Steve Lawrence announced the sale of Lawrence NationaLease to the Rihm Family Companies, owner of one of the oldest Kenworth truck dealers in the world. Kari Rihm, President and CEO of RFC said, “We’re pleased to begin our 85th year in business by welcoming Lawrence NationaLease’s high-caliber employees and management.”
Steve Lawrence, former CEO of Lawrence NationaLease said, "Like Rihm, Lawrence NationaLease has been family-owned and operated for multiple generations, and is a leader with a trusted legacy in the truck leasing and rental market.” Our employees and assets are in extremely capable hands under the leadership of Kari Rihm and her family. This acquisition is a win-win for both of our companies.”
According to Lawrence, the Rihm culture and Lawrence culture match well, and this transaction is the getting together of likeminded people with the same goals and ethics. The company will stay intact with both Bill Schultz and Jason Krell continuing in their leadership roles, as well as all other Lawrence employees retaining their positions. The transaction will also ensure continuity in the operations of the company.
Steve Lawrence started his career in 1969 for Hertz Truck Leasing in Knoxville, TN; then moved to Memphis, and skipped the opportunity to go to Jackson, Missisippi choosing instead to go back to Red Wing where he opened a law office and sold truck leasing for Red Wing Truck Rental which was formed in 1957 by his father Alton “Tony” Lawrence. Steve took the leadership position in 1975 upon his father’s retirement.
Lawrence remarked, “It has been a wonderful experience being a member of NationaLease, being part of the NTLS organization, and taking advantage of the benefits derived by its programs, many of which would have been impossible for us to achieve on our own.”