December 12, 2023
Alberto Pianelli
Hello, American Rental Association (ARA) Region Nine members. Alberto Pianelli, your regional director, here. We are almost to the end of 2023. I can’t believe it. It’s been a good, yet challenging year. Challenges are ever-occurring, but we are problem-solvers. That is who we are and what our industry is all about.
That is why I am excited about 2024. This is such a great time to be in this industry. Our customers come to us to help them find the right equipment to complete a project they are working on, figure out how to take on a project they have never done before or create an event that will offer lasting memories for them and their loved ones. That is exciting. So, let’s be grateful for how we have helped our customers throughout the year and look toward 2024 with optimism on how we can continue to serve our customers and our communities in even more efficient and productive ways.
There is no better way to serve your customers than with an educated staff. Use this slower time to take advantage of the numerous educational opportunities available. ARA’s RentalU offers all kinds of educational resources, many of which are free. To help offset the cost of current or future training, apply for a grant from the ARA Foundation Employee Training Assistance Program. Training is a great way to strengthen and retain your team and set everyone up for success.
Also reflect on how the year went. Is there anything you need to tighten or streamline in your operation? What technologies haven’t you utilized that could benefit your business?
Of course, you should look at your inventory. Did you miss rentals because you didn’t have what your customers needed? Start making a list of what you will need for the coming year.
Then take that list and all your questions to The ARA Show™ in New Orleans, Feb. 18-21, with EventsU taking place Feb. 17. This is the place to make connections and get answers. With all the education, the keynote address, the trade show, the networking and special events, including the Region Nine Reception, I promise you won’t leave without taking home valuable information that will benefit you and your business. The connections alone are worth the price of admission. Get the new year started on the right foot. Register today by clicking here.
Also at the show, you will be learning about all of ARA’s new initiatives, including the new ARA Certified Forklift Train-the-Trainer and Operator Training offerings, which will be available early next year. This will be a great program that you have been asking for, so attend and learn all about that and other ARA services that can benefit your business.
ARA of California had a great setup for those who attended the Fresno State Tailgate event.
To make your 2024 even better for you and your team, see how you can be involved in your industry. The ARA of California has offered fantastic educational and social events this past year. There will be even more opportunities to connect with your peers in 2024. If you don’t have an active ARA chapter in your state, reach out to me to see how you can become involved in ARA.
I am excited that we are planning a first for Hawaii — a State Legislative Day. Watch your email for more information on this. This will be a wonderful chance for our members in Hawaii to advocate for their needs.
Continue to be cautious but also optimistic and positive about the future of rental. Check out my 2024 outlook and those of all the other regional directors in this month’s issue of Rental Management. Yes, there will be lots of changes happening, but the rental industry is a resilient one. There always will be opportunities to solidify our businesses and develop our customer niche.
In addition, I just want to let you know that our regional newsletters will be moving to a quarterly distribution next year. If you don’t want to miss out on any regional news before the next one comes out in March, click here. We’ll make sure you receive the latest in your email feed.
Before I close, I want to offer my condolences to the family of Don Cruikshank, who was one of the founders of A-V Equipment Rentals in Newhall, Calif. Don was a pioneer in our industry, active in both the ARA of California and the California Rental Association. We will miss him.
I also wish everyone a joyous holiday and a toast to 2024. Please spend time with your loved ones. There is so much for all of us to be grateful for.
I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.
Alberto Pianelli, Region Nine director
F & B Rentals
Santa Ana, Calif.
949-307-8301
alberto@fbrentals.com
