In an industry built on machinery, margins and momentum, Hire Away is proving that how you do business can be just as important as what you hire out.
Based in Napier and servicing clients across Hawke’s Bay, the Dallimore family-owned business supplies diggers, trucks, excavation and landscaping equipment to the construction, landscaping and civil infrastructure sectors.
While commercial clients remain its core market, Hire Away is also steadily expanding into the residential space, giving homeowners access to professional-grade equipment backed by genuine support.
At the heart of the operation is Sage Dallimore, who runs the business day to day and has played a key role in shaping its strong service-led reputation. But Hire Away is very much a family story.
The business was established by Sage’s father, Scott Dallimore, a long-time Hawke’s Bay businessman with a background in finance and lending. Known for his strong work ethic and relationship-first approach, Scott laid the foundations for Hire Away with a clear vision: build a hire business that people trust, that shows up, and that stands by its customers.
That philosophy has flowed directly through to how the business operates today.
“We’ve always grown up around business,” Sage says. “Dinner table conversations were about work, people, opportunities, and how you treat others. That’s just how our family operates.”
Driving the business day to day, Sage brings energy, warmth and a people-first mindset that is helping reshape what customers expect from an equipment hire company.
“We’re here to make hiring easy,” she says. “If people can get in, get the right gear, and get back to work without hassle, we’ve done our job.”
That focus on ease and reliability runs through every part of the operation. Hire Away has invested heavily in building a modern, well-maintained fleet, with presentation, servicing and availability treated as non-negotiables.
“For our customers, downtime costs money,” Sage says. “If a machine isn’t right, we fix it. Simple as that.”
But while the equipment matters, it is Hire Away’s service model that has become its point of difference. Clear communication, flexibility around hours, and a willingness to solve problems have helped the business build strong relationships with contractors, many of whom control where their gear is sourced.
A journey shaped by people
That relationship-led approach reflects Sage’s own journey into the business.
After leaving Hawke’s Bay, she moved to Wellington to study law, with ambitions of becoming a lawyer. She made the decision to step away from law, and continued her BA, triple majoring in Political Science, International Relations and Media Studies. Returning home, she joined her father Scott in his finance lending business.
Working alongside Scott proved formative. It exposed Sage to the realities of running a people-facing business, where trust, accountability and reputation matter.
“Finance teaches you a lot about people,” she says. “You’re dealing with real lives, real pressure, real decisions. Dad was big on relationships and doing the right thing, and that stuck with me.”
Those lessons now underpin how Hire Away operates. In a male-dominated industry, Sage has earned respect not by pretending to know everything, but by being consistent, approachable and genuinely invested in her customers.
“I don’t need to be the expert in the room,” she says. “I just need to make sure people are looked after.”
That attitude has paid off. Contractors know they can call after hours, during weekends, or when something unexpected happens on site. Even if Hire Away cannot supply exactly what is needed, Sage will often help find a solution elsewhere.
“It might sound counterintuitive,” she says. “But if you help someone get their job done, they remember that.”
Deliberate about range
Hire Away has also been deliberate about its range. Alongside core excavation and transport equipment, the business stocks specialist machinery that is harder to find, reducing the need for customers to deal with multiple suppliers.
“We’re always looking at what’s missing in the market,” Sage says. “If we can fill a gap, that’s a win for our customers.”
The entrepreneurial drive within the Dallimore family runs deep. The household is one of big personalities, strong opinions and plenty of conversation. All are extroverted, all are comfortable talking business, and all place a high value on hard work, relationships and supporting others in the local business community.
That same mindset is evident beyond Hire Away. Sage’s brother Cole also features in this issue of The Profit with HydroGo, another locally grown business built on hustle, relationships and backing yourself.
Building the brand
Marketing is another area where Hire Away reflects that outward-looking, people-focused culture. In an industry not known for creativity online, the business has built a strong social media presence through short, engaging video content that showcases equipment while also putting a face to the brand.
“It’s about being approachable,” Sage says. “People want to know who they’re dealing with.”
The strategy has lifted brand recognition across both commercial and residential markets, with customers frequently mentioning the videos when they visit the yard.
As the business grows, Hire Away has expanded its team and workshop capability, bringing in experienced operators who strengthen the technical side and support future growth. Scott remains closely involved as a mentor and sounding board, providing guidance while allowing Sage the space to lead.
Built to last
Looking ahead, Sage is realistic but optimistic. While the construction sector has faced challenging conditions, she believes Hire Away is well positioned.
“We’re building this properly,” she says. “Good systems, good people, and a reputation that means something.”
The residential market also presents clear opportunity, particularly as more homeowners look to take on landscaping and renovation projects with the right equipment behind them.
Ultimately, Hire Away’s ambition is not to be the biggest hire company in Hawke’s Bay, but one of the most trusted.
“If people know we’ll answer the phone, sort the problem and stand by our gear, that’s everything,” Sage says.
With a modern fleet, a strong service ethos and a family culture grounded in relationships, hard work and community, Hire Away is building a business designed to last.
