Rental Snapshot – Achieving Success in the Chicagoland Rental Market: RP Rents

Q. How did you first get your start in the rental industry?

Our journey in the rental industry began with our dad, who had a strong background in the business and a vision to create something of his own. After years of experience working in rentals, he took the leap and started his own company. From day one, we were right there with him—learning the ropes, understanding what it takes to provide top-quality service, and developing a true passion for the industry. 

Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with customers, expanded our knowledge, and stayed committed to delivering reliable rental solutions. For us, this isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy. Rental is in our blood, and we take pride in helping our customers find the right equipment to get the job done.

Q. Can you give us some insight into your current company?

RP Rents recently moved all previous locations into one facility in Naperville, Illinois.RP RentsIn April of 2024, we took a big step forward by acquiring two well-established rental companies, allowing us to grow and strengthen our presence in the industry. As part of this expansion, we relocated our operations to Naperville this past December, positioning ourselves to better serve our growing customer base.

Today, we are proud to be one of the top independently-owned rental companies in Chicagoland. With a dedicated team of over 80 employees and a fleet of 21 trucks, we are able to deliver equipment efficiently across Northern Illinois, Western Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin. Our customers have grown alongside us, and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust they place in our team. 

Q. What have been some of the challenges and successes you’ve had over the years?

RP RentsOver the last year, we’ve faced our share of challenges and successes that have shaped us into the company we are today. One of the biggest challenges was acquiring two rental companies and bringing them together under one brand. They were in three different locations and we had a vision of having everyone under one roof. We found a place in Naperville that would fit all of our needs. The remodeling process of our Naperville building was no small job. We wanted to be sure that each one of our employees would be able to work in a state-of-the-art facility. All of the employees being under one roof has been huge for the success of the business. 

Rebranding ourselves while ensuring a seamless transition for our customers and employees was no small task. On top of that, keeping up with exceptional growth in such a short time required us to scale quickly, which meant bringing on key sales personnel and adapting to an increasing demand for our services. RP Rents showroom in the new Naperville location.RP Rents

Despite the challenges, we’ve experienced incredible successes along the way. We’ve built a dependable team that is committed to delivering quality service, and relocating to one central location in Naperville has allowed us to streamline our operations. Everyday, we learn from the obstacles we face and use them to improve what we do. It’s not always easy, but seeing the increase in orders and hearing positive feedback from our customers reassures us that we’re on the right path. The growth and trust our customers place in us mean everything, and we’re excited to continue evolving to meet their needs.

Q. Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to in the rental industry? How had they affected you?

Our father has always been our biggest mentor in the rental industry. From day one, he made it a family business, not just in name but in the way he operated—creating a culture where employees and customers felt like part of the family. As brothers, we’ve always admired the way he led with integrity, hard work, and a genuine commitment to the people around him.

One of the most important lessons he taught us was that success isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about relationships. He set us apart by fostering a family atmosphere, where employees weren’t just workers but valued members of a team. That mindset has shaped the way we continue to run the business today. No matter how much we grow, we remain committed to making our team feel supported and appreciated.

The families of owners Rob and Paul Snook.RP Rents

Q. What is your favorite part of the industry? Of your company?

One of our favorite parts of the rental industry is the relationships we build along the way. Whether it’s with customers, vendors, or our own team, this business is all about trust and long-term connections. Watching those relationships grow over time and seeing our customers return because they know they can count on us is incredibly rewarding.

The success of our company is directly tied to the dedication of our team, and seeing them thrive is what keeps us motivated every day.

Within our company, the most fulfilling part is seeing the exponential growth we’ve experienced and how it has created new opportunities for both our business and our employees. Watching our team succeed—whether it’s a salesperson landing a big account, a driver mastering logistics, or a technician excelling in their role—makes all the hard work worth it. The success of our company is directly tied to the dedication of our team, and seeing them thrive is what keeps us motivated every day.

With a fleet of 21 trucks to deliver throughout Northern Illinois, Western Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin, RP Rents designed the shop area carefully to maximize space and operate as efficiently as possible.RP RentsRP Rents

Q. If you could travel anywhere in the world for free, where would you go?

If we could travel anywhere in the world for free, we would probably have to say Bora Bora. The idea of relaxing in an overwater bungalow, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views, sounds like the perfect getaway. After the fast-paced environment of the rental industry, it would be amazing to take a step back, unwind, and enjoy the peace and beauty of a place like that.