Timing proves to be perfect for couple’s business geared toward small contractors in the Kansas City area

About two years ago, Jeff and Jenny Oehlschlaeger realized a dream when they founded Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales LLC. Jeff had been selling and renting equipment, and Jenny worked in the corporate world in client management.

“Jeff really wanted to be on his own, and I felt like I needed a change too,” explained Jenny, owner and president. “The timing seemed right, so in January of 2020, we opened with five pieces of equipment. A couple months later, COVID hit, and of course our first thought was, ‘This was a really great time to start a business.’”

As it turned out, the timing was perfect for a new rental company in the Kansas City, Mo., area. The Blue Springs natives located their business in Grain Valley.

“As people stayed home, they realized that their houses needed improvements,” explained Jeff, vice president. “That led to a lot of work for small contractors who do residential concrete and landscaping. Those are the types of businesses we geared Big O’s toward, so it was busy right from the start. About six months in, it was apparent we didn’t have enough equipment, so we added more.”

The Oehlschlaegers continued to add machines and now have about 25, ranging from 3,000-pound compact utility vehicles to 17,000-pound excavators. Additionally, Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales carries a wide range of attachments that can be rented with a piece of equipment or separately.

“It also helped that I had a lot of contacts from my previous work, and a lot of them have come along and are renting from Big O’s,” said Jeff. “We rent for varying lengths, but short term is our primary focus. Our walk-in business has increased too, and we are adding new customers almost on a daily basis.”

As demand increased, so did the need for more employees. Jeff and Jenny’s children, Kelsey and Carter, help with various tasks. Jenny’s stepfather, Dan Yutzy, maintains equipment, and driver Brian Williams delivers it to customers around the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Takeuchi leads the equipment list

Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales carries several brands of equipment, but its mainline offering is Takeuchi compact track loaders (TL6, TL8, TL10 and TL12) it has purchased from Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM). It also has some Link-Belt Cranes and Hitachi products on-site.

“We have built a very solid relationship with Tim Yauilla, Mark Tadlock, Shawn Stevens and others at Kirby-Smith,” said Jenny. “In addition to the equipment, we keep parts on hand that Kirby-Smith customers can pick up here without having to drive across Kansas City to their store. We have had quite a few do that, and while they are here, talk to us about renting. It’s a great arrangement that really helps both companies, as well as our customers.”

Jeff added that he knew working with KSM and the Takeuchi product line would be beneficial. “I sold Takeuchi for a few years, so I became very familiar with it, and I knew Kirby-Smith’s reputation as a great company. That proved true as we got to know each other. It’s productive and very durable, and a lot of our existing customers already run Takeuchi machines.

“In my experience, there are a lot of brands out there that when you get a few thousand on them, you better be looking for a new machine,” Jeff continued. “That’s not the case with Takeuchi. It lasts. That, and this great partnership we have with Kirby-Smith, makes it a long-term proposition for us to carry that line and the parts.”

Considering what’s next

With Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales’ foundation well established, the Oehlschlaegers are considering their next moves.

“We have thought about possibly adding bulk sales of materials such as rock, sand and mulch,” said Jeff. “Our current location has enough room to do that, but we are not ready to dive into that yet. For now, we want to continue focusing on providing good equipment and service. We believe the future is bright if we do that.”

Kirby-Smith Machinery, Big O’s team up for customer appreciation open house

Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) and Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales LLC teamed up for an open house at Big O’s location in Grain Valley, Mo. The event showcased the strong partnership the companies have built.

“This is a way for us to show our appreciation for Jeff and Jenny (Oehlschlaeger) at Big O’s, as well as our and their customers,” said KSM Product Support Representative Mark Tadlock. “We have a great arrangement. They have purchased some Takeuchi equipment from us and keep a few of Kirby-Smith’s rental units on-site for our customers to pick up. It’s really helping both companies.”

Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales has purchased four Takeuchi compact track loaders from KSM and has small Link-Belt Cranes and Hitachi products available. Big O’s also keeps parts for those products on hand that KSM customers can pick up.

“Our customer base in the Kansas City area has grown tremendously in the last four to five years, including on the east side of the metropolitan area,” stated KSM Territory Manager Shawn Stevens. “Our branch is located in Kansas, so for those contractors on this side of town, it’s quite a drive to pick up parts or rental units. Big O’s keeping those products on hand makes it more convenient. It’s a great arrangement.”

At the open house, KSM and Big O’s Equipment Rental and Sales personnel talked to customers and served a catered lunch.

“This is a great way for us to showcase the offerings we and Kirby-Smith have, as well as our capabilities to service their needs,” said Jeff Oehlschlaeger. “We appreciate the trust that they place in us, and we are very pleased that Kirby-Smith teamed up with us to put this on.”