June 20, 2008 • RSC Equipment Rental, Scottsdale, Ariz., announced that Thomas Smart, an industry executive with more than 27 years experience in operations, sales and management, has joined the firm as vice president of sales, a newly created position.
"We are extremely pleased to have Tom join our management team in this important new role," said Erik Olsson, RSC president and CEO. "Tom brings to RSC extensive experience in growing successful equipment rental businesses, and as both an executive and consultant, has helped companies realign their sales organizations and develop successful growth strategies. He has created profitable, turnkey rental businesses in key regions throughout the United States, and his experience serving contractors and companies in segments such as the utilities industry will be of great value as we focus on expanding our leadership in the attractive industrial market."
Smart co-founded Sunbelt Rentals in 1983, and under his leadership grew the business to 38 locations in seven southeastern states. Sunbelt was acquired by Ashtead Group, PLC in 1990. Smart left Ashtead Group in 1997, to co-found Management Service Partners (MSP), a consulting firm providing construction equipment manufacturers with a better understanding of the rental industry and assisting them to plan and execute strategies to adapt to their growing market. In 2001, he founded MSP Rents, an equipment rental company targeting the utility contractor market with five locations in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
