Your Trusted Partner in Commercial Equipment Rental Solutions

Rob Erschen

Rob is the founder and current president of J&R Rental. He is an East Dubuque, IL, native where he grew up and graduated high school. Rob started working at J&R Supply for his father before putting his idea's into reality in 2004 when he created J&R Rental. He has built J&R into the company it is today. Rob enjoys spending his free time outdoors, either hunting, fishing, golfing, or attending dirt bike races. Rob’s favorite thing about J&R is the team of employees he has created.

Tony Steiner

Office Manager
tsteiner@jrrental.com

Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Tony has been a dedicated member of the J&R team since December 2010. Known for his personality and willingness to lend a hand. When it comes to his job, Tony brings a unique combination of work ethic and humor to the table. He believes strongly in the motto, “If you’re not first, you’re last,” and takes that mentality into everything he does. Outside of work, He enjoys spending time with friends, golfing, and fishing, balancing hard work with relaxation and fun. As for his favorite thing about J&R, he’s a big fan of the new building, especially the four grills perfect for making lunch—because who doesn’t love a great meal at work? Tony is the kind of guy who’s always up for a challenge and ready to make the most of both work and life, and he’s a true asset to the JR team.

Carter Widmeier

Salesperson | Accounts Specialist
cwidmeier@jrrental.com

Carter is the stepson of founder Rob Erschen and works as the main salesman and accounts specialist at J&R Rental. Carter is an East Dubuque, IL native who graduated high school and went straight into the work force for the family business. He has worked at J&R since May 2020, where he started cleaning equipment. Carter likes to spend his free time golfing, playing basketball, or on the water. Carter’s favorite thing about J&R is the community involvement they engage in.

Mandi Erschen

Office Assistant
merschen@jrrental.com

Mandi grew up in East Dubuque and was involved in J&R from an early age. Having spent much of her high school days detailing trucks and equipment, she returned to the family business in 2021, bringing a passion for customer service and equipment solutions. At J&R, Mandi works hard to understand the unique needs of each customer and helps them find the right equipment to suit those needs. The fast-paced environment of the company is something she thrives in, and the most rewarding part of her job is building lasting relationships with clients. When she’s not working, Mandi enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, and spending time with her dogs. She’s proud to be carrying on the family legacy at J&R, building relationships and helping customers every day.

Nicholas Kluesner

Accountant
office@jrrental.com

Nicholas grew up in East Dubuque and began his journey with J&R Rental right after graduating high school in 2018. He started in the industry as a delivery driver and working in the wash bay, but it didn’t take long for him to realize that this was the place he wanted to stay. The constant growth of the company and the variety in daily tasks motivated him to continue building his career in this field.

Nicholas brings strong problem-solving skills to his role at J&R Rental, helping him navigate and address challenges with efficiency and precision.

Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their dog, often going for walks together.

Gerry Hoppman

Service Manager
shop1@jrrental.com

Gerry is J&R Rental's service manager and is an important member of the company. Gerry is an East Dubuque, IL native where he attended and graduated high school. Gerry worked for Bird Chevrolet and MH Equipment before joining the J&R team in November 2019. Gerry spends his free time camping with his family. When asked what his favorite part about the company was, Gerry said there’s no pressure working at J&R, he enjoys the fact that they are community-orientated.

Chas McDermott

Small Engine Mechanic
shop@jrrental.com

Chas, from Louisburg, Wisconsin, joined J&R in 2020. With a background in working with his grandfather in a repair shop, Chas brings hands-on experience and a love for repairing. His role involves maintaining and repairing equipment, as well as our part-time semi-truck driver. He enjoys learning new things, working outside, and taking on unique challenges. Known for his resourcefulness, Chas excels at making do with what's on hand. Outside of work, he loves turning wrenches, attending auctions, and spending time with his wife and kids. What he finds most rewarding is transforming "junk" into something great. Chas appreciates the variety and unpredictability of his work at J&R.

Luke Hartmann

Large Engine Mechanic
shop2@jrrental.com

Luke is a J&R Rental mechanic specializing in large equipment and aerial lifts. Luke is an East Dubuque, IL native and graduated from Wahlert High School. Luke previously worked at John Deere Experimental and served in the Air Force as a B-1 Avionics Technician before he started working at J&R in October of 2021. Luke spends his free time outdoors, specifically hiking and camping. Luke’s favorite thing about J&R is the employees he gets to work with.

Peyton Bauer

Small engine mechanic
shop3@jrrental.com

Growing up in the town of Galena, IL, Peyton developed a connection to nature and the outdoors. When not working, Peyton enjoys spending time outdoors—whether it's hunting, fishing, or tending to their hobby farm. With a background surrounded by machinery, it was a natural progression for Peyton to pursue a career in this industry. The hands-on experience growing up sparked his interest, and has been eager to dive into the field ever since. For Peyton, there’s nothing more fulfilling than tackling difficult problems and finding creative solutions. The challenge of problem-solving is a constant source of satisfaction in the work he does.
At J&R, Peyton appreciates the supportive work environment and the friendships with coworkers. "It doesn’t feel like work when you can be yourself."

Mike Weede

Delivery Driver

Mike works as a delivery driver at J&R Rental, specializing in semi-transportation. Mike is a Hanover, IL native, where he grew up and graduated from Hanover High School. Mike served for the US Navy before joining the J&R team in September 2016. Mike spends his free time going on adventures with his grandkids. Mike’s favorite things about J&R is the fantastic equipment, the great customers, and the teamwork that is completed every day.

Andrew Lange

Delivery Driver

Andrew, from East Dubuque, IL, has been a valued member of the JR team, working through high school and returning in 2024. In his role, Andrew is responsible for delivering equipment and keeping the shop and lot clean and organized, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. What Andrew loves most about his job is the opportunity to travel to different locations and meet new people. His strong skills in time management and experience with heavy equipment are key assets that help him excel in his role.

When he’s not working, Andrew enjoys fixing things and hunting, always staying busy with hands-on projects. His favorite thing about working at J&R is when the boss grills out and the chance to face new challenges every day.

Nate Wagner

Equipment Detailing

Coming from Dubuque, Iowa, Nathan joined the JR team in 2024. As a Detailer of Equipment, Nathan is responsible for making sure the machinery everyone relies on is in top condition. He thrives on operating and learning new things, constantly growing his skill set to bring the best service possible. Nathan is known for his consistency in his work and is always eager to tackle a new challenge.

Outside of work, you can find Nathan spending his free time fishing, working on his truck, or attending motocross races. He finds the most reward in his job when he gets to see all the different types of equipment, and the variety keeps him engaged and motivated. Nathan loves that every day at JR presents an opportunity to stay busy with plenty of work to be done.

As a child, Nathan dreamed of being an astronaut, and although he may not have ended up in space, his passion for exploration and new challenges remains strong.