February 7, 2023
Ken Starr
Ken Starr, store manager, Taylor True Value Rental, Orange, Conn., became the newest member of the ARA of Connecticut board of directors at the conclusion of the state chapter’s annual board elections in December.
While Starr has served in his role at Taylor True Value Rental for 12 years, he has been part of the equipment rental industry for more than 30. “I am responsible for all phases of day-to-day operations of the store, from customer service to employee management, scheduling and keeping the lights on,” he says of his duties at Taylor True Value Rental.
Prior to joining the ARA of Connecticut’s leadership team, Starr’s volunteer experience was geared toward service at his child’s school. “I spent eight years as a member of the Father’s Club at my kid’s elementary school, starting as a volunteer and finishing as vice president,” he says.
Professionally, Starr says becoming active within the American Rental Association (ARA) was appealing because “I enjoy the networking with my peers. This is a very unique industry full of great people. Being able to connect, share ideas and see how we all deal with this crazy life is something that has incredible value. Also, the resources ARA provides are incredible. It’s great to have access to so much helpful information.”
Starr’s main goal at the outset of his ARA of Connecticut board tenure is to get more of his peers involved in the state chapter’s happenings.
“I would like to figure out how to get more people involved in the organization,” he says. “It seems that it’s the same core group at most events. I’d like to figure out how to get more rental operators to realize what they are missing and join in more often. I am also interested in brainstorming how we can combat rising payroll costs, the declining employee pool and methods to attract and retain quality help.”
