Cole Breese, the director of sales at 365 Equipment & Supply, has been working in the construction industry for over two decades. He has been an estimator, a project manager, and has overseen countless large commercial building projects.

We caught up with Cole to find out more about what brought him to his role at 365 and what lies ahead. (Responses have been edited for brevity.)

You’ve been in operation since 2020. What does 365 represent to you?

It’s about values, feeling you’re a contributor on these large commercial projects and supporting them. We actually pride ourselves on being able to be very reactive. We can get calls last minute and we will figure out a way to get a solution on site. We are very flexible.

With the phone ringing constantly, we still take time to step away and enjoy our family. It’s the flexibility that comes with being a family business. Those values matter, too.

What do you like about your role at 365 Equipment & Supply?

Being a family-owned business is a real strength for us. It allows us to provide a more personal level of service and support across multiple construction sites throughout Chicagoland.

What I really love is being able to help people when challenges come up on the job site, which happens every day. I want our customers to feel like they can pick up the phone, share the situation, and know we’ll step in as a reliable resource taking one more headache off their plate.

How are you different from your competitors?

For me, the big thing is partnership. We don’t just provide a service – we strive to be true partners on every project. Our focus is on delivering turnkey solutions built on integrity and safety.

Unlike many of the larger competitors, we don’t rely on third parties to deliver. We handle it ourselves to ensure reliability, responsiveness, and a higher standard of care.

What kinds of people do you hire? How do they make doing business with 365 easier or better?

The qualities we look for – there’s a culture fit. We’re a small group so the team aspect is important. You may be in accounting but you may have to step in and offer assistance somewhere else. Individuals collaborate with one another.

The result is that we’re able to offer quick, timely service solutions. Like, today our branch manager had to quickly drop off some sealant – whatever it takes to get the job done.

Do you operate throughout the Midwest?

We have the ability to service multiple contractors throughout the Midwest. In places like Indiana and Ohio, we will act as more of a consultant for manufacturers or rentals. We are expanding, supporting offices in Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati and elsewhere.

Our customers range from subcontractors and general contractors to municipalities, villages, schools and local governments. We’ll sell products to any independent guy working out of his truck if he needs something.

What does it mean to be Illinois and Chicago’s ultimate source for construction-related needs?

We have a strong team of experts across a variety of specialties and two dedicated lines including restroom accessories (division 10 products) and operable partitions. Every customer is supported by a dedicated business development manager who serves as their direct point of contact. Instead of going through a switchboard, you have direct access to someone who knows your needs and can move quickly to get things done.

How is your company evolving or modernizing?

The ecommerce revolution of our site. With all of our products, you’ll be able to go to our website, place an order and we’ll ship it out. It’s the convenience of being able to do anything from your phone.

We have a full-service showroom with a fully stocked inventory. In our new, centralized Des Plaines location right off the highway, we can be efficient with our deliveries. We can go in any direction – north, south, east or west.

Call 365 Equipment & Supply for Full-Service Construction Needs

Visit 365 Equipment & Supply and explore our wide range of supplies, rentals and specialty products.

Reach out online with a question, or call us directly at (847) 756-3807.