25 Years of Peer Group Stories: Tim Allen
This article's content originated on Peer Talk podcast ep. 24 from July of 2021
Chapter: Innovating Workforce Solutions in a Challenging Market
The struggle to attract and retain employees has become a nationwide challenge, but in the Pacific Northwest, businesses face an even steeper uphill climb. Tim Allen, president and owner of Allen Rental in Roseburg, Oregon, has tackled this issue head-on with creative solutions that not only sustain his business but also strengthen the local economy.
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
Tim Allen’s journey into the rental industry was anything but conventional. A self-described mechanical enthusiast, he started his career as a technician before launching a mobile repair shop. His small business operated out of an old postal service van, servicing paint sprayers and power washers for local businesses. However, Tim always had an eye on expansion.
When the 2008 financial crisis forced many rental companies to scale back or shut down, Tim saw an opportunity. United Rentals was excited about his market, and Tim seized the chance to establish a rental business. He secured funding by borrowing against his house and maxing out his credit cards, purchasing his initial equipment inventory at a United Rentals auction. This leap of faith laid the foundation for Allen Rental, which has since grown to two locations.
Navigating the Current Hiring Crisis
With a tight labor market and rising wages in Oregon, finding and retaining employees has been more challenging than ever. Fast-food chains offer competitive salaries, sometimes exceeding what small businesses can afford. While higher wages are an industry-wide issue, Tim has found ways to differentiate his workplace beyond compensation.
“We focus on what we can control,” says Tim. “We offer flexible time off—our employees don’t have to miss their kids’ baseball games. We promote a family-oriented culture, and that’s been huge for retention.”
Tim credits his adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as a game-changer in shaping company culture. By involving employees in decision-making, recognizing their strengths, and allowing them to take ownership of their responsibilities, Allen Rental has created a workplace that employees are proud to be part of.
A Revolutionary Approach: Community Job Fairs
Faced with ongoing hiring difficulties, Tim and his team took an innovative approach: hosting community job fairs. Inspired by a frustrating state-led discussion on labor shortages, Tim and his wife organized the first job fair in just two weeks. They invited ten local businesses, provided free tables and marketing, and opened the doors to job seekers.
The first event saw modest attendance, with just five people securing jobs. But word spread, and within a month, the next job fair expanded to 30 businesses. The results were astounding—110 people found employment that day.
Tim attributes the success to removing barriers that often discourage job seekers. “We made it easy for people to show up and apply. We had childcare available, help with resumes, and resources for those who hadn’t been in the workforce for a while. It was all about reducing friction.”
Improving Employee Onboarding and Training
Once new employees join the company, Allen Rental ensures a seamless onboarding process. Gone are the days of learning through observation alone. Now, employees receive structured training on company history, core values, job expectations, and performance audits.
“We’re constantly refining our training,” Tim explains. “We’ve invested in diagnostic tools and deeper equipment training to ensure our team has the knowledge and skills to succeed.”
The Future of Equipment Rental
As supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty continue to impact the industry, Tim sees opportunity amid the challenges. “We’re focusing on maintaining our fleet longer, investing in equipment servicing, and securing strong supplier relationships,” he says. “If new equipment is harder to get, then we need to get more value out of what we have.”
For rental business owners, the key to long-term success isn’t just keeping up with trends about adapting, innovating, and creating new solutions where none previously existed. Tim Allen’s journey proves that, even in a tough labor market, businesses that embrace change can continue to thrive.