At just 21 years old, Declan Morrow is already making a name for himself as a driven and resourceful entrepreneur. Based in Orange, New South Wales (Australia), Declan created Bendex Hire, a growing equipment rental company specializing in scissor lifts and cool rooms. Between his electrical trade training, strong work ethic, and hands-on approach to business, Declan embodies a new generation of energetic, connected rental professionals.
From electrical trade to equipment rental: a story of initiative and hard work
Declan’s journey began on construction sites. After completing his air conditioning trade, he is now pursuing his electrical qualification while running Bendex Hire on the side. “I’ve always had a really good work ethic,” he says. “I’m usually the first one to arrive and the last to leave, and I always give 100%. Work is my fun, in a way.” Encouraged by his family and friends, Declan decided to seize the moment: “I just had the time, money, and support to dive into it and get started.”
The business model behind Bendex Hire was born out of day-to-day experience: “We’ve always used scissor lifts and boom lifts for the jobs we do,” explains Declan. “So, I thought, if we’re using them all the time, why not buy our own instead of paying to hire them? And when they’re not being used, we can rent them out through a separate business.” Bendex Hire started small, with one scissor lift and a couple of cool rooms, before expanding steadily. A few long-term hires helped cover the initial costs, and from the start, Declan chose to reinvest every dollar back into the business, steadily growing his equipment fleet over time.
Running a rental company outside the big cities comes with its own challenges.
“Everything is so spread out here. Everyone wants their equipment on trailers so they can pick it up and move it themselves,” says Declan. Another challenge is visibility: “Because the population isn’t as dense, you have to broaden your advertising area and reach nearby towns and communities.”
Declan uses social media, especially Instagram Reels, as a creative and low-cost way to promote Bendex Hire: “I’m trying to be funny while advertising at the same time, without paying for ads,” he explains. “I’m still learning, but I’m getting better with every video.”
This mix of humor and authenticity helps Bendex Hire stand out in a competitive market while keeping the tone relatable and approachable.
Haulotte quality at the core of Bendex Hire’s growth
Declan gives credit to the reliability and performance of Haulotte machines: “They’re high-quality and really reliable. They haven’t let me down yet,” he says. “I’ve never had any complaints from customers, apart from people asking for more models I don’t have yet.” He also highlights his positive experience working with Haulotte’s Area Sales Manager for NSW/ACT, Christopher Giuliano.
“Chris has been wonderful. He’s flexible with my full-time work schedule and even met me on site. He’s always super helpful. Once he even offered to grab me a coffee before a meeting. Every time I’ve had a question, I’ve had an answer or an invoice the next day.”
When it comes to customer expectations, Declan keeps it simple: “People just want a product that works and looks good, something clean and well maintained,” he says. “No one wants a rusty or dirty machine. Being polite and spontaneous also goes a long way. It really helps with ratings and word of mouth.”
Looking ahead: steady growth on solid foundations
For now, Bendex Hire remains a side business alongside Declan’s full-time electrical trade, but he sees plenty of potential ahead: “I can see it growing quickly. I’m getting more and more calls every week. It started as a side hustle, but it’s really picking up.”
The cool room rentals peak in summer, especially for weddings and events, while the scissor lifts stay active all year round: “It’s not really seasonal. There’s always something going on.”
In just a few years, Declan Morrow has turned a simple idea into a promising business. With his energy, dedication, and the support of trusted partners like Haulotte, Bendex Hire exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit driving the next generation of equipment rental professionals. “People like that I’m a young guy trying to make a name for myself,” Declan says with a smile. “So they often say, ‘let’s give this young bloke a go. »
Declan’s story reflects the energy and innovation shaping the future of the rental industry. His journey with Bendex Hire shows how new ideas and determination can open exciting paths for growth and opportunity.