But then, just before the two-year deadline, the recession hit. “Overnight, everything came to a halt and the phones simply stopped ringing. We had 22 staff then, including some who had joined me from SAM Hire, and I had personal guarantees with creditors. Some people might have run away but I immediately went to the banks and sorted out a long-term plan to pay everything back.
Resilient markets
“We had to sell off a lot of kit. However, what kept the business afloat were non-construction related markets that proved resilient. We had good contracts with local factories, pharmaceutical firms and local councils, and these were organisations that looked after the equipment, appreciated our service and would pay a sensible hire rate. In fact, our powered access fleet grew during the recession.” The business steadily rejuvenated itself and on 15 December 2014 Clem, Gilly and their family moved into the cottage he had bought and renovated as their new home in Waterford.
Today the business spans a broad range of activities. Besides hiring tools, equipment and compact plant up to 3 tonnes, it offers powered access, marquee and event services, and generator hire, as well as a training operation. The hire shop, offices and retail area covers 6,000ft2 5,000ft2
with a mezzanine floor, and an adjacent building gives of additional storage space.
The yard covers 10,000ft2 and the main workshops are located in a
building across the road on the estate. “The marquees and other event-specific items are stored in a separate facility as it has its own client base and is almost like an individual business,” said Clem Jacob.
Customers cover a large area that extends across Dungarvan, Kilkenny and Tipperary, and power generation equipment is offered
The company offers power generation equipment on a nationwide basis.
on a nationwide basis to contract customers, with Clem Jacob Hire’s drivers frequently starting delivery runs at 5am to cover the distances involved.
One of the aspects of the business that impressed the Passionate Hirer Award judges was Clem Jacob Hire’s commitment to service. “It’s what drives us,” said Clem Jacob. “We have a great team here, including Depot Manager Ray O’Sullivan and Workshop Manager Colin Dalton, and we all share the same commitment. We have built incredibly strong relationships with customers. They can ring us at 3am in the morning or on Christmas Day in an emergency and that creates great loyalty and trust.”
Supporting local charities
The business also maintains a lively social media presence, managed by Clem’s sister Carmel who is Marketing & Training Manager. In addition, the company supports many local events and charitable initiatives. It sponsors the summer Waterford Spraoi (pronounced ‘spree’) festival’s final parade of floats as well as several sports clubs in the area. “It’s our way of giving something back to the community,” said Clem Jacob. “I greatly appreciate the support that people have given us over the years. And every evening when I park on the drive at our home, I think how well everything has turned out.”
•
www.clemhire.com
Part of the bright, welcoming showroom area. 19
The fleet is diverse to cater for a wide variety of local needs.
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