JACKSON, WY — To carry on a family business in the Amazon age is no easy job. To be recognized as one of the best business in town after 25 years, says Zach Vosika, is a surprising honor.
Vosika and his brother Jake run Teton Rental Center, 2019’s Bronze winner for “Best Locally-Owned Store.” Their dad still owns it, but the two are getting ready to take it off his hands completely this summer. It’s a family business in the truest sense, and a small one at that. “There are few of those left,” Vosika said.
Despite the name, Teton Rental is more than just a rental shop. They have a fully-stocked inventory of lawnmowers, tractors, snowblowers, and anything else you might need to keep your property in tip-top shape. “We try to specialize in retail products that are known to work in the valley and in the area,” Vosika said. Their dirt and compost is made in Rexburg and blended specifically for this area.
They also try to only carry things they can warranty and service themselves. “I’m extremely against the throw-away society of buying something cheap and throwing it away when it breaks.”
But, of course, they also have plenty of inventory available to rent. “We try to keep everything in stock to keep contractors going, but also homeowners,” Vosika said. And if there’s a demand for something they don’t have, they’ll track it down.
You learn a lot about business in 25 years. The most important lesson Vosika has learned is that “you can’t always make everyone happy — but compromise sure can help.”
“Sometimes it’s difficult, but we try to make sure everyone that walks out the door is happy.”
With that attitude, it is perhaps unsurprising that Teton Rental was recognized as one of the “best” in town. But as a small, family-owned business, Vosika said he was surprised.
“I’m just real humbled that we even placed, I didn’t think we had a chance,” he said.
It feels good to be recognized both for how hard his family is working and for everything Teton Rental gives back to the community.
Things, Vosika explains, like the 4H animals Teton Rental has bought every year for 25 years. Or the items and or money they donate to Jackson Fire/EMS and the Moran Fire Department. “We try to help out a lot of the youth events, donate products to auctions, stuff like that,” Vosika said.
Vosika’s favorite business besides his own? He could hardly pick just one. He’s a big fan of the Pawn Shop and Sweet Cheeks Meats. He likes Stone Drug for errands, and Whole Grocer for lunch (Teton Rental is right next door, so it’s an easy trip). For a night out, he prefers the Rendezvous Bistro.
Zach and Jake are hoping to take full ownership of the shop this summer. It’s been a great 25 years so far, Zach said. “Hopefully we can keep it up for another 25.”