Meeting Regional Hire Needs in Cowra
Cowra hire owner Alex Rowston tells Hire and Rental Magazine that the business established by his dad almost four decades ago, remains focused on the future.
COWRA HIRE WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED by Charlie Rowston in July 1985. Charlie’s a mechanic by trade and had been living in Sydney when he decided to return home to Cowra — where the family has lived for generations — to pursue an opportunity to start a hire business.
That was 1985 and from a single man operation, the business has now expanded its range of equipment to meet the needs of Cowra and the surrounding district.
In 1988, they added an Event Hire range and in 1990, a second shed was added to accommodate their expanding product range.
Their typical customer base is the DIY handyman to local trades and local government. They also hire out gear for larger projects, including on a current upgrade to the local hospital. With agriculture one of the major industry sectors in Cowra, they also offer niche machinery, such as wool presses.
Events account for around 20 per cent of the business, catering to weddings and functions for up to 200 people. On the hire side, they offer everything from jackhammers to mini diggers and excavators, and access equipment such as electric scissors, diesel scissors and cherry pickers. They also hire site sheds, ablution blocks, toilets, showers, temporary fencing, trailers and generators.
Charlie’s son, Alex, took over the business in 2022. “Dad wanted to see the business stay in the family,” says Alex. “He knew from an early age that I was pretty interested. I’ve been down there helping since I was a kid, including every holiday.”
When Alex finished school, Charlie encouraged him to get a trade. With a genuine interest in machinery, Alex became a diesel mechanic, moving to Canberra for a couple of years to ‘experience’ city life. On his return to Cowra, he bought a small taxi truck business and four years later, sold it to return to the family business.
Two years ago, at the age of 30, Alex took over the business. He says it took time and great communication to get everything in order on both sides as there was a lot of behind-the-scenes work that needed to appen (with accountants and solicitors) to make things right and ensure both parties were happy.
Charlie, however, is still involved. “He wants to be involved in the business for a lot longer and it’s great to have his knowledge to draw on when I get stuck,” says Alex.
Cowra Hire employ five full-time staff – one who’s been with the business for over 20 years. Alex’s wife Roie looks after the accounts. They’ve got two children, a boy, Alby, aged three and a four-month-old girl, Maya. He hopes that one day, one of them might follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandfather. His son, Alby, already loves being around the business and proud dad Alex has had work uniforms ready to go for both children since birth.
As for what’s next for Cowra Hire, Alex says it’s to keep the business growing. “My vision is to keep growing the business and expanding the hire fleet,” he says.
“We try and keep up with the trends of the bigger cities and will continue to introduce new technologies into the region where we can,” he says. “Whatever we think is going to make it easier for our customers to work.”
They’re also competing with other industries in the district for good talent, however to date, have been lucky with their hiring decisions, including David, who’s been with the business for over 20 years, Allan, who joined 17 years ago and Tom who’s now clocked over five years with Cowra Hire.
“Each of them bring their own great skillset to different areas of the business and are contributing to our success,” says Alex.
Maybe it’s because of the great laid-back lifestyle offered in Cowra. “There’s a lot of work out here but unlike the cities, it’s not flat-out all the time,” he says.
“There’s always something happening and things to do, especially for those who love outdoor activities.”
To contact Cowra Hire visit www.cowrahire.com.au
