February 7, 2023
Kayla Gettys, CERP
Kayla Gettys, CERP, sales manager, Encore Events Rentals, Windsor, Calif., just joined the ARA of California board.
Gettys is eager to take on this new role. “I am excited to learn how boards work, how this layer of leadership works, learn from my peers, expand my network and help the board in any way I can,” she says.
Her road to rental started in hospitality. “I began at a winery in the hospitality department and within the first year moved up to events. I transitioned to the rental side when I joined Encore Events Rentals a little more than eight years ago. I found my home at Encore in general sales and worked my way up,” Gettys says.
In her role at Encore Events and Rentals, Gettys does a lot of problem-solving. “I love it and do a lot of putting out fires and making things happen. I also help people learn and do a lot of training. I like the complexity of all of that. You never know what you are walking into. It is always something new. Being calm in the storm — I thrive on that,” she says.
The idea of board service came up after talking with her boss, Bridget Doherty, Encore owner and president. “I love my job at Encore and was ready for something new. I was looking for a way to get more involved. I spoke with Bridget for guidance. She suggested board service at the state level, which is where she got her start in getting involved in the American Rental Association (ARA). She thought it would be a great opportunity, and I agreed as I am always interested in a new challenge,” Gettys says.
As far as the skills she brings to the board, Gettys says “problem-solving will be a big one. I also bring a fresh and excited perspective. I am eager to learn and offer my thoughts, get involved and share ideas. I also can’t wait to take part in the networking side and make connections with others in the industry, which will provide a larger community to expand my sphere.”
While Gettys hasn’t thought about specific goals, she hopes her service on the board will inspire other women and all from event rental operations to become more involved in the ARA of California and its events.
“But right now I am just ready to jump in and learn so I can be as helpful and useful as I can be to the rest of the board and the organization at large,” she says.
Be sure to thank all the rental operators who are serving in leadership roles for the state chapter:
President: Jared Medaris, CERP, president, Expo Events, Fresno
Vice president: Steven Herring, president, All About Events, Paso Robles
Treasurer: Matt Crawford, owner, Far West Rents & Ready Mix, Lincoln
Secretary: Michelle Strand, president, Interstate 80 Forklift, Vacaville
Board member: Meghann Lovlein, co-owner and director of accounts payable and marketing, A Tool Shed, Santa Cruz
Board member: Kayla Gettys, CERP, sales manager, Encore Events Rentals, Windsor
Associate member director: Brian Baker, sales representative, Wirant Sales, Penryn
Associate member director: Holly Ford, president, HK Sales, Huntington Beach
There is vacancy on the ARA of California board. If you as a rental store owner or an emerging leader at your rental operation is interested in joining the state chapter board, please contact Medaris at jared@exporentals.com.
