October 10, 2023
Jeff Jackson
Hello, fellow American Rental Association (ARA) members in Region Seven. Jeff Jackson, ARA of Colorado president, here. If you are like me, you have seen business continue at a hectic pace as we move into fall. I am not complaining, but it is a little bit out of the norm for us.
With everyone so busy and labor issues still present, I understand how hard it is for folks to step away for a state chapter meeting or social. It can be one more thing to put on the to-do list, but there are real benefits to be gained — personally and professionally — by taking part.
For instance, our state chapter just held a meeting Sept. 24 at Wagner Rents that focused on Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations. Denver Trooper Gary Cutler did an awesome job, offering a live demonstration, reviewing current regulations, and discussing load securement and vehicle maintenance. DOT regulations have direct impacts on both event and equipment rental operations. Fines for being out of compliance can rack up. Those who attended gained so much insight — information that can save our bottom lines.
On Sept. 29, the ARA of Arizona offered a baseball social that pitted the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Houston Astros. Those who attended were able to watch the game from a luxury suite, complete with delicious food and drinks. They also benefited from some valuable networking with peers. Those connections are important.
More events will be coming up. On Dec. 6, the Colorado chapter will host our Christmas party at Topgolf. That is always a good time, with plenty of good fellowship, food and prizes. The Arizona chapter will be offering an event in December, too. Watch the ARA Calendar of Events for details. Again, these events offer more than some social time. They provide valuable connections with rental operators who could help you in the future with advice, subrentals and such.
Speaking of engagement, I would like to thank all of you who recently approved the nominees who will join the ARA Board of Directors in 2024 year. As a member-driven association, it’s important that we take part in this process each year. 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 in the spring.
We also are excited to welcome Maureen Harkness, CERP, with Cre8ive Event Rentals in Tempe, Ariz., who will be our new ARA Region Seven director. Maureen knows a lot of members around the region through her experience in the industry and her service as ARA of Arizona president. She will have big shoes to fill (that of Andrew Heesacker with Arvada Rent-Alls in Arvada, Colo.), but I know she will do an excellent job of being our conduit to ARA national.
Please join me in welcoming Robert, Marti, Maureen and the others who will comprise our association’s leadership team.
On the state level, I want to welcome Tricia Steinbock with Best Event Rentals to the ARA of Colorado board. We are happy you stepped up to assist our board and all our members in the state.
Another industry positive is the lineup of very 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, Katey Naylor, CEM, CERP, with Bright Event Rentals in Phoenix, was so honored. Learn more about Katey in this issue. Congrats to her and the others who were recognized.
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.
There is a lot going on at our businesses, within our state chapters and at ARA national, including The ARA Show™, Feb. 18-21, with EventsU happening Feb. 17.
You don’t want to miss any of the action because each can benefit you. You gain insight, connections and ideas that help you and your business. So become involved. Attend a state chapter event. Go to the show. Remember that show registration opens Oct. 17, so watch for details.
Take advantage of all these events. They are here to help you and your business.
Jeff Jackson, ARA of Colorado president
All Purpose Rental & Sales
Greeley, Colo.
970-353-1540
jeff.jackson@allpurposerental.com
