A portion of the proceeds from the “Tele-Hero” will support local veterans charities.
EquipmentShare, one of the fastest-growing equipment rental and technology companies in the nation, has added a third patriotically wrapped telehandler to its rental fleet to demonstrate its commitment to hiring and supporting veterans and service members.
The Manitou MTA8044 telehandler is nicknamed “Tele-Hero” and is wrapped in camouflage. The newest member of the fleet has been added in Jacksonville, Florida, just in time for Veterans Day. Ten percent of Tele-Hero’s rental proceeds will be donated to organizations that help veterans find safe housing and employment resources. EquipmentShare expects to donate more than $3,400 annually from each Tele-Hero’s rental proceeds alone. The first Tele-Hero was added to the fleet on Veterans Day 2021 in Columbia, Missouri, and the second in San Diego on Memorial Day 2022.
“We hope the Tele-Hero demonstrates our commitment to veterans and serves as a call to action for more employers to open their doors and offer fulfilling work to our heroes,” EquipmentShare CEO and Co-Founder Jabbok Schlacks said. “We honor veterans year-round, but to be able to unveil these pieces of equipment for Veterans Day and Memorial Day make them even more special and meaningful.”
EquipmentShare's philanthropic mission and workforce development initiatives include supporting and hiring those who have served in the United States military. In 2020, EquipmentShare made a commitment to double the number of veterans working for the company by 2022. It surpassed that number in 2021.
In 2022, EquipmentShare became an authorized SkillBridge Organization. The Department of Defense SkillBridge program began in 2014 — the same year EquipmentShare was created. This program is an opportunity for active-duty service members to gain civilian job experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service.
EquipmentShare continues to create workforce development programs like internships and apprenticeships to encourage veterans and service members to explore work in the equipment and construction industries.
“EquipmentShare’s commitment to supporting our military and veterans is one of the things I’m most proud of as a veteran and a team member,” said Steve Beilman, United States Navy veteran and district operations manager for EquipmentShare in San Diego. “The Tele-Hero program is just one example of how we show our gratitude for those who have served and are currently serving.”
“The EquipmentShare team is honored to work alongside veterans daily,” Schlacks said. “They’re natural leaders. They’re passionate and driven, and that makes them perfect for our team of problem-solvers. We’re also proud to lead initiatives like the Tele-Hero that give our customers another reason to do business with us. They, too, are making a difference in the lives of others.”
EquipmentShare continues to hire veterans across the nation. Learn more about the company’s mission to support veterans at equipmentshare.com/careers/hiring-veterans.
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The third tele-hero was supposed to be unveiled in the Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade. Due to Tropical Storm Nicole hitting the area, city officials canceled the parade. Our hearts go out to the people of Jacksonville and our employees in the area. Our team is monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide resources to support the community.
About EquipmentShare
Headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, EquipmentShare is a nationwide construction solutions provider dedicated to solving industry pain points through smart jobsite technology and equipment rental, retail and service centers. EquipmentShare’s cloud-connected platform, T3, is powered by telematics and machine hardware to give construction and industrial companies a real-time view into their jobsite and operations. EquipmentShare’s enterprise suite of apps is OEM-agnostic and can track and manage any piece of equipment, regardless of brand, to help fleet managers monitor assets, prevent theft and machine misuse, track employee hours and shifts, increase machine utilization, streamline maintenance and prevent unplanned downtime. Founded in 2014 and incorporated in 2015, EquipmentShare employs more than 3,600 team members of diverse perspectives that push the boundaries of possibilities to create unparalleled customer value, support their communities and empower construction professionals to work more efficiently. EquipmentShare’s growing presence of locations, which includes equipment and service yards, research and development sites, dealerships for major brands, administrative offices and specialty solutions locations, serve the rising demand for the company’s equipment and digital solutions. To learn more, visit equipmentshare.com.