Disaster Funds Save Aspiring Dream and Local Business

When Steve Batcheller began working at A-1 Rental West 17 years ago, he dreamed of becoming the business owner. At the time, he was working in the yard for previous owner Doug Schumacher. The company rents and sells equipment such as tools, skid loaders, excavators, generators, and forklifts, among other items. Batcheller worked his way up from the yard and was promoted to manager. After seven years in management, with visions of growth for the company, he felt ready to take on the challenge of ownership.

Two years later, his dream was facing an unimaginable threat in the flood of 2008. Suddenly A-1 Rental West, a business that has been locally owned and operated in Cedar Rapids for more than 60 years, faced the possibility of becoming another casualty of the flood. In January 2011, A-1 Rental West received disaster assistance that saved the business and Batcheller's dream.

“If we had not received the money when we did, we would have been another casualty,” Batcheller said.

Now that Batcheller has received the assistance, he is cautiously optimistic. Revenue reports project the company will be more closely aligned with financial reports prior to the 2008 disaster. Batcheller said the disaster funds have helped the company in moving forward in a time of uncertainty.

Another method that enabled the business to survive was expanding services. The company, which previously targeted commercial business, is now reaching out to residential customers. After the flood they became a Husqvarna dealer, offering products such as tractors, lawn mowers, chainsaws and weed eaters. In addition to selling and renting equipment, A-1 Rental West also provides maintenance service, which Batcheller believes makes his company stand out from others.

“We work with people as best we can. If a tractor is going to be in the shop longer than expected for repair, we don't necessarily charge more money, and we'll provide a loaner if we can. We have great mechanics here who take good care of our customers,” Batcheller said.

As business returns to normal, it's time for Batcheller to look at his next steps. Prior to the disaster he had hoped to expand with branches in Dubuque, Iowa City, and other parts of Northeast Iowa. Now he's re-evaluating how to manage his budget more efficiently and be prepared for future disasters.

“We're at square one after three years,” Batcheller said. “We've definitely learned a lot about determination, and a lot about the people in Cedar Rapids. They don't give up – that's for sure.”

Being back on the uphill side of things, Batcheller feels his business is in a good position moving forward. He said sales are still crucial in keeping the business at a good place, and hopes as construction continues, his company will see increased revenue.

“It's nice that we're not wondering what's going on from day to day,” Batcheller said. “Receiving the disaster funds put our minds at ease and now we can focus on getting back to work.”

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