The Rental Journal Podcast
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The Rental Journal’s podcast weekly interviews with equipment rental industry experts offers unparalleled insights into business successes and challenges, career progression, new technologies and industry-provoking topics from around the world. The Rental Journal Podcast aims to increase awareness of the hire and rental industry while also providing a platform for listeners to learn about the experiences from others in the industry.
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In this episode of The Rental Journal Podcast, Michael Larsen sits down with Robert Pedersen, President of A Tool Shed Equipment Rental — a fourth-generation, family-run business that’s been serving California’s Bay Area for over 80 years.Founded in 1945, A Tool Shed began as an Army surplus store called White Elephant Sales selling whatever they could pull from military storage containers. While most items sold, they couldn’t move the generators. So, they made a bold decision: instead of selling them, they’d start renting them. This innovative move set the foundation for the company to become a pioneer in the equipment rental industry.Robert shares insights on growing the business to eight locations, the lessons learned over decades of change, and his experience as the 63rd President of the American Rental Association. He also discusses the future of rental and how his company has adapted to an evolving market.This episode was recorded at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.
In this episode recorded at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas, host Michael Larsen sits down with Avery Dubose of Rental Guys Inc, a proud third-generation equipment rental business with deep roots in Northern California and Nevada.Avery shares the inspiring journey of Rental Guys, which has been family-owned and operated since 1959, and now spans 14 locations across the region. With a focus on local service, integrity, and long-term growth, Rental Guys has steadily climbed the ranks to become the 87th largest equipment rental business in the United States, as listed in the 2024 RER 100.
In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Doling, Director of Global Markets at POWR2, a global leader in clean energy storage solutions. Tim brings deep industry experience and a passion for sustainable innovation to the conversation, offering insights into how POWR2 is transforming the way the construction and rental industries approach power generation.POWR2 specializes in hybrid energy systems, particularly their flagship product—the Hybrid Power Unit which integrates battery storage with traditional generators to dramatically cut fuel usage, reduce emissions, and lower noise on job sites. Tim walks us through how these solutions not only align with global sustainability goals but also make strong commercial sense for equipment rental businesses looking to improve efficiency and meet ESG targets.This episode was recorded by Michael Larsen at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.Listen to the Leading the Charge podcast by Powr2https://powr2.com/leading-the-charge/
Tony Conant is the American Rental Association Chief Executive Officer. The American Rental Association (ARA) is the largest international trade association for owners of equipment and event rental operations and manufacturers and suppliers of rental equipment. As rental continues to evolve, ARA employees and members are working together to build a strong future for our industry.Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Conant while at the ARA Show in Las Vegas.The ARA Show is the world’s largest equipment and event rental trade show. Hosted by the American Rental Association (ARA) since 1956, this can’t-miss trade show includes networking events, education, and a trade show featuring hundreds of exhibitors.Learn more about the upcoming The ARA Show 2026 in Orlandohttps://arashow.org/
Tyler Carroll of United Rentals (previously Shore Hire) was awarded the Young Professional of the Year 2024 by the Hire & Rental Industry Association, and was recently completing his exchange program in the U.S with United Rentals.Michael Larsen caught up with Tyler at the ARA Show in the Las Vegas and chatted about his experiences in the HRIA's Young Professional Program, attending the United Rentals Supplier Show and reflected on Shore Hire winning Hire Company of the Year at the HIRE24 convention.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Anthony Durante comes from a family deeply rooted in the equipment rental industry, dating back to 1969. In 2009, he co-founded Durante Rentals alongside John Durante and Christopher Jones. From humble beginnings, the company expanded to 10 locations across the New York Tri-state area and earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies for seven consecutive years—an accomplishment achieved by only a select few.In June 2024, Durante Rentals was acquired by Herc Rentals, marking a new chapter in its journey.At the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas, Michael Larsen catches up with Anthony Durante to reflect on the legacy of Durante Rentals and hear what exciting ventures Anthony is pursuing next.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Tye & Erin Blair at the ARA Show in Las Vegas to talk about how AI can help equipment rental businesses with their route planning, driver allocation, and reduce the spend on third party transport contractors. They dive into how InTempo & Wise Systems have partnered up to bring the latest logistics innovation to the equipment rental industry.Learn more about InTempo & Wisehttps://www.intemposoftware.com/blog/intempo-partnership-wise-systems-rental-industrys-first-connected-transport-solution
Elliott Vigil has over 22 years experience in the equipment rental industry previously working in various sales roles at the likes of United Rentals & Ahern Rentals. Today Elliot is a sales coach to the construction & equipment rental industry, a key note speaker & co-host of the ARA's podcast ShopTalk.Michael Larsen sits down with Elliott Vigil at 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.Interested in Elliot coaching your sales staff?https://elliottvigil.com/This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Tony Symons is the General Manager, Commercial at Kennards Hire with responsibility for the Major Projects Business and dotted line responsibility of the Kennards Hire business development teams. Tony Symons started in the equipment hire industry in 1993 with Crommelins Hire & Machinery in Western Australia. In 2001 Tony joined Kennards Hire during their early expansion into Western Australia, joining as a Business Development Manager and eventually working his way up to the General Manager for Western Australia & Northern Territory.Working in the equipment hire industry for the past 31 years, Tony is now planning his requirement from Kennards Hire in mid 2025 and moving back to Western Australia.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Tony Crane was awarded the HRIA Life Member award at the HIRE24 convention in Brisbane, an award that hasn’t been presented since 2018.Tony has worked in the equipment rental industry for the past 40 years, working at companies such as BOC & Flexihire. During that time, Tony also served as the QLD State President of the HRIA.Tony has also assisted in judging the Hire Company of the Year awards in the past and is a long-term mentor in the industry, informally and formally, as part of the HRIA’s development programs.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Tim Helfers in the Managing Director at Globe Power. Globe Power is a long time provider of reliable generator and lighting solutions. Globe Power has recognized the global need to shift towards renewable energy sources as an important market evolution and environmental necessity.Designed and engineered by an Australian team, all Globe products are tried and tested in the most challenging conditions and remote locations – from the Middle East, to China, to the Australian outback and has undertaken work in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, USA, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Africa, India, Australia and Pakistan.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Classic Hire is a Western Australian owned and family run business which began operations from just one location in 1993.Since then, they have grown to become one of Western Australia's largest hire companies of small to medium sized equipment with eight throughout Perth.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Gab Robinson is the CEO of Harry the Hirer with over 20 years experience in the event hire industry.Harry the Hirer is a national supply company with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Adelaide with a combined warehouse size of 135,000m².The Harry the Hirer warehouses are home to the latest and best products including, flooring, furniture, Audio Visual, lighting, power and rigging and also contain in house signage and custom fabrication departments.They provide solutions to music festivals, exhibitions & conferences and major events such as the the Australian Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival, Commonwealth games & Australian Open.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Steve Mau is the President of Brainerd General Rental and the current & 61st President of the American Rental Association. Brainerd General Rental is a general rental store located in Brainerd, Minnesota.Steve previously worked for a Fortune 500 company and was looking to purchase and get involved with a small business in the early 2000s. In 2002 Steve & Maureen Mau acquired Brainerd General Rental, and have since been involved with the equipment rental industry.This podcast episode was recorded at the 2024 ARA Show in New Orleans by Michael Larsen.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
John Bibbo is a past American Rental Association president and is the President at Event Source, a 40 year old event second generation event rental business based in based across Ohio, Michigan & Pennsylvania.This episode was recorded by Michael Larsen at the ARA Show in New Orleans.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
David Maxwell is the Managing Director at United Forklift and Access Solutions & Keith Clarke is the General Manager at Haulotte Australia.United Forklift and Access Solutions & Haulotte Australia have had a strong partnership since 2010 and United recently hit a milestone of purchasing the 5000th Haulotte machine.
Every equipment rental business constantly faces a shortage of field and workshop mechanics. Brendan Ross recognized this challenge early in his career and saw an opportunity to offer a valuable service to equipment rental businesses.In 2010, Brendan entered the equipment rental industry as a hire coordinator at Botany Access, where he began his apprenticeship to become a mechanic. After completing his apprenticeship, he gained experience at Ahern Australia and Linde Material Handling. Eventually, he launched his own business, LNB Machinery Services.
Beth Hoff Blackmer is the Owner & President of Aspen Rent-All, and in 2020 was the 58th President of the American Rental Association. Aspen Rent-All is a second-generation family owned business. Since 1967, they have been the source in Roaring Fork Valley for renting all types of construction equipment from earthmoving, material handling, compaction, demolition and power tools to the do it yourself equipment including pressure washers, heaters, generators, lawn and garden and carpet cleaners.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Greg Landa is the CEO of CES Power. CES Power provides temporary event power generation, power distribution, and HVAC for festivals, film & broadcast, major events, and industrial projects.CES Power has partnered with major events such as the Coachella, NASCAR Circuit, Formula 1, the Superbowl & Taylor Swift Concerts.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
Scott Irwin is the President of Delux Rental. Delux Rental is a family-owned business and have been serving South Eastern Michigan with construction and homeowner equipment rentals since 1966!Scott is also the 60th President of the American Rental Association, and served in 2023 as the ARA Board Chairman.Michael Larsen caught up with Scott during the ARA Show in New Orleans, learning about Delux Rental and Scott's involvement with the American Rental Association.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739
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