David Thunderbird Crawford, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, started TruCleanz Distribution USA Inc. after noticing a lack of United States-based Personal Protective Equipment suppliers and distributors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in a small part of the city that is within the Cherokee Reservation, David Thunderbird Crawford has hit the ground running with his business, applying for and receiving numerous certifications as a Veteran and Native-owned businesses also located within a HUBZone.

David’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Get as many certifications as you can to set your business apart from the competition. Keep reading to learn more about TruCleanz Distribution and David Thunderbird Crawford.

• Tell us about yourself and your business?

My name is David Thunderbird Crawford and I am Chief Executive Officer of TruCleanz Distribution USA Inc. We are a Medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Native American and Veteran-owned small business. I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and TruCleanz is located in a HubZone in Bartlesville, Oklahoma within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

• How did COVID-19 affect your business?

As everyone knows, COVID-19 showed us that our supply chain is broken. Our dependence on other countries for our basic needs must change. That is the reason we created TruCleanz Distribution Inc.

• What advice would you give to aspiring Native entrepreneurs?

My advice to a startup business is to do your homework, start at the beginning! If you are a Native American company, get your certifications started now, not later. Veteran Owned? Get certified. The more certifications you can show, the more doors will open to work with you. TruCleanz Distribution has numerous certifications, including: NAICS 423450, DUNS 117623820, Active SAM Registration, Oklahoma License, Certificate of Liability, Native American Owned & Operated, Veteran Owned & Operated, HUBZone, Small Business

As an Authorized Distributor for different products, the products themselves have certifications including NIOSH, FDA, EPA, FAA, ASTM CERTIFIED, ASHRAE, ETL, ICNIR, and CE.

• How can our readers learn more about your business? 

They can email me at Thunderbird@TruCleanzDistribution.com and I would be happy to send a product brochure and pricing.

• Anything else you’d like to add?

When you purchase something, read the label. Is it made by a Native American Business? Is it a Veteran-Owned Small Business? Support your local Indigenous companies, buy from the Veteran-Owned business. Shop Local USA™