BIG O’S EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND Timing proves to be perfect for couple’s business geared toward small contractors in the Kansas City area
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bout two years ago, Jeff and Jenny Oehlschlaeger realized a dream when they founded Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales LLC. Jeff had been selling and renting equipment, and Jenny worked in the corporate world in client management. “Jeff really wanted to be on his own, and I felt like I needed a change too,” explained Jenny, owner and president. “The timing seemed right, so in January of 2020, we opened with five pieces of equipment. A couple months later, COVID hit, and of course our first thought was, ‘This was a really great time to start a business.’” As it turned out, the timing was perfect for a new rental company
in the Kansas City, Mo., area. The Blue Springs natives located their business in Grain Valley. “As people stayed home, they realized that their houses needed improvements,” explained Jeff, vice president. “That led to a lot of work for small contractors who do residential concrete and landscaping. Those are the types of businesses we geared Big O’s toward, so it was busy right from the start. About six months in, it was apparent we didn’t have enough equipment, so we added more.” The Oehlschlaegers continued to add machines and now have about 25, ranging from 3,000-pound compact
utility vehicles to 17,000-pound excavators. Additionally, Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales carries a wide range of attachments that can be rented with a piece of equipment or separately. “It also helped that I had a lot of contacts from my previous work, and a lot of them have come along and are renting from Big O’s,” said Jeff. “We rent for varying lengths, but short term is our primary focus. Our walk-in business has increased too, and we are adding new customers almost on a daily basis.” As demand increased, so did the need for more employees. Jeff and Jenny’s children, Kelsey and Carter, help with various tasks. Jenny’s stepfather, Dan Yutzy, maintains equipment, and driver Brian Williams delivers it to customers around the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Takeuchi leads the equipment list Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales carries several brands of equipment, but its mainline offering is Takeuchi compact track loaders (TL6, TL8, TL10 and TL12) it has purchased from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM). It also has some Link-Belt Cranes and Hitachi products on-site. “We have built a very solid relationship with Tim Yauilla, Mark Tadlock, Shawn Stevens and others at Kirby-Smith,” said Jenny. “In addition to the equipment, we keep parts on hand that Kirby-Smith customers can pick up here without having to drive across
Discover more at KirbySmithConnection.com Jeff and Jenny Oehlschlaeger operate Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales in Grain Valley, Mo. The business primarily focuses on short-term rentals for small contractors in the Kansas City, Mo., area.
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