Molly MacDonald, founder and CEO of The Mobile Locker Co., had the idea for a mobile locker service after several of her runner’s apparel items went missing during races. While the company’s initial focus was on road races in 2014, it soon saw a need for secure, convenient storage at other events. The Mobile Locker Co. has expanded from New England to all of the Northeast, as well as Florida, and added such events as concerts, golf tournaments, and football games to its schedule. With the company’s growth came the need for reliable trucks. And so, The Mobile Locker Co. and Isuzu’s relationship was born.
THE MISSION
The Mobile Locker Co. provides secure, convenient storage for events using trucks that are essentially locker rooms on wheels. The company’s focus is on road races and OCR/mud runs, though it’s now expanding to spectator and stadium events. “As a runner, I found that, at races, when the gear storage option was secure, it wasn’t convenient, and when it was convenient, it wasn’t secure,” explains MacDonald. “I came up with the idea of a locker system that would give runners quick access to their stuff, started talking to other runners, and got great feedback on the concept. After a year and half of planning, I launched my company.” The Mobile Locker Co. syncs up with event organizers who promote the company to their runners. And, since The Mobile Locker Co. operates independently, organizers can add its amenity without adding to their plate. Runners get a key and can access their locker any time before and after the event. The Mobile Locker Co. crew will hold the key for them while they race so they don’t have to worry about losing it. “This is especially popular for OCR events like Spartan Races where they’re going through muddy courses,” says MacDonald.
CHOOSING THE NPR-HD
Running a mobile locker business just wouldn’t be the same without a reliable truck. MacDonald picked the Isuzu NPR-HD for the job. “Our entire business centers around the trucks, so we needed reliable vehicles,” explains MacDonald. “Marty’s Isuzu dealership found the right truck, coordinated with Supreme to help us order our box, and recommended an installer.” Any good business owner knows that getting the truck is half the battle. Making it work-ready and appealing to customers is a significant part of drumming up business. “Our truck had to look great inside and out, and Marty’s helped make sure we covered all our bases, like selecting an opaque roof to the truck box to let in natural light and installing interior lights,” says MacDonald. “We had the inside walls painted with chalkboard paint so customers could write messages, which is so fun.” MacDonald didn’t just pick the trucks, she also spends a good bit of time driving them. “I’m in the trucks every week. I didn’t have previous experience driving a large truck, but they drive so well. They’re 20 ft long, 11 ft, 3 inches high, but are such comfortable drives. My team loves driving them. A former staff member recently wrote me an email saying she missed driving the truck, which I love to hear,” MacDonald says.
ISUZU FINANCE
The Mobile Locker Co. is 100 percent mobile, so having vehicles that not only look sleek and professional but are also reliable, was extremely important to MacDonald. “Isuzu Finance worked to get us into a great set of NPR box trucks, and our dealership went above and beyond to help customize our ‘locker rooms on wheels,’” explains MacDonald. “Isuzu also made a special effort to meet with me and discuss the company’s plans for future expansion, and it feels like I really have a partnership with them. The best part about the trucks is how easy they are to drive. Our staff is currently mostly women, so knowing ladies are driving the vehicles and running onsite operations definitely gives me a sense of pride as a female founder.”
