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.

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.”

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.

October 17, 2017 - Miller Electric Mfg. Co., a worldwide manufacturer of arc welding equipment, has introduced the new Fusion 160, a versatile welder/generator that offers portability for outdoor work, while also providing the ability to weld safely indoors without starting the gas engine — thanks to industry-exclusive PowerShift technology.

Oct. 16, 2017 - Building on the success of prior Bobcat® telescopic tool carriers, Bobcat Company has expanded its line with the new V723 VersaHANDLER® telescopic tool carrier.

Oct. 11, 2017 - Arjun Mirdha has been appointed to the position of Genie Chief Commercial Officer for Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP). In this newly created role, Mirdha will have global responsibility for all aspects of the commercial side of the Terex AWP business for the Genie® brand, including sales; commercial operations; marketing; parts; services and lifecycle solutions. Mirdha will be based in Redmond, Wash., and assumes the role effective immediately.

Oct. 6, 2017 - At the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located in the middle of the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, Fla., professional and amateur athletes from around the world visit the 220-acre athletic complex daily for the ultimate sports experience — a truly magical experience for many of them. Broadcasters covering youth sports competitions at the complex aim to provide remote viewers with shots and angles of the live action similar to what they would experience watching a pro sports event. To get all of the dramatic live footage, Mark Begonia, Production Manager, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Production Center, and his team employs state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment and a fleet of Genie lifts.

October 5, 2017 - At the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located in the middle of the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, Fla., professional and amateur athletes from around the world visit the 220-acre athletic complex daily for the ultimate sports experience — a truly magical experience for many of them.

October 4, 2017 - The Volvo EC27D mini excavatoroffers five percent greater fuel economy than its predecessor, a large operating range and  intuitive operation and operator comfort.

October 3, 2017 - Linamar Corporation’s Skyjack division has launched a range of accessories to raise safety and productivity standards in mobile elevating work platforms operations.

October 2, 2017 - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has completely overhauled its OTR tire website, www.goodyearotr.com, to provide an enriched user experience and help mining, construction, quarry and port operations discover how Goodyear can help enhance their efficiencies and lower their operating costs.

Sept. 29, 2017 - To help customers recovering from the damage done during the flooding following Hurricane Harvey, Terex AWP has sent three teams of product support specialists to travel throughout Texas to work with customers to assess the condition of the Genie® equipment in their rental fleets. Also to assist with recovery efforts, Terex AWP issued Water Damage Repair Checklists for Genie booms, scissors and telehandlers to all customers in the area.

Sept. 29, 2017 - To enhance utility contractors’ efficiency while drilling and steering in hard rock, Ditch Witch has released the new AT40 All Terrain horizontal directional drill (HDD). The machine features an advanced, two-pipe All Terrain drilling system that provides 33 percent more torque than competitive units.

September 26, 2017 - Husqvarna releases a new 3-step floor polishing system - the Hiper 3.

Oct. 2, 2017 - For even the most seasoned used construction and mining equipment buyers, navigating the waters of the EPA’s Tier 4 mandates can be daunting. To provide assistance, the Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) has released a free, downloadable white paper: Advice from the Experts: Getting the Best Pricing on Used Equipment in the Era of Tier 4.

Sept. 13, 2017 - Ontario’s Workplace Safety & Insurance Board says that—after conducting a multi-year engagement with experts and stakeholders—it is changing the way the board calculates employer premium rates, adding the process will be easier for employers to understand, and more accurately reflect the risks associated with operating their businesses.

Sept. 5, 2017 - EquipmentWallet, an online equipment financing marketplace, has announced the launch of its new website: www.equipmentwallet.com. The site connects small businesses seeking equipment financing and leasing with the best equipment finance companies sui ted to their needs.

Mismanagement of racking can lead to safety concerns. Without proper planning and design, moving material on and off racking systems by hand or with the use of lifting devices such as a pallet or lift truck can place workers at risk. Injury may occur due to poorly stacked or falling material, slips and trips, overreaching or being struck by other lifting devices.

With winter around the corner, thoughts are turning to preparations for the upcoming winter season. For many people, this also means looking at sourcing temporary heat for a variety of situations.

Many rental store owners – maybe you’re one of them – don’t give themselves any kind of regular pay and instead just take money out of the store account as needed. While this is technically legal, it is rather poor business management for a variety of reasons, whether it’s a corporation or a sole-proprietor business arrangement. 

Losing your phone is the worst. Here’s the story of my attempts to deal with a lost phone on a golfing trip.

Still lots of expert talk about Millennials. No seminar program at a large event is complete without sessions telling us how to motivate them, how to retain them, how to find them and how to sell to them. What do they want? What do they like?

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.

September 7, 2017 - WesternOne Infrastructure Services is pleased to announce the launch of WEDGE, an app-enabled remote monitoring service for construction and industrial worksites.

Sept. 5, 2017 - Cooper Equipment Rentals is tipping its hat  to a large group of our employees, who they have named “Team Smush”. An internal project was started to create a management system for our inventory groups and structures so we could better serve you, our customers.

July 27, 2017 - Rental Manager is an integrated Windows-based software designed for small- to mid-size rental businesses. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Oct. 6, 2017 - The temperature outside wasn’t the only thing running hot in Louisville, KY. Attendees and exhibitors at ICUEE – the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition agreed that the show exceeded their expectations with specialized exhibits, hands-on test drives, interactive product demonstrations and lots of activity and leads in the booths.

The Canadian Rental Mart, taking place March 6 and 7 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., will give away a trip for two to the destination of the winner's choice on Day 2 of the show. All Rental Mart attendees are automatically entered to win when they receive their badges at the show registration desk.

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.