Arvada Rent-Alls was started in 1963 by Art Tidwell, at a time when the rental industry was in its beginning stages. Through the years it grew to be one of the Denver area’s largest and longest-running independent rental centers.
“When the business was started, Arvada was not the same as it is now,” said owner and president Andrew Heesacker. “There was maybe a 20,000 population and things have changed quite drastically. We’ve seen a lot through the decades and wouldn’t have it any other way.”
On Thursday, September 21, Andrew and Arvada Rent-Alls will celebrate 60 years in Arvada with a big anniversary party at 10675 Ralston Rd from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.
How did you get started in this industry?
Despite being raised in the industry and around Arvada Rent-Alls, I got my start with a Florida-based equipment rental company, Neff Rental. I spent 6 years there and learned a tremendous amount about the industry on a larger scale.
What services do you offer for businesses? What is unique about your services?
We provide professional-grade contractor and residential equipment rental. We help out community solve problems by building relationships, we have a proven record of supplying large contractors and projects, and we have market-leading experience and expertise.
How big is your team?
Between our two locations, we have 32 employees. We have a good amount of recognition in industry publications and several of our employees have been recognized as well.
What have you learned about yourself, personally or professionally, about running a successful business?
I have definitely learned that owning a business is not for everyone. I maintain great relationships with other entrepreneurs in and outside of our industry and that has consistently helped me think bigger and focus on professional and personal development. It is imperative to focus on the bigger picture and not get lost in the weeds. I also consider myself a forever student and continue to stretch myself to learn more things, set and achieve goals (personally and professionally), and challenge myself.
What notable changes have occurred in your industry since you started or even recently?
The rental industry continues to grow as a lot of people are understanding the benefits of renting so it is becoming more commonplace. On the flip side, fleet costs continue to rise and the technology of the assets continues to develop which is challenging.
What are some misconceptions about your work?
Our profit %/EBIDTA performance is commonly misunderstood. The industry is very capital intensive and any rental companies fleet must stay refreshed in a timely manner so a large portion of that % goes back into the business to even maintain customer satisfaction.
What have you learned about this business community and/or serving the people of Arvada?
I have learned that is impossible to make everyone happy all of the time but if you have a clear vision and values and are consistent as a company, that resonates more with people. The majority of people (in or out of Arvada) want value for their dollar which becomes evermore present as we all struggle with inflation, interest rates, and pay gaps. We’ve found that if we focus on these core things the customer, employee, and community feedback is largely positive.
What is your favorite business book, podcast or news resource?
I am a huge fan of the Traction series by Gino Wickman. My current favorite podcast is Citycast Denver, it gives a great insight to the Denver metro area as a whole.
What have you found most valuable to being a member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce?
To me, it is being around other like-minded people who also want to work on their businesses, themselves, and their networks.
Arvada Rent-Alls
10675 Ralston Rd, Arvada, CO 80004
(303) 422-1212
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