places. His advice for anyone entering the accounting field: “It’s a career you have to love. You spend a lot of time at the computer, but it’s incredibly fulfilling because of the impact accounting has on business decisions. It’s nice to be at the center of it all.”

Thank you, Kelvin, for being such an integral part of the Ace Tool team!

Luis Vinces, Store Manager

Luis has been a dedicated member of the Ace Tool team since 2017. He started as a stocker with little experience in tools but, through hard work and a strong willingness to learn, worked his way up to store manager.

Luis firmly believes that motivation and a desire to learn can lead to success — something he has demonstrated firsthand. He goes the extra mile by watching instructional videos, reading literature, and researching beyond what the tool representatives provide to truly understand each product.

Originally from Peru, Luis moved to the U.S. at the age of 11, speaking only Spanish. He successfully graduated high school and pursued a degree in marketing at Stony Brook University. After graduating, he worked in marketing for Black & Mild Cigar, where he spent five years traveling.

While he gained valuable experience, he realized he wanted a career that would allow him to work closer to home. This desire led him to Ace Tool, where he found a role that combined his marketing knowledge with his growing passion for tools.

Luis is married to his lovely wife, Dana, and together they have three beautiful children. In their free time, they enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

One of Luis’s favorite aspects of his job is knowing that when he sells a tool, he plays a small yet important role in the success of a project. His knowledge helps ensure that work gets done efficiently, whether it’s a small home improvement task or a large construction project. He takes great pride in customer service, often making himself available even when the store is closed. 🛠️

Thank you, Luis, for your dedication, expertise, and commitment to keeping our clients happy while continuing to learn and appreciate the usefulness of every tool.

Toni Simon, Internet Manager

Toni has been with Ace Tool Group since we started 18 months ago and previously worked at Ace Tool Repair for 11 years.

Toni got into the tool business at a young age, though her career initially took a different path. After high school, she became a hairdresser, but she didn’t particularly enjoy the job due to some difficult clients. She then saw an ad in the newspaper for a company called Select Machinery, which hired her immediately.

Toni worked there for 20 years, selling large machines online and over the phone. When the company relocated to Florida, they wanted her to move with them, but she chose to stay and keep her family in place. With her extensive knowledge of tools, she transitioned to Ace Tool and has been an invaluable part of the team ever since.

Toni enjoys her job because of the strong team dynamic—she never feels like she’s on her own. Her most important advice for anyone entering the tool business is to know your tools and communicate with customers to understand their specific needs. With so many variations in equipment, it’s essential to ensure they get the right tool for the job.

Outside of work, Toni is blessed with her husband, Mike, and their two sons, David and Robert. In her spare time, she loves baking and cooking. She also enjoys walking her two Boston Terriers, Duke and Dexter.

Thank you, Toni, for your hard work, knowledge, and passion for tools. Just like the best tools, you are reliable, versatile, and essential to our success. We truly appreciate having you on our team!

Anthony Minieri, Shipping and Warehouse Specialist

who has been with Ace Tool Group since its inception two years ago — but his journey with us goes back much further. For the past 12 years, Anthony has been the driving force behind all of our shipping and warehouse operations. He manages shipping for our website, AceTool.com, as well as all outside orders, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.

Anthony first joined the company because his younger brother James worked here, and we’re grateful he did! He grew up in Bellmore and studied Graphic Design at Nassau Community College before finishing his degree at CW Post. His design background still comes through daily — he enjoys analyzing product packaging and tool logos and often says, “I could design that!”

Outside of work, Anthony loves playing video games, trading cards, swimming, and spending time with family. His dream vacation? Traveling to Japan to experience the culture, gaming scene, and, of course, the food.

What really stands out about Anthony is his positive energy. He truly enjoys working in an environment filled with good people — and it shows. Anthony always brings a smile and a friendly attitude that’s contagious to everyone around him.

A huge thank you to Anthony for keeping our warehouse organized and making sure every package gets out the door on time. We’re lucky to have you on our team!

Mike DeBenedittis, Rental and Repair Specialist

Mike joined us in October 2023 and wears many hats: repairing, delivering, and managing our tool rental and service operations. But his story goes far beyond wrenches and work orders.

The youngest of nine siblings (yes — five sisters and three brothers!), Mike got his start in the trades through a rather unexpected path. His father was a chemist and pharmacist who, after a fire destroyed his pharmacy, launched his own asbestos testing company in the 1980s.

At just 16, Mike was already reading slides and identifying asbestos types — skills that laid the groundwork for a lifelong career in technical trades.

Mike spent over a decade in that family business before branching into mechanics and automotive equipment installation, even training others along the way. He worked as a 138 road mechanic and, before joining Ace Tool, devoted 17 years to another rental company.

Today, he’s our go-to guy for repairing demo saws and air tools — and he’s always solving problems with a smile. “Every day is different,” Mike says, “but what makes me happiest is helping customers. It’s really rewarding.”

Outside of work, Mike is a family man. He met his wife Theresa when he was just 18, and together they have a wonderful daughter, Madeline, who’s a huge hockey fan.

Mike’s heart for service extends beyond our customers. He’s an active supporter of veterans through Heroes for Heroes, and this past Thanksgiving, he rallied both Gramercy Group Inc and Ace Tool to help with his annual turkey distribution for veterans. That’s the kind of dedication that defines Mike — in and out of the workplace.

In his downtime, you’ll find Mike cooking, laughing with family, and enjoying the simple moments.

Thank you, Mike, for your positive energy, your technical know-how, and your big heart. You make Ace Tool — and the world around you — a better place.