Show-Me Rental is three businesses in one

By Jill Bock

Special to Business Today

SIKESTON - When Bob and Marlene Bell and Tom and Debbie Dirnberger purchased Show-Me Rental earlier this year, they knew they were stepping into a long-time thriving business. What they didn't know was how quickly it would grow.

Located at 101 N. Ranney in Sikeston, Show-Me Rental is really three businesses under one roof.

Do-it-your-selfers and contractors have long found the business a source for tools and equipment available for rent.

The business offers rental of tents and everything needed to plan events, and it also sells and installs pools and spas along with providing customers with their pool supplies.

"We thought this would be an exciting opportunity to purchase a business that had a good solid foundation yet had room for growth," said Marlene Bell. "And we thought it would be a fun business." And it has been a busy one.

Bell noted since their February purchase of Show-Me Rental, business has steadily increased in all three areas. It is a growth she attributes to improvements made to their product lines, an emphasis on customer service and an enhancement of their staff and their marketing efforts.

In their tool and equipment business, Charlie Miller, the general manager for Show-Me Rental, said they have spent the first few months updating the extensive selection of existing equipment and tools.

Show-Me Rental has the variety of tools needed for those wanting to complete a weekend project around the house. There are lawn and garden tools, power washers, painting, wallpaper and drywall tools and even various automotive tools.

Area contractors and businesses come to Show-Me Rental to fill their full-scale job needs, renting air compressors and air tools, backhoes, trenchers, skid steer loaders and various saws and drills used in masonry, metal and wood work along with scaffolding, aerial lifts, heavy-duty pumps and sewer tools.

"We also have a wide array of floor machines like scrubbers and buffers for our institutional customers," said Miller, pointing out that pricing is available for half-day, full-day, weekly or even monthly use. "And our pricing is very competitive," he added.

There are several advantages in renting from Show-Me Rental, according to Miller. He said the company offers free local job site delivery for commercial customers with daily rental and multi-tool rental discounts. In addition the company can provide all the retail hardware items needed such as blades, bits, sandpaper, etc.

"And we sell what we rent -- both new and used equipment," he said.

Show-Me Rental's pool and spa business has enjoyed a summer surge. The business sells and installs in-ground and above-ground pools with customers able to select from in-ground pools ranging from 15 to 33 feet wide and vinyl liner or fiberglass types.

"We do it all from start to finish -- from digging the hole to the plumbing to the electrical," said Miller, adding that the sales staff has 15 years of experience while the service department has been involved in that area for some 25 years.

Called the "pool expert" by the owners, Miller advises customers on their selection of pool and spa chemicals. He points out that Guardex, a pool chemical offered exclusively by Show-Me Rentals, may seem a bit more expensive, but it actually has more chlorine in it, thus requiring less chemical in the water and making it a better value for home use.

Show-Me Rental offers pool repair and maintenance and their staff can provide repairs for a variety of pool and spa parts. Miller said if a customer needs to purchase a part for pump or filters that is not in stock, they can order and have it delivered within days.

Marlene Bell has overseen the expansion of the tents and event area, offering customers personal assistance in making their rental and party supply selection for corporate gatherings, weddings, reunions, anniversaries, birthdays and other social events.

The showroom was expanded to enable customers to see the array of items from tables and chairs to tablecloths and china to wedding arches and candelabras.

There is a new line of wedding accessories, such as guest books, garters, unity candles and toasting glasses available.

"We enjoy serving a variety of party customers -- wedding planners, brides-to-be, caterers, businesses and hosts for at-home parties -- for both large and small occasions," she said.

The company can personalize any occasion with imprinted napkins. Imprinting is done in-house, providing a quick turn-around for customers.

Show-Me Rental has a complete line of party supplies and decorations including helium balloon bouquets, centerpieces, themed supplies along with disposable dinnerware, table coverings and utensils. Bell noted these are all competitively priced.

Having everything available for a celebration -- even the catering -- at one location is a real service their customers enjoy, said Bell. "This is part of our value-added service that we provide our customers -- one-stop shopping. This reduces stress and enhances their enjoyment of their party, knowing it is all being well taken care of."

As part of their emphasis on customer service, the staff carefully cleans, prepares and delivers rental items as well as setting up the event to the customer's request. As their reputation for service has grown, Bell said they have provided tent and event services throughout Southeast Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Illinois.

Jill Bock is editor of the Standard Democrat in Sikeston.