October 10, 2023
Jared Medaris, CERP
Hello to all American Rental Association (ARA) members in our region. As my business moves into fall, our busiest time of year, I have been thinking a lot about connections — those we have with our employees, our customers and our rental colleagues. All are important and bring so much value to us personally and professionally.
Speaking of connections to our rental colleagues, I know many of our event rental colleagues in Maui are struggling after the wildfires that devastated Lahaina and other parts of the island. As with any natural disaster, there are those immediately impacted by a tragedy. The world rightly focuses on those who have lost so much. Unfortunately, others who were not directly impacted can also suffer from the economic fallout that a disaster brings. All restrictions on Maui will be lifted Oct. 8. We hope our rental colleagues will be able to reconnect with their customers and see their businesses rebound at that time, and we are grateful for the attention from the ARA Foundation to our colleagues in Maui.
In this issue, learn more about the recovery efforts and what still needs to be done to help those on Maui recover from the horrific wildfires.
There is another type of connection we have with our rental peers. The ARA of California is offering a perfect way to do that with our “Fun Across California” Topgolf extravaganza. It was such a big hit last year that we decided to do it again. On Oct. 19, we will gather at Topgolf locations in San Jose, Roseville and El Segundo. It will be a fun night for all, including a barbecue dinner, drinks and unlimited golf. Even if you are like me and not a golfer, you will have a blast. Trust me. It is worth it just to come out and network with your rental peers. My favorite part last year was to look at the scoreboard as we played and see names of other members playing from other locations. I hope you will be able to join us.
Another industry connection comes from those impressive young professionals who were profiled in the “12 to Watch Under 40” article that appeared in the August/September issue of Rental Management. For our region, Aurelio Sierra, president of Yennis Party Rentals in Orange, Calif., was so honored. Learn more about Aurelio, who also serves on the ARA of California board, in this issue. Congrats to him and the others who were recognized.
Another valued connection is with our industry vendors. In this issue you also will learn about Rental Management’s Rental Software Series. Discover what equipment and event rental-specific software is available to us and how that software can help our businesses.
You can enhance your connections with your peers and vendors at The ARA Show™ in New Orleans Feb. 18-21, with EventsU happening Feb. 17. Show registration opens Oct. 17, so watch for details. This is an event you won’t want to miss.
I also would like to thank all of you who recently approved the nominees who will join the ARA Board of Directors next year. As a member-driven association, it’s important that we take part in this process each year. Region Nine’s Robert H. Pedersen from A Tool Shed in Santa Cruz, Calif., will become ARA president-elect and Marti Wenzler of Chicago-headquartered Lawson Products will become an ARA associate member director next spring. Please join me in welcoming them and the others who will comprise our association’s leadership team.
The rental business is one of relationships — vital connections we need to grow, learn from and build our businesses. I hope you will find ways to strengthen your connections this fall. They really matter.
Have a great fall.
Jared Medaris, CERP, ARA of California president
Expo Events
Fresno, Calif.
559-495-3300
jared@exporentals.com
