RSC Equipment Rental last week named Sunbelt Rentals founder Thomas Smart, a veteran of 27 years in the equipment rental industry, to the newly created position of vice president of sales.

Smart co-founded Sunbelt Rentals in 1983 and grew the business to 38 locations in seven southeastern states. Sunbelt was acquired by Ashtead Group PLC in 1990. Smart left Sunbelt in 1997 and co-founded Management Service Partners, a consulting firm. In 2001, Smart founded MSP Rents, which targeted the utility contractor market and grew to five locations in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

“Tom brings to RSC extensive experience in growing successful equipment rental businesses,” said RSC president and CEO Erik Olsson. “As both an executive and consultant, he has helped companies realign their sales organizations and develop successful growth strategies. He has created profitable, turnkey rental businesses in key regions throughout the United States, and his experience serving contractors and companies in segments such as the utilities industry will be of great value as we focus on expanding our leadership in the attractive industrial market.”

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., RSC Equipment Rental is No. 2 on the RER 100.