EquipmentShare Adds Four Telehandlers to TELEHERO Fleet

EquipmentShare has added four military-themed telehandlers to its nationwide TELEHERO fleet, expanding a program that directs a portion of annual rental proceeds to organizations supporting military veterans.

Announced November 9 in recognition of Veterans Day, the new units will operate in West Phoenix, Arizona; Lakeland, Florida; Oxford, Alabama; and Houston, Texas. Each machine features custom patriotic graphics and supports a local organization providing services such as housing, medical access, workforce development, and counseling.

With the four additions, the TELEHERO fleet now includes 18 machines. EquipmentShare launched the program in 2022 in collaboration with equipment manufacturers to generate charitable support through equipment rentals.

"Honoring our military community is not something we reserve for a single day on the calendar; it is built into the fabric of who we are at EquipmentShare," said Jabbok Schlacks, CEO and founder of EquipmentShare. "Our industry is built on grit, discipline, and purpose, qualities our veteran team members bring to work every single day. Expanding our TELEHERO program allows us to partner directly with our customers and equipment manufacturers to make a difference in support of the military community. When contractors rent these units, they get connected machines to build their projects while supporting organizations that serve the heroes who defended our nation.”

The four new telehandlers are assigned to local organizations in their respective markets:

• Oxford, Alabama: The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Anniston-Oxford Chapter #98 will receive support for services assisting disabled veterans and their families, including benefits, medical access, and transportation.
• West Phoenix, Arizona: U.S. VETS Phoenix provides transitional and permanent housing, workforce development, and counseling for veterans.
• Lakeland, Florida: The Lakeland Vet Center offers free, confidential social, psychological, and readjustment counseling to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.
• Houston, Texas: Boots for Troops supports military morale, wounded service members, and active-duty personnel transitioning into civilian careers.

EquipmentShare's TELEHERO initiative works with equipment manufacturers Manitou, JLG, JCB, and Genie. Representatives from the manufacturers also recognized the program's veteran-support efforts.

"To all veterans, we express our deep gratitude to you and your families for the sacrifice and support you make to our country!" said Manitou North America.

“At JLG, we believe supporting those who have served means finding meaningful ways to make a difference beyond Veterans Day. Through our continued partnership with EquipmentShare and the TELEHERO program, we’re proud to help turn the work our industry does every day into lasting support for veterans and their families. It’s a powerful example of how our industry can come together to strengthen the communities we serve,” said a JLG spokesperson.

“Honoring our nation's veterans is something that has always been important to JCB,” said Andrea Whelan, executive vice president of direct sales at JCB North America. “We're proud to see the TELEHERO initiative return for another year and to contribute to an effort that recognizes the service and sacrifice of our military community. Programs like this remind us of the impact our industry can make when we come together for a greater purpose.”

“The real value of a partnership is measured by what we accomplish together," said Nicole George, vice president of strategy and brand experience at Genie. “Quality by Design is more than how we build our equipment. Every time a TeleHero machine goes to work, it creates an opportunity to give back. We're proud to continue partnering with EquipmentShare through the TeleHero program, putting our equipment to work for a greater purpose and supporting veterans and the communities where we live and work.”

Each TELEHERO telehandler connects to EquipmentShare's T3 telematics platform. The system provides real-time machine health monitoring, geofencing, and digital safety keypad access. According to EquipmentShare, these tools allow contractors to monitor equipment and manage jobsite operations.

The company also recruits military veterans and provides career advancement pathways for civilian roles. EquipmentShare has received recognition from Military Times as a Best for Vets employer.

More information about the TELEHERO program and EquipmentShare's other giving initiatives is available at equipmentshare.com/giving-back.