Rental Solutions and Events is not your ordinary rental store. The company, located in Eldersburg, MD, specializes in temporary and mobile kitchen equipment and services for special events, renovations, expanded operations, and disaster relief. An extensive inventory of kitchen equipment includes everything from ovens, ranges and skillets, to prep and holding items, dishwashers, heaters, and refrigerators, to walk-in coolers and freezers. Mobile kitchen trailers and modular containerized units are rented out from up to a week to several months or years. It also builds out temporary kitchens in large tent structures.
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As different as this operation is from the general rental market, it, too, has evolved in a similar fashion. “Over the past 10 years, competition has become more intense and clients now have more options from which to choose,” said Tom Brown, junior vice president of operations and sales. “There has also been an increase in mergers and acquisitions, creating larger national companies. History says that these companies tend to be strong the first couple years, but they often struggle from expanding too quickly or not having the necessary quality controls in place."
He continued, “We’re able to compete in this market by offering great products and services and having a track record that speaks for itself. Even if we lose an account to a new competitor, we often get it back without having to cut our prices.”
Like the general rental market, Brown noted that kitchen equipment has become more technologically advanced, but clients still prefer basic models that are easy to operate and reliable. "We’ve also found the more advanced digital and electrical/computer-controlled equipment doesn’t travel well, breaks down more often, and has higher repair costs," he explained.
He noted, as well, that the kitchen/events industry often struggles with labor, with employees who like to shop around for better wages or who cannot tolerate the nontraditional hours of the events industry. There’s also the ordinary employee challenges to deal with. “We put new employees on a probationary period to make sure they’re a good fit for us and them. We train them and offer a great benefits package. Investing in employees is investing in your business,” Brown emphasized. “When you take care of them, they will take care of you."
He concluded, “We have some very large event rentals this year, including the Kentucky Derby, PGA Tour, Kentucky Motor Speedway, Boy Scout World Jamboree, and much more. The mobile kitchen industry is growing, and we plan to grow with it without growing too fast.”
