By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Whether your vehicle’s out of commission or you just need a set of wheels for a business trip, you can find something to meet your needs at Rent-A-Wreck, located at 64 Industrial Street.
But don’t let the name fool you. These rentals are far from being the damaged machines the name implies; they’re a clean, quality means of transportation at an affordable price.
Owner John Harvell was on hand June 28 to celebrate the opening of his new business, Rent-A-Wreck.
“It’s the rent-a-car company with the funny name that’s known for serious savings,” stated Harvell.
The business is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The grand opening celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments and an opportunity for visitors to check out the facilities, the cars and meet the staff.
The company’s inventory currently includes about 20 units, with Harvell working on acquiring box trucks, moving trucks and vans to rent out to local colleges and business communities.
“And no, the cars aren’t really wrecked,” said Harvell. “It’s just a funny name we want folks around here to remember when they need to rent a good, clean and inexpensive car.”
Harvell brings to the company a diverse business background involving everything from managerial skills to insurance sales to pharmaceuticals. His interest in the rental business began while working for Enterprise Rent-A-Car following graduation from Elon University. Though he moved on to other things a year and a half later, the memory of how much he enjoyed the managing aspect of the business stayed with him. When his father-in-law Randy Norsworthy, owner of North Country Auto, purchased Rent-A-Wreck as an add-on business to the three dealerships he already owns, it provided an opportunity for Harvell to step back into a role he missed.
Harvell is pleased to be working and serving customers in Aroostook County.
“I’m just excited to bring business to this up-and-coming county. I want to see it grow,” said Harvell.
As for his business, Harvell said, “We have our Presque Isle location, our Houlton location located at 34 Military Street, our soon-to-be on-site location at the Northern Maine Regional Airport and we are in discussions for a location in Fort Kent.”
By providing numerous outlets for the people of Aroostook County, Harvell said the business is better able to work with the community, its businesses and their demands.
“I felt that there was a need for a neighborhood car rental agency that could deliver good, clean and reliable transportation to the whole county. We can offer our customers the value of a used vehicle that’s been maintained well, and give them the high-quality customer service that can only come from a locally-owned business that cares about its community,” he said.
Whether it’s a company needed a vehicle for employees traveling together for business or an individual in need of a car for whatever reason, Rent-A-Wreck is ready to provide quality service with quality vehicles.
“We handle rentals for insurance purposes, corporate accounts, government rentals, as well as for personal and/or pleasure. Anything you need, we have a car right for you,” said Harvell.
In addition to these rental options, Harvell said he’s also been in discussion with city officials regarding the possible use of rentals for police work.
“I’ve pitched the idea to officials in Presque Isle and Houlton to use our rentals for police surveillance. They’re less obvious than marked police cars and would allow officers to blend in with the general public when necessary,” said Harvell.
Most of Harvell’s rentals include mileage beyond what other companies offer.
“We have unlimited mileage on most vehicles; moving vans are the exception with only a portion of miles free per day,” said Harvell.
Harvell said payment can be made by credit card and cash. He’s currently in talks with AAA to try to get on board with the nationwide road service agency.
City officials turned out for the grand opening to welcome Harvell and his staff.
“It’s always a pleasure to welcome a new business to town,” said City Manager Tom Stevens.
“This isn’t just a Presque Isle business, it’s a county- and even state-wide opportunity that just happens to be located in Presque Isle,” said Allen Deeves, executive director of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
And serving folks outside the County has already begun for Harvell, who recently rented a vehicle to a gentleman headed for Connecticut – not far from where Harvell and his family planned to spend the recent holiday.
“A man came in looking to rent a car, specifying he was heading to Connecticut. It turns out he was going to a town not far from where my family and I were planning to spend the holiday. I told him if he was in the area on a certain day to stop in for the barbecue,” said Harvell with a laugh. “That’s the benefit of operating a corporate business. There are branches in a number of locations, so folks can rent here and drop the car elsewhere. Here in the County, a person can pick up a car in Houlton or Presque Isle, then leave it at the airport.”
Harvell said he’s glad to be back in the rental business where he has more contact with the public and can be more hands-on with the business.
“I needed more of a challenge in my life. The pharmaceutical business didn’t allow me to think outside the box. With this, (rental agency) I’m responsible for all aspects and have the ability to build a business in the county,” said Harvell. “This is a great place to live and raise a family. That’s another reason my wife, Heather, and I decided to go this route. We want to raise our daughter, Jayden, here. My wife grew up here and we like the community and what it has to offer.”
Rent-A-Wreck of Presque Isle marks the fourth Rent-A-Wreck location in Maine for the company.
The concept for the company originated with a young southern California entrepreneur by the name of Dave Schwartz who pioneered the idea of renting ‘clunkers,’ a line of used vehicles for less than his competitors. The concept gained widespread popularity as celebrities sought to rent the older cars so they could preserve their anonymity on Hollywood’s star-struck roadways. The list of stars who’ve used the service include: Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, Bob Newhart, Ringo Starr and three former James Bonds. Today, Rent-A-Wreck franchise owners like Harvell rent newer-model cars, trucks, sport utilities and vans.
For more information or to rent a vehicle, call 768-RENT (768-7368). For Rent-A-Wreck locations around the world, call 240-581-1350.
