1st Vanguard Rentals & Sales

Through our strong nationwide partnerships and small-business commitment to customer service, we source, purchase, and rent equipment and supplies with the expertise and integrity our clients rely on.

Team image of 1st Vanguard employees standing in front of a piece of custom fabricated equipment

With You On The Front Lines!

Customer service is a given.  Safety is our standard.  

Logo emblem for 1st VANGUARD featuring a yellow and black shield with a equipment trailer graphic.

First Vanguard is a proud Certified Disabled Veteran-Owned Business. Founded by brothers Rob and Ken Merwin, the company reflects the values Rob carried from his service in the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division: discipline, dedication, and unwavering perseverance. These principles remain at the heart of who we are and how we operate.

Since our early days, First Vanguard has grown by consistently providing exceptional service and deep product expertise. Customers count on us for dependable equipment, trusted guidance, and responsive support. Their loyalty drives us, and we remain committed to delivering excellence on every job.

Our Commitment to Excellence: We believe that lasting success is built on strong business practices and disciplined execution. Drawing from decades of combined industry experience, we have adopted and refined the best operational methods we’ve encountered throughout our careers.

From accurate billing and transparent communication to on-time deliveries and the right equipment for every project, our systems are designed to provide reliability you can count on—time after time. This commitment to continuous improvement not only strengthens our operations but also reinforces the trust our customers place in us every day.

Proud to Work with Federal, State, County and Local Agencies…and You!

Four logos: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NASA, and Federal Aviation Administration.
An array of logos for California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California State Parks, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Four circular logos representing different counties and cities in California: Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Solano, and Napa County.
Logos of EB Mud, PG&E, Marin Sanitary Service, and Central San.

Our History

First Vanguard is proud to be a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business. Honoring his military experience as a member of the Army’s 1st Calvary, Rob Merwin incorporated features from the 1st Calvary into the name and branding. This tribute is a daily reminder of the hard work, commitment and dedication that is needed to succeed.

Historical image showing the history of 1st Vanguard and their logo that is inspired by the US Army 1st Cavalry

Get In Touch With Us!

Contact us today for a quote, availability, or to speak with an events specialist.

Youth baseball team sponsored by 1st Vanguard listening to coach during a game, on a baseball field.

Community Involvement

As a small business, we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work. From local partnerships to volunteer efforts, we stay actively involved because strong communities build strong businesses.

We believe that showing up for our community strengthens the relationships that define our business.

Yellow quotation marks for customer testimonial
Thank you 1st Vanguard Rentals & Sales for donating portable lights allowing our teams to practice during the winter months. We appreciate their support to the local community.
— Solano Surf Soccer Club