KNOXVILLE -- Equipment rental company United Rentals is working around the clock in Knoxville this week, where employees are providing construction equipment and services to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The build is part of United Rentals' fifth year of partnership with the award-winning television show, which has relied on the industry leader for equipment and volunteers on more than 80 new home constructions.
The latest project benefits Daniel and Mandy Watson, founders of Restoration House, an organization that helps single mothers transition into the community. The United Rentals branch in Knoxville is organizing the delivery of more than 60 pieces of equipment to the site, said Ronnie Pique, branch manager.
"The Watsons understand first-hand what it means to be a family," Pique said. "They have made a huge difference in our community, and people now are coming together to help them in return. My team feels honored to support this project."
Diane Korman, Senior Producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, said, "Over 80 projects and more than 5,000 pieces of equipment, United Rentals has come through for us every time. Even in remote locations, United Rentals always has a branch close enough to arrange all the equipment we need, ensure its reliability, and deliver it within a three-hour window. Most importantly, they share our 'safety first' philosophy."
The episode featuring the Watson family will air on ABC on a date to be announced.
Daniel and Mandy Watson, proud parents of three adopted children, both grew up in single-parent homes. Their mission is to provide single mothers with housing, mentoring and advocacy, with the goal of becoming self-sufficient. While sheltering hundreds of women and children through their non-profit Restoration House, the Watsons' own house fell into such disrepair that it threatened their safety, as well as their dreams of extending the program. Now they will have a comfortable new home from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world, with an integrated network of 539 rental locations in 48 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The company's approximately 7,500 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others.