Triad Equipment was founded and created in 1997.  The owner, Carl Hobson, grew up in Sanford but has lived in this area for twenty years.  He lives with his wife Ginny and two kids, John and Elizabeth, in Wake Forest.  Carl purchased the business from the original owner in October 2005.  Carl decided to buy the business while deployed in Iraq with his Army National Guard unit, 30th Infantry Brigade, during 2004.  "An experience like that totally shakes you out of your routines," says Carl.  "I wasn't terribly happy as an employee and I came off that deployment determined to make a go at it on my own."  He retired from the military in July 2007, after 22 years of service.

Prior to his mobilization, which lasted 18 months, Carl developed software for a local company.  He also worked as a chemist for a large pharmaceutical firm in RTP.  He has a BS degree in chemistry from Davidson College and a Masters of Computer Science degree from NC State University.  "It makes perfect sense for me to apply the structured thought of science, the systems modeling of computer engineering and the risk management of military service to run a rental and sales business," says Carl.  "I borrowed more money that I ever dreamed, but it's working out.  I'm exhausted but having a great time."

Triad Equipment is located on Capital Blvd/Hwy 1 just north of Purnell road.  Triad has been servicing Wake and Franklin county communities for ten years now.  Triad rents tools and equipment, sells the full line of STIHL chainsaws, trimmers, blowers and power tools and repairs small engine equipment life lawn mowers and 2 cycle equipment.  All their tools are homeowner friendly but include many common machines used by contractors as well.

Carl has transformed Triad Equipment in the three years that he has owned it.  "As a business," says Carl, "You're only has friendly as your grumpiest employees and we have a great staff."  He remodeled the interior, adding distinctive displays for the SHIHL power equipment and began an aggressive program to update and expland the Triad rental fleet.  "This business is most fulfilling and successfull when we become part of the problem solving process", says Carl.  Most contractors know what they want, and Triad has the tools for them, but homeowners' often don't know the best tool for their job.  "I enjoy this business most when the homeowner comes back and says, "I love the trimmer" or "I'm beat, but that trencher did an awesome job," says Carl.