20 Under 40

Jabbok & William Schlacks

Age: 38 & 32

CEO and President, EquipmentShare

Brothers Jabbok and William Schlacks have their sights set on one big goal: expand EquipmentShare internationally and develop the best telematics platform in the world. The two had a frustration with the equipment rental industry while running construction companies, and they realized there was a need in the market for a safe, secure “built by contractors” platform. EquipmentShare won the fourth-annual Startup Weekend Columbia in 2014. The Schlacks brothers have operated with a strategy in mind: focus on and measure growth. “If you’re growing and customers are happy, then you’re good,” William says. “If you’re growing and customers are not happy, disaster awaits.” Headquartered in Columbia, the company already serves about 1,000 companies throughout Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. The brothers hope to expand to Texas and Florida first. After that, they’ll expand business overseas.

Want more 2016 20 Under 40? Check out Laura Roeder’s Q&A.