photos by: LISA CRATES PHOTOGRAPHY
For the past 52 years, Cooke Rentals has been a true family adventure of the very best kind!
Since Byron and Linda Cooke founded the business in Mt. Airy, NC, Cooke Rentals has grown from humble beginnings into a full service equipment rental resource for general contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike and is known as the go-to source for weddings and events throughout the Lake Norman region.
Building on five decades of fostering strong industry relationships, Byron’s three sons – Andy, Ben and Chad – now lead the way. Planning and orchestrating perfect events is simply in their genes!
“As a family growing up, we always had a huge July 4th party and became really well known for that event. That party – involving neighbors and friends near and far – started our appreciation for our community,” shares Chad. Andy is onsite at the Cornelius location handling that side of the lake, while Chad is based at the Maiden equipment location, still in close proximity to the other party location. Jarret Bradshaw, who has been with the company for more than 20 years, manages the Denver party and event location. Ben keeps things running smoothly up in King and Mt. Airy.
With a sincere emphasis on keeping customers happy, Cooke Rentals is widely known for impeccable service and a well-maintained inventory. Event planners and community organizers rely on their team for seamless coordination and setup, no matter what the occasion!
“The relationships we’ve developed make a tremendous difference,” says Chad, noting the importance of having key people around you. “We have mechanics and drivers who’ve been with us for more than 20 years. That loyalty and those relationships have given us access to a wide and ever growing inventory.”
Having locations right in the heart of Lake Norman – Denver, Maiden and Cornelius – gives local residents the opportunity to celebrate family occasions with confidence. From a quiet lakeside rehearsal dinner to a grand wedding under a clear top tent under the stars, Cooke Rentals covers your entire rental wish list!
“We appreciate working with venues and planners for weddings of all sizes,” says Chad. “Whether we’re providing custom draping and lighting for tents or other catering items, we’re there to meet the customer’s needs, down to the most intricate details. We invite brides-to-be and wedding planners to visit our showrooms in Denver and Cornelius to browse our selection of linens, place settings, glassware, tables and chairs, centerpieces and other table décor. Our elite restroom trailers have also helped many brides be able to marry on their family property – and we love contributing to and customizing family events.”
If your upcoming celebration is purely focused on fun – think corporate, school or community-themed event – the Denver and Maiden stores go the extra mile to deliver creative inflatables, rock climbing walls, snow cone machines, every type of concession rental including food warmers, popcorn machines and ice cream carts.
“We have long-standing relationships with schools all over the area,” Chad explains. “If we’re stepping in with last minute foldout bleachers or metal detectors for a local high school game or a dunking booth for the principal, community is our top priority. Many North Carolina festivals rely on our staging, dance floors and bike rack fencing. Our inflatables have become a summer tradition around the lake, as has our epic rock climbing wall.
One of the newest essentials for any high end or high traffic event – Cooke Rentals also specializes in premium restroom options, a niche that has expanded significantly in the past year. Their inventory includes a variety of portable restrooms, and elite restroom trailers that rival many indoor facilities and can feature up to 10 stalls.
The same Cooke Rentals customer philosophy carries over to the equipment side in the Maiden store.
“Our Mondays start with local contractors and landscapers lined up for everything they need to get their workweek started,” says Chad. “Whether they need a dingo, mini excavator or trailer, we offer an ever-growing variety of machines. We also provide customers with the instruction they need for their rentals, so they get the job done – that’s our goal! A happy customer is a repeat customer – which means we’re doing our job.”
Stop by and see what’s new – including their newest line of FERRIS mowers. There’s always someone on hand at each store to give you a tour and discuss your event and equipment needs!
The Denver store is located at 5743 East Highway 150, Denver, 704.483.2722, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and by appointment. Visit them in Maiden, NC at 5352 E. Maiden Road, 704.483.2722, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. In Cornelius at 18518 Statesville Road, 704.896.0553, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Follow your “party central” team on Instagram @cookerentalslkn and @cookerentalsdenver.
