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Rental Roundtable #70: Why Renting Trucks Beats Owning

49 Min
September 25, 2025
Episode #70

Episode Overview

Chris Keys, Territory Manager at Premier Truck Rental (PTR), shares how PTR scaled to 15,000 trucks in just 11 years by removing the headaches of ownership. He explains why contractors rely on truck rentals, how PTR’s sales model and culture drive growth, and the lessons rental operators can take from their approach.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – Chris Keys shares his background in the rental industry and how his career path led him to Premier Truck Rental.
  • 10:02 – Premier Truck Rental’s rapid growth story, scaling to 15,000 trucks and 300 employees in just 11 years.
  • 13:11 – Renting trucks proves more cost-effective than buying, offering tax advantages, predictable costs, and fewer headaches for contractors.
  • 16:07 – Identifying ideal customers reveals how mega-projects like pipelines and power line construction drive strong demand.
  • 18:54 – The construction market is booming, with AI-driven data centers and other large projects fueling long-term growth.
  • 22:03 – AI emerges as a major force in construction, shaping demand for trucks and rental equipment on a global scale.
  • 24:12 – PTR’s sales model relies on specialized teams so salespeople can focus entirely on building customer relationships.
  • 27:14 – Delegation and trust allow decisions to be pushed down to the lowest levels, keeping the business nimble.
  • 29:22 – Radical transparency ensures everyone has access to data and expectations, improving communication and accountability.
  • 41:00 – Hiring at PTR prioritizes coachability, drive, and cultural fit over industry experience, creating a stronger, more adaptable team.

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About the Speakers

Chris Keys

Chris Keys

Chris Keys is a Territory Manager at Premier Truck Rental (PTR), where he helps contractors and rental companies access the trucks they need to power major infrastructure projects. With years of experience in the equipment rental industry, Chris is passionate about building strong customer relationships, solving logistical challenges, and supporting businesses as they scale. At PTR, he plays a key role in connecting clients with reliable fleet solutions while embodying the company’s culture of transparency, trust, and autonomy.

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