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A message from Patrick Reynolds, ARA of Oklahoma president

By Patrick Reynolds

February 7, 2023

Patrick Reynolds

Patrick Reynolds

On behalf of our entire ARA of Oklahoma board, I offer a hearty hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Four members!

The ARA of Oklahoma board just completed a very active year of events, culminating in a fun social at GolfSuites, which really brought out the crowd. Whether you are a golfer or not, the event offered the right mix of fun and networking. This year the board is looking at even more new offerings, including a joint educational and social event with the ARA of Arkansas. We can’t wait.

If you live in Oklahoma and haven’t been to one of our events, I strongly encourage you to do so. I am so fortunate and blessed to be serving with such energetic and enthusiastic board members. They really care about offering a diverse mix of social and educational events to our members that can make a positive difference, both personally and professionally.

For me, being involved with the board has given me an opportunity to meet different people in the state and broaden my horizons as far as what others are doing. Our state board, like others, is always looking for more board members. If you are interested in getting involved, attend an event. You might even want to think about being part of the board. If you are interested, reach out to your state chapter president.

In just a few days, The ARA Show™ will kick off in Orlando. This will be a great show. Congratulations are in order for some members of our region. The late Fred Dupy, who served as president of American Party Rental in Austin, Texas, and who gave years of service to both the Texas Rental Association (TRA) and the ARA Foundation, will be honored posthumously with the ARA Industry Ambassador Award. Dillon Hughes, owner, Only 1 Rentals, Navasota, Texas, who serves as TRA past president, will be presented the ARA Rising Star Award. In addition, Marty Bamburg, owner, Bamco of LA d/b/a Bayou Bounce Co., Shreveport, La., who serves as ARA of Louisiana president, will receive the ARA Leadership Impact Award for our region. It is wonderful to honor their service to their state chapters and ARA at large.

Besides the awards, the show offers so much. Every time I have gone, I have come back with a wealth of information. I am always impressed with the presenters who come to the show. ARA national does a great job of selecting speakers who have messages that can apply directly to our rental businesses. And the trade show allows one to see new products and make valuable vendor contacts. Developing those relationships with vendors is so important. And when you go to the ARA booths, you can see all the latest offerings from our association. I know this year will be just as impressive.

I also know there will be plenty of new RentalU resources shared at the show. RentalU has become a wonderful resource for us. It has grown so much over the years. If you haven’t explored it, I strongly encourage you to do so. You will find so many training offerings, from the general to the very specific. Check it out. I know you will be glad you did.

Again, on behalf of my state chapter’s board, I wish everyone in Region Four a great 2023!

Patrick “Pat” Reynolds, ARA of Oklahoma president
Journey Productions
Lawton, Okla.
580-355-1293
pat@rentjp.com