Ownership of the Aitkin Rental Center in Aitken, MN changed hands the second week in May. Married couple, Alan Monroe and Penny Harms Monroe, purchased the business located across the street from the Aitkin recycling facility from Vern Watters. Penny will continue to serve as Aitkin County Veteran’s Service Officer while Alan works full-time at the rental center.
The couple will manage the business and three additional employees (two part-time and one full-time) together. Penny has a degree in organizational management and communications and Alan worked in the past as a tool repair mechanic at a construction and specialty tool store in Duluth. Penny said the re-opening has been stressful but fun. Alan agreed, saying business has been picking up steadily, partly due to the time of year and partly due to new and expanded stock and services.
Homeowner and contractor equipment available for rent includes a dizzying array in a wide variety of categories including: construction equipment, concrete tools, plumbing, floor care, mechanic tools, moving needs, lawn and garden care and wedding and party goods. Paddle boards and a Fender Passport event bluetooth capable sound system has been added to the inventory recently. The couple also purchased a landscape supply business, previously located in Garrison. The inventory from that business, moved to Aitkin Rental Center, will include mulch, rocks, sand, gravel and black dirt with plans to add more landscaping supplies in the future.
Within the next month, kayaks will be available to rent and pool and hot tub supplies will be added. Eventually, Alan said, they plan to become a Honda equipment dealership and to offer small engine and electric tool repair.
