Herc Rentals
Get ’N Your Business Podcast — Episode 72
Guest: Nick Reed (Branch Manager) & Dean Skinner (Sales Manager), Herc Rentals – St. Marys, GA
Host: Alison Shores, Camden County Chamber of Commerce
Episode Summary
Alison sits down with Nick Reed and Dean Skinner of Herc Rentals (formerly Tri-Lane) to unpack how the company has evolved from a traditional equipment renter into a full-scale solutions provider serving commercial, industrial, government, and residential needs. They trace Herc’s roots from the Hertz Equipment Rental days to today’s publicly traded HRI—highlighting rapid growth, major acquisitions, and an expanded local offering that now includes everything from hand tools and scissor lifts to 80,000-lb excavators, temporary power, portable HVAC/chillers, fluid solutions, fencing, and traffic-safety trucks.
Nick and Dean spotlight Herc’s safety-first culture (spotters, PPE, stop-work responsibility), on-site training and certifications, and an in-house emergency response program that mobilizes quickly after storms to help municipalities, schools, retailers, and bases restore operations. They also share how Herc preserved Tri-Lane’s familiar team and customer service, why community relationships drive their success, and even touch on Herc’s entertainment division supporting film/TV productions. It’s a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the people, gear, and mindset that keep projects—and communities—moving.
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0:00 Welcome + Sponsor Shoutouts
0:45 Meet Nick & Dean from Herc Rentals
1:25 From Tri-Lane to Herc: What’s New
3:00 Equipment & Services Overview
6:00 Emergency Response & Hurricane Readiness
8:30 Safety Culture: The 3 Pillars
10:45 Training, Certifications & Community Focus
13:00 Film Industry Gear & Behind-the-Scenes Work
15:00 Used Equipment Sales & How to Connect
16:30 Rapid Fire Q&A + Wrap-Up
Summary Highlights
From Rental to Solutions: Post-spinoff, Herc shifted from commodity rentals to problem-solving services across multiple verticals.
Bigger Local Toolbox: St. Marys branch offers classic construction gear (cut-off saws → boom lifts, forklifts, excavators) plus ProSolutions like temporary power, portable AC/chillers, fluid solutions, and temporary fencing.
Emergency Ready: Dedicated Cat-5 trailers (dehumidifiers, fans, blowers) and a regional war-room response help critical infrastructure (pump stations, schools, retailers) bounce back after hurricanes.
Safety is Non-Negotiable: Three pillars—spotters save lives, proper PPE, and stop-work responsibility—guide both teams and customers; the branch provides hands-on certifications and train-the-trainer programs.
Community Continuity: Tri-Lane team and customer care remain in place; relationships > everything for local success.
Entertainment Industry Gear: Specialized, black-finished equipment supports film and television productions behind the scenes.
Used Equipment Sales: Herc buys new, runs gear half-life, then sells certified used equipment with photos, pricing, and financing options.
Favorite Big Iron: Dean’s pick—the 350-class excavator (~80,000 lbs.)—shows the scale and specialization possible via regional Centers of Excellence.
Local Love: Shoutouts to downtown St. Marys vibes—Southern River Walk, Riverwalk Pizza, Drunken Noodle—and to the military community Nick proudly served.
How to Connect: Stop by the Kings Bay Rd branch, call the team, or check inventory and used gear online.
Quick Takeaways for Listeners
Need gear today or a turnkey plan (power/HVAC/fencing) for a site or event? Herc Rentals St. Marys can scope, deliver, and train.
Planning for storm season? Ask about portable cooling, power, and rapid-response capabilities.
Growing your fleet the smart way? Browse used equipment to buy proven machines at value pricing.
🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, like, share, and subscribe to support local stories that keep Camden County moving!
Contact Information
Nick Reed
Dean Skinner
912-540-4900
80 Pro Three ParkwaySt Marys GA 31558
nick.reed@hercrentals.com
