Watch the hit CBC TV show Murdoch Mysteries and see the dashing detective analyzing clues on an elegant wine glass, or notice the dinnerware and linens in the riveting television series The Handmaid’s Tale. Chances are those props have come from the shelves of Higgins Event Rentals.

When Blake Menning heard his company’s name called out at the Canadian Rental Association’s recent annual general meeting, he wasn’t sure he had heard correctly.

Harrigan Rentals, only 52 years young this year, has had quite a history. It’s one of British Columbia’s oldest family owned-and-operated rental firms and it was founded by Jim Harrigan.

What do you do when you’ve already founded 15 local and national businesses throughout your career — many of them rental-related — and generated hundreds of millions in sales?

Chris Clark has been an entrepreneur for as long as he can remember. He started his own lawn care company in 2000, calling it Peaks and Valleys Landscaping.

He hasn’t been in the rental industry as long as some “old-timers,” but Mike Maltby has had his hands in the Canadian Rental Association for more than a decade. Starting in early 2018, the 35-year-old will take on a one-year term to become the next president of the association.

According to Warren Carriere, once you get rentals in your blood, it’s really tough to change industries. Despite starting out on a career path in social work, Carriere found himself bitten by the rental bug more than 14 years ago.

When Troy Gray was a young teenager, his family owned a grocery store. Growing up, he always knew he could eventually take over the family business if he wanted to. But that type of career simply never appealed to him. He was looking for something different — something that spoke to and excited him.

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.

ARA Rentalytics has officially been relaunched.  The forecast calls for equipment and event rental revenue in Canada to total $5.4 billion in 2018 and grow each year to reach $6.3 billion in 2022.

July 5, 2018 - For the first time in more than 40 years, The American Rental Association (ARA) proudly unveils a new brand identity to reflect the evolution of the equipment and event rental industry. The move is part of an extensive branding initiative designed to carry the association forward in better serving its members and representing a community of equipment and event rental professionals.

On March 16th, a smaller than usual but enthusiastic group of rental professionals descended on Lind Equipment in Markham to wrap up the 2017-18 member meetings.

As we head into summer and activity at our rental operations shifts into high gear the staff and volunteer leaders of the Canadian Rental Association begin to regroup and plan for the upcoming year. With trade show season behind us for another year, we can all begin to look ahead.

April 19, 2018 - About 35 members and guests attended the Canadian Rental Association - Ontario division meeting on April 18th in Brantford.

According to the American Express Global Customer Service Barometer, customers will tell an average of nine people about good experiences and nearly twice as many (16 people) about poor ones.  

I want to start this column by thanking those of you reading this that have made the choice to become members of the Canadian Rental Association. Our association is strong because of members like you who make the choice to join us. 

March 12, 2018 - The sun shone brightly as the Canadian Rental Association (CRA) hosted its annual Prairie Regional Trade Show in Edmonton, AB on March 9th & 10th.

March 1, 2018 - This year’s Canadian Rental Association (CRA) Atlantic regional trade show was held in Moncton, NB on February 9th & 10th.

Most of us have an idea where we want to get to. Some even have a generic mission statement that reads something like “XYZ Rentals strives to become the best rental company in our market.” But how many of us have taken the time to think through appropriate measures that will allow us to measure where we are, and how far we have come? Vision statements were all the rage in every business a while back.

Change.  If you’re not familiar with that word, I’m sure a quick Google search should give you plenty of funny memes (or inspirational quotes, if that’s your thing), so I won’t bother adding one here.

Jill Holtsman of Hub City Displays and Event Rentals in Saskatoon, Sask., has been elected Region 10 director on the 2018 American Rental Association board. She replaces James Morden of Rentshop in Allliston, Ont., who steps down after serving in the position for three years. 

July 26, 2018 - Brokk launched four new machines during INTERMAT Paris 2018. The new models include: the Brokk 170, Brokk 200, Brokk 300 and the green diesel Brokk 520D machines. Each of the four models comes equipped with Brokk’s signature SmartConcept technology. Along with the launch of the new line, Brokk also introduced new attachments, including BHB hydraulic breakers and three Darda concrete crushers.

Aug. 1, 2018 - JLG Industries is pleased to announce the availability of 33x16 inch Turf Tires. These tires are designed to be turf-friendly and provide excellent traction and floatation with minimal ground disturbance. Turf Tires will be available as an option for the G5-18A Telehandlers in August 2018.

Aug. 1, 2018 - SmartEquip is pleased to announce the onboarding of Lind Equipment,a leading manufacturer of portable LED lighting. “We are excited about this opportunity to partner with an innovative company like SmartEquip to bring our award-winning LED lights to the rental industry in a more efficient way." said Brian Astl, President of Lind Equipment, “Rental fleets can now purchase both LED lighting products like our Beacon LED Tower and the parts on the same platform, making for a seamless ordering experience.”

Aug. 1, 2018 - Chicago Pneumatic Power Technique (CP) has introduced five new electric submersible pumps to the North American market. WEDA pumps are ideal for dewatering of construction sites, mines, flooded areas and more where small, lightweight, portable and easily maintained pumps are required to perform daily jobs quickly.

July 26, 2018 - JLG Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of a Positive Air Shut Off system designed to prevent diesel engines from having runaway situations.

July 20, 2018 - JLG Industries, Inc., and a global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, has updated its LRT series of rough terrain scissors.

July 18, 2018 - JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company and a global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, has announced the availability of the Fork-mounted Extendable Truss. This extendable truss was designed for lifting and placing objects around the job site.

July 18, 2018 - Allmand Bros. now offers its Night-Lite Pro II LD-Series and V-Series light towers with exceptional operation and serviceability.

July 18, 2018 - Tamarack Industries recently purchased the assets of Thawzall LLC. The Thawzall brand will join the other Tamarack brands including Heat King and Heat Assault.

Brighten up your business with these shining lighting options from top suppliers. 

It could be argued a good beer goes well with just about anything. After a hot summer day on a demolition job, though, a light beer with lime will probably taste more refreshing than a heavy stout. Finding that perfect malt after a long day feels great, and finding a perfect-fitting demolition attachment will get that beer served up a lot sooner.

The American Rental Association's second quarter forecast is predicting rental revenue growth across Canada and the U.S. at more than double the rates economic forecasts predict for national GDP. In Canada, the forecast is for US$5.4 billion in revenue in 2018, up 4.4 per cent, with 4.8 per cent growth in 2019, 4.7 per cent in 2020, 3.8 per cent in 2021 and 2.7 per cent in 2022 to reach $6.159 billion. The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development predicts two per cent GDP growth in Canada in 2018.

Every so often we come across an article, blog or video that mirrors our own beliefs when it comes to how we view safety. Recently I came across an article and a video of Mike Rowe from the show Dirty Jobs (love this show) stating poetically what I have been discussing with people for years and what many of you may also believe: safety is not first. Yes, that is correct folks, safety is not first, it may not even be second. Is it safety third?

It never ceases to amaze me how many employees don’t seem to understand that they receive a paycheque because of customers. Sometimes, the way they treat customers is like they never want to see them return again. Like they are an inconvenience and just disrupting their day.

Weed, weed, weed in the workplace. Boy, it’s all you hear about these days. The Senate passed the law legalizing cannabis in Canada this summer, but already there’s been a stampede of experts on health, safety and human resources to podiums across the country to tell any industry group that will sit still all about it.

July 3, 2018 - The Canadian and Quebec governments are working together to make long-term investments in infrastructure that will create jobs and economic growth, build inclusive communities and support a low-carbon, green economy—leading to a higher quality of life for all Quebec residents.

June 15, 2018 - Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) President Dennis Slater issued the following statement expressing disappointment for the Trump Administration’s decision to move forward with tariffs on imported goods from China:

May 24, 2018 - Aecon Group Inc. was informed Thursday that the Governor in Council has issued an order under the Investment Canada Act directing CCCC International Holding Limited ("CCCI") not to implement its proposed acquisition of Aecon. As a result, the Arrangement between Aecon and CCCI will not proceed.

In its latest five-year forecast, the American Rental Association (ARA) projects U.S. equipment and event rental industry revenue to grow consistently on an annual basis, resulting in total revenue of $64.1 billion in 2022. In Canada, the forecast calls for equipment and event rental revenue to total $5.4 billion in 2018 and grow each year to reach $6.3 billion in 2022. The construction rental revenue forecast for Canada is for $4.3 billion in 2018, up 4.7 percent, with growth rates of 4.2 percent in 2019, 5.3 percent in 2020, 4.7 percent in 2021 and 3 percent in 2022.

The courts are getting serious! In a highly anticipated decision, the Honourable Pierre Dupras of the court of Quebec’s criminal and penal division found Sylvain Fournier, the owner and president of S. Fournier Excavation, guilty of manslaughter. Fournier is the first person in Canada to be convicted of manslaughter for failing to ensure health and safety regulations were followed.

What on earth does networking have to do with customer service? Well, everything! Once you have a solid reputation for exceptional customer service, it’s good to get the word out as much as you can and networking is a great way to achieve this.

Some guy drove a van through a crowd of pedestrians in Toronto the other day, killing 10 and injuring another 15. I suppose it’s a sign of the times that it actually comes as a relief that there was apparently no terror motive. Early accounts suggest the driver was simply a socially maladjusted person, potentially with mental/emotional health issues and probably a death wish.

Apr. 26, 2018 - As companies introduce connected technologies into the workplace and on the jobsite, they increase the risk of cyber attacks.

August 13, 2018 - Charter Software Inc., maker of the ASPEN Business ManagementSystem, has partnered with MSI Data to deliver its Service Pro field service management solution to servicing and precision ag dealers who perform equipment or product installations, repair, planned or preventive maintenance, inspection, and other field services.

June 11, 2018 - Lauren Harris has been named as Point of Rental’s Director of Marketing, making official what’s been known within the company for some time.

May 17, 2018 - Fast, precise and global communication with the equipment manufacturer is key for customers to get the very best out of their investment. In order to get closer to the customer, ALLU is proud to announce the launch of its own ALLU Mobile Application at Intermat.

May 7, 2018 - Point of Rental Software’s worldwide team has added Josh Nickell as its Director of Global Strategy. The former CEO of Nickell Rental will join the company in May, continuing a 20-year career in the rental industry after selling his company to Sunbelt Rentals.

May 3, 2018 - Charter Software has announced the addition of new ASPEN Multi-Currency Exchange Rate plug-in to the ASPEN Business Management System.  

March 14, 2018 - Early bird registration is now open for Point of Rental’s 2018 International Conference.

March 8, 2018 - Point of Rental introduces eSign Counter, which makes it easy and affordable to collect electronic signatures on rental contracts, agreements, and other documents at any rental counter.

February 28, 2018 - RentMaster rental software is available in 4 different editions, each one offering extra set of features for particular type of rental/event planning businesses or rental operations.

January 25, 2018 - Point of Rental Expert and Elite are now integrated with Moneris, Canada’s leading payment processing service.

January 11, 2018 - Customers using Point of Rental will be in position to play an even bigger role in the software’s future.

November 21, 2017 - : Charter Software Inc. announced this week that CNH Case New Holland has certified the new CSPS (Common Spare Parts System) integration in their ASPEN Business Management System.

Get more out of your most precious commodity – data – with these tools.

March 23, 2018 - The Next Gen 18" Hydro-Drive Sod Cutter for Golf applications is perfect for soft touch, shallow cut, bent grass.

April 16, 2018 - – Vanguard™introduced the first in a complete line of all-new single-cylinder horizontal shaft commercial gasoline engines built from the ground up based on customer input.

April 19, 2018 - — Classen, an industry-leading brand of commercial and residential turf care equipment, offers its PRO HTS20 Hydro-Drive Overseeder.

April 12, 2018 - Classen gives landscapers a versatile and easy-to-use turf rake with its PRO Hydro-Drive.

Auto mechanics deal with it all the time — the phone call requesting an over-the-phone diagnosis. Inevitably the conversation includes the vehicle owner providing a not-so-spot-on impression of the sound their car or truck is making, whether a screeching, whining, clunking or grinding noise.

February 28, 2018 - Featuring a revolutionary new compact design, Toro introduces the all-new 24-inch stand-on aerator.

February 23, 2018 - —Little Beaver's Kwik-Trench mini-trencher is offered in two models, the KT 200B and KT 2400B, both able to trench up to 30 feet per minute.

February 15, 2018 - MQ Whiteman has introduced the TuffTruk, an innovative and powerful compact buggy.

February 15, 2018 - The Classen HSC18 Pro Sod Cutter is designed for top-of-the-line transport and cutting speeds, easy operations and maximum versatility.

January 16, 2018 - MQ Whiteman, the leader in compact motorized buggies, introduces a new track-drive power buggy. MQ Whiteman introduces the WTB-16 track-drive power buggy.

January 12, 2018 - LawnShark USA announced today the introduction of a new leaf and litter vacuum system, the LawnShark ESeries .

July 25, 2018 - The Rammy Flail mower 120 ATV is an agile mower for cutting hay, meadow grass and small trees.

April 30, 2018 - General Equipment Company has introduced the FCS18 RIP-R-STRIPPER – the first self-propelled unit in its long line of floor-covering removal machines.

March 28, 2018 - Electric Eel eCAM Ace WiFi Pipeline Inspection Camera System enables users to record video with their mobile device.

March 1, 2018 - An updated Tool Selection Guide for drain cleaning equipment is available FREE from General Pipe Cleaners.

Feb. 20, 2018 - ProBarrow is a professional grade electric powered wheelbarrow that is designed, built and tested here in Canada.

January 25, 2018 - General Pipe Cleaners is offering the popular Gen-Eye POD® video inspection system with the Wi-Fi option at no extra charge during the Rental Show in February and the Canadian Rental Mart in March.

Oct. 30, 2017 - Briggs & Stratton Corporation has announced that it will move production of its V-Twin Vanguard engines from a joint venture partnership in Japan to its existing manufacturing facilities in Statesboro, Georgia and Auburn, Alabama. The increased production in North America will create approximately 50 new jobs at each of the facilities.

October 30, 2017 - General Pipe Cleaners’ new, mobile-friendly website offers quick, easy, intuitive access to General’s full line of drain cleaning, inspection and repair tools – including how to use them and where to buy them!

October 5, 2017 - Fein adds the JMC USA 90 compact magnetic base drill to its Slugger line of metal working tools and accessories.

August 31, 2017 - General Pipe Cleaners Power-Vee® drain cleaner with automatic feed makes clearing small drain lines faster and easier.

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.

April 5, 2018 - National Event Supply has introduced a number of new items for the party rental industry.

February 23, 2018 - Signature Systems Group, a supplier of performance composite matting and specialty flooring systems, has introduced UltimaTurf™, a new line of artificial turf floor covering.

February 15, 2018 - Bring ethereal beauty, form, and functionality to your space by adding a Rainier Cloud, new architectural fabric sculptures from Rainier Tent.

Jan. 23, 2018 - Filmmakers in Waterloo region will now be able to rent out industry-standard film equipment like lighting and grip gear because of a partnership btween The Working Centre's Commons Studio and Lighthouse Equipment Inc. in Kitchener. CBC News reports. | READ MORE

January 12, 2018 - National Event Supply has introduced a new industrial metal dining chair.

September 13, 2017 - The Cow Milking Contest from Twister Display has been a huge hit ever since it introduced.

July 27, 2017 - LENZIP Manufacturing Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial and commercial grade zippers has released the LENZIP No. 12 Marine Grade UV Zipper.

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...

June 14, 2018 - The National Heavy Equipment Show is getting ready for another edition, with dates being announced for March 28 and 29, 2019 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

Shows across North America featured a vast array of new technology for the rental industry.

It’s the annual rite of spring for the equipment and event rental industries. Once again, thousands of rental store owners, managers and workers got together to look over the latest technology, make valuable connections, meet friends and pick up business tips.

Back in Drummondville for the second year in a row, 49 companies hailing from Canadian locales such as Gatineau, Rouyn-Noranda, Montreal and Edmonton, and as far away as Europe, China and the United States, attended the Canadian Rental Association’s Quebexpo 2018. More than just an equipment show, the exposition generated valuable networking opportunities for newcomers and regulars with its lunches and ever-popular cocktail on opening night.

The 2018 Canadian Rental Mart featured a new twist - a door prize for a trip for two to anywhere valued at $2,500. The lucky winner was Joel McFadyen of Elmvale Rental Supply in Elmvale, Ont.

The Canadian Rental Mart saw its move to the International Centre in Mississauga attract about 200 attendees from 79 different rental stores. While not as large as some past crowds, exhibitors noted the quality of attendees was excellent, with visitors typically being owners or senior managers with buying authority. These influential industry leaders toured a 40,000-square-foot show floor featuring a full selection of rental-ready equipment from Canada's top suppliers. 

March 8, 2018 - The record-breaking 2018 World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo concluded a successful run, March 6-8, with a very positive atmosphere, as attendees and exhibitors conducted business and discussed issues affecting future growth such as infrastructure funding, and industry experts shared best practices during well-attended education sessions.

February 23, 2018 - New Orleans was home to the 62nd edition of The Rental Show which ran from February 19 to 21.

Rental Mart 2018 sneak peek - an advance look at some of the great technology coming to the Rental Mart this year.

The Canadian Rental Mart returns March 6 and 7 to the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. Like other shows, it’s a place to see major international equipment brands. But unlike general equipment shows, the Rental Mart features equipment aimed squarely at the rental industry.

The Canadian Rental Association Ontario will hold its Awards Banquet at the end of the Rental Mart show day at 6 p.m. on March 6 at the Delta by Marriot (the official show hotel).

There’s a chance to get more of your staff involved in the Canadian Rental Mart with the exclusive free training opportunities on the show floor. Bring your supervisors, counter staff, drivers and shop workers to get them up to speed on critical knowledge.