Set your location
Florida
Georgia

Who Is Opifex?

Opifex is a Latin word meaning artisan, craftsman, or maker—literally, "one who creates work." It reflects the hands-on spirit of building something real, with skill, purpose, and pride.

That’s exactly who we are.

Opifex was founded by builders, for builders—a team born from the construction industry, not just serving it. Our roots give us a sharp understanding of the demands our customers face, because we’ve been there ourselves—on the job site, in the yard, under the hood.

We’re building more than a company.

We’re building a team of skilled people at every level—mechanics, drivers, coordinators, salespeople and leaders—many of whom started in entry-level roles and rose through the ranks. They bring real-world experience, grit, and a deep commitment to serving our customers with unmatched insight and care.

At Opifex‑Synergy, we believe in:

Building strong relationships with customers who rely on us.

Building capabilities that keep up with changing demands.

Building people who deliver the best experience in the industry.

This is what it means to be an Opifex—

not just renting equipment but helping build the future.

Opifex‑Synergy Gallery of Builders

Jose Villegas

District Manager, Rental
I joined Opifex at the end of 2020 with limited knowledge of equipment. As the company grew, so did my expertise. In our early days as a small company, my role was diverse one day I might be delivering equipment, and the next day repairing it, sometimes doing both in the same day. Recognizing my strong work ethic, positive attitude, and motivation to help the company succeed, Jay Vaughn and Ben Harshbarger took me under their wing. They mentored me and taught me the processes necessary to build and sustain a successful operation. Thanks to their guidance, I now lead our Central Texas District, generating significant revenue while fostering employee satisfaction and maintaining the unique Opifex culture that has been key to our success.

Opifex‑Synergy has had a significant impact on my life, helping me grow as a leader both in the workplace and at home. It has provided me with new experiences, such as supporting and providing for my employees, and taking pride in seeing our customers satisfied whether through delivering new equipment promptly or responding quickly to repair needs.

Image of a five pieces of our equipment lined up. An excavator, a reaching forklift, a wheeled skid steer, a scissor lift, a high-head pump.
Jose Villegas' professional headshot with a nested image of him on the job in his early career.

Brian Lenaghan

Vice President of Sales, Pump Division
I started my pump career in Washington DC working for a local pump company. I made my mark working to dewater tunnels in Washington DC during the second phase of construction on the metro system. From there I was hired by Bud to work for him at a growing national company. I then moved back to the Midwest and started my own company serving the Midwest and Eastern Canada.


After selling my company, I left the industry for a short time to work as an executive for a Washington DC utility.  A couple years later, I was recruited by Synergy and Bud to help with growing the pump division.   Fast forward 5 years after moving to Tampa, I'm on top of my game and thankful for Bud convincing me to come back into the industry.  I enjoy our team and all the good people we work with on a daily basis.


Image of a five pieces of our equipment lined up. An excavator, a reaching forklift, a wheeled skid steer, a scissor lift, a high-head pump.
Brian Lenaghan's professional headshot with a nested image of him on the job in his early career.

John Brock

District Service Manager, Rental

I started working for my father in the Marine Diesel business, in high school driving a service truck to school and after school would get out. I would run service calls and pm private Yachts. Eventually I started to do all the in frame rebuilds along with doing all the machine work needed to complete the rebuild in our own machine shop. At 25 I was running my own branch and small machine shop for my father’s company did $1.1 million net average a year.


I started here 2012 when it was Bobcat of Tampa in a service truck then it became Synergy Equipment. And 3 or 4 years ago I became Product Technical Support for all the branches. Now I am a District Service Manager.

Image of a five pieces of our equipment lined up. An excavator, a reaching forklift, a wheeled skid steer, a scissor lift, a high-head pump.
John Brock's professional headshot with a nested image of him on the job in his early career.

Bud A. Nichols

President, Pump Division
My 30+ years of experience have provided me with the know-how to take a startup pump company and make it successful.  Opifex-Synergy provided the platform and foundation, allowing me to build the best team in the business. Delivering quality products and superior services resulted in rapid growth and strong customer loyalty. In a few short years we have accomplished what has taken other companies decades, solely because of the confidence and support of the entire Opifex-Synergy organization.


As an entrepreneurial spirit-minded person, being given the opportunity to create a specialized, scalable business model has been the highlight of my career.


Image of a five pieces of our equipment lined up. An excavator, a reaching forklift, a wheeled skid steer, a scissor lift, a high-head pump.
Bud Nichols' professional headshot with a nested image of him on the job in his early career.

Michael "Smitty" Smith

Vice President of Service, Rental
Started in the Rental Business in very early 90’s for a company called BPS. My first position in the company was working on the wash rack and delivering equipment when needed.  I then moved over to H&E as a shop tech and worked my way up to shop Forman.  I worked hard and tried to be the best at the job I was tasked with, where I earned a position as Service manager for United Rentals. I kept working hard and found myself moving up in My career to District Service manager. Came aboard with Synergy equipment as a DSM in 2017   with experience and knowledge and was moved up to regional service manager for the entire company.

Married to my Lovely wife Tammy for 35 years and have 3 Daughters and 12 Grandchildren.

When we merged Opifex – Synergy I was impacted with the high level of energy and was able to move up recently to VP of service from the COO Jeff Karter and Joseph Vaughn CEO.    My advice to all the employee – New or Seasoned is hard work, passion and dedication will always help bring out the best in you and move you up in your career.

I appreciate the excitement and support that Opifex – Synergy brings to the rental business.
Michael "Smitty" Smith's professional headshot with a nested image of him on the job in his early career.

Ted Cyr

District Service Manager, Rental
I began my career in 1986 with American Service in Piscataway, NJ, working as a shop technician for an aerial lift service company. In 1996, I relocated to Florida and joined Prime Equipment, where I worked as a field technician and service manager. Prime was the first rental company to partner with Disney, and it was during this time that I realized my long-term goal was to grow into management.

In 2006, I joined Sunbelt Rentals in Orlando (PC12), where I spent 9 years advancing my expertise in operations, service, and leadership. I later returned to New Jersey to manage the North Region and on-site service for Interstate Aerials.

Since 2018, I’ve been with Opifex–Synergy Equipment, where I remain dedicated to leading teams, supporting operations, and building long-term success for the company.

Opifex-Synergy has given me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. The company has challenged me to take on leadership roles, refine my management skills, and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. Being part of a strong, dedicated team has not only expanded my career but also given me a sense of pride in the work we do for our customers. I also truly appreciate the people I work with whether it’s teaming up on projects, sharing BBQ as the ‘BBQ Master,’ or joining in on company events, it’s the culture and camaraderie here that make this such a wonderful place to be.
Ted Cyr's professional headshot with a nested image of him on the job in his early career.