What a $10M Lawsuit Taught Donald Charbonnet About Leadership
October 22, 2025
From devastating setbacks to groundbreaking innovations, the equipment rental industry has undergone dramatic transformations over the past five decades. In this episode of Beyond the Build: Innovation in Construction, industry veteran Donald Charbonnet sits down with hosts Scott Lowman and JP Scott to share powerful insights gained from his 50-year journey building, growing, and adapting rental businesses through periods of intense change and challenge.
From devastating setbacks to groundbreaking innovations, the equipment rental industry has undergone dramatic transformations over the past five decades. In this episode of Beyond the Build: Innovation in Construction, industry veteran Donald Charbonnet sits down with hosts Scott Lowman and JP Scott to share powerful insights gained from his 50-year journey building, growing, and adapting rental businesses through periods of intense change and challenge.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to turn industry setbacks into opportunities through strategic pivoting and perseverance
- Why small independent rental companies can thrive alongside large corporations by focusing on niche markets
- How to build customer loyalty through specialized services and solution-focused approaches
- Why AI and technology adoption will reshape equipment rental logistics while maintaining the essential human element
- How to create resilient business models by diversifying service offerings and building strategic partnerships
Donald Charbonnet is a veteran equipment rental industry leader and Founder of Charbonnet Consulting, with over 50 years of experience building, growing, and selling successful rental businesses. Throughout his career, he has founded and led multiple companies, including American Rental All and significant roles as President at Buckner Rental Service, where he expanded operations from 7 to 27 locations across the South. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, operational growth, and rental industry innovation, having facilitated over $160 million in industry transactions.
Tune in for a look at the hidden costs of construction and the unique approaches that can help solve for them!