Business History:
In June of 1953, James P. Schafer and an army buddy, Chuck Selby opened one of the first rental stores in the country. Chuck left the business after 1 year and three of Jim’s family bought Chuck’s portion of the business. Though not currently a part of the business, they – Walter and Thomas Schafer and Bernard Korty – each contributed greatly to the business. Jim Schafer passed away February 19, 2000 and his wife, Ruth Schafer and two of his daughters, Nancy Stacy and Karen O’Leary are the current managers.
We have been in the same location since the beginning, though we have grown and changed over the years. Knowing that we would outgrow the original building, we would buy property in the area as it came up for sale. Eventually, Midwest Rentals covered almost an entire city block, with land on both sides of 5th Street.
In the early years, we handled tool, light construction, medical and party equipment in the same building with the same personnel. In 1985, a 10,000-sq. ft. building was constructed next to the original in order to house the party goods. We found that specialization facilitated growth in both areas.
In the late 1970’s we saw a need for portable restrooms and added that to our line.
We were in the mini warehouse business from 1986 to 1999. There was a good market and it proved to be profitable because it took very little time and we used our existing labor to man it. It was sold to a developer who was interested in getting the neighborhood back to a residential use. He put up the 5th Street Brownstones, which fit into the historic look of the area.
With continued expansion in mind, the tool division moved across from Caterpillar on State Road 26 East. That was in November of 1997. The move also brought Midwest Rentals to the attention of a national chain of rental stores. United Rentals purchased the tool division in October 1998.
After a few years being out of the tool business we reemerged in that market starting in 2003. With a small but respectable startup back into this area we started to flourish, providing the smaller hand and power tools that the larger national chains didn’t carry.
Being one of the only party rental stores in the area our party division has seen great growth in recent years and with it and our tools division growth we found the need to move from our downtown location which has been our home for the better part of 53 years. We found the former location of Carter Lumber at the intersection of Old US 231 South and State Road 25 South to be an ideal location for us. With increased warehouse space, ample ground, and room to grow we moved into this location in early April 2007. We added more moonwalks, tents, A/V equipment, and costumes to accommodate our growing party needs. Likewise we added more tools and heavy construction equipment to better provide for our clients needs.
Business Focus:
Our mission statement is to make every event pleasurable, memorable and special. Nearly everyone has events in their lives – weddings, anniversaries, graduations, etc. Businesses also use our services for conventions, holiday parties, picnics, promotions, open houses, etc. Schools come to us for dances, fund-raisers, and plays. We have everything you need to pull off that event.
Business Strengths:
We provide excellent service. We are locally and family-owned. Our employees will do all that we can to help you plan that special event.