Empowering Community

Founded in the early '90s, General Rental Center has been a part of the Texas Hill Country community for over three decades. Courtney Ward purchased General Rental Center in 2013, and her entrepreneurial vision and know-how earned the trust and loyalty of her community. With the support and guidance of Roy Thompson and Texas Hill Country Bank, Courtney embarked on a journey to grow General Rental Center into a hub for construction equipment rentals and services in the Hill Country region.  

When the opportunity to acquire General Rental Center first presented itself, Courtney saw potential in the business and decided to take a leap. In partnership with the bank, Courtney purchased the company. The acquisition came with its share of challenges, but with determination and the steadfast support of Roy Thompson and the Texas Hill Country Bank team, Courtney navigated managing her business to stability and success.  

A few years later, with continued guidance from Roy, Courtney took the next step in expanding her business venture by acquiring the real estate on which her buildings stood, as well as the adjacent property for expansion. This pivotal move allowed General Rental Center to broaden its offerings and serve an even larger clientele. “Roy and I speak the same language. We're both Texas country kids,” says Courtney, about why she feels taken care of and understood by Roy and her business banking team. “Sometimes I need to acquire a piece of equipment that’s bigger and heavier because of the environment that we're in. Roy understands that and finances it fast because he's used the equipment himself.”  

Texas Hill Country Bank is instrumental in helping Courtney secure loans for various aspects of her business, from buying equipment to financing. In particular, during a challenging period marked by supply chain disruptions, the bank stepped in to offer a flexible line of credit that acted as a safety net for swift actions in equipment procurement. This support allows General Rental Center to weather uncertainties and continue thriving in the ever-evolving market. 

"The bank team who is helping me grow General Rental Center truly understands my business because they are also my customers. That’s what Texas Hill Country Bank has provided for me. A national bank cannot provide that level of personal service and understanding of how we can best meet our community’s needs." –Courtney Ward, Owner, General Rental Center 

One of the cornerstones of General Rental Center's success lies in its close-knit relationship with the Hill Country community. Operating as a small mom-and-pop shop, her business continues to earn the loyalty of her local market, serving not only contractors but also homeowners in need of reliable property maintenance equipment. The team at General Rental Center considers the community its extended family, and this sense of belonging and trust fosters enduring partnerships with customers.  

"The path to Courtney’s growth as a business owner was complex at times due to the way these particular deals had to be structured, but we are proud to have helped General Rental Center reach their goals. We understand the specific needs of a business owner in the Hill Country because we live here too. It’s just more personal with us, and we love playing a part in facilitating partnerships that can make all the difference for a business owner." –Roy Thompson, Texas Hill Country Bank Market President  

The bank not only provided financial solutions, but they also connected Courtney with the team of professionals, such as accountants and lawyers, that has helped her navigate the complexities of business ownership. 

If your business could benefit from a strategic thought partner who understands your community and can help you achieve your goals, Texas Hill Country Bank and Roy Thompson are here to support your needs.