Rental: How did you first get your start in the rental industry? 
Star Equipment's Des Moines, Iowa, location.Star Equipment
Star Equipment is a 55-year-old family business started by Max and Beverly Bowman in 1968 in Des Moines, Iowa. Initially, Star was a sales-only company, but as time progressed, Max and Beverly saw a need to offer rentals and added that to the growing list of the company’s services. As they continued to grow, so did the need for rentals in the construction industry, so Max Bowman wisely invested in even more rental equipment to meet the customer’s demands.
Rental: Can you give us some insight on your current company?
Star is now managed by myself and Brad Bowman, and we have continued to grow rental in addition to managing four branches with three divisions. Our core customer base is general and concrete flatwork customers. So, if you’re a general contractor or a concrete flatwork person, we have what you need. Our other divisions are specialty products: Service and lube trucks for contractors and agriculture customers and lasers/GPS machine control for dirt work and general contractors. We strive to encompass Max’s original goal of offering innovative products that drive profit through efficiency to the bottom line of the contractor's financial statement. 
Max Bowman was presented the 2021 Build Iowa Award by Master Builders of Iowa. From left to right, Remington Lawyer (3rd Generation), Mary Lawyer, Bruce Bowman, Brad Bowman, Lois Bowman, Brett Bowman (Retired September 2023), and Vicki Bowman accepted the award.Star Equipment
Rental: What have been some of the challenges and successes you’ve had over the years you've been in business?
Max was always a salesman at heart with the intention of bringing cutting-edge products to the construction industry, and our company maintains that vision. Although some were scoffed at when they were first introduced and pioneered, many products are now completely accepted in the industry and the most popular. Like skid loaders were brought into the industry in the late '60s, and lasers were brought into the market in the late 70s in both sewer and general construction. More recently, it’s been machine control with lasers and GPS. Through it all, the hardest part was acceptance and trust.
We’ve also fought through several recessions, and just like everyone else, are trying to maintain independence in the wake of big box stores taking over large portions of the rental market. Despite all of this, we’ve grown almost every year.
Rental: If you could change anything about the equipment rental industry, what would it be and why? What do you foresee the future of rental being like?
The Star Equipment team at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, location.Star Equipment
I see a continued need for rentals increasing as jobs become even more specific for our customers. Most of them can no longer survive if they don’t diversify, so renting allows them to expand and retract their equipment fleet as needs change. I truly see the value and need for privately held rental operations despite the fact the big box rental companies continue to expand through acquisition.
Rental: What do you think are two of the most important aspects of running and maintaining a successful business?
I think the two most important aspects are, for one, your staff. Having a staff that cares and is loyal is important. And two, being nimble and willing to change as you recognize the long and short-term changes in the industry. These are the differentiators for success for small- to mid- sized rental operations.
Rental: If you could, which musician would you bring back from the dead for a one-night-only concert?
I think I would say Harry Chapin. His songs were stories of his and others' lives, and how they worked to overcome challenges and cope with them.
Star Equipment has four locations throughout Iowa, Des Moines (pictured), Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Ames.Star Equipment
