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Four generations. One yard.
AAA U-Rent-It opened in Fort Smith in 1954, and the Castling family has run it ever since.
Our story
Renting to Fort Smith for 72 years
It started in 1954, when Gordon and Vivian Castling and their son Don H. opened the first rental store in the area. Back then they rented a little of everything: lawn mowers, baby beds, party supplies, even hospital equipment.
Over the years the focus narrowed to what our customers count on most: dependable equipment for contractors and homeowners. Today the fleet runs from wheelbarrows to telehandlers, and we keep it fresh by selling off older machines on a regular schedule.
What hasn't changed is how we treat people. Call with the job you're trying to get done, and we'll help you find the right tool for it.
Timeline
How we got here
- 1954Open for business
Gordon and Vivian Castling and their son, Don H., open AAA U-Rent-It in Fort Smith, the area's first rental store. They rent everything from lawn mowers to baby beds.
- 1955Room to grow
A move to a bigger building, plus party and medical rentals.
- 1958Joined the ARA
AAA becomes a member of the American Rental Association.
- 1967Third generation
Don E. Castling comes on full time after years of working summers in the shop.
- 1975Don E. takes the reins
Don E. takes over day-to-day operations of the family business.
- 1989All in on equipment
Don E. buys the business and narrows the focus to equipment for contractors and homeowners. Nancy Castling takes over the books.
- 1993A second location
A second, larger Fort Smith store opens.
- 1998Fourth generation
Gordon Castling joins full time after earning his degree in agricultural business.
- 2017One home base
Everything comes together at 2902 McKinley Ave.: about two acres, with expanded offices and warehouse space.
- TodayStill family owned
Don E. and Nancy Castling own the business, Gordon serves as vice president, and the next generation is learning the ropes.
How we work
What you can count on
Nobody gets turned away
One post hole or a whole jobsite, we'll try to help everybody at least once. Most of those folks keep coming back.
A fresh fleet
We retire older machines on a regular schedule, so what you rent is newer, cleaner, and more dependable.
A crew that knows
Our people have been here anywhere from 8 to more than 25 years. Ask them anything about the equipment.
Proud member of the American Rental Association since 1958.
Stop by the yard
479.646.4341Come see us at 2902 McKinley Ave. or give us a call. We'd love to help with your next project.