Early Life
Born in 1953, Donald Francis Ahern grew up immersed in the family business, Ahern's Trailer and Equipment Rental, founded by his father John P. Ahern in 1958 in Las Vegas. Ahern received an accounting degree from Brigham Young University before returning to work for the family.
Rise to Success
Don Ahern launched Los Arcos Equipment in 1978, initially renting scissor lifts. He later purchased Ahern's Trailer and Equipment Rental in 1990, merging Los Arcos into the family firm. Over the years, he expanded the business, which became Ahern Rentals. The company was the exclusive equipment provider for the CityCenter development in Las Vegas. In late 2022, Ahern sold Ahern Rentals to United Rentals for $2 billion, netting an estimated $600 million after taxes and debt payments.
Key Business Strategies
Ahern's success is attributed to his ability to identify market opportunities and his investment in equipment. He developed a one-stop solution for workplace needs, maintaining strong relationships with equipment manufacturers. He also expanded Ahern Rentals by opening numerous branches. He owns construction equipment maker Xtreme Manufacturing and a 51% stake in Snorkel, which manufactures aerial work platforms.
Philanthropy
Don Ahern founded the Dayna Lynn Ahern Foundation in 2007 in memory of his daughter. The foundation supports individuals with seizure syndrome and other medical challenges through grants for education and medical care. He also established The Orchard, an urban farm in Las Vegas, which donates its produce to the local community.