The idea for Jobbox began on a construction site, when general contractor Steve Bradshaw went looking for an app that would allow him to rent tools and equipment.
“There wasn’t anything available,” Bradshaw said.
So he decided to launch one.
“I didn’t know anything about tech or developing an app,” Bradshaw said “But this is my third business, so I’m familiar with starting a business and taking that initial risk.”
Fast forward just a couple of years and the Jobbox Mobile App is now a fully functioning marketplace for construction tools and equipment. The app allows customers to rent what they need as well as to make money by offering equipment they own.
Bradshaw said it’s a bit like Airbnb but for the construction industry. He said a lot of market research and planning went into building the business and testing the concept to make sure it would work.
Currently Jobbox is available in Jacksonville, where Bradshaw is based, and in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the company’s CTO lives.
But Bradshaw said the business is at the point now to launch to everyone.
“Our goal is to go nationwide, and to do so from here in Jacksonville,” he said.
To that end, Bradshaw said he is looking to add customer support staff and a head of marketing to help the business grow. He said he is also looking for additional investors.
Bradshaw said the rates for renting equipment through Jobbox are anywhere from 20% to 60 percent cheaper than major retailers, and that customers tend to use the app an average of three times every quarter.
He said it has been great to see the networking that happens when users meet to exchange equipment. They’re making possible business contacts that they might not have made otherwise.
“We’re on the cusp of really seeing this thing take off,” Bradshaw said. “It’s a pride for us to be local to Jacksonville. We look forward to being able to say this all started here and is headquartered here.”
