CalContractor - 2026 Rental Equipment

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Getting rentals right takes more than machines. It takes know-how to show up right on every jobsite, service that keeps equipment at its peak, and people who keep projects moving forward.

Whether you’re digging deep or reaching high, we’re here to make sure you have everything you need to get the job done right—and so much more.

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Understands your industry and your jobsites.

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BUILD SMARTER. MOVE FASTER. FINISH STRONGER.

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SmartWeigh™

Onboard payload weighing systems that improve load accuracy and boost efficiency on every cycle.

Connected Support™

Remote diagnostics and proactive support from Coastline Equipment to keep your machines running and downtime minimized.

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NOR-CAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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ADIFFERENT KIND OF RENTAL COMPANY

By Brian Hoover / Photos provided by Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals

Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals has never tried to be the biggest yard in Northern California. Tom Butts built the Sacramento-based rental house on a different business concept; be the shop contractors call when the schedule is tight, the job is changing, and the answer needs to be “yes” before anyone knows exactly how the pieces are going to fit.

Butts has been in the rental business since the late 1980s. He did not arrive through a corporate fast track or a carefully planned career ladder. A friend’s father owned a rental company and needed help, so Butts took a job as a yard hand and found his lane. The work matched what he already loved. Growing up, he was the kid

drawn to anything with wheels, tracks, and engines. Cars, trucks, tractors, the mechanical side of how things move and work. Rental was a natural fit.

Over the years he worked nearly every position in the yard and in the office. He drove delivery trucks and lowbeds, dispatched equipment, managed operations, and learned the daily realities that separate a smooth rental from a jobsite headache. When the company he worked for was later acquired by NationsRent, he took in the big-picture side of the business as well. Utilization, deployment, fleet decisions, and the numbers behind what makes a rental operation thrive. Butts describes those years as a kind of education that you do not pay tuition for, the practical

HOW NOR-CAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS BUILT LOYALTY IN A CROWDED MARKETPLACE

lessons that come from watching equipment move in and out and seeing how quickly a good or bad decision shows up on the balance sheet.

By the early 2000s, he knew enough to understand both the opportunity and the risk. Sacramento was already crowded with rental options. People asked him the question that comes up in every established market: do we really need another rental company here? Butts believed there was room for a rental house that stayed personal, moved fast, and ran the operation the way he had always wanted to.

In May of 2004, that idea became a business. Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals was born, and 2026 marks the company’s 22nd anniversary.

Today, Nor-Cal operates from a single location in Sacramento, but its service footprint follows its customers. The core focus stays in Northern California, including the Sacramento Valley and the Tahoe and Truckee corridor, with a working radius that commonly stretches well beyond the typical “100 air miles” rule of thumb when the job calls for it. From near the Oregon border down toward Bakersfield and Fresno, and into the Bay Area when needed, Nor-Cal’s fleet shows up wherever the work is. Butts has even sold equipment internationally over the years, though he is quick to point out that global sales are not the company’s pitch. The brand is built on being a strong Northern California partner first.

That partnership shows up in what Nor-Cal rents, and in what it chooses not to chase.

Walk into the yard and you will find everything from the small stuff, chainsaws, weed eaters, and jobsite essentials, to serious heavy iron. Nor-Cal is open Monday

through Saturday, and the operation is geared for contractors who do not treat Monday morning as the only starting line. Butts estimates that at least 80 percent of the business is commercial construction oriented. The larger customers in the region lean on Nor-Cal for the machines that keep production moving: excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, rollers, forklifts, water trucks, dump trucks, and a deep bench of attachments.

If there is a center of gravity in the fleet, it is compact equipment and the tools that make compact machines do big work.

Butts has built Nor-Cal’s identity around the categories that rent in every cycle. “When you step into the big stuff, the scrapers and the blades, the market can go really hot and you do really well,” he said. “Or if things get sketchy, you’re sitting on big iron. That’s a big cost.”

Compact equipment, on the other hand, stays relevant whether the economy is booming or tightening. When construction is humming, jobsites want maneuverability and multiple machines working in parallel. When things slow down, the smaller gear continues to rent because projects never completely

stop, and in downturns, people still tackle property improvements and smaller scopes that rely on compact machines.

Nor-Cal’s approach is not simply to stock the machines. The company leans hard into what makes compact equipment versatile: attachments and specialty tooling. Skid steers paired with cold planers for asphalt work are a prime example. That focus has delivered strong returns and helped Nor-Cal build a reputation for being the place that has the right package ready, not just the base unit.

The numbers behind the fleet tell the same story. Nor-Cal runs close to 45 excavators across sizes, with a strong concentration in the bread-and-butter range. The company has built a sizable compact track loader and skid steer lineup as well, along with stand-on machines, backhoes, skip loaders, and a compaction spread that is designed to cover everything from heavy padfoot work down to smaller asphalt rollers. All in, Butts estimates the fleet value is at over $20 million located at a single store.

Those are big figures, but the way Butts talks about fleet is less about bragging rights and more about discipline. He would rather

Granite Construction using multiple machines from Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals including one of their custom black Cat ® 430 backhoes with breaker, John Deere 210 skip loader and Cat ® 308 excavator.

buy multiple high-demand machines than tie up capital and yard space in one showpiece that only rents occasionally. He has looked at adding more headline equipment, including the idea of a motor grader, but he stays grounded in utilization and what his customer base will truly keep busy. “You take a look at what you may have to spend on one piece of specialty equipment, versus how many skid steers you can buy for that same amount,” he said. “In rental, the math is relentless and needs to be heeded.”

Where Nor-Cal does invest aggressively is in being ready, even when ready costs money.

Customer service is the phrase everyone uses, but in Butts’ world it must mean something measurable. He is available around the clock, and he treats that as a real promise. Not “call me during business hours.” He means the middle of the night when someone needs a forklift, or a plan changes, and the jobsite needs a different tool at first light. Nor-Cal will reshuffle the board, re-route deliveries, and pull together the right combination to keep the customer moving. Butts sees that flexibility as an advantage a single-location independent can deliver in a way that some large chains cannot, simply because big systems are built differently.

It also shows up in how the company presents itself. Nor-Cal has built a distinct image in a

business that often looks the same from yard to yard. Butts likes the line between construction grit and hot-rod style. The company customizes the look of its trucks and equipment, from shiny blackand-aluminum rig details to bold wraps and graphics that make machines recognizable on the road and on the job. Nor-Cal produces videos that put personality on display, keeping the tone fun while still showing the work and the people behind it. Butts is careful about that balance. Confidence is part of building a brand. He has no interest in crossing into arrogance. The goal is to be memorable, not loud for the sake of being loud. That personality extends beyond equipment and into the family that helps run the business. Nor-Cal employs 24 individuals, with about 18 full-time. Butts credits his team as the force that makes the operation go. His oldest son, Zack, is approaching his 10-year anniversary with the company and works in a lead inside sales role. The moment Zack chose the family business still stands out to his dad. On senior night at football, the announcement came that Zack would follow his father into equipment rentals. Butts said he had never heard his son say it out loud before, and the pride hit him all at once.

Nor-Cal is supported by General Manager Joe Bethel and a strong back-office team that keeps administration and HR running

smoothly. It is truly a family operation in every sense, with Butts’ son, Drew, playing a key role in building the company’s social media presence and content strategy, and son, Drake, working as a junior mechanic in the shop. Missy Soda, her daughter Maddi, Tycee Enos, Service Manager Josh Wilson, Lowell Spore, Inside Sales, and Transportation Manager Tim Abbot are all integral to daily operations, contributing to the company’s steady growth and customerfocused service. Rounding out the family involvement, Butts’ daughter Jade works in administration while also gaining valuable experience alongside a CPA, reinforcing the company’s long-term foundation.

In an industry defined by consolidation, that mindset has been tested. Over the last five to seven years, Butts has been approached repeatedly by companies interested in acquisition. He listens. He is not offended by it. He understands the numbers on paper can be life changing. At the same time, he sees the alternative as generational value and a legacy built over decades. There is also the reality of doing business in California, where regulations and scrutiny can wear down even the most motivated owners, particularly when it comes to diesel fleets and the cost of staying compliant. But, in the end, he is doing what he loves with his family by his side.

Nor-Cal will never operate like a company with one foot out the door. Butts makes all decisions as if the business will be there a century from now. He keeps investing carefully, and he is preparing for the long term. A succession plan is in place, with Zack positioned to take over the business one day, and the structure is being formalized so the company has a plan in the event the unexpected happens.

Nor-Cal’s equipment relationships reflect the same practicality. Caterpillar is the primary brand in the fleet, and Butts credits the local support network from his dealer, Holt of California, for being a major reason. In rental, uptime depends on parts availability and dealer responsiveness, and Nor-Cal leans into the brands that help them move fast. Cat® excavators in key sizes, including the 308 and 305 class, sit at the heart of the lineup, along with dozers, up to D6T size equipped with Trimble GPS. Nor-Cal has also built a strong fleet of Yanmar excavators through its relationship with Meridian Pacific in Sacramento. At first, some contractors were hesitant to try something outside their preferred choice, but the machines proved themselves and the market began

Above: Service department getting together to discuss the priorities of the day and their work as a team. Jay (left), Drake, Josh, David,

and Tom.

requesting them. That kind of performance-to-demand pipeline is exactly what fleet building is supposed to look like.

While Caterpillar remains the cornerstone of Nor-Cal’s fleet, Butts hasn’t shied away from exploring the machines that best meet his customers’ needs. In addition to the Cat ® models that dominate the yard, Nor-Cal stocks mid-size excavators such as the Takeuchi TB2150, a 35,000-lb. machine that has found favor among large construction firms in Nor-Cal’s service area who value its reach and performance. Rather than follow tradition for tradition’s sake, Butts watches what his customers actually use, then adjusts the fleet accordingly. That willingness to test and adapt and not chase every shiny new brand, but choose

what works and rents consistently, is part of what keeps Nor-Cal competitive and trusted in its specific market.

On the aerial and rough terrain forklift side, Nor-Cal has developed a partnership with Skyjack, including custom-painted units in black and red. In compaction, Dynapac plays a major role, also with custom looks and collaborative promotions. Attachments are a constant focus, and Butts notes that Nor-Cal has been working with attachment supplier, Virnig Attachments, and has continued to build that relationship over the past year as part of expanding that side of the offering.

Even with all that, Butts will tell you the company’s edge is not a logo, a paint scheme, or even the fleet mix. It is the way Nor-Cal shows up when it matters.

Butts has also learned that showing up does not always mean matching the lowest number on a rate sheet. In fact, he hears the opposite. Customers often tell him Nor-Cal can at times be on the higher side. He is comfortable with that. He compares it to choosing the better burger even if it costs more. Not everyone will buy it, and that is fine. Nor-Cal is building a business around customers who value responsiveness, readiness, and the confidence that the rental partner will answer the phone and solve the problem now and not tomorrow.

{ Continued on page 12 }

That philosophy has been challenged in recent years by aggressive rate-cutting strategies from larger competitors. Butts describes periods where competing offers undercut Nor-Cal pricing by massive margins in an attempt to pull business away. Nor-Cal has lost significant revenue to those tactics, and it is not easy to swallow. But he has watched the cycle repeat. The customer chases the discount, then comes back when service and attentiveness fall short. In the long run, he believes unsustainable discounting collapses under its own weight.

While Nor-Cal’s identity is rooted in Northern California construction, the company has also gained an unexpected spotlight from a different kind of machine.

Butts is a lifelong NASCAR fan, a Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Jr. loyalist, and a general racing enthusiast who grew up on Hot Wheels and Speed Racer. Nor-Cal’s involvement in the Craftsman Truck Series began the way modern relationships often do, through social media. In a recruiting social media skit where Butts leaned into an Earnhardtstyle firesuit for fun, a connection was made that led to sponsorship discussions with driver Spencer Boyd. What started as a small placement grew into a deeper

Left: Mini excavators have proven to be one of Nor-Cal’s most popular lines including this custom black John Deere excavator purchased from Pape Machinery.

partnership. Nor-Cal is part of the truck’s sponsorship package throughout the season, with the company stepping into primary sponsor status for select races. Butts even owns one of the trucks, and when the partnership eventually ends, that wrapped piece of NASCAR history will come home to the Nor-Cal shop.

For Butts, it began as a bucketlist item. It turned into a brand amplifier and a personal passion that keeps the work fun. That word, fun, comes up often when he talks about Nor-Cal. The company works hard. It runs a packed yard. It stays organized down to the last bucket and attachment because every corner of space matters in California. But it also tries to enjoy the ride, whether that means creative content, memorable gear, or a shop culture that feels more like a team than a transaction.

Looking ahead, Butts sees Nor-Cal in a strong position. Revenue is rising, debt is getting paid down, and the company is pursuing controlled growth instead of chasing expansion at any cost. For years, Nor-Cal focused on expanding the fleet rather than opening additional locations, and that strategy has helped build a yard that can serve a wide range of contractors. Now, opportunities for expansion are always in the background, from the Bay Area to El Dorado County and Amador County, but Butts wants any next step to happen organically, at the right time, and in a way that supports the long-term plan for the business and the family behind it.

Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals is also active in the industry through membership in both the California Rental Association and the American Rental Association. For a company built on relationships, that involvement fits. The business started with one anchor customer willing to help a new rental yard get traction, and it grew through word of mouth, project by project, machine by machine. Two decades later, the formula is still simple. Take the call. Bring the right iron. Back it with service that holds up under pressure. Then do it again tomorrow. Cc

For more information on Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals, please visit www.nor-calequipmentrentals.com

Heavy Equipment Rentals Co-Owners, Nick

BUILT in the DIRT, Passed Down with PRIDE

Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals, Inc. has never been a company that does business from behind a counter or a call center. In Southern California’s tight-knit civil general engineering construction community, the Kennedy name has long been associated with machines that show up ready to work and with people who stand behind them no matter how difficult the job gets.

Today, that legacy is carried forward by co-owners Nick Kennedy and Kayla Kennedy, a husbandand-wife team running the business

Inside a Family-Run Rental Company That Puts Relationships First

By Brian Hoover

out of Simi Valley with a yard in Moorpark. Their approach is simple, personal, and increasingly rare in modern equipment rental: when customers call Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals, they talk directly to the people responsible for every machine on the yard, the owners.

“We’re involved in everything,” said Nick Kennedy, co-owner. “If there’s an issue with a tractor, it’s me. If it’s a move, I’m either doing it or setting it up. There’s no middle layer. What you get is us.”

That hands-on philosophy traces directly back to Nick’s father, Rick Kennedy, who founded the company in 1995 after decades in the dirt. Rick came from an era where reputation meant more than branding and where relationships were built on job sites, not spreadsheets.

“I grew up out here,” Nick said. “Since I was three or four years old, I was at work with my dad on weekends and holidays. I knew the operators, I knew the foremen.

I learned how equipment was supposed to be treated, and I learned how people were supposed to be treated.”

Rick Kennedy had run a large contracting operation in the 1980s and understood both the rewards and risks of the construction business. When he launched Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals, he did it the old-school way, running lean, keeping things personal, and doing most of the work on paper long after computers became the

Rick agreed, and that marked the beginning of the company’s modern era. Nick brought new energy, newer equipment, and a willingness to invest in technology that Rick had long resisted. One of the biggest shifts came with GPS-guided grading systems.

“He did not want GPS,” Nick said with a laugh. “I had to push him hard. But once we put that first Trimble system on a dozer and saw what it could do, it changed everything.”

“He was very old school,” Nick said. “No computers, everything on paper, everything close to the vest. He was proud of what he built, and Nick took a different path at first, joining the union at 19 and mechanic. That decision would rental business in ways Rick could not have predicted. Nick worked for some of the industries largest companies, learning diagnostics,

with the family operation on the

In 2014, as Rick slowed down and the business faced a turning point, Nick approached his father

“I told him, ‘If I can pay my own change this a little,’” Nick said. “Things had slowed down, and I knew we could build it back up.”

Today, Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals operates a fleet of roughly 30 Caterpillar machines, ranging from skid steers and compact excavators to D5 and D6 dozers, large wheel loaders, and a GPS-equipped motor grader. The company specializes in bare rentals, but with a level of support that rivals operated fleets.

“We don’t just drop a machine and disappear,” Nick said. “Our dozers and graders go out ready to work. The GPS is dialed in. The customer loads their files, and they’re cutting grade. If something comes up, we fix it, now.”

That support extends beyond equipment. Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals maintains its own in-house transportation, including a Peterbilt heavy haul truck and Murray trailer, allowing the company to respond quickly when schedules change or emergencies arise.

“Things change fast on job sites,” said Kayla Kennedy, CFO.

“Having our own transportation gives our customers an advantage. We can make last-minute moves, swaps, or deliveries without waiting on someone else.”

Kayla’s role in the business has grown steadily over the years, particularly during the period when Rick’s health declined. Rick Kennedy passed away in June 2023 at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness, but the transition of leadership did not happen overnight.

“He was sick for almost two years,” Kayla said. “During that time, Nick and I were slowly taking on more responsibility while he was still here. It was hard, but it gave us time to learn every part of the business and Rick made sure nothing was dropped.”

Nick credits that period with preparing them for what came next.

“My dad always had my back,” Nick said. “He would tell anyone who questioned whether I had enough experience due to my age that I’d been around this stuff my whole life. Hearing him say he was proud of what we’d accomplished together meant everything to me.”

Rick had made it clear that he wanted the business to continue after him, and that intention guided { Continued on page 18 }

many of the decisions Nick and Kayla made as they assumed full ownership.

“He always said he wanted to look down and still see his trucks and equipment going down the road,” Nick said. “That mattered to him.”

Under Nick and Kayla’s leadership, Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals has continued to serve contractors across Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara counties, with work occasionally extending as far as Bakersfield, San Diego, Arizona, and Nevada. The company has supported public works, grading contractors, utilities, and emergency response efforts tied to floods and wildfires throughout Southern California.

“We work with people we trust,” Nick said. “That is extremely important to us. We don’t rent to everyone. We want our machines taken care of, and we want relationships that last.”

That selectivity is part of what separates Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals from national chains and big-box rental houses.

“With us, you’re not just an account number,” Kayla said.

“You’re dealing with the owners. If there’s a billing question, you call me. If there’s a machine issue, you call Nick. That accountability matters.”

The company’s all-Caterpillar fleet reflects another long-standing commitment. Nick continues to purchase machines and parts through Quinn Company, crediting the dealer’s Oxnard team for keeping him supplied and supported in an industry where uptime matters most.

“In this business, uptime is everything,” Nick said. “If a contractor is down, they’re losing money. Being able to get parts quickly keeps our customers working, and that keeps us working.”

Running a business with only two full-time employees is not without challenges. Nick and Kayla juggle equipment maintenance, dispatching, billing, compliance, and family life, all while raising three children.

“There are definitely sacrifices,” Kayla said. “Vacations take planning

and sometimes plans change. But the upside is that we’re present. Nick takes the kids to school. We’re at games and dance recitals. That flexibility is important to us.”

Looking ahead, the Kennedys see measured growth rather than expansion for its own sake. Adding a mechanic is a priority, allowing Nick to step back from some of the physical workload while remaining closely involved with customers. Continued investment in GPS technology and newer equipment is also part of the plan.

“This business has always been about taking care of people,” Nick said. “If our customers make money, we make money. That’s how my dad did it, and that’s how we’re going to keep doing it.”

In an industry that increasingly leans on scale and automation, Kennedy Heavy Equipment Rentals remains rooted in something simpler and harder to replicate: trust, experience, and a family name that still means something in the dirt. Cc

STAR EQUIPMENT RENTAL

FOCUSED ON PRODUCTION, DRIVEN BY SERVICE AND TRUSTED ON SAN DIEGO JOBSITES

By

In Southern California, reputations still travel faster than social media or websites.

Just ask Danny Younghusband, Owner of Star Equipment Rental, a San Diego-based equipment rental and operated services company that has grown the old-fashioned way through word of mouth, steady production, and doing the job right the first time. From custom home construction in Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe to small and mid-size civil work throughout San Diego County, Star Equipment Rental has become the go-to call when contractors need a skilled operator, dependable iron, and someone who knows how to keep a job moving.

“I’ve been in construction my whole entire adult life,” Younghusband said. “I worked for several different construction companies, chasing wages and job titles. I saw just how much money they were spending on rental equipment and operators, and it occurred to me that I could be a part of that solution.”

That realization led to the launch of Star Equipment Rental in 2017, when Younghusband decided to take the leap and purchase a few specific pieces of Cat® equipment and rent it back to the company he was working for at the time. It was a win-win for everyone at the time and the beginning of a new way of life for Younghusband.

Building the Business One Machine at a Time

Younghusband started small and deliberately, purchasing a Cat ® 259 compact track loader and a Cat ® 305 excavator from Hawthorne Cat® in San Diego. Rather than immediately striking out on his own, he rented those machines into a company he was

already helping manage, creating additional income while building equity in equipment.

For the first couple of years, the model worked well, but when work slowed and the machines began sitting idle, Younghusband nearly made the decision to sell them. A conversation with his Cat® representative at the time convinced him otherwise.

“Good thing I did not sell them,” he said.

That decision marked a turning point.

As opportunities shifted, Younghusband partnered with longtime family friend and mentor Danny Gagliano, bringing his equipment along while helping manage projects. Over time, he built relationships, credibility, and a growing list of contacts who began calling him directly for excavation and grading work.

“Soon, I began developing a lot of interest and important connections,” Younghusband said.

“I was getting calls to dig footings, dig poles, landscape grading, and hardscape work. That’s when I started running the tractors instead of just renting them out.” By around 2020, Younghusband transitioned fully into the role he enjoys most, owner operator.

“I just fell in love with being on the machines and not focusing so much on managing from behind a desk,” he said.

Two Companies One Approach

Today, Younghusband operates with a structure that allows flexibility and efficiency. Star Equipment Rental owns the equipment, while his other company, Furley Excavation Inc., handles the contracting side of the business. Furley Excavation is run in partnership with his son Trevor, with Star Equipment Rental leasing machines into the contracting operation.

Younghusband estimates the business is split at roughly sixty percent contracting and forty percent equipment rental and operated services. The contracting side focuses primarily on civil work across San Diego County, from the border north to Oceanside. Typical projects include grading, fine grading, footing excavation, trenching for utilities, and smaller commercial developments such as shopping centers and apartment complexes.

On the operated equipment side, Star Equipment Rental serves a core group of repeat clients who rely on Younghusband’s experience to keep jobs on schedule.

“It’s all word of mouth,” he said. “Being a good operator still matters.”

Why Contractors Keep Calling

Younghusband has seen firsthand the challenges contractors face when deciding whether to purchase equipment or bring in an experienced operator with machines.

“If you only need a machine once every few months, you’re still making payments when it’s sitting,” he said. “And if you don’t have a guy who’s truly proficient, you lose production.”

That is where Star Equipment Rental fills the gap. Contractors are not just renting equipment, they are gaining experience, precision, and production.

“We come in and get the work done right,” Younghusband said. “We keep their jobs profitable and flowing.”

A Fleet Built for Efficiency

Younghusband’s fleet is built around what he considers the perfect pairing; a Cat® 305 excavator matched with a Cat® 259 compact track loader. Over time, he has expanded to two sets of that pairing, allowing crews to split and run multiple jobs simultaneously.

The current fleet includes two Cat ® 305 excavators and

two Cat® 259 compact track loaders, with a strong preference for cab machines and high flow configurations. Attachments such as breakers, planers, sweepers, forks, augers, and specialized buckets allow the machines to adapt to a wide range of tasks without expanding fleet size unnecessarily.

“These machines work together,” Younghusband said. “They’re the right size for the work we do.”

Old School Skills Still Matter

While technology has become more prevalent on jobsites, Younghusband believes fundamentals come first. Star Equipment Rental relies primarily on lasers and manual grade checking, using GPS technology selectively when the scope demands it.

“GPS is a tool,” he said. “You still need to know how to grade without it. Once you have both, you have all of your bases covered, but it all starts with that primary skill and experience.”

A Strong Partnership with Hawthorne Cat®

Younghusband credits Hawthorne Cat ® for supporting the growth of his business over the years, from fair pricing to responsive service and reliable parts availability.

{ Continued on page 26 }

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“They’re on it when it comes to service,” he said. “Electrical issues, parts, travel time. They’ve always treated me fairly.”

He specifically recognized Hawthorne representatives, Cody Butcher, Machine Sales Representative/ Work Tool Specialist, and Trevor Kolocheski, Hawthorne Cat RentalsSM, for their tremendous ongoing support and responsiveness.

A Name with Meaning

Furley Excavation carries deep personal meaning for the Younghusband family. The name honors Danny’s late son Chris, whose childhood nickname was inspired by comedian Chris Farley. When the contracting side of the business was formed, the family chose the name as a tribute, incorporating a wave into the logo to reflect their shared love of surfing.

“It means something to us,” Younghusband said. “That matters.”

Training the Next Generation

With experienced operators in short supply, Younghusband sees mentorship as part of his responsibility. “Every day I’m teaching,” he said. “How to run the machines, how to be productive, how to work safely.” From seasoned operators to laborers new to construction, Younghusband believes passing on knowledge is essential to sustaining the industry.

Proven Skill on the Competition Stage

Younghusband’s pride in craftsmanship extends beyond the jobsite. He is a three-time Hawthorne Cat® Operator Challenge winner, taking top honors in 2019, 2022, and 2025, and advancing to regional competition each time. He has come very close at the regionals, falling just short in the

end but enjoying every minute of the challenge and comradery.

“I always wanted to know where I stood,” he said. “Competition shows you that.”

Looking Ahead

Rather than chasing rapid expansion, Younghusband plans to grow steadily. Over the next five years, he expects to add a few more machines, grow the team to around ten employees, and continue focusing on smaller civil projects where experience and efficiency make the biggest difference.

“I like being out in the field,” he said. “That’s where I belong and where I will continue to grow and prosper.” Cc

Follow Star Equipment Rental on Instagram at “Star Equipment Rental LLC,” and if you are in need of their services, please call (619) 916-9007.

(LCi-11)

• 359 net HP @ 1,900 rpm

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FAMILY-RUN, PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED HOW SCAPEPROS LANDSCAPING BUILDS BETTER SPORTS FIELDS AND LANDSCAPES

By Brian Hoover / Photos provided by Scapepros Landscaping

When Cesar Cedillo and his brothers launched Scapepros Landscaping in late 2023, they weren’t chasing rapid scale or flashy growth. What they wanted was control over quality, the ability to work side by side as a family, and the chance to build something that could last for generations. That mindset has guided the young Southern California contractor through its first years in business, and into a niche that demands precision, accountability, and trust: publicsector athletic fields.

Cesar Cedillo serves as President of Scapepros Landscaping, while his brother Rolando Cedillo is the company’s Registered Managing Officer and Project Manager. A third brother, Francisco Cedillo, is also an owner, and their father (Francisco Sr.), a retired union tradesman, remains actively involved in the field. Together, they operate as a handson, family-run contractor serving school districts and municipalities across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

Although the company is new on paper, the Cedillos’ experience in the industry runs much deeper.

It really all started with our father,” Cesar said. “He’s been in this industry for as long as we can remember. Growing up around it, we developed a passion for the work early on.”

After working for other contractors and gaining experience in both private and public projects, the brothers decided the time was right to strike out on their own. Scapepros Landscaping officially formed in 2023, initially taking on residential landscaping work to establish cash flow and an operational footing. That phase didn’t last long.

By early 2024, Scapepros Landscaping secured its first

Above: John Deere 210P skip loader with Topcon laser grading technology, rented from Coastline Equipment, getting ready to turn vision into reality, one pass at a time.

public works contract, a turning point that reshaped the company’s trajectory. “Once we got into public works, we really leaned into it,” Rolando said. “That’s where our experience was, and that’s where we knew we could deliver the most value.” Today, roughly 95 percent of Scapepros Landscaping’s workload is public works, with the bulk focused on athletic field development and renovations for school districts and cities.

Building the base for champions at Tustin Sports Park. Expert grading and field preparation underway.

A Focus on Athletic Fields

While Scapepros Landscaping performs a range of landscaping and irrigation services, athletic fields have become the company’s specialty, and its calling card. “The bulk of our work is athletic fields,” Rolando explained. “That’s where we shine, and that’s where we want to stay.”

The company has completed projects for multiple school districts and municipalities, including work for the Anaheim Elementary School District, Costa Mesa High School, Tustin Sports Park, Canyon High

School, Whittier Elementary, and Stoddard Elementary. Several recent projects are wrapping up their required maintenance periods, marking another milestone for the young contractor.

Many of these projects involve field renovations rather than new construction, which presents its own challenges. “We usually arrive at fields that need a lot of love,” Rolando said. “Our job is to bring them back to life.”

A typical project begins with demolition and haul-off of existing turf and unsuitable material. From

Below: Built by hands that take pride in every detail.

there, Scapepros Landscaping addresses irrigation, whether redesigning an entire system or rehabilitating existing infrastructure, followed by soil preparation, import, and amendment. Soil testing is a critical step, particularly for public agencies with strict performance requirements. Grading is where the company’s technical edge comes into play. “For athletic fields, there’s almost no margin for error,” Cesar says. “Districts and cities expect exact grades for drainage and playability.”

CESAR CEDILLO President/ Owner

ROLANDO CEDILLO RMO/Owner

Precision Through Laser Grading

To meet the tight tolerances required on athletic fields, Scapepros relies heavily on Topcon laser grading technology mounted directly on a John Deere 210P skip loader rented from Coastline Equipment. Like many young construction firms, the company initially chose to rent from Coastline Equipment rather than purchase, allowing it to stay flexible while managing risk in its early growth phase. “When you’re starting out, buying equipment is a huge risk,” Cesar said. “Renting allows us to stay flexible and protect cash flow.”

This strategy has paid off, particularly through the company’s relationship with Coastline Equipment, which has supported Scapepros with John Deere skip loaders, grading attachments, and Topcon laser systems used on its athletic field projects. Scapepros credits training and support from its Topcon partners at Coastline

FRANCISCO CEDILLO, JR. Owner

Equipment as a major reason the system has become central to its field work. “That training made a big difference,” Cesar said. “As a small company, you don’t always get that level of attention, so we really appreciate it. We are renting now and have just started the initial process of purchasing a new John Deere 210P from Coastline, along with the Topcon system.”

Topcon describes System 5 as a coordinated set of components, a control box, multiple sensors, and a hydraulic valve package, that continuously measures what the machine is doing and automatically corrects it to hold grade. The operator enters the target elevation and slope into the control box, and as grading begins, sensor data is fed back to the control box and compared against the desired grade. If the machine is high or low, the control box sends correction signals to the hydraulic valves to move the attachment back to exact grade, more than 30

CEDILLO, SR. Supervisor

times per second, fast enough to keep up as the machine moves.

For Scapepros, that speed and repeatability matter because sports fields don’t forgive drainage mistakes. A baseball or multi-use field needs consistent fall, predictable water movement, and smoothness that holds up under play. Using a rotating laser transmitter on site as the reference, Topcon’s laser tracker/ receiver detects the laser plane and relays that information to the control box. With the John Deere 210P pushing and trimming material, typically with a grading box or similar fine-grade attachment, the System 5 package helps the operator “chase the numbers” automatically instead of by feel alone, keeping the cutting edge on the intended plane across long passes.

For Scapepros this setup is particularly valuable on renovation work, where the

company is often correcting legacy issues: low spots, uneven crowns, inconsistent base material, and irrigation-related settlement. Once demo and soil preparation are complete and import material is placed, laser grading becomes the last critical step before sod installation, because if the final grade isn’t right, everything that follows becomes harder to maintain. “It’s not something you knock out in an hour,” Cesar said. “You’re circling and grading for hours until everything is right. But the final product is worth it.”

Rolando, who spends significant time on the controls and fully understands the Topcon system, describes laser grading as a precision process that rewards patience and preparation. “You really have to slow yourself down and trust the setup,” Rolando said. “Once the reference is right and everything’s calibrated, the system does what it’s supposed to do, but you can’t rush it. You stay on it, pass after pass, until the whole field is exactly where it needs to be.” Rolando emphasizes that the system’s technology can do the heavy lifting, but only if the crew establishes the correct reference and remains disciplined enough to keep working the plane until the entire surface is uniform. Despite the technology, the

Cedillos emphasize that laser control doesn’t replace craftsmanship, it reinforces it.

Irrigation, Crews, and Family Operations

In addition to grading and turf installation, irrigation is a major component of Scapepros Landscaping’s work. Some projects involve replacing outdated systems, while others require full designbuild solutions from bare ground. “On some sites, there’s nothing there,” Rolando said. “We’re designing and installing the entire irrigation system from scratch.”

Crew sizes vary depending on project scope, but Scapepros Landscaping remains intentionally lean. Much of the work is performed directly by the owners and their father, with teams splitting up to manage multiple sites simultaneously. “We’re spread out, but we’re still hands-on,” Cesar said. “That’s how we keep quality high.”

That hands-on approach also extends to business operations. Early on, the brothers made a conscious decision to establish a professional office, website, and administrative systems, even if it meant operating out of a modest space. “We didn’t want to cut corners,” Cesar said. “We wanted to do things the right way from the beginning.”

Looking Ahead

Despite rapid early success, the Cedillos are clear about what they don’t want. “We don’t aspire to be a massive company with hundreds of employees,” Cesar said. “Once companies get too big, quality can suffer.” Instead, the brothers envision steady, controlled growth, enough to expand capacity while preserving the craftsmanship and accountability that define their work.

For Cesar, the long-term goal is deeply personal. “I’m thinking about generational wealth,” he said. “I want to build something my kids can step into one day.” Rolando shares that vision. “This is about building a legacy,” he said. “Something we can be proud of, and something that carries our family name forward.”

In an industry often driven by scale and speed, Scapepros Landscaping is carving out a different path, one defined by precision, family values, and a commitment to getting the details right, one field at a time. Cc

For more information on Scapepros Landscaping, please visit their website at www.scapeproslandscaping.com

Industry News

Cat RentalsSM

makes it easier for customers

to

find their local dealer, rent and manage

equipment online.

IRVING, Texas, February 19, 2026 – Launching at CONEXPOCON/AGG 2026, the brand refresh and updated digital tools for Cat RentalsSM helps deliver a modernized, more seamless experience for rental customers across the Cat® dealer network. The digital enhancements offer more streamlined communication with a dealer, and integration of telematics information provides better visibility into machine data for enhanced rental fleet management.

“It’s all about making the rental process easier and offering better visibility, so Cat RentalsSM digital tools can help our customers meet their toughest challenges more efficiently,” says Phil Kelliher, senior vice president, Cat RentalsSM & Used. “What’s changing is the brand’s design and the way customers will experience it. What’s not changing is our commitment to customers, backed by local roots and global strength.”

Enhanced digital experience Coming later this year, the Cat RentalsSM digital experience will continue to evolve to support a growing rental customer base more efficiently. The new catrentals.com makes it easier than ever for customers to find their local dealer, rent the right equipment for the job

Tom Hawthorne pioneered the equipment rental business in 1974 and we are excited that his legacy continues with the Cat Rentals SM brand refresh. The new logo is bold and sharp and will offer a unified look among all Cat ® dealers.  We will continue to provide the best rental equipment in the industry with the friendly service our customers have come to expect.  We look forward to the enhancements to our digital tools coming later this year, which will make it easier for customers to rent machines and track their rentals.”

Christos Giannaris, GM Marketing & Digital

For more than a century, Quinn Company has built its reputation on delivering dependable solutions to California’s leading industries. Our Quinn Cat Rentals SM brand refresh reflects both our legacy and our future — reinforcing our commitment, as part of the Cat Rentals SM network, to provide exceptional equipment, strong local availability across 18 locations, including new stores in San Juan Capistrano and Carson, and unmatched service. This evolution represents more than a new look; it underscores our continued investment in our customers, our communities, and the standards of performance and value that define the Cat ® name.”

Jim Sands, Senior Vice President, Rental & Used Sales

and manage their rentals online. Its enhanced search feature makes locating equipment fast and easy.

An improved customer dashboard shows past, current and upcoming rentals for easier oversight. Enhancing equipment management efficiency, the self-service feature helps customers to manage equipment call-offs, service events and transfers. The site’s rental detail view provides customers with valuable insights on utilization, telematics and billing, complete with the ability to customize notifications and alerts for improved fleet and business management.

Cat RentalsSM is now part of a connected experience ecosystem that integrates with cat.com and VisionLink™. The redesigned rental management experience will also integrate the new Cat® AI Assistant later this year to further help customers easily navigate the rental process. Ultimately, Cat RentalsSM will help enable more rental opportunities and insights for customers, providing a smarter, consistent rental digital experience.

Same commitment to customers The new Cat Rentals SM identity is about helping customers show up with the right equipment at the job site and getting the project done, no matter the size or complexity. From quick, single equipment rentals to major projects, Cat Rentals SM delivers more than machines. It provides the know-how to help customers rent the right equipment, fast support and equipment that’s ready to work as hard as its customers.

“The Cat Rentals SM brand refresh begins at CONEXPO and will roll out new features and advanced technologies, such as the Cat® AI Assistant, throughout the year,” adds Kelliher. “The future of Cat Rentals SM is now.”

More information on Cat Rentals SM can be found by visiting a Cat ® dealer or catrentals.com. Cc

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