Business Focus: U-Rent-Em

Photos by Libby Rogers

Lois Irving at U-Rent-Em can come to your rescue with all you need for these projects and a multitude of others as well.  “U-RENT-EM, WE-GOT-EM” is a slogan that fits this business, located at 103 Hwy 30E in Huntsville, and fits it well. 

Owner Lois Irving opened the doors to U-Rent-Em on May 1, 2012 and gives credit for the inspiration of its founding to her husband Wayne.  “My husband had rented equipment many times in the past and says that God gave him this idea, and he wanted to give it to me and see what I could do with it.  He’s the idealist, and I’m the doer!”  Once you walk in the door, you will immediately see what she has done with this idea. Starting with only 15-20 pieces of equipment, the inventory has grown enormously in the past seven years. 

According to Lois, U-Rent-Em is geared toward the homeowner and small business owner.  “When we began, we had only a few pieces of equipment.  Someone came in needing a lawnmower, and we ran home and got ours for the customer to rent.  We listen to our customers, and if there are several requests for a specific piece of equipment, we will purchase one for our inventory.” 

With an equipment list too lengthy to list in this article, a visit or call to Lois will give you the information regarding inventory, availability, and price.  Rentals can be as short as a 24-hour period or for as long as needed.  Seasonal items are stored in containers and are available as the season changes or as the need arises.  Lawncare items include, but are not limited to, lawnmowers, edgers, tillers, and leaf blowers.  A variety of ladders and step stools, hoses, electrical and extension cords are stocked.  Need scaffolding, a power washer, a generator, a shop vac, or wood splitter?  U-Rent-Em has them all, as well as jackhammers, skid-steers, trowel machines, mini-excavators, and more. 

Woodworking tools include, among other items, chainsaws, chop saws, jigsaws, air hammers, and nail guns of various types.  Bolt cutters and an array of tools await their appropriate uses, as well as dump trailers, trenchers, tractors, front end loaders, a concrete finishing machine, and even a 40-foot gooseneck trailer. Working or having a party at night?  Portable lights are available, as well as tables and chairs.  Tell Lois what equipment you need, and in most cases the item will be in stock. If the piece of equipment is in high demand, it is best to call 2-3 days in advance. 

U-Rent-Em is also an agency for the Hertz Rental Car business at the same location. Kelbee Oliphant serves as manager, and Jamie Estes serves as agent. For more information or to make a reservation call Jamie at 936-207-1119 or 936-756-8337. 

Need a U-Haul truck or trailer? Lois also manages this business and can be contacted at 936-439-4848 for information and for making a reservation.  All three businesses, U-Rent-Em, Hertz Rental Car, and U-Haul are located at 103 Hwy 30 E, as well as Chill Out Shaved Ice, owned by Vanessa Irving, daughter of Wayne and Lois.  A second Chill Out Shaved Ice is located at Arnaud’s Food Park on Montgomery Road.  Vanessa earned a marketing degree from Sam Houston State University and, like her mother, is quite the entrepreneur.  Their son Marcus lives in Arlington, where he has been employed by UPS for the past ten years.  Wayne is owner of IRV Concrete.  He and Lois have been married for 37 years and have been members of First Assembly of God church on Montgomery Road for the past 20 years.  Lois is also a REALTOR® with DBL Real Estate in Madisonville.  And, as Lois states, “I am old school.  I love God, my family, and then my work.  I teach ‘giving,’ not ‘give me.’  And sometimes I do more teaching than renting around here,” she laughingly adds.  She has been a driving force for good in her business practices and puts “respecting others and living a respectful life” high on her list of priorities.  Her aim is to show herself approved by God and to honor Him in all areas of her life.  She is a true delight and a big reason why customers continue to return to U-Rent-Em for their equipment needs. 

For more information, contact Lois at U-Rent-Em at 936-439-4848 or visit the business at 103 Hwy 30 E in Huntsville.  Hours are Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm, and Saturday 8am-12pm.  Saturday summer hours are 7am-2pm.