Colin has been in the auto repair industry in Post Falls, Idaho, for many years. What started with a single-car trailer to transport broken-down vehicles to his shop has grown into a full rental business alongside his auto repair service. When he needed to manage his growing inventory and increase visibility, he chose Booqable to help streamline his rental operation.
From one trailer to many
Colin’s journey into rentals began organically through his auto repair shop. Initially, he used trailers to transport customer vehicles to his shop when they weren’t running. As his business grew, he upgraded to tow trucks but noticed ongoing demand for a lower-cost alternative to tow truck services. This led him to start renting out his trailers to customers who could transport vehicles themselves.
The success of trailer rentals encouraged Colin to expand into lawn and landscape equipment. JEM Rentals now serves other businesses, auto repair customers, and walk-in customers working on DIY projects or home repairs. They offer the lowest labor rates in the area and provide a one-stop shop for engine-powered equipment needs.
Colin’s deep roots in the community come from his upbringing in Post Falls. His experience with handheld equipment to medium-duty diesel trucks allows him to offer comprehensive services, including auto repair, used parts sales, vehicle disposal, towing, and equipment rentals, all in one location. Recently, they purchased a second location in nearby Rathdrum, marking a significant expansion for the business.
Modernizing operations
Before implementing Booqable, JEM Rentals managed everything by hand. Contracts were printed and signed manually, and advertising was limited to word of mouth and Facebook. They struggled to effectively showcase their inventory and reach potential customers.
The switch to Booqable has given them a central platform to display their rental inventory and manage bookings. He has used the website builder to create his own rental website to showcase his products. This has increased their visibility and brought more attention to their available equipment.
The system has helped them transition from purely manual processes to a more streamlined digital operation. The result has been time-saving, a better overview of his inventory, and more. This allows him to focus more on growing the business and less on the day-to-day.
Growing the business
Colin plans to continue growing his business’s auto repair and rental sides. Within five years, he expects to double the size of his towing department and hopes to build a larger building for the repair shop. With two locations and a team of five people, JEM Rentals has established itself as a trusted local business combining traditional auto services with modern rental operations.
