[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6728]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING BULLET TOOLS

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, thousands of American businesses 
stem from simple ideas that are born in the living rooms, backyards, 
and garages of ambitious entrepreneurs. From humble beginnings, 
businesses mature to reach new customers and broader regions. I wish to 
recognize Bullet Tools, a small family owned business from my home 
State of Idaho, whose originality and hard work grew into a global 
success in a distinctive market.
  In 1998, Bullet Tools started as a family operated assembly line in 
Dalen and Mary Gunn's double-wide mobile home in Hayden, ID. The words, 
``It can't be done,'' fueled Mr. Gunn's determination to work through 
any obstacle. Seeking to advance the construction industry, Mr. Gunn 
discovered an enhanced method of installing flooring without the 
challenges associated with electricity, dust and constantly moving in 
and out of buildings.
  Today, Bullet Tools is recognized as a world leading expert in fixed-
blade cutting tools for the construction industry. The company has 
earned a worldwide reputation and serves an international market with 
unique custom installation needs. Fifty percent of its sales are 
exported to markets abroad, including Australia, Canada, Germany, 
Japan, Russia and the United Kingdom with an expectation for further 
growth in other international markets.
  Bullet Tools has grown more than 300 percent over the past 5 years. 
In 2012, Dalen and Mary Gunn's son-in-law, Ben Toews, became president 
of the company. Mr. Toews' business expertise has allowed Bullet Tools 
to streamline its product lines and build upon existing manufacturing 
relationships, while Mr. Gunn continues to focus his energy on 
researching and developing new products. Today, Bullet Tools boosts 
over 70 products that may be found both in store and online at Home 
Depot and other retail distributors across the globe.
  Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Gunn and Mr. Toews 
at their facility in Hayden, ID, with my colleague on the Small 
Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, chair Maria Cantwell. I was 
impressed by the company's strong commitment to its 25 employees and 
the greater Idaho community. Because of the team's dedication and the 
business's achievements, it is not surprising that the company has 
received various awards and endorsements. For example, Bullet Tools was 
selected as the recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration's 
2009 Northwest Small Business Administration Exporter of the Year 
Award, the 2010 Green Products Award by Building Products Magazine, the 
2013 Pro Tool Innovation Award, and the Gold Hammer Award from 
Carpenter Magazine. In 2013, Ben Toews was individually recognized as 
one of North Idaho Business Journal's 30 Under 40 for his ongoing 
commitment to excellence as an executive setting the pace for 
outstanding achievement through his integrity and character.
  Today, the Gunns' original mobile home continues to welcome visitors 
to the Bullet Tools' corporate office and manufacturing location, 
reminding us that with hard work and dedication, the American dream may 
be achieved in our own backyard. I congratulate the Gunn family and 
everyone at Bullet Tools on their continued prosperity, strong work 
ethic, and outstanding reputation for excellence. Bullet Tools 
epitomizes the finest characteristics of American innovation and is a 
tribute to both Idaho and the Nation.

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