How do you know if the economy is on an upswing? Chris Ippolito, president of San Tan Rentals in Queen Creek, AZ, has one sure way to tell. “We used to be real busy on Saturdays from DIYers, but that started to turn around last year. Now, we have more activity during the week, primarily from contractors who are doing the work for homeowners who can now afford to hire it out.”
The trend is one reason his store added a new skid steer and mini excavator to its lineup this year. “Even though we’re located only 30 miles or so southeast of Phoenix, most of our business comes from the local market here at Queen Creek and nearby Gilbert,” Ippolito noted.”
The combination of new construction activity and homeowners with more disposable income is driving the newly revitalized contractor market and keeping the store owner and his three full-time workers and one part-timer busy.
Ippolito has been in business since 1999. Previously, he worked in construction and recalls going to The Rental Show back then. “We didn’t go this year. New Orleans is just too far away; not to say it wouldn’t be fun to go there. I guess we have to wait until the show gets closer to home.”
