Nice to Meet Ya: Buddy Lewis

During the pandemic, many people are taking on home projects. If you can relate, you may have some thoughts before embarking on your DIY journey. First, how do they make it look so easy on Youtube and second, what are the tools required to accomplish the project?

When it comes to equipment, if you’re only going to use a tool once, or it's costly, renting versus purchasing may be a better option.

That’s why Dripping Springs Rental Center (DSRC) has been a fixture on Mercer Street for “coming up on 28 years,” Buddy Lewis said, DSRC Owner.

Buddy grew up just west of Fort Worth, in a little city named Azle. “I come from a big family, three boys and two girls…I learned early that if you want something, you have to work for it,” Buddy said. As a teenager, he held part time jobs. Upon graduating from high school, he was off to East Texas and Stephen F. Austin State University, where he graduated with a teaching degree.

During his time in college, he worked at a rental center in Nacogdoches. He also spent “seven or eight years as a carpenter.” He moved to Austin in 1990 and then Dripping Springs in 1993.

His years of experience prepared him for what was to come next--the DSRC. “Dripping Springs didn’t have one and we’re here now….I’ve met different people and they’re good people, customers, and especially repeat customers became friends,” Buddy said. “ You treat people as you like to be treated.”

Buddy is proud to be a Dripping Springs resident. “I’ve spent more than half my life here. This is home… all three kids have grown up here and graduated from Dripping Springs High School,” he said.

He credits the success of his business with the people that he works with. That includes support from the community. “That’s the reason we’re so successful.” Although the past few months were a period of change(in terms of the pandemic), business has remained steady, especially given the growth of the area.

The number one rental item is the bobcat. “But we rent everything from weed-eaters to backhoes… business has been just as busy as last year, maybe a little more.” His commercial rentals are a big part of the business. “We never shut down. (We) mostly changed how customers are handled (with social distancing, etc.),” he said.

For more information about Buddy and his business, you can visit see the DSRC website at: dsrentalcenter.com