Who Is Opifex?

I joined Opifex at the end of 2020 with limited knowledge of equipment. As the company grew, so did my expertise. In our early days as a small company, my role was diverse one day I might be delivering equipment, and the next day repairing it, sometimes doing both in the same day. Recognizing my strong work ethic, positive attitude, and motivation to help the company succeed, Jay Vaughn and Ben Harshbarger took me under their wing. They mentored me and taught me the processes necessary to build and sustain a successful operation. Thanks to their guidance, I now lead our Central Texas District, generating significant revenue while fostering employee satisfaction and maintaining the unique Opifex culture that has been key to our success.

Opifex‑Synergy has had a significant impact on my life, helping me grow as a leader both in the workplace and at home. It has provided me with new experiences, such as supporting and providing for my employees, and taking pride in seeing our customers satisfied whether through delivering new equipment promptly or responding quickly to repair needs.

I began my career in 1986 with American Service in Piscataway, NJ, working as a shop technician for an aerial lift service company. In 1996, I relocated to Florida and joined Prime Equipment, where I worked as a field technician and service manager. Prime was the first rental company to partner with Disney, and it was during this time that I realized my long-term goal was to grow into management.

In 2006, I joined Sunbelt Rentals in Orlando (PC12), where I spent 9 years advancing my expertise in operations, service, and leadership. I later returned to New Jersey to manage the North Region and on-site service for Interstate Aerials.

Since 2018, I’ve been with Opifex–Synergy Equipment, where I remain dedicated to leading teams, supporting operations, and building long-term success for the company.

Opifex-Synergy has given me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. The company has challenged me to take on leadership roles, refine my management skills, and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. Being part of a strong, dedicated team has not only expanded my career but also given me a sense of pride in the work we do for our customers. I also truly appreciate the people I work with whether it’s teaming up on projects, sharing BBQ as the ‘BBQ Master,’ or joining in on company events, it’s the culture and camaraderie here that make this such a wonderful place to be.

I joined Synergy Equipment in January of 2021 as an Administrative Assistant for Tampa Pumps. At that time, the branch was based out of an old run-down house in Dover Florida (on what the team would refer to as the “farm”). I had zero knowledge of the industry, but I was willing to put in the work at the possibility of starting a new chapter in my life. Bud Nichols took a chance on me and a few weeks later I started as the first Admin (and female) in the pump division. From the start, I was eager to learn as much as I could. I quickly fell in love with the industry and the role I was playing in the success of the Tampa branch. As the branch grew, moving from the “farm” to its current location, I grew in my career as well. I was soon promoted to a manager’s role and moved to the Corporate Pumps side. In August of 2024, I was promoted again, this time taking on the role of Project Operations Manager.

Opifex-Synergy has had an immense impact on my life, helping me not only grow in a career, but as a person as well. It has provided me with new experiences, new opportunities, and so many new friendships made along the way.  Most importantly, being a part of an amazing pumps team and sharing in the tremendous success we’ve had over the last 5 years has given me a sense of accomplishment and pride that I’ll forever be grateful for.