U-Haul “8 for 80” Dealer Series
In celebration of our 80th anniversary in 2025, we are highlighting eight small businesses serving as U-Haul dealers who have teamed with us to bring DIY moving products and services to their communities. These dealers may be old or new, have a fun story, a unique location, or just be in an interesting line of work. Enjoy!
Game On
When Jason Maples opened the Bakersfield eSports Center to host gaming tournaments, he didn’t expect that to entail facilitating people’s residential moves.
But sometimes the best things happen when you least expect it.
After renting U-Haul equipment for a family road trip, and having worked for U-Haul earlier in his career, an idea was sparked. The video game facility could double as a rental location for U-Haul trucks and trailers to generate additional revenue and provide a needed service in California’s Kern County.
“We were renting a tow dolly and saw a ‘become a dealer’ advertisement on uhaul.com,” Jason Maples recalled. “My wife said, ‘Why haven’t we been doing this already?’ We’ve got everything U-Haul looks for in a rental location, including great freeway access.”
Why It Works
The pairing of esports (or “electronic sports”) and moving equipment was a surprising fit. U-Haul area field manager Kirk Denison recognized the potential immediately with the center’s prime location at 7104 Golden State Hwy.
“Kirk dropped off that truck and within our first week, we had four rentals on that single truck we started with,” Maples said. “People kept walking in and looking confused, and almost not come in. Then we would explain. We had a father and son come in for a U-Haul; they were amazed, and they came back to the gaming center to play.”
The crossover appeal is fantastic for both businesses. While young gamers get exposed to the convenience and reliability of U-Haul mobility services, moving customers discover the enticing world of competitive gaming — and the cushy and comfy chairs that come along with it.
“(The Maples family) are go-getters,” Denison noted. “They want to succeed in anything they do.”
“It’s been a great way to meet the community,” Maples added. “The more money we make from U-Haul, the more we can provide for others.”
This is the fifth blog in the “8 for 80” Dealer Series. Continue visiting myuhaulstory.com for more posts.
U-Haul Dealer Network
Independent dealers have been the backbone of the U-Haul service model since 1945, accounting for almost 90% of all network rental locations.
Do you own a small business that could benefit from a supplemental income stream while meeting a basic need for your neighbors and community? If so, consider partnering with U-Haul as a dealer and start earning commissions from rental transactions at your site. Learn more at uhaul.com/dealer.
