Rental Snapshot – From Family to Job Site: Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc.

Q. How did you first get your start in the rental industry?

Art’s Rental was started in Newport, Ky., in 1967 by Arthur Arlinghaus. Art ran the company with his six sons, who now own and operate the business. 

Art’s began renting small tools to homeowners.Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc. in its Newport location, 1968.Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc. Later, they opened more locations in Northern Kentucky to meet the demand for new housing developments. In the late 1970s, the Sons added larger equipment like skid steers to the fleet. In the early 90s, we started getting into the diverse equipment lineup that we feature today.

Q. Can you give us some insight into your current company?

Currently, we operate 15 locations in three states employing 225. Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc. in its Florence location, 1986.Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc.We rent everything from wallpaper steamers and floor sanders to 185-foot manlifts and 470 John Deere excavators.

Q. What have been some of the challenges and successes you’ve had over the years you’ve been in business?

In the past almost 60 years, we have experienced quite the rollercoaster. Some years have been strong, others not so much. At times, payroll is tight, and equipment purchases are down. At other times, we cannot get equipment fast enough.

When COVID hit, we placed equipment orders and didn’t know when it would arrive. Every day was a new day, and you had to adapt. Our homeowner business increased since people were staying home and doing projects. But with that increase came a change in how we operated, not only for safety and local regulations but also adjusting for the customer’s needs.

Our most significant success is the Art’s Rental Family Team. Being family-owned and -operated, we bring the family culture into everything we do. We have many employees who have worked at Art’s for 30+ years. Their commitment to our team has made them part of the family.

Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc. in its Florence location, 2018.Art’s Rental Equipment, Inc.

Q. What aspects of the rental industry do you enjoy most, and why?

No two days are the same, and no two phone calls are the same. You have to continue to learn, grow, and adapt. On cold and wet days, we wait for the phone to ring. On other days, the phones won’t stop ringing, and we find a way to meet the demands of all our customers. 

The rental industry is fast-paced and often intense. It can be stressful, but with the right group of people, it can be a lot of fun.

Q. What advice might you give someone who is just starting out in equipment rental?

Listen to your customers. Have a “don’t say no” mentality. Meet their needs and adapt. If a customer calls for a piece of equipment that no one in your market seems to rent, be the company that does rent it. Figure out how to stand out against other rental companies. Keep your promises and gain the trust of your customers. 

Q. What are you most proud of when it comes to your business?

Art’s Rental is most proud of all the past and present employees who have helped us reach our current state. In the rental industry, you are only as strong as your team. Art’s Rental is successful because our employees work hard every day.