The company moved from its 2224 SR 8 location to Peckhart Court in May. The new location is designed for efficient operations, from equipment and parts storage to LED lighting and rooftop solar panels that have resulted in energy savings.

“We built over space so we wouldn’t be bursting at the seams like the other location,” said President Ben Smaltz. The company offers Echo power equipment, Dixie choppers, Full Force Sales and Honda generators and pumps. Taylor Rental recently became a small engine dealer for Honda.

“Although our new facility offers the same square footage as our original location, it is far more efficient in nearly every aspect of our operation,” the company said in a press release. “This move marks our evolution with the times and solidifies our position as the first stop for homeowners, contractors, party planners, do-it-yourselfers, construction professionals and even portable restroom needs.”

“From day one, our mission has been to simply help people complete their projects,” said founder Mary Smaltz.

“The past year has been both challenging and rewarding,” added Ben Smaltz, a second-generation owner who joined the company full-time as managing partner in 1993.

“We have reached this milestone thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees and the solid foundation my parents laid 47 years ago,” he said. “With thousands of rental items in stock, a loyal customer base and a strong management team, I am confident we have a bright future. Our new location will propel us into another generation of success.”

“Taylor Rental has been involved in countless unforgettable events throughout Northeast Indiana, from weddings and baby showers to birthdays and graduations,” said Vice President Natalie Taylor-DeWitt, who joined the company in 2010 and is Managing Partner.

“We are proud to serve our community and our community involvement remains a personal priority for me.”

The business began in 1977 when Michael Smaltz, retired from the U.S. Navy, moved to Auburn with his wife, Mary. The store opened on October 7, 1977, after several months of franchise study, negotiations, and construction of the original headquarters building on West 7th Street.

“He actually went to a franchise convention and did a lot of research on what he thought would be the best fit for the community because they wanted to be here,” Smaltz said of his father.

“He wanted to make it his community, and that’s what he did. He said this is the best thing we can do.”

One of the elder Smaltz’s business visions was to provide portable toilets for large events, initially with 20 units. One of the first events for Taylor Rental in this new direction was Germanfest.

By exploring these and other new opportunities, the company was able to grow and thrive.

“He loved all that stuff,” Ben Smaltz said of his father. “We talked about moving in 2001. He died in 2002. It took us 22 years to get the right thing in place, but it all happened.”

“We bought a lot at Walmart and wanted to build there, but the construction costs, the interest rates and all the other things left a lot to be desired. One day I drove by (102 Peckhart Court), the lot was vacant and we bought it seven days later.

“This feels 100% like a good move,” DeWitt said. “All the other options didn’t feel right.”

“This place feels right. Everything about it feels right,” Smaltz added.

“Our work family is very important to us,” DeWitt said. “To us, you’re not just a number. Here, you’re more than a number; you’re family.” Generations of families have worked at this company. Students have worked at Taylor Rental during their high school years or during their college breaks.

“We are here for DeKalb County,” Smaltz said. “We are here for Northeast Indiana.”