Michele Saxman
Michele Saxman is a seasoned entrepreneur and respected leader in the material handling equipment industry, bringing more than 35 years of experience in equipment distribution, rentals, and international business development. As the owner of Rapid Rentals & Sales, Inc., she has built a reputation for connecting customers with specialized material handling solutions through an extensive network of dealers and manufacturers. Operating her woman-owned business from the Greater Chicago area, Michele has successfully navigated a traditionally male-dominated field with resilience, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. Her career has spanned sideloader forklifts, container handlers, reach stackers, aerial equipment, and government sales throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Albania.
Throughout her career, Michele has played a pivotal role in introducing and expanding international equipment manufacturers into the U.S. market. She helped establish sideloader divisions for companies including Fantuzzi and Taylor Machine Works and became one of the first U.S. dealers for Combilift. Her experience working with manufacturers from Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, and China has given her a global perspective on equipment distribution and rental market development. One of her most notable accomplishments came in the early 1990s when she secured a government contract to supply large forklifts to Albania shortly after the country’s transition from communism to democracy. The experience reflected not only her business acumen, but also her adaptability and willingness to pursue opportunities in emerging international markets.
In addition to her business leadership, Michele is a lifelong learner with educational foundations in business administration, electronics, and electronic technology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her early background in electronics and aviation electronics contributed to her technical understanding of complex equipment systems, while her entrepreneurial mindset enabled her to grow a successful independent operation. Beyond her professional achievements, Michele is active in industry organizations such as the American Rental Association and the American Equipment Distributors, and she has volunteered teaching business concepts to children through Junior Achievement and church education programs. Known for her honesty, practical wisdom, and dedication to continual learning, Michele continues to mentor companies entering the rental market while remaining a respected voice within the equipment and distribution industry.
• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale - B.B.A.
• American Rental Association (ARA)
• American Equipment Distributors (AED)
• DuPage County and Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God, being in the right place at the right time, and being naive enough not to know I wasn't supposed to be able to do certain things. I've been told I'm very naive - naive enough not to know that you're not supposed to be able to do those sorts of things. I just got in and did it. Throughout my career, I've noticed that I've fallen into some very interesting situations because I didn't go looking for them, they found me. I didn't let people tell me I couldn't do something when my intuition told me I could.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I don't think I've actually received formal career advice, but I've learned by watching others and picking things up that way. What I've learned through observation is to go with your gut. If your intuition tells you to do something, don't listen to the people around you that say you can't possibly do it - just do it. I've fallen into very interesting situations throughout my career because I didn't look for them, I just followed my instincts when opportunities presented themselves.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just go for it. Believe in yourself. You're not going to know everything, and there's nothing wrong with saying 'I don't know, but I will find out.' Go with your gut - if your intuition tells you to do something, don't listen to the people around you that say you can't possibly do it. Just do it. I've been in this male-dominated industry for over 40 years, and I can count on one hand the number of rough times I've had. The men have always looked out for me, helped me, and treated me with respect, recognizing that I had the knowledge to actually do these things.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, my biggest challenge and opportunity is helping three other companies get into my rental market. I don't have the energy that I once had, which is a challenge in itself. I'm supposed to be retiring, but I don't want to retire and just clean house - I want to stay mentally active. I still have people who meet me and say 'you know everything, let's start something,' and I'm working with companies trying to help them expand into the rental industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the most important value to me. I also believe in being like a duck so that things just slide off your back - don't let negativity stick to you. Never say anything bad about somebody, because it always comes back, even if it goes around the world. Keep faith. And in my personal life, having lots of grandkids keeps you young and life interesting. These values have guided me through over 37 years in business and helped me maintain positive relationships in a male-dominated industry.