Once upon a time in the picturesque town of New Bern, North Carolina, an equipment rental company named Stewart Equipment was born.
It all began in 1973 when a passionate entrepreneur named Harry Stewart Sr. teamed up with his equally ambitious brother David Stewart and decided to purchase industrial diesel air compressors to rent to local job sites.
In these early years, Stewart Equipment started as a modest operation, specializing in supplying construction equipment to local contractors in and around the area. The company quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability.
The 1980’s marked a period of significant growth. They embraced a customer-centric approach creating unbreakable relationships with anyone who walked through their doors. They became a trusted partner for businesses not only in New Bern, but throughout the region.
The 1990’s were successful and thriving – they even brought on board the owner’s sons; Harry Stewart Jr. and Brian Stewart, solidifying it as a true family business. These two quickly began to learn everything about the company, and became invaluable to the future as Harry Sr. and David began to think about retirement.
As the 2000’s unfolded, the company continued to evolve. They strived to keep up with the needs of customers in a constantly changing market. Their focus became creating a diverse and niche inventory to sustain the demand of the small to large sized contractor base in Eastern North Carolina.
With the passing of David in 2015 and Harry Sr. in 2017, Harry Jr. and Brian stepped into their father’s roles with the goal of continuing to mold and shape the company.
In addition to annual upgrades of their fleet, both sons worked on a complete rebranding campaign from an updated logo to revitalizing the buildings and grounds on their 40 acre facility.
They also understood the importance of supporting community initiatives and organizations including MumFest, Bridgeton Blueberry Festival, West Craven Athletics, local churches and “wherever our hearts lead us”.
Looking towards the future, Stewart Equipment is poised for even greater success and community partnerships. The company has become a leader in their field and celebrated 50 years in business over the summer.
Harry Jr. and Brian have stated that they know that they are making their dads proud and that alone is worth it to them. “We eat, sleep and breathe the equipment rental business and genuinely enjoy what we do as this profession is all about relationships.”
Stewart Equipment envisions the next 50 years where its products play a pivotal role in shaping cities and development, along with carrying on the family tradition. After Harry Jr.’s sons Nathan (17), Gavin (15) and Brayden (12) all graduate, their plans are to follow in their dad’s footsteps.
Stewart Equipment’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and community development paves the way for a legacy that will continue to be remembered for generations to come. As this local business continues to write its history, the town of New Bern looks forward to a future where the hum of machinery echoes the progress and prosperity of a community that grew alongside a visionary company.