August 23, 2023
Tim Allen
Tim Allen, 39, president, Allied Equipment Services, Haskell, N.J., says he found himself in the rental industry by accident. “A customer called to ask if we rented a telehandler, and I’ve grown the business from that phone call,” he says. A former U.S. Army captain, Allen started his company in 2015 after noticing opportunities springing up for veteran-owned businesses.
“I’ve always had a passion for infrastructure and logistics, so I enjoy that rental allows me to support these kinds of projects. I’ve also found the people who work in construction, rental and infrastructure to be people who you want to work with day in and day out,” he says.
“Small, but focused and growing,” is how Allen describes Allied Equipment Services. “We have a fleet of heavy-lift telehandlers and forklifts, Broce brooms, light towers and arrow boards. Our target customers are primes on large public projects, but we’re growing our customer base and have a different base for our sales side.” Allen says he is proud to have “grown our fleet responsibly, making sure not to overextend ourselves. Service is our No. 1 priority and we’ve received positive feedback from customers, even a referral to a large, national construction customer we may not have otherwise received. Representing the American Rental Association (ARA) at its Legislative Caucus in Washington, D.C., also reflects our trajectory.”
ARA involvement has helped Allen grow in other ways too. “I joined ARA to strengthen my network and learn as much as I can,” he says. “After attending my first ARA show, I took part in the Mentoring Program and had a great experience working with Buddy Stubbs from Busylad Rent-All. Then I volunteered for a spot on the ARA of New Jersey board. Learning from more experienced rental operators is a tremendous benefit and has helped me think through critical pieces of the business as well as given me an avenue to ask questions. Everyone I’ve met through ARA has been incredibly supportive and welcoming, which makes me want to continue in the industry.”
As a growing rental operator, Allen encourages those considering the industry for a career. “Rental is dynamic and growing,” he says. “For someone looking for a challenge, it allows them to support different projects and incorporate new technologies. College is expensive and the return on investment is not what it used to be. Rental’s affiliation with trade unions offers students a career path on Day One. For example, New Jersey Operating Engineers Local 825 recently announced changes to their apprenticeship program. Apprentices will take classes at a community college toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Receiving a paycheck while learning and not incurring debt is a game-changer for building a foundation in life.”
This is solid advice from someone who has actually lived his dream. “I always wanted to be either a soldier or a fireman. I accomplished the first, but I’m not sure my leg injury will allow me to volunteer for the second,” Allen says.
