"The Walking Man's Friend"

Hard work, dedication, and an effective cost management philosophy define how Ed Keese turned a small five car rental company into a 550 plus vehicle fleet with diversifed associated businesses.

Known locally as "the walking man's friend," Ed began his operation in 1982 at 1208 Laurel Boulevard. Here he developed a rental company that utilized the longevity of well maintained used vehicles. By "controlling the nickels and pennies," while "letting the dollars take care of themselves" the business began to grow.

In 1985 a key business opportunity presented itself to Ed. The historic garment factory, formerly known as the Tilt Silk Mill, had been sitting vacant on 12th street for over four years. Being in serious disrepair the city of Pottsville was considering demolishing the landmark if a buyer couldn't be located.

Realizing the potential business opportunities within the then 100-year -old structure, Ed purchased the factory and immediately began to renovate. His efforts to restore the building not only afforded him with a number of business opportunites, but also gained him recognition with the city for preserving this historic landmark.

The Highest Acknowledgements

Ed was bestowed with a "Key To The City", and the Pottsville Distinguished Citizen Award for both his efforts to restore the Mill and his active participation in the Pottsville Business Association. With the newly aquired building it was time for Ed to expand and diversify his company. It was then that he founded H D Motors, a full service repair facility to maintain his growing fleet.

In addition to the repair facility, Ed established his U-Store It company to utilize the factory's vast floor space. He set out by  dividing the open areas of the factory into individual storage units of various sizes. Being the first of it's kind in Schuylkill County the storage company was an immediate success and still enjoys an occupancy rate of over 96% with more that 550 units for rent.

Being a family owned and operated company, Ed's daughter, Tracey Fenstermacher, began working full time in the business in 1997 after graduating from Kutztown University. She worked closely with her father to learn and improve upon the basic philosophies which have made the business so successful.

Together in 2008 Ed and Tracey launched CTF Warranty Company. CTF is an industry leading warranty company that serves to provide Ed's customers with peace of mind when purchasing a vehicle.

With Ed's passing in 2009 Tracey took over as owner and operator of the company. By continuing to implement Ed's business philosophies while evolving and growing the company she is assuring the success and prosperity of Ed's legacy for the future. Tracey's husband, Chris Fenstermacher, joined the business in 2010 and serves as the Vice President of operations.