Commercial-grade equipment can be hard to choose, hard to maintain, and hard on the wallet. That’s why Lowe’s launched our Tool Rental program in August of 2020, to better serve the Pros and DIYers who rely on us for their home improvement needs. The first Tool Rental department opened in Charlotte, N.C. And, as of this summer, we now offer Tool Rental in 11 locations across the U.S. with a multi-year plan for expansion.
Offering equipment from top-line brands like Husqvarna, Bosch and Metabo HPT is a key to how we support our customers, but our Tool Rental team shares more than just its tools to help get the job done right. Tool Rental associates at Lowe’s lend their expert ears, attention to detail, and mechanical expertise to help every customer leave with the best tools for the task at hand.
With new locations opening over the next several years, our Tool Rental team will need top talent – and plenty of it. Joining Tool Rental could be a great idea for anyone with a customer service, construction, or mechanic background.
We sat down with two Tool Rental associates to hear their thoughts on their unique career journeys and what to expect as a member of the Tool Rental team.
Meet Derek Rumfelt, Tool Rental Mechanic
Derek grew up in Mt. Holly, N.C. in a military family. His father was a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG), working full-time maintaining equipment and base facilities for 40 years. So, when Derek graduated high school in 1989, just as the Gulf War was looming, joining the Air National Guard felt like a natural choice. Derek began his career as an Aircraft Mechanic, moving on to become a Flight Mechanic, and then a Flight Engineer in 1999.
Over the course of the next 18 years, Derek deployed multiple times, flying to support state missions and national emergencies before retiring in 2017. Derek worked seasonal roles at Lowe’s during his time in the Guard, and when he saw a Tool Assembly opening, it seemed like a great match for his mechanical skill set.
Derek’s instincts were right — it was a great fit. When Lowe’s began hiring for a new Tool Rental location, his manager approached him about joining as a Mechanic. Though he didn’t have small engine repair experience, his 28 years of work as a mechanic in the NCANG offered everything he needed to successfully apply for the role. He passed his assessment and now uses his jack-of-all-trades knowledge to help maintain and repair tools in the Mt. Holly location.
Beyond maintaining the tools, Derek also assists customers throughout the day, anticipates department needs, and trains Customer Service Associates to use and properly demonstrate new equipment.
His natural inclination as a people-person helps Derek in his role, but he also sees natural parallels between working in Lowe’s Tool Rental and his military experience.
“In the military we know the value of having the right tools for the right job — and of that tool maintaining a certain standard,” Derek says. “In this role, you get to interact with people and help them think ahead for the quality and convenience they're looking for.
You have to think on your feet as you help them through that. Adapting well, planning ahead — that's the trademark of a military person.
Meet Cory Johnson, Tool Rental Department Supervisor
Cory Johnson worked as a Lowe’s Delivery Driver and Back-end Supervisor before joining Tool Rental in Mooresville, N.C. in September 2020.
“I was excited to be a part of something new,” Cory says. “I already knew the receiving and operations side of things, and I wanted to learn Salesforce. What a great opportunity to be able to open a new department.”
Cory was a member of the Marine Corps. And when his service ended, he struggled to find a company and role that felt like the right fit.
After a few months of searching, he learned that Lowe’s was hiring — and that the company was very military-friendly. Some of his Marine Corps background was in operations, and he was hired instantly for a delivery driver role.
Looking back, Cory says he wishes he had known from the start how much Lowe’s values military associates.
“I think a lot of veterans would be interested in joining Tool Rental,” he says. “It’s right in line with their experience — problem-solving, coming up with solutions. It’s like running your own business inside of a business. It’s a great opportunity for leaders.
The Mooresville Tool Rental department is officially opening at the end of July, which means Cory’s days are packed with plenty of training and prep to ensure all the tools, tech, and sales systems are ready for his team to hit the ground running.
Having worked for nearly a year in Tool Rental, Cory offers a valuable perspective of what it takes to succeed as a Tool Rental Associate.
“You need to be very knowledgeable and confident about the products you have,” Cory says. “Ask any pro — they want to go in, ask questions, and go out and get it done. They want the right product for the job.”
Join Our Team
As Lowe’s rolls out Tool Rental departments across the nation, we’ll be hiring Customer Service Associates, Mechanics, and Department Supervisors to help us serve customers and maintain equipment. Don’t forget to RSVP for our Tool Rental Webinar to learn how Small Engine Repair could be the next step in your career.
Lowe’s associates enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities for growth in a fast-paced and rewarding retail environment. To explore, search, and apply for open roles near you, visit jobs.lowes.com.
Register Today
Lowe’s Tool Rental and its Military Recruiting Team are partnering with the USO to host a Tool Rental Careers Webinar. Click here to register for this conversation and discover how you can kick off a career as a Small Engine Repair Mechanic with Lowe’s.