March 14, 2024
Two rental operators in Region Five were honored during The ARA Show™ in New Orleans last month. Take a look at who was recognized and why.
Bruce Campbell inducted into the Rental Hall of Fame
Bruce Campbell being inducted to the ARA Rental Hall of Fame at The ARA Show in New Orleans
Campbell, a longtime equipment rental industry veteran in Fort Wayne, Ind., who was a key player in launching the rental program for Do it Best Corp., was inducted into the Rental Hall of Fame, the American Rental Association’s (ARA) most prestigious honor, on Feb. 18 during the ARA Industry Awards Lunch, which was sponsored by Ditch Witch, SANY America and Trime US.
Also inducted was the late Jay D. Chapin of Springfield, Mass., who served as past president and co-founder of Taylor Rental Corp.
When Campbell was told he would be a recipient of this award, he was totally surprised and humbled. “My honest response was that I am not deserving of this,” he says. “No way did I think that someday I would achieve this highest goal. I am humbled and so appreciative of this honor. I was just being me. I didn’t do anything special.”
According to Campbell, “30 years ago, after 25 years of me being in rental, the Do it Best Corp. handed me on a silver platter the opportunity to go out and bring in new rental centers and teach them to rent the way I did when I was in business, which allowed me to retire when I was 41 years old. I just happened to be put in a position that allowed me, at someone else’s expense, to go out and serve the industry I love.”
To read more about Campbell’s illustrious career, click here.
Sean Williams, ECP-SM, received the Leadership Impact Award for Region Five
Sean Williams, who received his award during the Region Five Reception at The ARA Show™ in New Orleans
Williams, president, First Place Rental, based in Oswego, Ill., who serves as ARA of Illinois president, received this award for his efforts that benefited his state and its members over the past year. He was presented the award during the Feb. 19 Regional Receptions, which were sponsored by Barreto Manufacturing, Ditch Witch, ERC Provider, Point of Rental Software, RubbleCrusher, Sullair – a Hitachi Global Air Power Brand, and Trackunit.
Williams was “taken aback” when he learned he would be receiving the leadership award. “I wasn’t expecting it,” he says.
The award is a recognition of his growth as a rental operator and contributor to the industry, Williams notes.
“For me, I love growing as a person and am always trying to be better. I feel like there has been a lot of hard work and growth on my part over the years. It means a lot that people have noticed. I am not the type who looks for recognition. It was really neat to be honored in this way,” he says, adding that “volunteering and putting yourself out there is the best way to do that. You would be amazed what you can learn and contribute to.”
Because volunteering has offered so many positives for him, Williams encourages others to get involved.
“Because ARA, in general, is a really good community for everyone in the industry. To not be part of it would be a huge mistake. I feel like everyone should take advantage of everything they offer and being part of helping plan what to offer is fun and exciting,” he says.
