Sunbelt co-founder Smart joins RSC
By Murray Pollok17 June 2008
RSC Equipment Rental has appointed Thomas F Smart as vice-president – sales, a newly created position. Mr Smart has 27 years experience in the US rental industry and was a co-founder of Sunbelt Rentals in 1983.
"We are extremely pleased to have Tom join our management team in this important new role," said Erik Olsson, RSC president and chief executive officer. "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."
Mr Smart co-founded Sunbelt Rentals in 1983 and under his leadership grew the business to 38 locations in seven southeastern states. Since leaving Sunbelt in 1997 – by which time it was owned by Ashtead Group - he co-founded Management Service Partners (MSP), a consulting firm that helped construction equipment manufacturers understand the rental industry.
In 2001, he founded MSP Rents, an equipment rental company targeting the utility contractor market with five locations in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
