They come from all walks of life and all levels of education – young men and women who found themselves in the rental industry one way or another. Many were raised in it, but many others discovered something special when they joined a store, often not knowing anything about the business they were getting into.

Getting ‘em up and down, that’s what we do here,” says Victor Moffat, general manager of AGF Access’ central division. It’s a simple proposition, but the challenge of providing engineered access solutions is complex enough that AGF Access Group has grown across the country with its wide variety of solutions and deep well of expertise.

It’s been less than a year since Matt Brun left a career in the insulation business to open Shediac Rentals and Sales, but he already knows it was a good choice. “I just love my job,” he says. “I’ve been in attics doing insulation, and it can be the worst.

The growth of United Rentals’ specialty rental network in North America has been a prominent industry topic for more than a decade.

J im McCann Jr. proudly states his company’s motto: “Now You’re Torquing!” As he likes to tell it, torque has proven itself to be almost unmatched in one big nuts-and-bolts respect – as a practical means of achieving clamp load in a fastener.

Since 1956, A&B Party and Event Rentals in Vancouver has always been a family business. For the Sebal family, it started when Tom Sebal was a vice-president of Woodward’s stores in the 1980s.

With 40-plus years of rental service under his belt, Peter Lavigne can speak at length about longevity in business. “You have to enjoy helping people everyday, solving their problems, giving them the right tools,” says the 61-year-old co-owner.

If you have not yet met Hank McInnis, now’s your opportunity to get to know him.  Starting in February, McInnis will become the next president of the Canadian Rental Association, and take over a one-year term to represent your organization’s best interests.

Peter Darbishire, editor of Canadian Rental Service between 1984 and 2007, shared his memories of the early days of the magazine, the rental industry and the Canadian Rental Mart.

“We welcome all inquiries whether they have anything to do with us directly, or not,” explains Ken Malott, vice president of Kensal Rental Service Ltd. “If you help someone out, they remember you and that’s good for future business.”

“Call us, we’ve likely got it” is the motto of Atlantic Rentals Ltd. “And if we haven’t got it, we’ll get it,” says Sandy MacBeath, the Moncton store manager of three years.

There’s a common perception that trying to bring a new generation of entrepreneurs in the rental business is a tough gig. But the young president of the Quebec rental association, the ALQ, is setting out to do something about it.

I had no idea what I was going to write about this month and Patrick was putting the pressure on me.  As I thought about it, I realized this message will be much like the rental business – you will not know what is next until you read it and some things you will have heard before.

Spring has finally sprung and it is time to do some clean up and organizing.  Snow plows have a tendency  to do some damage and leave behind a mess. Check your fences where the snow has been piled and sweep your lots and re-paint lines if needed.

April 20, 2017 - Clinton, Ontario was the site of the final CRA Ontario meeting for the 2016-17 season.

Trade show season has come to an end and I must say I enjoyed every show I had the opportunity to attend. Before I go any further I would like to say thank you for doing an excellent job of putting together our Canadian shows to Nathalie, Jenna and Terra at our head office along with the local boards and associate members.

We made it through another Canadian winter. Mother Nature was very kind to us here in Nova Scotia. The same cannot be said for neighbours in New Brunswick. An ice storm the end of January left many people without power for two weeks. But now that spring is here I am looking at my gardens thinking they need some work and, like in business, first you need a plan. There are people and resources in the CRA/ARA that can help you with this plan. Once you have a plan it is time to plant your seeds.

As is customary, the Canadian Rental Association (CRA) held its annual general meeting February 27th during The Rental Show which this year was held in Orlando, Florida.

By now I hope you have read my piece in the February issue of Canadian Rental Service and have come to realize that I am all about the Canadian Rental Association benefits. As this is the party and event issue, I took some time to learn a little about that side of the business. Being an equipment guy, I knew nothing of the party and event business and after reading this you may say and I still don’t.

The Canadian Rental Association's Ontario local held its January meeting on Jan. 18 at Kubota Canada' huge distribution warehouse in Markham, Ont. About 50 attendees got an eyeful of a thoroughly modern construction equipment operation along with dinner and an informative talk on Tier IV diesel standards.

The meeting package for the Canadian Rental Association's national Annual General Meeting is now available to members. The AGM will take place Feb. 27 at 4:00 pm at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., room S319, during the American Rental Association's Rental Show.

Iam sitting here looking at my computer and thinking about what I am going to say in my first message as president. My first thought is to thank everyone for putting their faith in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity. 

November 17, 2016 - 50 members and guests of the Canadian Rental Association Ontario division converged on Whites LES in Toronto for the November membership meeting.

Nov. 15, 2016 - Do you know that your local’s success depends on you?

Aug. 8, 2017 - Shawmut Equipment has been a leading equipment distributor bringing quality products to its customers since 1957. This year marks 60 years of continued success in the industry. Shawmut represents the Manitowoc Crane Group’s range of construction cranes, including Manitowoc Crawler Cranes, Grove Rough Terrain Cranes, Grove GMK All Terrain Cranes, Grove Hydraulic Crawler Cranes, Grove Yard Boss Industrial Cranes, National Boom Trucks and Potain Self-Erecting Cranes, as well as a variety of utility equipment. Shawmut is a full-service company, with three facilities offering sales, rentals, parts and service located in Manchester, Connecticut, South Easton, Massachusetts and Saint John, New Brunswick.

Aug. 8, 2017 - Committed to earning customers’ business with responsive support, Genie announces the appointments of Dave Hubbell to Vice President of National Accounts, as well as the promotions of Paul Smith, Casey Brabham, Joe Broughton and Mitch Carlson to National Accounts Managers. These gentlemen will support all Genie products and services for the company’s National Accounts customers, working to meet customers’ needs, as well as helping to develop new growth opportunities, while remaining focused on their customers’ business goals.

Aug. 8, 2017 - The Manitowoc Company has announced that after more than 20 years of service to The Manitowoc Company Lawrence J. Weyers provided notice to the Board of Directors of the Company of his desire to leave the Company, effective August 31, 2017.

Aug. 2, 2017 - Focusing on its commitment to provide excellent customer support and service, Genie has hired four new field service representatives in North America to represent the company — Victoria Bergsma, William Halfhill, Cory Baiz and Bart Fongers. Twenty-six Genie product support field technicians are now strategically located throughout the United States and Canada, providing assistance to our customers.

August 2, 1017 - Miller Electric Mfg. Co., has expanded its ArcReach remote control technology to more engine-driven power sources in the Trailblazer and Big Blue families of products.

July 26, 2017 - The Honda EB2800i industrial OFI generator was developed to serve the contractor market, providing high-quality power for multiple tool use on the job site.

July 25, 2017 - JLG Industries, Inc. opened its new east coast parts distribution center in Atlanta earlier this month.

July 17, 2017 - Doosan Portable Power has added the G40WDO mobile generator to its product lineup.

Skid steers and track loaders power your fleet with versatile capabilities for your customers.

Are wheels spinning in your head when it comes to selecting the right tire for your skid steer loader? With a versatility and popularity that’s unmatched in the marketplace, skid steer loaders are the Swiss Army knives of compact equipment machines.

Everyone loves versatile tools. It’s a big reason why compact track loaders are so popular with today’s contractors, who can use the machines in a wide range of applications and conditions.

July 17, 2017 - ALLU Group will be exhibiting and demonstrating its new, customer focused technology brand: ALLU Transformer at Steinexpo 2017. Alongside demonstrations of the Transformer series, ALLU will proudly be exhibiting and demonstrating other members of its extensive range of equipment.

Aug. 8, 2017 - The latest quarterly update to the five-year forecast for equipment rental industry revenues released by the American Rental Association (ARA) continues to call for steady gains through 2021.

July 28, 2017 - How many uses can you think of for this amazing robot concept from Stanford University?

I recently spoke for a medical diagnostics company that wanted to train their front line employees in specific customer service practices that could enhance the overall experience for their patients. We narrowed it down to communication, dealing with difficult customers, language barriers and coping mechanisms in stressful situations – all parts of customer service I teach on a regular basis.

You’ve likely heard there is going to be a 31.6 per cent hike in the minimum wage in Ontario over the next 18 months, from $11.40 to $15 – if the Liberals win the next election. Certainly business owners in the province have heard this news loud and clear.

Did you see what she wore to work today? What was she thinking? This is a corporation, not a club!” “How does he not know to bring a notebook and a pen to a meeting? Do I have to tell him everything?” “What would make her think it was okay to party with the clients until three in the morning? Does this woman have no understanding of boundaries?” “Did you know his mother called HR to find out when he would be getting a raise? Unbelievable!”

Ahhhhhh summer, it’s finally upon us. The sun, the surf, the sand and that high humidity that our Canadian summers can bring! Love it or hate it, it’s our climate. With those hot, hazy summer days, comes a workplace hazard that often goes overlooked: heat stress.

June 13, 2017 - It only takes a second to fall asleep at the wheel, but driver fatigue begins long before a driver starts to nod off.

Certain cases come along that have the ability to create a shift in the legal landscape in Canada. To be honest, I can’t believe this case isn’t getting more attention.

Let’s think about how you can communicate with your current and potential new customers. Ready?

Two years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were a mess. Fans were throwing jerseys on the ice, players were skipping their traditional post-game salute and hockey pundits were looking forward to more years of futility behind big contracts and no salary cap space.

From coast to coast, most provincial and federal legislation requires that employers establish and maintain safety committees. What they are called may differ; Joint Work Site Committees in Alberta, Occupational Health Committees in Saskatchewan, Health and Safety Committees in Newfoundland and Ontario. Regardless of what they are called, they have an important role to play in today’s workplaces.

One of the biggest challenges businesses face today is employee theft. Why does this happen and what can be done to stop it?

June 6, 2017 - Orion Software has introduced an all original innovative product for both the rental and the construction industries.

May 30, 2017 - Rental Essentials, Point of Rental’s cloud-based rental software, has enhanced its Kiosk feature.

April 21, 2017 - Point of Rental Software, a provider of rental and inventory management software, recently announced their new web-based dashboard for its ERP product, Rental Elite.

April 20, 2017 - Alert Management Systems has announced the release of its latest revision of its award-winning software.

March 23, 2017 - Point of Rental Software has long since been integrated with DocuSign, one of the leading electronic signature services, but has now officially released Rental eSign, an electronic signature service designed specifically for rental processes.

One of the most familiar and earliest applications for event software is laying out floor plans. Much of the guesswork around what can be fit into a specified space is eliminated when the software can provide an accurate map of the area and model how your tables, chairs, decor, stages and equipment will fit into it. 

Feb. 3, 2017 - Azuga has announced the launch of Azuga Asset Tracker. The latest technology in the company’s line of award-winning fleet solutions will enhance customers’ real-time visibility of assets, ultimately helping them improve operations, reduce risk and lower costs. The solutions incorporate purpose-built asset tracking devices that integrate with Azuga’s cloud-based application for real-time monitoring and operations management, significantly simplifying delivery, service, recovery and billing for assets deployed in the field.    

February 2, 2017 - Point of Rental Software recently installed its Elite ERP product in Simplex Equipment Rental’s 41 locations throughout Quebec and eastern Ontario.

Jan. 23, 2017 - Point of Rental Software unveiled the first Customer Rewards app in the rental industry in its version 2016 update, enabling rental businesses around the world to easily manage a customer loyalty program.

Jan. 9, 2017 -  Milwaukee Tool continues to revolutionize the tool industry with the introduction of the TICK - a professional-grade Bluetooth tool and equipment tracker. Designed to withstand the harshest jobsite environments, the TICK can be easily attached and hidden from sight on any product, regardless of brand, providing users an invaluable way to track anything in their inventory through the ONE-KEY app.

December 22, 2016 - Charter Software, maker of ASPEN Business Management Software, announced additional enhancements to their existing Bobcat/Doosan, Mahindra, John Deere and PMPro integrations, designed to increase dealers’ productivity and profit margins.

August 3, 2017 - The ECO 600 topdresser attachment from Ecolawn Applicator will be unveiled in October at the GIE Expo in Louisville, Ky.

August 2, 2017 -Toro introduces the all-new log splitter to its rental product lineup.

August 1, 2017 - Bandit Industries’ new Model ZT1844 stump grinder claims to be the most productive compact, track mounted stump grinder on the market.

July 17, 2017 - Fred Whyte, former president of STIHL Inc., passed away July 7, 2017 surrounded by his family at his home in Virginia Beach, Va. after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. He was 70 years old.

May 30, 2017 - The Classen TA 18 features a compact body, a steerable tine bank and even weight distribution, which makes it highly productive for homeowners and landscapers because it can easily maneuver through tight spaces and aerate at a speed of up to 4.2 mph.

March 29, 2017 - Little Wonder offers the self-propelled BedShaper edger, bed shaper and shallow trenching machine that can cut time and labour in spring bed preparation.

March 9, 2017 - Barreto has introduced their newest entry into the small stump grinding market.

Help your landscaping clients prosper with these rental-ready lawn care products.

Spring is just around the corner, but your landscaping customers are probably still busy with their snow-removal contracts. Time to make sure your snow-pusher products are performing their best. Although most pushers require minimal maintenance, they’ll need some attention to be most effective in your rental fleet.

January 12, 2017 - ProBarrow is a professional grade electric powered wheelbarrow that was designed, built and tested here in Canada.

January 12, 2017 - Domax Construction Equipment has introduced a new muck truck.

Aug. 2, 2017 - Kaivac has announced that its lithium-ion battery-powered OmniFlex cleaning systems have been certified and found to meet all applicable United Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) safety requirements.

Aug. 3, 2017 - After 40 years of company service, Andy Zelazny – National Sales Manager for General Pipe Cleaners, a division of General Wire Spring – announced his retirement at the end of September.

July 27, 2017 - Generac Power Systems has expanded its line of professional- grade pressure washers to include the 3600 PSI Professional Series unit.

July 27, 2017 - The Metro™ power drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners features an automatic feed and stair climbers for optimal operation.

July 25, 2017 - Columbus McKinnon Corporation has expanded its CM Tornado 360° ratchet lever hoist product line to include new 3 and 6 ton capacity units. Ergonomically designed for increased safety, the patent‐pending CM Tornado 360° allows the operator to be more productive with significantly less effort compared to conventional ratchet lever tools. 

July 10, 2017 - The SmartEquip Network is proud to announce the onboarding of Lincoln Electric. This partnership will provide owners of Lincoln Electric welding equipment with all the critical product information and parts support catalogs they need to maintain their fleet.

June 29, 2017 - Flexicore® Closet Augers from General Pipe Cleaners are the most durable closet augers in the industry.

June 1, 2017 - The new Model DRZ-O economical power drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners quickly and cleanly clears clogs from 1-1/4" to 3" sink, tub and laundry lines.

April 27, 2017 - The Typhoon™ trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs.

March 2, 2017 - The new Model DRZ-O economical power drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners quickly and cleanly clears clogs from 1-1/4" to 3" sink, tub and laundry lines.

February 2, 2017 - The lightweight Gen-Eye POD® video inspection systems from General Pipe Cleaners now offer optional Wi-Fi capability.

June 12, 2017 - Zap Zip Table-Top Game is based on the unique combination of light, sound and games.

May 30, 2017 - Battle the Blaze is a knockdown game were kids toss bean bag (or water balloons) to knock over the flames on the burning building.

March 15, 2017 - Wertz Werkz has introduced a number of new games for the party rental industry.

Table skirts, tower heaters, security fence, stake covers and more...

February 6, 2016 - Signature Systems Group, announced the release of their new steel barricade system.

January 12, 2017 - OutFront Portable Solutions has introduced its latest fencing product for crowd control.

November 30, 2016 - Magic Jump Inflatables has introduced this unique pink and purple Gift Box bounce house.

October 27, 2016 - Crown Verity has introduced a quartz tube tower heater which brings a new look to outdoor heating.

September 12, 2016 - Constructed of elm wood, the National Event Supply Wood Cross Back Chairs are a fantastic addition to your rental inventory, banquet hall or restaurant.

September 1, 2016 - The NES Reliable Teardrop Back Banquet Chair is one of the most durable event chair that features a sturdy steel frame and 2.5" thick cushion for the comfort of guests.

May 25, 2016 - Twister Display has launched a line of new interactive games.

July 12, 2017 - Attendees at ICUEE 2017 will be able to see industry best practices illustrated first hand with equipment on the show floor during new “field classroom” education sessions.

June 13, 2017 - Registration is officially open for ICUEE 2017, the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition. Attendees can look forward to new education opportunities, streamlined registration and enhanced peer networking events.

May 16, 2017 - In just over a week, one of the region’s most popular heavy equipment trade shows returns to the CN Centre. Taking place May 26th and 27th, the Canada North Resources Expo is a showcase of the leading companies and products that are part of Northern Canada’s varied resources sectors.

This year’s shows in Edmonton and Guelph, Ont., provided lots of opportunity to see the latest equipment, have great conversations with industry leaders and learn, learn, learn.

April 5, 2017 - The largest heavy equipment show in the country returns to Mississauga’s International Centre later this week. The National Heavy Equipment Show takes place Thursday, April 6th and Friday, April 7th, with 2017 marking its 20th anniversary edition.

The Ontario Canadian Rental Association distinguished itself March 22 with a convenient and content-packed day of learning and networking for equipment and event rental operators. Over 50 attendees took advantage of the exclusive educational opportunity in Guelph, Ont.

It was a bumper crop of new products in Orlando this year.

The Rental Show 2017 in Orlando, Fla., wrapped up on March 1 with some exhibitors reporting record sales and almost everyone using the same word to describe the attitude of buyers and sellers at the world’s largest equipment rental-specific trade show and convention — positive.

It's your last chance to register for the CRA Ontario Conference and Product Expo taking place March 22 at the Holiday Inn in Guelph, Ont. While education seminars have been eliminated from other CRA trade shows, CRA Ontario has gone the opposite direction and built a one-day program with half the day dedicated entirely to industry information sessions, workshops and panel discussions.

Things are stabilizing a bit in Alberta if the Canadian Rental Association's Prairie show in Edmonton was any indication. The event attracted around 120 attendees to visit 56 exhibitors. As is usual for this show, the Saturday night banquet brought in an even bigger crowd to enjoy the DoubleTree Edmonton West's fine fare and a rolicking return performance by the Duelling Pianos.

Feb. 21, 2017 - Headed to CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE March 7-11 in Las Vegas? Make the most of your show experience with these “know before you go” tips so you don’t miss out on all that the shows have to offer.

February 21, 2017 - Two major snow storms during the week leading up to the CRA Atlantic show, which was held in Moncton February 17 & 18, did not damper the enthusiasm at this annual event.