September 5, 2023
Alberto Pianelli
Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Nine members. I hope everyone has had a safe and productive summer. Between the massive rains, mudslides and then extreme heat, it has been a challenging time.
Our hearts go out to those in Hawaii who have been impacted by the wildfires. Those of us living in California know all too well the devastation that can be caused by these types of disasters. If any rental operation or rental operation’s employees have been severely impacted by the wildfires, take advantage of the Disaster Relief Grants from the ARA Foundation. For more information on these grants, click here. If you would like to support the ARA Foundation’s efforts in helping those in the industry impacted by natural disasters, click here.
Besides the weather, we all need to be on the lookout for theft challenges that can impact our businesses. We have to think about theft-prevention on all fronts — from outright burglary and conversion to cyberattacks. When it comes to cyberthreats, it is imperative we educate our staff on what to look for regarding suspicious emails — to always be aware. At my business we have created layers of protection and talk with our staff about it all the time. If you have ARA Insurance, check out its Cyber Suite™ policy.
This month’s newsletter focuses on cybercrime. Read the story “Give us $10,000 or your data is gone” in this issue for more insights and then take precautions since we all know the dire consequences that can happen if a breach occurs.
As part of the tour of California rental operations, James Auerbach, ARA vice president, event segment and workforce development, chats with rental operators who tour Encore Events Rentals in Windsor.
I am excited to share that last month I took advantage of the ARA Certified Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Train-the-Trainer program offered by the ARA of California. It was excellent. I learned things I didn’t know. I encourage anyone who is on the fence about taking this training to really consider it. It was very informative and so thorough. I highly recommend it.
That training is just one of the many educational offerings provided by RentalU, ARA’s educational platform. If you aren’t taking advantage of these resources, you are really doing a disservice to your business and your employees. No matter what you are dealing with at your operation, you can probably find the corresponding training on this site. Some are very short. Others are more in-depth. Check it out. If you need assistance finding what you need, send your question to education@ararental.org.
The next stop was Expo Events in Fresno.
Networking is also a great ARA benefit. In July, the ARA of Hawaii Task Force worked with ARA to provide MEWP Train-the-Trainer and Operator Training as well as an ARA Resources 101 meeting for rental store operators in Hawaii. Both were great successes. Kudos to all involved.
In August, the ARA of California offered another series of networking opportunities. ARA of California President Jared Medaris, CERP, and James Auerbach, ARA’s vice president, event segment and workforce development, traveled to Encore Events Rentals in Windsor, Calif., Expo Events in Fresno, Calif., and Yennis Party Rentals in Orange, Calif., to connect with members. These offered wonderful opportunities to network, learn about ARA and see some terrific event rental operations.
The last stop was at Yennis Party Rentals in Orange.
But this is just the beginning. Join us Sept. 13 when the ARA of California will be sponsoring the educational speaker at the next California Rental Association territory gathering.
Then on Oct. 19, the ARA of California will offer another Topgolf extravaganza in three locations (San Jose, Roseville and El Segundo) on the same evening. We had a blast last year. I hope you and your team can be part of the fun this year.
Don’t miss these events. Watch for details and reservation information on the ARA calendar of events.
I also would like to give a shoutout to rental operations in California that were listed as Rental Management Market Movers. Kudos to BSE Rents in Bakersfield, Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals in Sacramento and NC Rents in Lodi, Calif. Click here to read more about these rental operations’ achievements.
Before I close, I also hope you will offer your vote for the slate of 2024 nominees to the ARA board of directors. It is important that we hear from all eligible voters.
Have a great fall. Remember, The ARA Show™ will be in New Orleans during Feb. 18-21. Registration opens Oct. 17, so be on the lookout.
Alberto Pianelli, Region Nine director
F & B Rentals
Santa Ana, Calif.
949-307-8301
alberto@fbrentals.com
