History of the Lorenz Equipment Company: industrial and construction equipment

History of the LORENZ EQUIPMENT COMPANY

IN 1932...
When the song, "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" was the cry of a hurting nation, Frank J. Lorenz founded Lorenz Equipment Company.
On the heels of the Great Depression, Frank J. Lorenz left the former Consolidated Equipment Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio to start his own business, Lorenz Equipment Company.

Borrowing a sum of money from his father-in-law in 1932, Frank set up a small equipment business at 337 S. High St. in Columbus, dealing primarily with construction equipment.

The first location for the fledgling business was replaced in 1942 when the company moved into its present location at 547 W. Rich St. (left) in Columbus, where they still operate from today.

Here are a few highlights of the first 70+ years in business....

1937. Frank took on a partner and changed the name of the firm to Lorenz-Wheeler. One year later Frank and his wife Isabel bought out the partner and resumed the Lorenz Equipment Company name.

1943. As Lorenz Equipment's business boomed in the World War II years, Frank and Isabel brought in Paul Ertel - a long-time friend - as sole and equal partners.

1950. Increasing numbers of exclusive distributor relationships were being established with major names in the construction and industrial businesses, with firms such as Quincy Compressors, a company that Lorenz represents to this day.

1956. The firm incorporated under Ohio's General Corporation Act and added a Board of Directors.

1960. The next generation of Lorenz siblings began moving into key positions in the company.

1966. Frank Lorenz received many honors over the years, including recognition by the Builders Exchange as "Man of Year".

1968. With the sudden passing away of Frank Lorenz, James E. Lorenz - son of Frank - was appointed president of the company, a position he held for 14 years.

1982. A management change was made when James Lorenz decided to pursue other interests. Thomas Lorenz was appointed president and Christopher Lorenz was named vice president, with Isabel becoming chairman of the board, a position she held until her death in 1988.

1998. Thomas Lorenz retires and sells his shares. Chris Lorenz became Chairman of the Board. Tommy Lorenz, the son of Thomas Lorenz, was appointed president, a post that he holds today. Thomas's sons, Steve and Paul also hold key positions in the firm.

2000. A hallmark of Lorenz Equipment Company has been long-term relationships with customers and with manufacturers. Today the firm carries products manufactured by : Gehl, Allied, Atlas Copco, Target, to name a few manufacturers of contractor equipment and Quincy, Hankinson, Zeks, Dominic Hunter, Aeroquip and Empire, on the industrial side. They have been distributors for these firms for an average of 35 years, and have more than 50 years as an exclusive distributor in the Central Ohio market for Quincy Air Compressors.

2001. An expanded marketing presence exemplified by the theme, "Lorenz Equips." was put into place as Lorenz girded for the increased competition faced in the 21st Century.

As Lorenz Equipment Company prepares to compete in the 21st Century, the firm is well positioned with the right manufacturers, the right products and strong parts and service support for our 1,000+ Construction and Industrial customers.

Today we are a technology-driven company. Parts are ordered electronically, service is computer-anaysis driven - oftentimes utilizing remote monitoring and repair through the web - and the equipment we sell or rent is increasingly sophisticated to make your job easier.

More and more of our communication is via electronic means. But there is one thing that hasn't changed, and that's large doses of personalized service from caring professionals.

Our mission statement says it all. Dedication to
customer satisfaction.

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