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A podcast from Event Essentials with Robert Copley & Sean Williams: Episode 52
154 Plays3 months ago
We made it to Madison! This podcast was part of a live event hosted by the ARA of IL and ARA of WI and we're joined by Robert Copley, Event Essentials, and Sean Williams, First Place Rental. We talk about the inception of the podcast, give a sneak peek of the Event Essentials warehouse, and more.
This episode is brought to you by Anchor Industries. Learn more at www.anchorinc.com.
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Transcript
Introduction of Hosts and Podcast
00:00:01
Speaker
I'm a 10 redder man, I'm working on all day Getting mistakes in the ground no matter what they say From sunrise to the night make sure everything's right Yeah, I'm a 10 redder man
00:00:17
Speaker
All right, well, we are live tape right now. This is ah yeah another episode of Under the Vinyl, a rental management media podcast.
Business Introductions: LNA Tent Rentals and Chattanooga Tent
00:00:24
Speaker
For those of you who don't know, i am Kyle Richardson with LNA Tent Rentals out of Hamilton, New Jersey.
00:00:30
Speaker
We are ah strictly a tent provider. We own very little tables, chairs, and we own no tabletop at all. And this is my co-host, Nate. I'm not going to try to pronounce your name. I can't do it right.
00:00:42
Speaker
It's Nespajani. So I'm Nate Nespajani. I'm with Chattanooga Tent. We are a local and national structure provider. We travel the country doing raised-level flooring, structure, and tents, large sporting events, down to weddings. I'm actually the GM of our national office, or our, ah chi sorry, Nashville office. Started that office four years ago.
00:01:03
Speaker
um And yeah, just traveling the country, putting up
Podcast Goals: Education and Career Pathways
00:01:08
Speaker
tents. So Kyle and I got this idea to start this podcast. For those of you that don't know us, um about a year ago, yeah um exactly a year ago, just trying to bring some education to the industry. I know there's a lot of older guys out there who have a lot of stories, good and bad, that don't want to share. um So that we we just kind of want to bring the older guys in to educate some of the younger guys on stories of the past and kind of show that there's a pathway, not just within the tent and rental industry, but as a whole within the equipment industry as well. We've had a lot of great guests on there from people that are in the equipment industry, people that are in the event industry, just giving their insides to show that there's a career path, that it's not just a job that we started, what, when 21 years ago is when I started and Yeah, I'm 20 years in at this
Kyle's Career Journey and Industry Encouragement
00:01:59
Speaker
point now. Yeah, I'm making $6 an hour washing chairs and smoking cigarettes in the wintertime.
00:02:03
Speaker
So now we now we now I have a family that I'm able to provide for. So we just, you know, we want to show people that there's ah there's a way that you can make this a career and it's not just a job in the summer. So that's kind of who we are and why we started this. And, yeah, we're glad to bring you guys along today.
00:02:22
Speaker
So just a quick show of hands. Who is on the equipment rental side out there in the crowd?
00:02:29
Speaker
All right, and the event rental side?
Industry Events and Guest Speakers
00:02:32
Speaker
Good mix. Good mix, yeah, 50-50, probably pretty close. So we're going to give a little rundown here today. We we got Rob up here and and we got Sean just just to go over some things with them and some different things going on in the industry and things like that. so Kyle, go ahead, bud. So ah this question is going to be for you, Sean.
00:02:49
Speaker
How did we end up here today? What kind of was the association's vision to get this event
Planning Regional Events: A Case Study
00:02:54
Speaker
started? We had the idea to kind of come together the area of Chicagoland.
00:03:00
Speaker
We used to run tabletop in Illinois every year, and they've sort of merged it into the area of Illinois now. And so we kind of wanted to carry on that tradition. we were talking on a plan to try to make that happen for this year. the area of Wisconsin had made mention, hey, you know, did you guys want to maybe do this as a joint thing?
00:03:23
Speaker
And we said, yeah, let's give it a try. um so we kind of made up a little side committee, couple of people from Wisconsin, couple of people from Illinois. And the initial plan is actually to host it in Lake Geneva.
00:03:38
Speaker
And we were looking at a bunch of different different spots there. um and believe it or not, it's a very popular place to go steam for all this type of labor. So it was really pretty expensive to host it there. And it said, you know, it's not going work. You've got find something else.
00:03:55
Speaker
um And Shea, who was one of Robert's employees, They mentioned, hey, why don't we just try to have it in our place? He said, wow, that's like a crazy idea if we can make that work.
00:04:06
Speaker
So here we are.
Warehouse Tours and Their Insights
00:04:08
Speaker
That's great. I think and we were talking earlier today, too. I think you know Lake Geneva would have been great for those of us who love ski. But I think it's good, especially with these warehouse tours that we were doing today. And just to see, you know, we did a warehouse tour in North Carolina. That was probably one of our top views on the podcast. But it's good just to see the different things in the warehouses, take some ideas. I know talking with Rob yesterday just about the different things in this warehouse, you know, they took some ideas for some other rental companies that they visited and just in getting out there and talking with people like that. So I think great idea to have you here so everybody can get some really good ideas and sit get some good insights. Yeah, I mean, look at that linen conveyor system. That's one of the craziest things I've ever seen in my life.
00:04:51
Speaker
That's an AI of linens right there. ah love it.
Anker Tents & Clear Spans: Business Growth Partnership
00:04:54
Speaker
This episode of Under the Vinyl is brought to you by Anker Tents & Clear Spans, a fifth generation family owned company making tents and clear span structures right here in the USA.
00:05:03
Speaker
Anker isn't just about selling the best products on the market. They share decades of experience and stand beside you as you grow your business. Anker's craftsmanship and engineering give you a peace of mind and will allow you to use the equipment for years to come, season after season.
00:05:15
Speaker
For the next generation of rental owners and installers, Anchor aims to not just be your supplier, but a trusted partner helping guide you into the right products to grow your business. Call to be connected to your sales rep today, 1-800-544-4445, or visit their website
00:05:32
Speaker
for us to be sitting in this room together as not only competitors, but um colleagues
Networking and Community in the Rental Industry
00:05:41
Speaker
as well. And being able to learn from one another, share ideas and learn from one another is key because it's you know it's such a tight knit community.
00:05:50
Speaker
And so, um you know we we didn't get to where we are today without the association, without the networking, without going to other buildings and doing store tours around the nation as well.
00:06:01
Speaker
And so um it's just, it's real special to be able to not only host one, but be a part of them. So if there's ever an an opportunity, I know we've got some people from, there's some guys from Michigan here as well. You know, um just just ask to to attend these. it's They're super beneficial.
00:06:18
Speaker
Well, there's obviously a reason we're all standing here today, and that's because this is your place.
Event Essentials: History and Employee Culture
00:06:22
Speaker
So tell us a little bit about Event Essentials and how you all got started. I know you gave a little brief earlier, but ah if you could just tell us how you guys got started, where you are today, and in between a little bit.
00:06:32
Speaker
Sure. So um we were started in 1954 again by Anita Hoffman, which is um Kevin Hoffman's parents. Kevin's standing in the back there. Wave your hand.
00:06:44
Speaker
and um Kevin's parents are also actually one of the original 21 founding members of the association. So we've got a long history and lineage of being a part of this. um And again, started out as just a general tool location, a United Rentals franchise.
00:07:00
Speaker
And um from there, um we'd been in three or four different buildings prior to this one. And, um you know, it's it's been an awesome journey. I've been here for over 20 years.
00:07:14
Speaker
um My wife is also in the business, which is Kevin's daughter. And so it's it's been a lot of fun learning every day about the ins and outs of the organization and and how it improve and and take care of our employees. and learn from our peers and and things of that nature. So um yeah, 70 years is is a long time and hopefully we can see a hundred. It's ah certainly a goal.
00:07:37
Speaker
And yeah. Well, it's no secret walking around this place that in your mind, employees are first.
Promoting a Supportive Work Culture
00:07:44
Speaker
What drives that culture? I mean, just the cleanliness of the place and everyone I've met is so nice and welcoming.
00:07:52
Speaker
Who is, what kind of drives the culture in this business for you? That's a great question. I mean, um a focus in the last few years has really been on the actual culture of the business and the organization and um getting our team members involved in decision making, making sure that they're aware of the changes.
00:08:09
Speaker
um and um you know, it's it's. My big thing is you take care of your employees and the employees will take care of the business. And so that's been ah a really big push in the last few years, especially getting into a building of this size. You know, there's a lot of a lot of changes, a lot of expenses and things of that nature and growth and product knowledge and things ah that that we know they're going to be faced with as far as challenges go. And so making sure that we're also a support system to them.
00:08:38
Speaker
um And so um You know, when I was going on our tour, you saw some photos of of the building under construction in our break room. And we took a day mid-construction and we did some training with the entire staff.
00:08:51
Speaker
And then we surprised them with a tour of the building because we wanted to make sure that they were involved in it from start to finish as well. um And so it's, it's um yeah, it's it's really important to make sure your employees are taken care of each and every day.
00:09:05
Speaker
Well, and just walking down the hallway as we were touring today and yesterday, seeing all the pictures of the employees and nobody has a title. And i asked you that and you said that there's a purpose that everybody's together and kind of comes together. And I love that, that it is an environment where everybody feels like one, no matter your position in the company, but everybody has one goal and one objective. Yeah, yeah, it was was another um added touch that we we we did about a year ago. And um if you do walk down that hallway, that's right where the bathrooms are is there's no no title, um no department, no names. And we're all intermixed because um it takes it takes everyone here to make and make the business successful.
00:09:48
Speaker
And so we want to make sure they're aware of that.
Operational Improvements: New Building Move
00:09:50
Speaker
So what were some problems that you guys kind of set out to solve when you guys moved into this building or why you guys moved into this building? You know, I know that since the rental company, there's a lot of problems that you're looking to solve, but just give us some of the ideas behind the different things that you've done in this place. Yeah, so um our our biggest challenge at our old building was was first and foremost space and demand.
00:10:14
Speaker
um We just simply could not keep up with the demand. um And there was about two years straight of us every single summer refusing business, declining business, because we just couldn't keep up.
00:10:28
Speaker
um And so we ran into a lot of efficiency issues as well. um We had product that was not only on the racking, but it was down um aisles and we'd move product to get to product.
00:10:39
Speaker
We were highly inefficient from loading and unloading trucks. The ware washing area was kind of in its own confined space. And so it was either take that building and modify it and just decide that we're staying there or listen to the customer's demands and um make the big leap.
00:10:58
Speaker
And um it's certainly scary, but with the team that we've built and um having them a part of the process has certainly shown the the success of the of the business in the last 12, 24 months.
00:11:12
Speaker
Have you seen that you're able to scale much faster or now that you've moved in there much more efficiently? Yeah, yeah. um we you know I think the biggest area of growth has been our linen and ware washing. And um as you can see the way it's laid out at our old building, I was saying that it it would take us end of October to just about the beginning to end of February to process all the linens from the summer.
00:11:39
Speaker
so we were super inefficient in that area and now you can see we can we're probably three to four x as far as capacity goes from a linen standpoint never are we more than a week behind even in the peak season well and uh we looked at that rfid cabinet the other day we're able to count the linens just by rolling the bin in now instead of having to have a person individually count them which might take an extra week after they come back so Even just lost, I'm sure you're making up in gains just from putting in systems like that. Yeah, technology was huge too. I mean, going into the RFID, I mean, um you had to walk through the linen and counting sorting area to get to our loading dock at our old building. And we had three or four people. That's all they did was count linen, linen napkins every single day.
00:12:25
Speaker
So, I mean, just, again, back to taking care of your employees, giving them those resources to make their lives easier each and every day. And so RFID was one of the biggest transitions that we made prior to moving in here because and we knew that the next steps were linen conveyor and and additional efficiencies in that area too.
00:12:45
Speaker
Well, shifting gears into, so you guys are um holding the first in-person tent training for
Safety Training Initiative in the Industry
00:12:52
Speaker
ARA. um I believe it's in March, correct? April. April 7th and 8th. This is big announcement. April 7th and 8th. So first in-person tent training here at Event Essentials. Why is that training happening and why did you guys want to jump on board first?
00:13:08
Speaker
Well, I think we're actually second. i don't know. We're going to have a competition here, Robert. We're going to find out. I might move my dates. Yeah, there you go. um you know I think it's it goes back to um being an industry of one, making sure we're all on the same page from a safety standard standpoint.
00:13:26
Speaker
And so um you know having Brian Bolt added to the ARA team and and um pushing this and initiative from a safety tenting perspective, I think, is is huge. um Trying to get ahead of the safety standards.
00:13:39
Speaker
You know, you go into different cities, especially for those that are traveling traveling nationally or regionally, and i' trying to set that expectation before a arrival that we are educated, we know what we're doing so that we're not in question every single time.
00:13:52
Speaker
And then again, a back to the employees, giving them those resources to feel as though they have the tools necessary to be successful day in and day out. You know, they've got the proper training, they feel educated so that when they are asked with or, you know, talk, stop by ah an inspector, they know what to say and do.
00:14:11
Speaker
um So we're looking forward to it. I have no idea what to expect. I know there's a lot that ARA is working diligently on behind the scenes and preparation for it. So, um you know, with that is going to be there's going to be some coursework.
00:14:25
Speaker
that is going to be required for for your staff to take. um So a little bit of back to school and then an in-person day and a half, I think, is what it's going to take to receive their certificate. so How do you see these trainings? Obviously, they're slowly coming out more and more now um as the three associations are working together to get them out there. How do you see that impacting the future of the industry?
Pushing for Industry-Wide Safety Standards
00:14:51
Speaker
Well, the hope is is that it's a standard. I mean, we're hoping to set the standard in safe tenting so that, um you know, we've we've got uniformity across the across the nation. And again, back to, you know, if you are traveling state state, city to city, even in even locally, you can talk to those fire marshals and... um inspectors and and either show your certification or maybe educate them a little bit more i think we're held to a um a standard that is pretty difficult to meet with the building codes and um i feel as though that if if we're taking the initiative that then they're willing to listen a little bit more because they do have a lot on their plate they've got a lot to manage yeah we're held to a standard that every municipality decides how they want to interpret the law every time
00:15:40
Speaker
Has anybody in here taken any of the fun fundamentals of safe 10? One, two. Awesome. Yeah, so we guys obviously it's got the angering fundamentals, um the frame 10 installation, and then the pull 10 installation is becoming um would coming in tomorrow? Yeah, and end of March or April. End of March or April, so that'll be coming as well. um Kyle and I have both taken them all of them up to this point so far, and I will will say it is something I would highly advise that everybody jumps into. Just just the different things. it's It's almost like an apprenticeship, starting as an apprenticeship and working your way through. um
00:16:17
Speaker
you know Just for your new people on boarding or even people that have been there forever, just to kind of give them the knowledge so we don't go back to, well, that's the way we've always done it. yeah um you know And giving them a route and a path to show them that there's different ways to go about things, um I think is is wonderful for our industry. Yeah, and you know as the season ah ramps up this coming spring, I would highly consider at least having your new staff take the foundations. So that way, if they walk in on day one, they have an idea of at least what they have to do. It's easy to try to explain to someone in an interview of, yeah, we go put up tents.
00:16:51
Speaker
But the foundations course is great. It teaches them at least some of the basics of installation and things like that, things that they can expect on the job site or in the warehouse and some safety things as well. And that's completely free through all three associations.
00:17:04
Speaker
So it doesn't cost you a dime to have them take it. And they might watch go through the course and say, I don't think I want to put up tents anymore. So ah you can kind of weed them out from the beginning. Yeah, I think the other thing is is is taking advantage of, you know, when they're talking about these educational courses within Rental U. know we've got some area staff that's that's here to to talk more on education, but there's a lot of great courses within Rental U to help even with onboarding of your staff.
00:17:28
Speaker
So um that's something that ARA is constantly working on and having, ah you you know, you're able to build that platform of of onboarding process and having this as an added tool, especially in the event industry is is huge. I mean, I know they've done a lot of work with MUPE and aerial forklifts and things like that, but this is is a game changer, I think.
00:17:47
Speaker
Well, I think it also impacts your company culture as a whole. I think the way you go about your day-to-day safety in the building as well as on site, um you know, it starts here as soon as they get out of their cars and they clock in. um You know, whether it's safety vests, hard hats, whatever it is, as soon as you step on site, taking that and and moving it to the the actual site and showing the customers and and everybody outside of these walls that, you know, these people are being safe, that they are held to a type of standard, and that is what our company wants.
Post-COVID Labor Challenges and Opportunities
00:18:16
Speaker
Yeah, and I think that's why these things are so important. I mean, I've already learned from talking to a few people today that they we're not perfect by any means. And so when you come to these things, you pick up on one or two things, you can go back and change your business.
00:18:29
Speaker
That's huge. I mean, it's, you know, you take too many ideas back and you then you nothing gets done. So um hopefully, you know, what you're learning today, either from this podcast or from anyone else today is you take one or two things and and go back and and impact your business in a positive way.
00:18:43
Speaker
Perfect. Well, we appreciate appreciate it, Rob. And um we're going to jump over here to Sean, tell us what's happening over in ah Illinois in the Midwest. Yes. So um next on this slate for Illinois, we're actually having an annual golf outing.
00:19:00
Speaker
It's another thing that the Chicago land is to do every year. um So we kind of want to carry on that tradition of golf. um Slate, you've got a pretty good event. So full shotguns, I think like 144 golfers are going to need. So anybody who wants to put that on their calendar, I'm going need a second agent today.
00:19:22
Speaker
But that's a big one for Illinois. um I know that some the other states like Ohio, i think they have like a clay shooting coming up.
00:19:33
Speaker
And Indiana and Ohio have a mixer down at the show. Perfect. Tell us a little bit about the trends in labor and kind of what you're seeing on the equipment rental side and and things of that nature. Pretty much since COVID, just finding people you know to actually come in the door that actually want to work,
00:19:53
Speaker
and put in the time. The labor aspect of it ah is this is not what it used to be that vague. Everybody kind of wants to be at work from home or, i you know, come in and be the boss right away.
00:20:08
Speaker
oh so that's that's been a challenge. What are some ways that you're finding that ah you're attracting talent? Any tips or tricks out there? I would say putting out there who we are initially letting them know of like what the culture is and and the things that we value as people in general and that we value our employees.
00:20:33
Speaker
no Well, I think that this industry has always not been the prettiest industry to jump into for the most part. you know The construction side or or even the tent side, both of them haven't been something that everybody sees as a career, like i said earlier on today.
00:20:49
Speaker
And so I think that's been hard, but it, you know, i feel like we're starting to get to that point where people are starting to see that social media is huge and helping that. But I feel like there's so much more pass through even the equipment rental and the tent rental side. So is there any type of pass that you guys are showing or given to your current employees?
00:21:07
Speaker
We've put specific needs on things, you know, to kind of show people that it's more than, you know, when I started back in, you know, the mid to the thousands, it was like, oh, you're a counter guy, you know, this or that, you know, so if you actually give them, you know, your inside sales, like your job is actually really important, you know, without you, you don't have any business. Yeah.
00:21:29
Speaker
So trying to show them that there's like a career path to more than just, oh, you just answered the following, you know, business a lot more than that.
00:21:40
Speaker
And the same with, you know, our yard guys, techs, we try to show them that it's may seem anonymous, but it's it's always different. Every day is a different challenge. You know you could deliver the same machine 10 times in a row, but the experience of it is very different every time.
00:22:02
Speaker
Well, I think it's hard for the younger generation because it's more of a a I want here and I want it now type thing.
Importance of Industry Events and Networking
00:22:07
Speaker
So trying to trying to project that. Yeah. You know, every cent, you know, our younger people to like the young professionals events, you know, got in some of the the women in our.
00:22:22
Speaker
company involved in rental. So we're trying to show them that it's a lot more than just a little small town rental store. Let's see the big picture. And we try to bring people along with two rental shows so they can see and only people come to these sites too. Yeah, I mean, obviously everyone here today willing to take the leap and attend events.
00:22:47
Speaker
And I think a lot of people in this and in the industry, in the rental industry as a whole, sometimes miss the big picture of attending things like this or the national events. um Nate and I have a group text and we occupy, I think, every corner of the country with people that are in the group that we've met at events like this and become friends with. And now we can bounce ideas or problems off each other. so that's a great benefit of coming to things, events like this, the ARA show, YP, like you talked about. um And even just getting your employees, like you're saying, to those events are huge because if they make friends, they're able to solve problems without even having to come to you.
00:23:24
Speaker
Well, getting this many people to show up on a Saturday is something. I mean, this is this is probably the biggest um association meeting that we've come to that we've seen. So congrats to all you guys for showing up today and and getting involved. Yeah, taking the time out of your schedules. I mean, wellre I feel like we don't get slow anymore as the demand for everything increases. So kudos to all of you for showing up on a Saturday. Friday night, last night was great.
00:23:50
Speaker
So, yeah, kudos to everyone here.
Post-COVID Market Insights and Planning
00:23:53
Speaker
With that, the demand and equipment and kind of client expectation, how have you kind of seen that change? You know, i feel like we're coming off the COVID high finally. And so things are getting a little bit more level playing field. Numbers are either leveling out or going down a little bit. Some people are getting nervous for this year, but I think people are doing stuff later or last minute.
00:24:14
Speaker
How do you guys see that? I was sort of expecting last year to be a little better than it was, um you know following the elections. um But sort of towards the end of the year, there was there was a little bit of a spike that seems to be carrying over into beginning this year, which is great. um So in terms of that, I think that Looking into the future, equipment wise, I think we're in good shape, but for sure the COVID um aftermath is pretty much over at this point.
00:24:51
Speaker
um There's equipment readily available at all venues, you know, once they're here, we'll tell you, there's a plenty of stuff out there. So that part is definitely shifted. I mean, know was a point 2021 and 2023, you couldn't find your equipment and they used equipment market was through the roof. I mean, you were selling stuff for more than you bought for it for and you're just five years old.
00:25:18
Speaker
um So there's been a decent shift in that. And I'd say from an an event standpoint, I mean, it's kind of getting old talking about COVID.
00:25:28
Speaker
So we we we track we try not to bring it up anymore. I mean, it's nearly six years ago. um But we were just talking about this last night is that we're seeing more, we call it back to normalcy from a booking standpoint, from an event standpoint is we're booking stuff for 2027. We haven't done that since that episode. Yeah. And so, um you know, I think that's it's nice because from a a planning standpoint and of staffing and product purchases and things of that nature, we haven't been able to do that in the last five years. And so I think that's that's ah been a nice um shift, you'd say.
Data-Driven Purchasing Strategies
00:26:10
Speaker
But I don't think that we're ever going to see the last minute stuff go away. um We were at a NACE event in Milwaukee, and that was one of the key topics is that the People are going to plan stuff a month from now, and it could be one of the largest events you do.
00:26:25
Speaker
So just be ready. Yeah, I think that's the problem is hard being ready with the ah with labor, as as we talk about, you know, trying to find the labor for the last minute things, things like that.
00:26:36
Speaker
But also the buying, you know talking with just the manufacturers and talking with Anchor and and how buying has become, you go to the ARA show and it's always been you know people in the past had bought at the ARA show or bought at ATA, things like that. Now it's almost like people are waiting until after the shows to buy because they're waiting for the demand to come in or they're waiting to see what happens. and or you know just People are starting to do more last minute stuff or later in the year, so now it's harder to go buy at these shows.
00:27:03
Speaker
Well, as prices are increasing, obviously, you're buying less on speculation now, I feel, and more on actual need. um Maybe pre-COVID, I'm sorry. Realistic.
00:27:15
Speaker
you You would buy on spec that, yeah, this is what I think I'm going to need, whereas a lot more decisions now are data-driven. This is exactly what I need, so that's why I'm going to be buying it. Yeah, that's exactly what we're doing. And I think you've talked to the vendors, they're seeing more and more of that buying shifting happening.
00:27:29
Speaker
um I still think it's highly ah important to get to these shows because they are offering show specials or show only specials, which is great. um And but I think that also when they do that, that also helps predict their demand, too, for the year.
00:27:43
Speaker
But that's a big shift for us has been we're buying throughout the entire year rather than, you know, spending more than half your budget in the first 60 days. And then you get to October, November and you need to buy more equipment. So um but I think that's also doing part to the shift that we're going to start to see and and planning ahead for for some of these events. Yeah.
Experiences on the ARA Board
00:28:05
Speaker
Perfect. So let's jump over to just serving serving on the state and national board for ARA. How has it been for you guys to serve on the state and national side and kind of what have your roles been? I currently serve as Region 5 Director. I also failed to mention that in my speech this morning.
00:28:22
Speaker
um So I'm Region 5 Director serving on the national board. So Region 5 is Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. It's actually one of the largest regions.
00:28:34
Speaker
Are you bragging right now? Steady. um And so um it's been it's been ah an honor, really, to be not only asked to serve, um but to be a part of the National Board and and understand how the association takes and and um you know takes care of the members and the associate members and education and government affairs and and everything in between. And so I'll be ending my term at the end of the ARA show here in um about a month. And Sean will be your new Region 5 director.
00:29:08
Speaker
Yeah. So similar. I've been serving since 2019 in Illinois 4. I think I've been president for the past three. and yeah, that was an honor.
00:29:23
Speaker
that I was nominated by Robert. You know, it's moving to this position. Super excited to get going. Yeah, it's gonna be a lot of work, but I'm excited to get out and see everybody and visit SOAR and see what I can do to help members. What's the biggest thing you've taken away from your involvement with the associations?
00:29:49
Speaker
I would say it's just It's fun. i mean, giving back, you know, being able to put this together for everybody here giving the opportunity to, you know, share this experience. Really, oh all the stuff we do is really just to give back to the members, you know, for what they put in.
00:30:11
Speaker
And anytime we put on any kind of event, whether it's education or, you know, a Bulls game or anything like that, it's... you know It's just fun getting out and networking and getting the what you're here. I don't think people see the behind-the-scenes stuff that is really being done either and in in the depths that you have to go to. and i mean Obviously, you have a full-time company and job to do, right? This isn't something that's a paid position. This isn't something that...
00:30:43
Speaker
anybody would want to just sign up for. It's somebody that takes a passion to do this. And, you know, I think that getting everybody involved in that to understand, hey, we're trying to put this together for the betterment of the industry, betterment of all everybody's companies, is it's just something you don't really see behind the scenes. But, like I said, to have this many people show up today and everything else, why do you think that involvement matters for the industry to you all?
00:31:09
Speaker
Well, valen volunteering has been ingrained in me since I was young. um Back in high school, it was requirement to volunteer and give back before you could graduate.
00:31:21
Speaker
um And I continued that all through college. um And then once I you know started working full time and understood the opportunities to be a part of either the state chapters or you know, the Chamber Commerce whatever, and and all those are all volunteer. And so um the the mentors that I've looked up to and talked to within this within the industry, all they tell you is just say yes.
00:31:49
Speaker
When you're asked, just say yes, because... That's all you do as a rental company anyways. What's different? That's true.
00:31:56
Speaker
yeah um But you always give you always get back more than you ever put into it, tenfold. The people you meet, the experiences, the education, and then you can take all that back to your business and and implement some of those things. And so whether it's YP, women in rental, state chapter level, there's a lot of great national committees that they're always looking for volunteers to be a part of.
00:32:23
Speaker
Just say yes. Well, let's just finish then. What would be a piece of advice you guys would give to anybody coming in new to this industry? Somebody looking to, that has just started to scale to something of this magnitude.
00:32:42
Speaker
You first, Robert.
00:32:45
Speaker
Luckily you asked me this question yesterday. yeah were you had practice. So now you got oh a different answer. So Kyle, I think, had the best answer. First of all, know what you're going to rent. um But in all seriousness, I think it's it's you know becoming a member of ARA, which we're all doing, um understanding what the member benefits are to help you grow your business.
00:33:07
Speaker
um network, connect, get to these events, and um and volunteer and step up and and serve serve the community and and the industry because it's highly beneficial.
Closing Remarks and Future Activities
00:33:22
Speaker
The only thing want to add to that is if you don't know what you have available to reach out to somebody, um you know, one boss or for somebody that you know is involved in the board, we can definitely help We appreciate you guys and having us up here. And, um and you know, and I love what you guys are doing and seeing what you guys are doing in the industry. So thank you for that.
00:33:46
Speaker
Thank you to Event Essentials as a whole for having us. And I think we got a lot more coming for the rest of the afternoon and tonight. So we appreciate you guys coming on today. And this has been another episode of Under the Vinyl, a rental management media podcast.