Sales Representative at United Rentals
Air Force vet builds new career with United Rentals.
By Warren Duffie
Tony Perez is the consummate go-getter, always on the hunt for new customers.
As a sales representative with United Rentals – the world’s largest construction equipment rental company – this Air Force veteran is tasked with bringing new business to his North Las Vegas branch. And he doesn’t care where he finds it.
“If I see a sign for a construction site, or a bunch of cranes or bulldozers, I’ll stop by,” Perez said with a laugh. “It doesn’t have to be on my route. If you’re in the construction business, I want to earn your business. That’s just my personality. I pride myself on being very driven and outgoing.”
On the Job
Perez’s hard-charging demeanor is paying profits to both him and United Rentals. Since joining the company in February, the former technical sergeant handles about 25 clients with multimillion-dollar accounts – mainly government agencies, contracting firms and construction companies buying or renting equipment.
Perez’s core responsibilities are providing excellent service to existing customers and attracting new ones. He starts his workday at 0600 – driving through the desert landscape that defines North Las Vegas, Henderson and other locales surrounding “Sin City’s” famous Strip. He evenly divides his time between visiting current clients and cold-calling potential ones. Perez returns to the office at 1600, reviews notes from the day’s sales calls, returns phone messages and e-mails, and completes any outstanding paperwork.
“The military taught me a lot about time management and being organized,” said Perez, 50. “Those are vital to my job since I deal with a lot of customers. I also had the military drive and work ethic instilled in me. I love getting a new client and helping my company, especially when I bring someone over from a competitor.”
In Uniform
A native of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Perez enlisted in the Air Force in 1984, fueled by a desire to see the world. He completed boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base before attending inventory management school at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. During his career, he spent 14 years in Japan, six years in Las Vegas, and one year in Oklahoma.
In 2004 Perez was temporarily stationed in Oklahoma while his family stayed in Las Vegas. Missing his loved ones, and figuring 20 years was a good career, he left the Air Force in 2005.
The Transition
To prepare, he took transition classes, networked with current and former co-workers, and did a lot of online research and job hunting. A friend told him about H&E Equipment, a construction equipment rental company seeking military talent for its sales department. After a few phone calls and an interview, Perez was hired.
In 2009, Perez’s general manager – someone with whom he had forged a strong friendship – left the company for United Rentals. A few months later, Tony called this general manager at United Rentals about a job opening, and the rest is history.
“I’m lucky that I had a good transition,” Perez said. “When I first left the military, I had to get used to the different vacation rules, no military structure, and having to pick out my office wardrobe – no more uniforms. But I got used to it. In terms of salary, I actually saw my pay increase a little bit. I’m glad I did my 20 years, because the pension and Tricare benefits help immensely.”
Perez’s Advice
Take transition classes. “They’re so important for a smooth crossover to civilian life.”
Don’t wait until the last minute. “Start planning your transition at least a year before you plan to get out.”
Network. “Stay in touch with friends and co-workers. You never know who might be able to help you during your job search.”
How’d You Get That Job?
Perez took transition classes, networked with current and former co-workers, and did a lot of online research and job hunting. A friend told him about H&E Equipment, a construction equipment rental company seeking military talent for its sales department. After a few phone calls and an interview, Perez was hired.
In 2009, Perez’s general manager – someone with whom he had forged a strong friendship – left the company for United Rentals. A few months later, Tony called this general manager at United Rentals about a job opening, and the rest is history.
What Perez Likes About His Job
My co-workers. We’re a great team, very supportive of each other.
Getting new clients, especially from a competitor.
Did You Know?
United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in the world – with nearly 615 rental locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. United Rentals’ more than 9,500 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others.