EquipmentShare launches new flagship store with $21M investment in Grain Valley

May 20, 2025  |  Startland News Staff

EquipmentShare's new flagship store in Grain Valley, Missouri; photo courtesy of EquipmentShare

A Missouri unicorn is building impact even closer to Kansas City, opening its new 49,000-square-foot Midwest hub for construction and industrial work in eastern Jackson County.

Jabbok Schlacks, EquipmentShare

Jabbok Schlacks, EquipmentShare

The project reflects an investment of more than $21 million by Columbia, Missouri-based EquipmentShare, said Jabbok Schlacks, CEO and co-founder, describing the property costs, value of equipment and salaries (for the first year) associated with new jobs at the new Grain Valley facility, 3320 S. Outer Belt Road.

“This new branch represents a significant investment in the Grain Valley community and our larger commitment to supporting the growth of construction across the Midwest,” Schlacks said. “We are proud to bring our People First culture and next-generation technology to this region and continue building the future of construction — together with our customers and team members.”

EquipmentShare is a nationwide construction technology and equipment solutions provider. Its Grain Valley Advanced Solutions flagship store includes service bays, a paint room, a dedicated training hub and secure “hard down” zones for large equipment like semis. The branch will also serve as a distribution center to support regional Core Solutions branches and mobilize resources for major builds, disaster response and critical infrastructure projects.

Click here to learn more about EquipmentShare.

“We’ve designed this facility with the contractor in mind — from the layout of our service bays to the technology that powers our operations,” said Tyrel Wagner, general manager of the Grain Valley branch. “This isn’t just a place to rent equipment — it’s a hub where problems get solved, timelines get met and teams get the support they need to do their best work. We’re excited to bring this level of service to the Grain Valley community and beyond.”

The Grain Valley site is expected to manage $10 to 15 million in original equipment cost (OEC) and support 15 good-paying jobs — with 12 employees already hired, according to the company.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was planned for Wednesday.

“We’re honored to welcome EquipmentShare to Grain Valley and see this level of investment in our community,” said Keith Stiffler, president of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. “This new location brings quality jobs and innovative solutions that will benefit local contractors and critical industries throughout our region.”

As part of the company’s commitment to the communities it calls home, EquipmentShare planned to present a $2,500 donation to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The funds will help support the organization’s mission to provide safe, affordable housing to families in Eastern Jackson County.

“Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be awarded this significant Community Giving Award from EquipmentShare as they open their newest branch in Grain Valley,” said Christina Leakey, president and CEO of Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity. “The missions of both organizations align well, with both helping to improve communities building better futures — not just through technology and equipment, but through people, partnerships and purpose. We couldn’t be more grateful to have been selected!”

Editor’s note: The Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity notably was among those organizations recently awarded project grants from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, specifically to support an entrepreneurship project that will give construction entrepreneurs a pathway to economic mobility by improving access to work on public construction contracts.

ICYMI: Kauffman earmarks $32M in grants to boost entrepreneurship, workforce, education efforts

EquipmentShare operates multiple branch types — including rental, retail, service and dealership locations — across Missouri and the U.S. Its Advanced Solutions division supports industries such as construction, utilities, manufacturing and health care with specialty rental gear like HVAC systems, generators, pumps and environmental controls.

The company’s proprietary T3™ technology, which connects assets, people and workflows across the jobsite, is expected to power all rental operations at the Grain Valley branch.

From the archives: EquipmentShare digs massive $290M round, deepening US footprint, its T3 tech platform

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2025 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Govs. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas, and Mike Parson, R-Missouri

        Report: Kansas, Missouri economies hinge on homegrown startups, not border war wins

        By Tommy Felts | August 29, 2019

        Kansas and Missouri must “grow from within” if the neighboring states aim to successfully confront structural challenges that face their economies, said Amy Liu, a contributor at national think tank the Brookings Institution. The “historic handshake” between Govs. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas, and Mike Parson, R-Missouri, earlier this month marked the symbolic end to an ongoing…

        Mike Plunkett and John Thomson, PayIt

        Payit, C2FO making biggest waves, but funding for smaller companies still jumped 81 percent

        By Tommy Felts | August 28, 2019

        Editor’s note: The following is the first in a series of analyses of Startland’s list of Kansas City’s Top Venture Capital-Backed Companies. Proof points matter, said John Thomson. “We’re evidence — based on the $100 million-plus growth equity investment we closed this spring — that you can build a world-class tech company in Kansas City,”…

        Shampoo Bar, Bear Soap, Soap Bar

        Mid Coast Modern founder joins Westport bar scene with sudsy, eco-friendly concept

        By Tommy Felts | August 28, 2019

        Matt Bramlette bathes in the wordplay of it all. His new venture in Kansas City’s quirky Westport entertainment district — known for its shops, restaurants and bars — floats a clean business prop: bars of soap with a low carbon footprint. Hence, “Soap Bar.” Just a few feet away from his popular retail storefront Mid…

        Blade & Timber, Power & Light

        LOOK INSIDE: Blade & Timber raises the bar (and kitchen) with Power & Light axe throwing

        By Tommy Felts | August 27, 2019

        When Blade & Timber officially opens this weekend at Power & Light, the two-year-old startup concept will set a new standard for the growing experiences industry, said Jessie Poole. “We want to show people ‘This is what you should expect from an axe-throwing experience,’” said Poole, communication director for Blade & Timber. “We’ve been upping…