Firetruck-refurbishing company has climbed economic ladder

Describe your business.

Firetrucks Unlimited specializes in refurbishing all types of fire apparatus, including pumpers, ladder trucks, rescues, ambulances, and airport and wildland vehicles. We also sell and broker used fire apparatus and build our own line of Rebel fire trucks. Our family-owned business was founded in 2007 with three employees and has grown to more than 40. Stuart Reyburn’s passion for the fire service and heavy equipment started when he was a firefighter for the U.S. Air Force. In 2007, he identified the growing need for quality fire equipment in communities facing budget cuts and came up with a solution — fire truck refurbishment.

How much do clients save by having trucks refurbished?

Customers typically save 60 percent versus buying a new apparatus. An average new pumper costs around $500,000 while complete refurbishments rarely exceed $200,000. Ladder trucks cost about $1 million, and our refurbishments are usually around $350,000. That’s a $650,000 savings on just one truck.

Does refurbishing a truck add to its life?

Refurbishment adds 10-plus years to the life of an average truck, 15 years for a ladder truck. Since most trucks normally provide 10 years of frontline service, we essentially double the life.

What is your business philosophy?

We are always honest with our customers and stand behind the work we do. We want to give the customer more than they are asking for and have a customer for life.

What’s the most important part of your job?

As an owner of a small, family business, there are many hats you have to wear. The most important part of the job is communicating with customers and employees, being involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

Being a company on the West Coast has some challenges, considering it costs a fair amount to ship vehicles and parts. Most fire truck components are manufactured in the Midwest and East Coast. Also, finding new diesel mechanics to train into fire truck mechanics has been a challenge as the company has grown.

What obstacles has your business overcome?

Getting insurance at the beginning was tough since we are such a specialized business. Over the years, we have tried a lot of different things; some have worked and others have not. You have to take risks in business, and hopefully you make more right decisions than wrong ones.

How can Nevada improve its business climate?

Keep taxes low for businesses. Nevada was a great place for businesses to come because the tax structure was better than other states. Over the past few years, taxes and fees have dramatically increased.