Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie True.
Hi Charlie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started this business first out of need, which then transpired into an idea. My wife and I have always had a mentality to start and operate a business. My wife has been running an online clothing retail business, I operate this trailer rental business and we also just started a Tent rental business called “True Tent & Event”.
Anyway, more specifically about the trailer rental business. I found myself borrowing a trailer from an individual that I work with, they were generous enough to let me use it whenever I needed to go pick up a car, which happened more than a few times. One day I decided to go and purchase a trailer with the purpose to use it for myself and rent it on the side. Funny part about that is I have only used it once for myself and it usually stays rented out. This trailer is a 20′ car hauler with a 12k winch, chains, “J” hooks, straps and ramps which makes moving cars easy for just about anyone. My goal when renting it was to provide an affordable way to move cars, lite tractors, just about anything someone needs to move that falls within the payload rating. It’s even booked to move whiskey barrels this week so there’s lots of interesting things. There have been some less-than-ideal renters that have caused damage, but I work that out with the renters and they’re usually very understanding. It’s been a good experience, and I just recently purchased my second trailer to rent out. It should be “in service” this week as soon as I get the permanent plate. It is a beautiful white 16′ enclosed trailer with a rear ramp and side door. I’m excited about this one because it should serve as a dual purpose, renting out as well as moving tents, chairs and tables around for my wife and I in our event business.
Maybe this is more than you’re looking for?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part it’s been a fairly smooth road, I had some challenges along the way with some renters. Long story short, one of my renters pulled a tireless car off my car trailer and caused a mountain of damage. Though they attempted to fix some of it, I am still finding issues that are associated with that. Another renter was less than truthful on his journey but still brought the trailer back (another long story). Otherwise, almost all of my renters are great to deal with and have been very respectful when renting it. One of my biggest challenges right now is probably trying to figure out a better spot to put the trailers. They currently sit in my driveway, and I have a long driveway that can be challenging for anyone not familiar with backing a trailer. Especially now that I have two trailers, I am working on a better spot to park them to make it easier for renters.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After high school I wasn’t very sure about what I wanted to do, I somehow ended up at Michigan State University for a certificate program called “Swine Management”, which was learning all about pigs. Yep, I went to school for pigs. After that I transferred into their undergraduate program for Agriculture Business Management (ABM). Once I finished my bachelors I was offered a job at Michigan CAT, now Macallister CAT. It was desk job that I quickly learned I did not enjoy at all. It was first an intern type role, that became a supervisor spot where I was the supervisor for guys that were more than twice my age and knew far more than I did. They were great guys to work with, I just felt severely out of place. I transition to another role there and soon was introduced to firefighting.
I had been with CAT for 4 years before I found firefighting, it was explained to me that full time firefighters work a pretty nice schedule where you can work about 10 24 hour shifts/month. That schedule alone caught my attention. However, it was a bit of a process to become a full time firefighter. I went to the academy at night, obtained my EMT licensure after fire academy. Entire process took about two years but was well worth it. After 6 years of working a desk job that I despised every day, I was offered a full time firefighting position, dropped a leave notice to my CAT boss and never looked back. Firefighting has been absolutely the best job I have ever had. There have been some downsides, but this is where I love to be.
So I do firefighting full time, then I hustle on my days off by renting trailers.
Just for general information, my firefighting schedule works off 9 days. 24 hr on, 24 off, on, off, on, 4 days off. It’s a great schedule in my opinion though it does create nights away from home.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Go for it, worst case scenario is you purchase a trailer and now you have a trailer. Don’t sell the time for the trailer, sell the service. Charge a day rate even if they use it for half a day. Most importantly, vet your renters better, ask questions, what they’re hauling, where they’re going, hauling “a car” isn’t a good answer. If something feels off, reject the rental or say it’s already booked, I understand wanting renters, but you need to look out for your equipment, broken equipment costs you time and money and potentially losing customers. Trust yourself and your gut.
Pricing:
- $100/Day (24 hours)
- $450/5 Days
- $600/7 Days
- $100 refundable deposit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TrueRentalsUSA.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583847541939
