EquipmentShare launches new flagship store with $21M investment in Grain Valley
May 20, 2025 | Startland News Staff
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
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.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Professional AF: Diana Kander explores ‘a whole world of content that’s never been touched’
Diana Kander is curious about the world faced by professional women, she said — how female do-ers and leaders uniquely experience life and career building. That curiosity forms a through line for her new podcast interview series, “Professional AF.” “Every episode is about something I want to fix and a lot of them are like…
LEANLAB Education earns $200K grant from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for public schools research
A $200,000 grant to LEANLAB Education from Mark Zuckerberg’s philanthropic arm will mark the Facebook founder’s first investment in the Kansas City education scene. “We are committed to growing partnerships throughout the country,” said Katie Boody, LEANLAB CEO. “And with the support of [The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative] we aspire to write the playbook for how…
Butterflies and brain waves: KC-area’s Healium floating with WEBBY nomination
A year of traction continues for Columbia-inflated startup Healium by StoryUP. The virtual reality solution for situational stress and anxiety recently landed a WEBBY nomination for best use of augmented reality, revealed Sarah Hill, the company’s founder. “A WEBBY nomination for a small midwest company like ours is a big deal,” Hill said of the…
Doob 3D aims to capitalize on ‘mecca for foot traffic’ with Country Club Plaza pop-up shop
If you build it, they will come. More than a quote from the 1989 blockbuster, “Field of Dreams” — the seven word mantra is what’s pushing Doob 3D to embrace the curve balls of exposing Kansas City to new technology and pinch hit with a new pop-up location on the Country Club Plaza, said Nick Nikkhah.…