You won’t find homemade french fries among the items for rent or sale at Trowelex Rentals and Sales, located in Castlegar in B.C.’s West Kootenays, 600 kilometres east of Vancouver and 600 kilometres west of Calgary.

In the summer of 1958, New Brunswick industrialist K.C. Irving walked into one of his logging camps in the interior of the province and didn’t like what he saw: cramped worker accommodations, uncomfortable common spaces and inefficient systems.

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.

Young professionals are the future of our industry and developing next year’s leaders, as well as leadership for decades to come, is something about which all associations including the Canadian Rental Association spend a considerable amount of time thinking.

On July 19 the Canadian Rental Association executive committee was in Moline, Ill., at the American Rental Association office meeting with the ARA board of directors and staff in order to provide a Canadian perspective into the development of the latest iteration of the ARA strategic plan.

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.

Oct. 9, 2018 - JLG Industries now offers non-marking tires for JLG and SkyTrak telehandlers. These tires are designed specifically for telehandlers and feature excellent wearing characteristics, while protecting sensitive surfaces from unwanted markings.

October 11, 2018 - Approved for use in ANSI (United States) and CSA (Canada) markets, the new Genie® Lift Tools™ Material Carrier attachment offers Genie GS™-2669, GS-3369 and GS-4069 DC and RT rough terrain scissor lift operators a solution to efficiently carry materials to job sites.

Oct. 10, 2018 - CVTCORP and Bonfiglioli have announced they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for Bonfiglioli to manufacture and sell the CVTCORP mCVT patented technology for telehandlers and other equipment. The cooperation between Bonfiglioli and CVTCORP will also include developing a full line of transmissions based on the currently available mCVT.

Oct. 10, 2018 - To ensure the safety of everyone on the construction site, crane-mounted warning and hazard beacons can provide 360° visibility to alert everyone in the vicinity of its active use. Today a wide range of LED beacons are further enhancing safety and meeting the necessary compliance requirements for use in many applications and working environments.

October 9, 2018 - JLG Industries, Inc., a global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, now offers non-marking tires for JLG® and SkyTrak® telehandlers. These tires are designed specifically for telehandlers and feature excellent wearing characteristics, while protecting sensitive surfaces from unwanted markings.

October 5, 2018 - JLG Industries, a global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, has helped operators move safer outside the platform of their aerial work equipment since 2004 with its Fall Arrest Platform. Now the company is offering a new system that bolts on to existing JLG® platforms in the field.

Sept. 14, 2018 - Weber MT is proud to announce and welcome Jason Witzke as the company’s new Regional Service Manager for Canada.

New and cleaner engine technology makes your customers’ experience better. 

Easy money is hard to come by for most businesses. Yet, in the equipment rental industry, many companies pass up easy money year after year by not offering a product that a majority of their customers need at one point or another: fuel tanks.

Aug. 29, 2018 - Steve Vizanko has been named the new parts and service manager for Pettibone/Traverse Lift, LLC, a leading manufacturer of rugged material handling equipment for construction, oil and gas, railroad, and other applications. In his new position, Vizanko will oversee all aftermarket sales and service department activities.

August 28, 2018 - CM Labs Simulations announced the release of an Excavator Simulator Training Pack that features the world’s first commercial application of an innovative new method of soil simulation.

August 23, 2018 - JCB North America announced the availability in the United States and Canada of three new site dumper models, with maximum payload capacities ranging from 13,000 lb to nearly 20,000 lb.

The Ontario government has announced it will cancel a planned hike of the minumum wage in the province to $15 from the present $14, pending further consultations. The increase was put in place by the former Liberal government and was to take effect at the start of 2019.

We have all had bad days. You know, those days where work has piled up, deadlines are upon you, co-workers are complaining about everything without offering a solution, your supervisor or manager expects the world and the walls seem to be closing in around you and your performance is starting to slide.

As I write this, I’ve just returned from competing in the semi-finals of the World Championships of Public Speaking that was held in Chicago in August. I placed third in my heat, which leaves me in the top 30 speakers in the world for Toastmasters International for 2018 in this contest.

Our sister publication, Rock to Road, recently published a column by the president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association criticizing the Manitoba government for refusing to release information on how much needs to be invested in infrastructure in the province. 

Sept. 4, 2018 - Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its stake in shares of United Rentals by 116.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 43,376 shares of the construction company’s stock after purchasing an additional 23,366 shares during the quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board owned 0.05% of United Rentals worth $6,403,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. | READ MORE

Over the past year there has been a spotlight on workplace violence, harassment and sexual harassment. Allegations have run rampant in the media, sports, entertainment and politics.

I have two businesses. As you already know, I’m a professional speaker. But I also run a company called Syner G Apparel and Solutions. I help customers differentiate themselves from their competitors through the use of promotional products and corporate apparel.

The Trump administration announced this summer tariffs on around $50 billion worth of imported manufactured goods from China, including such things as compact off-road vehicles, concrete mixers and tractors. So the U.S. Association of Equipment Manufacturers should be thrilled, right?

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.

Oct. 10, 2018 -  Point of Rental Software has furthered its mobile programming push by forming a dedicated mobile development team. Senior Developer Lead Matt Gaffin heads the team, which will build on the company’s award-winning mobile apps to create a unified mobile experience across its four products.

Oct. 3, 2018 - Kerridge Commercial Systems has announced it has acquired inspHire and Current-RMS. inspHire is a premium supplier of rental software to European, U.S. and Australian-based companies, providing equipment to businesses in the equipment and tool, construction, access and lifting, medical, oil and gas as well as specialist sectors. Current-RMS supplies cloud based, fully integrated rental management solutions to the AV, production and event industries.

September 26, 2018 - Texada Software has partnered with Home Hardware Stores Limited to become a preferred software vendor for the Canadian chain’s nearly 1,100 stores. 

August 22, 2018 - Point of Rental Software has acquired PartyCAD, a specialized computer-aided 3D design program for the events industry.

It has been almost a full year since the U.S. implemented its electronic logging device (ELD) and hours of service (HOS) mandate and now the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) plans to roll out a similar mandate.

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.

Sept. 4, 2018 - Caterpillar has announced that it has entered into a preliminary agreement with Weiler, Inc. to sell the Cat® purpose-built forestry business. The sale is subject to negotiation of a final agreement, the closing of which is expected by early 2019.

July 25, 2018 - The Little Wonder AgVac 5S vacuums waste into a self-contained debris loader.

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.

July 26, 2018 - The Model DRZ-PH-O power drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners offers a quick, clean way to clear clogged sink, tub and laundry drains in 1-1/4" to 3" lines.

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.

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...

Oct. 10, 2018 - The Buildings Show provides an unforgettable experience as Canada’s largest event for products, services, educational programming and professional networking for the Design, Architecture, Construction, Renovation and Real Estate sectors.

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.