At Alkota, we’re proud to have a phenomenal network of dealers and distributors who stand by our products.

We understand that more often than not, it’s our distributors who our customers are dealing with directly, not us. That’s why we value these relationships so much.

But don’t take it from us. Hear from one of our distributors, Todd Stedman. 

Meet One of Our Longtime Distributors

Located in Wichita, KS, Todd Stedman fell into the business of pressure washers via his in-laws, who were in business cleaning restaurant equipment.

The local business that serviced their pressure washers wasn’t meeting their standards, so Todd’s father-in-law approached him and asked if he could fix pressure washers.

“I thought, ‘I like working on cars, how hard can it be?'” said Todd.

He began servicing machines in 1988, and by 1989, he was selling them.

Initially, Todd was working with a different brand of pressure washers, but while one of his machines was in for factory service, he received an Alkota as a loaner.

“It was a much better machine—everything about it was great,” he said. “So we decided we didn’t want the other brand anymore.”

Determined to purchase his first Alkota machine, Todd drove across the state to a dealer that sold them. Not long after acquiring his first Alkota, Todd changed the name of his business from AVC Sales and Service to Alkota of Kansas.

“I changed it to that name because that’s how I feel,” he said. “It was a big leap of faith, but I have no regrets. It’s a great relationship.”

And, as the name would suggest, Alkota of Kansas only sells and services Alkota machines.

“We provide anything and everything that Alkota produces,” said Todd.

His best seller, however, is the Alkota 420X4X.

“Our 420 is built like no one else’s,” he explained. “That’s what separates Alkota from all the other pressure washers, they’ll build you whatever you want. It’s not just a cookie-cutter machine.”

Todd customizes his 420X4Xs to be made entirely from stainless steel and to include a soft-start unloader valve, which prevents the trigger from kicking.

“When you’ve got a farmer up there on a piece of equipment, it’s not very safe to have the gun kicking,” said Todd.

That ability to provide custom builds and designs is something that Todd, and many other distributors, value about their relationship with us, and it’s a service we’re committed and dedicated to.

Building and Maintaining Distributor Relationships

According to Todd, the people and the relationships are what makes working with Alkota so special.

“My regional manager, Dick Johnson, is top notch,” he said. “If I ever have a question or a problem, he’s just a phone call away. I wouldn’t do it without him.”

Todd has been in business since 1989, and says it’s all about the quality of the product and the quality of the people.

“They’re always there to help you and answer your questions,” he said. “Alkota still has a person answering the phone, not a computer, and that speaks volumes.”

Since taking it over from his father-in-law, Todd’s work with pressure washers has developed into a family business spanning three generations. His son is now on board, and he enjoys the business just as much as Todd.

We’re immensely proud of relationships like this, and we know they have played an integral part in making Alkota what it is today.

Interested in learning more about life as a distributor? Check out the video in our blog post below.