About Us
First Place Rental doesn’t think you should ever sacrifice safety, time, or quality work when there’s a tool that can get the job done right (the first time). That’s why we’re more than a rental shop:
We’re a crew of professional problem-solvers with decades of DIY and professional know-how who are obsessed with your success.
We believe in the power of:
Teamwork
“We’re in it together”
We value teamwork, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose; our success depends on operating as a team. Everyone is treated with respect in a supportive environment where people feel valued and included.
Perseverance
“Get It Out Of The Hole”
There’s nothing we can’t do with a “can-do” attitude. When challenges show up, we get resourceful, take initiative, and find solutions (bonus points for out-of-the-box ones). We’re agile, adapt quickly, and take smart risks to keep things moving.
Empowerment
“Teach a Man To Fish”
We’re committed to education, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. We equip our crew with the tools, training, and trust to take ownership and pursue mastery.
Levity
“Glad Plugins and Dad Jokes”
Most things in life are made better with a laugh (especially when the place smells nice, too).
Our Story
Scott Munsterman was six years old his first day on the job at his father’s rental store in Wheaton, IL. It was the summer of 1966, and it was the beginning of his lifelong passion for problem-solving and helping others succeed.
As soon as he was old enough, Scott spent his summers working at the shop: emptying trash cans, shadowing his dad around Wheaton Rental, and developing a feel for the trade. Instead of a paycheck that first summer, Scott was rewarded with a classic high-handlebar, banana-seat Stingray bicycle—and a wealth of real experience.
Three decades later, he had outgrown the bike and the entry-level tasks, but his entrepreneurial drive and knack for big-picture thinking were already well ahead of his career. One day, at a small rental operation in Oswego, IL, the owner casually mentioned to Scott that he wished “somebody would buy me out of this place…”
He immediately recognized a diamond in the rough and established First Place Rental in January 2001.
Together with his wife and partner (in both life and business), Lisa, they built a team of dedicated employees, developed a business model that allowed First Place Rental to grow and thrive, and refined an inventory of highly organized, top-notch equipment tailored to their customers’ needs.
In 2019, Scott passed away, tragically and unexpectedly. It was a devastating loss for everyone who knew him, including long-time employees Sean and Brian.
When Lisa decided to sell First Place Rental, she came to them first. Would they like to follow in Scott’s entrepreneurial footsteps, purchasing the company and keeping the FPR family together?
It wasn’t a tough decision.
“We had history here,” said Sean. “I grew up here; I started at just 22. Scott was a big mentor to me, and became more than a boss—he was a father figure. I wanted to carry on the legacy of what he built and what he believed this place could be.”
Brian felt the same way, harboring tremendous respect for Scott’s business savvy and ethical core.
Together, Sean and Brian bought the company, keeping the staff, equipment, and spirit of the place intact.
Today, First Place Rental has two locations, both grounded in their core values: delivering high-quality products and services, consistent follow-through, and authentic integrity.
First Place Rental is more than a place to rent equipment—it’s a place to find solutions.
It’s where customers tap into a lifetime of experience and a team of welcoming, knowledgeable professionals who regularly go the extra mile. It’s a place committed to making sure customers have the right tool for the job, no matter what.
In fact, when it comes to getting the job done right, it’s not just a place—it’s the first place customers go.