For Rent

American Tool & Party Rental Celebrates More Than Three Decades in Business

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Heather Johnson, co-owner of American Tool & Party Rental in Kokomo, says she has enjoyed working in the rental industry.

Johnson and her brothers grew up around the rental business their parents started in Logansport on East Market Street. The siblings now own that business and the Kokomo company.

The stores became a key part of Johnson’s life, and she says both businesses have a steady flow of regular and loyal customers. American Tool & Party Rental officially started in 1990.

Johnson believes the success of the businesses is due to three reasons.

“It’s been successful through hard work, dedicated employees and great customers,” Johnson says.

Longtime customers also know the company will have what they are looking for. Johnson says many contractors have been happy finding the tools they need for their various construction and home-repair businesses.

“Our tool rental side of the business has a wide array of rental equipment,” Johnson says.

This includes air compressors, air tools, backhoes and attachments, compaction equipment, carpet tools, concrete equipment, fans and blowers, floor sanders, and polishers.

“We also have forklifts, generators, heaters, lawn and garden equipment, mini excavators and attachments, plumbing equipment, power tools, pressure washers, tractors and attachments, trailers, welders and generators, and many other items,” she says.

The party rental portion of the business has also been very successful.

“We have moonwalks, risers, tents, linens and china,” Johnson says. “We also have equipment for both indoor and outdoor functions. We also rent carnival games, popcorn machines, tables, archways, chairs and tablecloths. We offer several different party rental supplies including audio-visual equipment, a bar like that one on services such as rent a bar and beverages, candelabra, carnival equipment, casino equipment, flatware, glassware, exhibition equipment, interactive games and obstacle courses. We also have staging, serving items and several different event items.”

Johnson notes that the seasons play a major role in what customers are looking for.

“When the ground is not frozen and the weather is decent, it opens the door to working and enjoying the great outdoors,” Johnson says. “We don’t rent many moonwalks for outdoor use in the winter.”

Johnson adds that customers have enjoyed perusing the many options they have for both tools and party equipment. They also like having the option to order equipment early to prepare for parties and events ahead of time.

“Both our tool and party rental divisions take reservations, and our website is quite handy,” Johnson says.

Johnson says she is regularly inspired by the people in Kokomo.

“I love Kokomo and the surrounding communities,” Johnson says. “It’s a great place to work and live.”

For more info on American Tool & Party Rental, located at 3121 South Lafountain Street in Kokomo, call 765-453-6020 or visit americantoolandpartyrental.com.