Made To Fit
Russiaville Rentals is a locally-owned service business based in the Kokomo and Russiaville area, offering dumpster rentals, junk hauling and bulk material delivery for homeowners and contractors.
Owner Danny Shelton grew up in Kokomo, graduated from Western High School in 2007, and moved to Russiaville about 12 years ago. He still works third shift in maintenance at Haynes International and runs his rental business during the day, fitting deliveries and pickups around a demanding schedule.
“I’ve always worked with my hands,” Shelton says. “I like staying busy, and I like being useful.”
Russiaville Rentals is now in its third year of business, serving Kokomo, Russiaville and surrounding communities. The company focuses on practical services that support home projects, cleanouts, renovations and especially jobs that fall outside the minimums of larger suppliers.
Shelton and his wife, Jessica, have been together since high school and married in 2008. She stays home with their seven children, whose ages range from 6 to 16, and helps keep the business running by answering calls while Shelton sleeps between shifts. Their older children pitch in as well when customers need extra help.
“This really is a family business,” Shelton says. “My wife runs the phone most days, and the kids help when they can. Everybody’s involved.”
The services are straightforward, and Shelton hopes to expand in the coming years. Right now, Russiaville Rentals delivers dirt, gravel, mulch and firewood in quantities that are often too small for larger companies to handle. Shelton says many customers find him through referrals from local gravel yards and lumber suppliers.
“A lot of places have minimums,” he says. “If someone doesn’t need a big order, they’ll give them my number, and I’ll bring it out.”
Dumpster rentals make up the other side of the business. Shelton offers 10- and 15-yard dumpsters, including dump trailers designed for tight spaces or yards where traditional roll-off dumpsters might cause damage.
“The trailers sit on wheels, so they’re easier on grass and driveways,” Shelton says. “They’re also more convenient if you’re working in a backyard and don’t want to walk everything to the front of the house.”
Rental timelines are flexible. While a standard rental is a week, Shelton does not limit how long customers can keep a dumpster if a project runs long.
“Stuff comes up,” he says. “Renovations don’t always go the way you plan.”
Shelton does not charge weight fees, something he says sets the company apart from other local options. Many companies charge extra once a load exceeds a certain weight, but Shelton does not. Because he also offers junk hauling, loads are sometimes combined. Shelton says it would not be right to return later with a surprise bill larger than expected because of a double load.
Junk hauling is available for customers who do not need a full dumpster, including single large items or smaller cleanouts.
“People get stuck with things like old mattresses or furniture and don’t know who to call,” Shelton says. “That’s where we come in.”
Russiaville Rentals serves Howard County as its primary service area, with availability beyond the county when equipment allows. Shelton says he rarely turns someone away if he has a dumpster available. What sets the business apart, he says, is the way customers are treated.
“I know what it’s like to need help,” Shelton says. “If someone calls and explains what’s going on, I’m going to work with them.”
Looking ahead, Shelton hopes to expand into tool and party rentals, creating a local option for equipment rentals without driving out of town.
“I want it to grow into something the community can continue to use,” he says. “If you’re not sure what size you need or how long a project will take, just call. We’ll figure it out.”
You can contact Russiaville Rentals at russiavillerentals@yahoo.com or by calling 765-867-8104. The business can also be found on Facebook at @RussiavilleRentals and on their webpage, Russiavillerentals.com.
