March 14, 2024
Sam Castillo
Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Eight members. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sam Castillo from Tates Rents. I’ll be your ARA Region Eight director for the next three years, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to communicate directly with so many of you across our region of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
It’s a wrap on The ARA Show™, and it was another great one last month down in charismatic New Orleans. Once again, ARA staff outdid themselves by putting together a successful show all the way around.
I was absolutely blown away with the educational seminars at this year’s show. The variety of topics that the speakers touched on had me walking away with ideas for growth and better communication that aligns with all generations.
Along with the seminars, ARA’s new educational offerings also made a splash at the show. The new ARA Certified Forklift Training Program was highlighted. This comprehensive program delivers a Forklift Train-the-Trainer program and a Forklift Operator Training program that satisfies OSHA requirements and other industry standards. This is a great opportunity for rental companies to not only keep their staff safe, but also their clients as well. If your operation involves forklifts, you have to check this out.
ARA’s Foundations of Safe Tenting also was introduced. Created in partnership with the Manufacturers and Tent Renters Association (MATRA) and the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), this course enables tenting professionals to recognize the basic terminology, practices, and procedures that produce safe and efficient tent installations and dismantles. Learn more and get started at RentalU.
Along with all this education to absorb, the trade show floor was absolutely packed. People went to New Orleans to buy.
A personal highlight for me at the show was the Tuesday Night Event at the House of Blues. Country singer Mitchell Tenpenny absolutely rocked the house on the inside while three DJs had a silent disco party going on at the patio. This was a fun family-friendly event that had great food, beverages and, most importantly, amazing networking!
Just like every year, the ARA national board of directors had people roll off and this year that included my predecessor as your ARA Region Eight director — Steve Ricci of Bigfork Rentals in Bigfork, Mont. I want to give Steve and his family a big thank you for the dedication over the last three years. I appreciate the mentorship and opportunity to try to fill big shoes.
Thanks, and I’ll see you out there during my travels around our region in the next few years. I’m looking forward to serving as your conduit to ARA national. Please reach out if you ever have any questions or concerns.
Sam Castillo, ARA Region Eight director
Tates Rents
Boise, Idaho
208-338-5861
sam@tatesrents.com
