New Party Supply, Tool Rental Business Plans March Opening in Dexter

Dexter residents looking for the perfect accessory to host a high school graduation party this year are in luck. A new tool, equipment and party rental business is opening Saturday in Dexter.

Dexter Rent-All is owned by local residents Stephanie and Doug Schoch.

The business is located at 8080 Grand St., across from Forest Lawn Cemetery, and will offer everything from popcorn machines to lawn equipment.

"This is a place where you can go and rent anything," Stephanie Schoch said.

She said she and her husband both grew up in a family-owned business atmosphere and wanted a business of their own to pass down to their children.

"You learn a lot of life skills when you have your own business," she said. "It's something our children can grow into and help sustain."

The store will carry party supplies such as tents, tables and chairs, dunk tanks and popcorn machines. Construction tools and equipment will include concrete saws, floor nailers, sanders, carpet cleaners, carpet blowers, scaffolding, generators and pumps. The store will also offer lawn and garden equipment.

Both Shochs have full-time jobs, so the day-to-day operations will be left to their general manager, Matt McCormick of Dexter.

"Matt is excited to get started," Stephanie Schoch said. "I think we're all anxious to get the equipment in and open the doors."

When asked about opening the new business, she said the family is not concerned about a sluggish economy.

"Every night, we would brainstorm business ideas. Once we stumbled on the rental store idea, we decided it would be a perfect fit for a small community like Dexter," she said. "Doug and I think if you are good business people, you can make it work. We feel there is nothing like this in Dexter, so we have an untapped market of potential for growth."

Schoch said the family plans to "dive headfirst" into the community and has already joined the and

"We're not open yet, and people are already stopping by and asking for items. That's really cool because we want to stock what people need," she said.

Items may be rented on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly contract.

"We browsed the area to find comparable prices for rental equipment," Schoch said. "If someone finds something cheaper, we will match the price."

The business plans its grand opening from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Food, customer giveaways and promotions will be available.

For a full list of items the business carries and for prices, visit dexterrentall.com.