MARYSVILLE — For Lance Brown, reopening his family-owned Pilchuck Rentals business in the area this year was a way to meet an unfilled need.

Pilchuck Rentals had originally been in business locally from 1979 through 2000, when it sold out to United Rentals, but when United left, Brown saw an opportunity.

“It left a hole in the rental and sales of construction equipment and landscaping tools in Marysville,” said Brown, who had previously operated out of Arlington and Monroe.

Pilchuck Rentals carries Stihl and Honda equipment including tractors, pressure washers, chippers, front loaders and backhoe excavators.

Between Lance Brown and his sons Jason and Jesse, who work at the business with his wife Becky, he estimated that the family staff has 70 years of combined experience in the field.

“We don’t just rent out tools,” Lance Brown said. “We make sure we’re giving you the right tools.”

Lance noted that the Brown family has been a fixture of the area since the early 1900s, when his grandfather owned a meat market. Brown’s father followed by building boats and trailers locally, so Lance is proud to be able to carry on that connection by serving small contractors and homeowners whose business he believes has been neglected.

“We’re here because the community wanted us back,” Lance Brown said.

Pilchuck Rentals is located at 9114 State Ave. in Marysville. For more information, call them at 360-322-7760 or log onto www.rental-equipment.biz.