Caldwell has been in Prescott for 46 years.
The U-Haul business is located at Auto Max, which Caldwell already owned, at 221 W. Willis St., in downtown Prescott.
U-Haul offers U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies. The company has been teaming up with independent dealers to offer rental equipment for do-it-yourself movers since 1945.
During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the United States and Canada are generating income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.
Caldwell said adding the U-Haul business to his Auto Max location was a natural fit because his manager, Howard Blake, had worked in another service area for U-Haul.
Caldwell jumped at the opportunity because of the supplemental income. He said the Prescott location rents more trailers than trucks, at a 60/40 ratio.
The most challenging part of the business is finding parking for the U-Haul vehicles, as parking at his location is limited. “But we always find a place,” he said. “We fill our parking spaces very quickly.”
Caldwell notes that U-Haul workers who move the vehicles in and out must be certified.
“U-Haul is easy to work with because they provide everything we need along with the necessary training,” he said. “If we’re overloaded on vehicles, they will come get them.”
Caldwell said he works solely on commission, which means as long as trailers and trucks are being rented, he’s making money.
Caldwell has been in Prescott for 46 years. He came here in 1978 to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He became a commercial pilot. Ten years ago, after retiring from that profession, he became a businessman.
“I choose Prescott because of the weather,” he said.
Auto Max offers auto repair and vehicle restoration services. U-Haul is open Mondays through Fridays with Saturdays by appointment. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
By Stan Bindell: David Caldwell added U-Haul trucks, towing equipment and moving supplies to his Auto Max location in Prescott.
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