Anyone who has been involved with the CASCAR community for the past several years is no doubt familiar with Don Brooks. The enthusiastic businessman is involved with a new venture. The details are including below. Good luck Don!
FOREST, ON – The Mayor of the Municipality of Lambton Shores Cam Ivey has committed to attend the ribbon cutting ceremonies at O’Tools Rent or Buy on Friday April 7 at 2 pm.
This new tool and equipment rental business is owned by Donald Brooks of Port Franks and is located at the former Proof Line Rent-All location on Highway 21 at the north edge of town.
Brooks has purchased many new items and is eager to show all to the local business and commercial community during the Trade Open House activities on Friday. Several factory reps will be on hand to offer assistance and equipment demonstrations.
Activities will also include BBQ, Tire Change Game, race cars on display and door prizes.
Date & Location: 7977 Rawlings Road – Hwy 21 N. Forest, ON N0N 1J0 April 07 06 519-786-5902
Agenda: Noon – 7 pm Ribbon Cutting by Mayor Cam Ivey – 2 pm BBQ starts at 4 pm
O’Tools Rent or Buy is excited to be part of the Lambton Shores community and intends to provide value and service to fit the needs of home owners, the yard and garden hobbyist, the cottager, as well as the local tradesmen and business community.
Offering mini-barns and golf cars, parts, accessories will be continued.
New will be a full-service facility for small engine repairs headed up by Fred Devine.
Background: Operating as Proof Line Rent-All at this location for over twelve years, former owner Lyle Stewardson made the decision to retire last summer. One week prior to his announced October closing, Donald Brooks of Port Franks stumbled onto the scene.
“I was two hours away from finishing my own home renovation project on a Friday afternoon, and the borrowed air nailer I was using died. Upon arriving at Proof Line for the first time ever, I saw Lyle’s closing announcement on the sign, and although finishing my project was foremost on my mind, that business opportunity kept tugging at me.”
Having several years experience in business management and consulting, his extensive research of the industry and the community convinced Brooks to jump in.
“The more I looked, the more intrigued I became. Tool and equipment rental is a very unique and interesting business model. The industry has an excellent support group in the Canadian Rental Association, which is closely associated with the 7000-member American Rental Association. Thus, an abundance of information was available, and the conditions presented here were all very favourable; the location, the happenings within Lambton Shores and the current economic conditions all contributed to my decision. Of course, my wife, my family and my accountant were very integral, and supportive.”
Donald Brooks: Formerly a London resident, Brooks purchased a cottage in Port Franks in 1986, renovated and became a permanent resident in 1988. He has been active in the performance vehicle industry for years, having been media and sponsor relations manager for three-time CASCAR Champion Dave Whitlock of Wyoming, and an original owner and general manager of the Grand Bend Motorplex.
Brooks is also active in a family land development company directing a current project in the Bruce peninsula. He previously manufactured replica classic cars and travel vans, has had retail / wholesale operations in the motorcycle and snowmobile industry, and from Port Franks was a service provider to Ford dealerships across Canada, with a western office in Canmore, AB.
New staff at O’Tools Rent or Buy - all Forest folk.
Heading up the rental and sales side is Steve George, a volunteer firefighter and father of four.
“Don has purchased many new items for our rental fleet and we have the Honda Power Products line of mowers, trimmers, generators, pumps and of course the famous Honda engines. We also have an excellent product line of chain saws and blowers from Shindaiwa, which are not that well-known around here but very high quality and the choice of most landscapers in major metro locations. I’m excited to be part of this and look forward to helping serve so many people I already know in town.”
Service and repairs are being directed by Fred Devine who retired from Bell early and chose Forest as home. His Main St front yard will be void of the famous line of lawn mowers as he devotes his energies to this new venture.
“I chose to close up shop and come in here to help Don and Steve get this business established. We can offer a level of repairs and knowledge that I feel is needed in this community, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Honda is famous for great products, and we have lots of Briggs & Stratton experience too. I’m never afraid to look at anything needing repairs; I’ll offer my opinion and we’ll go from there.” Bring it on - Fred says.
Golf Cars: “Pre-owned golf cars are an exciting part of the venture, and I plan on using our web marketing experience to sell parts, accessories and complete golf cars. Our new site at http://www.otools.ca/ will be up shortly, and will also offer a reservation process for the rental side.”
“I purchased two dozen Club Cars and they are already moving out. Many accessories are on the way and several custom golf cars are being readied for inventory.”
Wagler Mini-Barns: “These Mennonite-made mini-barns are simply great value. These gentlemen are true craftsman, so flexible in design, floor plan and options and so accommodating in delivery and setup. I really look forward to working as their agent in this area.”
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