SHOP Profile: One-Stop-Shop Protection with Pamalu Truck Bed Shields, Inc.
Diane Crisologo has two passions: restyling and classic cars—Chevys in particular. So, it comes as no surprise that she is the proud owner of Pamalu Truck Bed Shields, Inc. in Honolulu, Hawaii as well as a part of a rising number of women making their mark on the automotive aftermarket. Crisologo’s business has grown significantly over the past 25 years, evolving from a small detail, mobile decal, and window tinting service to a business where truck accessories and spray-in bedliners drive sales.
But don’t let the name fool you—while Pamalu Truck Bed Shields, Inc. implies truck-centric services, Crisologo is kicking it up a notch as a strong contender in Jeep® product installation and restyling opportunities as well.
With top-down weather year round, a strong military base presence, and no shortage of trails to discover, Hawaii has become a hot spot for the Jeep® life. Genuine hard work, perseverance, and savvy expansion into profitable adjacent spaces within the aftermarket have spelled success for Crisologo and her business ventures. Much like the long-term progression of her install and restyling business, Crisologo’s relationship with Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. has flourished into a true partnership over the past decade. Crisologo discusses four specific areas that contribute to sustainable growth together.
Depth and Breadth of Inventory
Keystone offers its customers product from more than 800 suppliers and access to 165,000 unique SKUs across eight distinct market segments. The sophisticated logistics system operates through a highly reliable and route-based fulfillment network. The 45 total locations are strategically positioned throughout the country to best meet the delivery demands of customers in North America. “One of Keystone’s greatest values is its role as a master warehouse, which provides customers access to a wide variety of product. They have what I need,” said Crisologo.
Product travels quite a distance from the warehouse in Corona to its final destination in Honolulu, Hawaii. Crisologo works closely with Keystone to ensure she receives the right product, on time, and in excellent condition.
e-Keystone
It’s an indispensable business-to-business tool, offering users the most comprehensive catalog system across the industry, one-of-a-kind SmartSearch technology, dedicated e-Commerce customer care, and 24/7 access. “Because of our distance, it’s essential to check, double check, and then check the order again before processing to minimize returns,” said Crisologo.
Users enjoy ease of use with a year, make, and model lookup, product imagery and full description, product availability across the warehouse locations, acquisition cost, and suggested retail price. e-Keystone not only makes the order process easier and quicker, but also lessens the chance of error. In addition, customers can view merchandising and marketing programs, promotional opportunities, and rebate offers to build their personal brand and be more profitable doing so. “I couldn’t operate without a tool like e-Keystone; it’s extremely valuable to my business,” said Crisologo.
Keystone BIG Show
The Keystone BIG Show is the largest wholesale-only buying opportunity across the industry and provides attendees with an impressive business-building experience. This event is called the BIG Show for a reason, and it keeps getting bigger and better each year! Experience a first-class event at the Gaylord Texan, a remarkable venue that support a growing customer and manufacturing presence, elaborate booth setups, manufacturer trailers, custom vehicle displays, as well as an elegant reception area exclusively reserved for our guests. Customers enjoy a New Products Showcase, enticing deep deals, creative promotions, and fun giveaways. And everyone shares in the excitement of enthusiast and celebrity appearances!
“I attend the Midwest BIG Show every year. I love the show – it’s specific to what I offer. I have more personal exposure with the manufacturing brands I sell, the products they offer and new lines and products entering the market. It’s an opportunity for me to see actual product post-SEMA and ask questions, as opposed to just viewing it online. I take advantage of the minimal moments I have to get together and have a hands-on experience [with her Keystone team, manufacturers and products],” said Crisologo. Being located in Hawaii, Pamalu Truck Bed Shields, Inc. also takes advantage of the deep deals and extensive promotional offers to stock up on best-selling items for the year.
Personalized Service
The automotive industry has a proud history of longevity, a nod to the generations of ingenuity before and after us. The business potential seems endless with such a continuous flow of pioneering vehicle platform development, advanced engineering and technology capabilities, inspiring aftermarket designs, and restyling opportunities. But there is one intangible element—the glue one could say—that is at the very core of our industry’s impressive success: personalized service.
We live, work, and play in an industry whose daily horsepower is relationship building. To Crisologo it’s an essential part of conducting business, and the Keystone team couldn’t agree more. “I’ve been welcomed to come in and tour the Corona warehouse to better understand how the process works. John Grier, [Regional Sales Manager], and Roseann Sabol, [account manager], discuss the global industry with me and make recommendations to grow my business. There’s a great balance of the benefits of a large company and personalized attention with the team,” said Crisologo. “My relationship with Roseann is awesome! If she’s not there to take care of me, she makes sure that another team member is up to speed and they handle all the details while she’s out.”
Sabol is a 30 year veteran of Keystone— proud to be part of this industry’s evolution and honored to develop such close-knit relationships with customers throughout the years. “I have seen many changes throughout my years at Keystone, but one thing has remained constant: Our service keeps improving, our inventory keeps growing, and our relationships keep getting stronger,” said Sabol.
Stories like that of Pamalu Truck Bed Shields, Inc. serve as a reminder about the important aspects of doing great business, maintaining valued customer partnerships, and building meaningful employee relationships.