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4 Editorial doing good
Include everyone in the fun, and watch your customer list grow by Scott Jamieson
24 Function and flair
Today’s tents go far beyond simply keeping the rain off 12
12 tents and events At Chapiteau Montreal
Customer service is the number 1 priority for party rental business by Stefanie Wallace
26 Bottoms down
The latest in foldable and stackable chairs for the rental market
6, 36
industry news and events
New faces, upcoming trade shows and much, much more
22 George’s Corner
A satisfied customer is the key to more business by George Olah
18 trends in dinnerware The shape of the future is square or oval by Dennis Heathcote
16, 28 trade show updates CRA Atlantic and CRA B.C. trade show wrap-up by Ed Cosman and Robyn Cadamia
34, 38
Cra President’s Message Man the pumps! Advice from Wayne Beckett, new CRA president
Doing good is the bottom line
in the party rental business, birthday parties and other children’s events can provide a steady stream of revenue, even in the quiet seasons. Of course, they’re also a lot of fun for all involved. Or are they?
Perhaps less so for a child with special needs. Too often, these children don’t even receive an invitation, because of accessibility and accommodation issues, or simply because of people’s own hang-ups. Many of the more common birthday activities don’t really take special needs into consideration, especially those activities coming from your rental inventory. What does the average bouncing castle hold for a child in a wheelchair?
That’s where TIIF comes in. Short for Total Inclusion in Fun, TIIF is the brainchild of a party rental company called Mr. Giggles Bouncing Castles, which has three locations in the southern United States. The idea behind TIIF is that birthdays and children’s events should be fun for all children.
The TIIF program rolled out by Mr. Giggles Bouncing Castles calls for accessibility for special needs children in every type of fun activity. Total Inclusion in Fun has even shaped the way the company builds its inventory of inflatables. According to Phillip Lee, the company’s east coast regional marketing director, the company strives to make sure that children with special needs can use the units.
Husqvarna Construction launches new website Available in 30 different languages, the new website will meet the needs of customers from around the world.
United Rentals named official PGA equipment rental partner United Rentals Inc. has been named the official equipment rental partner of The PGA of America through 2014.
CRA announces endorsement agreement with HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV’s Disaster DIY and House of Bryan , will be using CRA member equipment during the shooting of his show in 2011.
by Scott Jamieson
The broadest selection of chipper/shredders in the industry. The broadest selection of chipper/shredders in the industry.
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Obviously, this is important for kids with mobility challenges. Yet, the company has taken a step beyond the obvious. For example, it strives to make sure the interiors of its castles are also inviting for children with autism. Mr. Giggles Bouncing Castles offers inflatable castles that include open fronts, inflated ramp entrances, open roof tops, and fully inflated wall enclosures.
Lee adds that getting every child involved in birthday party activities is the company’s number 1 goal, even above profits. “Our goal is to have a child who faced either a behaviour or mobility challenge to look back on one of the happiest moments of their lives, a moment that took place in one of our party castles.”
This is great feel-good stuff, but what about the bottom line? This is where public service meets client satfisfacton, and it goes beyond just clients with special needs children of their own.
“Our message of Total Inclusion in Fun has really caught on with both parents and our franchise partners,” says Lee. “When your child is invited to a birthday party that features one of our castles, you will experience a party environment that encompasses every child attending that event. Gone are the days when a child confined to a wheelchair had to sit on the side and watch the other children play.”
Fun is contagious. Adopt a strategy similar to that of Mr. Giggles Bouncing Castles and word will spread. If you truly embrace the concept, market it, and stand behind it, new business will follow.
Other parents will want to make sure all of their children’s friends can join in the fun too, and they’ll come to you for the tools and expertise to make it happen. You will have helped include children in a communal ritual and increased revenue in the bargain. I don’t see a downside. CRS
Scott Jamieson is the editorial director of Annex Publishing & Printing, publishers of Canadian Rental Service and 35 other business-to-business magazines and websites.
NEXT ISSUE: Keep it all straight with our Buyers Guide and Supplier Directory.
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DoRoN BRoADfooT NEw CHAIR of ARA foUNDATIoN BoARD of TRUSTEES
The new year brought a new look to the ARA Foundation board of trustees. Charlie Neffle, CERP, of All Occasions Event Rental, Cincinnati, who served as chair, and Dennis Von Ruden of General Equipment Co., Owatonna, Minn., both completed their terms in office. Each had served on the ARA Foundation board for three years, with Neffle serving in his leadership position for two. Taking over as the new chair for the board of trustees is Doron Broadfoot, president of The Rent-It Store in Saskatoon. He is a strong supporter of the ARA Foundation, having received the 1976 Club Award along with his business partner, the late Doug Mitchell, last year during The Rental Show in Orlando, Fla. Broadfoot has been on the Foundation board since 2009, is a past Region 10 director and has served on many ARA committees.
Catherine DeBusk, CERP, vice-president of Party People Rentals, Phoenix, is the new vice-chair. She is a longtime contributor to the Foundation, has chaired ARA’s Events Task Force and has been a member of several association committees. She also has served on the Foundation board since 2009 and chairs the scholarship committee.
In addition, two new trustees joined the Foundation board: Andy Cooke, CERP, vice-president of Cooke Rentals –Cornelius, Cornelius, N.C., and Dave Garton, sales and marketing manager for John Deere, Moline, Ill.
Also on the Foundation board of trustees are Delores Crum, CERP, Premiere Party Central, Austin, Texas, and Peter Maginnis, SoCal EquipRent, Glendora, Calif. ARA president-elect Ted Cook, Ventura Rental Center, Ventura, Calif., and ARA chairman of the board Buddy Stubbs, Busylad Rental, Tupelo, Miss., will serve on the Foundation board through the end of The Rental Show on March 2. Christine Wehrman is executive director/trustee for the ARA Foundation.
CES namEd ExCluSivE OntariO diStributOr Of val 6 hEatErS
Shizuoka Seiki Company of Japan, manufacturer of the VAL 6 Infra Red heater, has announced that Construction Equipment Solutions (CES) has been appointed exclusive distributor of its products in the province of Ontario.
CES is a supplier of construction and heating equipment to the rental industry. Kim Wiles, president of CES, welcomes the addition of the VAL 6 products and looks forward to serving existing customers as well as introducing the VAL 6 to new customers.
VAL 6 offers several models from 50,000 BTU to 111,000 BTU with up to 15 hours running time before refuelling for the rental and construction industry. The heater offering from Construction Equipment Solutions includes oil fired, propane, natural gas, and electric units to suit any heating requirement.
CES can be reached at 1-905-420-2243.
CRA CHooSES CANADIAN RENTAl SERVICE AS PREfERRED mEDIA PARTNER
The Canadian Rental Association (CRA) has announced that it has signed an agreement to designate Canadian Rental Service magazine as the association’s preferred media partner.
Among other things, this ensures that all members of the CRA, current and future, will receive a subscription to the magazine at no charge. Canadian Rental Service magazine will also undertake to co-ordinate, edit and deliver the CRA president’s message through its pages.
All Cover Portable Systems and XLSHELTER are pleased to add Dave Boersema to their sales team. Boersema has been in the installation department for the last five years and brings with him over 15 years of experience in the construction industry. His industry knowledge and hands-on experience will strengthen ability to help the company’s customers with outstanding service. He will be responsible for temporary fence rentals, propane storage cages and special events. He will also assist sales staff in promoting XLSHELTER (a fabric dome structure provider).
For more information, visit www.easyfencerental.com. DAVE BoERSEmA joINS All CoVER
“The association has always had an informal understanding with Canadian Rental Service,” says Amanda Wellnitz, executive director of the CRA. “This turns it into a formal agreement. I think it’s a win-win-win for the association, the magazine, and its readers.”
Under the new agreement, Canadian Rental Service will continue to cover CRA events and members, as well as provide the CRA with a booth at the Canadian Rental Mart. The CRA will ensure that booth space is available for Canadian Rental Service magazine at its regional trade shows.
For more information on the CRA, please visit www.crarental.org.
DIAmoND SySTEmS ANNoUNCES NEw TEAm mEmBERS
Diamond Systems, Canada’s largest privately owned manufacturer of diamond tools and specialty products for the construction, stone and industrial markets, has announced the addition of two new team members.
Justin Edwards joined Diamond Systems in March of 2010 as a new member of its sales division. He came on board as the eastern Ontario outside sales representative.
Edwards brings over three years of sales experience in the rental/ construction industry, getting his start from CTF Supply. Since joining DSI he has developed many new business relationships while maintaining the existing ones.
Edwards’s sales territory includes everything east of Highway 427 in Ontario, encompassing all towns and cities along the way. He has a long list of clients in his area that he visits on a regular basis, most of whom stock and supply DSI product. Edwards says he is happy to be part of the team.
Lorraine Kearsey-Carter comes to DSI with 12 years’ experience in the construction industry with a strong background selling to bigbox stores, dealer networks, contractors, architects, and custom home builders. She is also a member of Construction Specifications Canada. Previous positions held include technical advisor, architectural sales rep and national key account manager.
For more information, please visit www.dsidiamond.com.
AEm RElEASES ANNUAl oUTlook REPoRT
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is predicting modest upticks in business through 2013 in the organization’s just-released construction equipment business outlook survey. Canadian business overall is expected to be 8.2 per cent higher in 2010 than in the previous year, and record gains of 12 per cent in 2011, 14.8 per cent in 2012 and 12.7 per cent in 2013.
“While this rebound is welcome, you have to remember our industry was down 30 to 50 per cent in the recession, so there is a long way to go. Although business is improving, it will take years to recover the sales losses of 2008-2009,” said AEM president Dennis Slater. “This hopeful outlook will be difficult to achieve without action now on transportation infrastructure legislation and export-promotion policies. Infrastructure investment and export agreements are proven ways to create and maintain jobs for U.S. workers, for a sustainable recovery and meaningful uptick in equipment demand.”
The survey asked respondents to rank how several factors would influence sales. Not surprisingly, a key impediment to growth in the construction equipment industry is the stagnant housing market. The general economy, including credit availability, also continues to be a major factor, as is highway funding. The brightest spot is increased export demand.
mCCOurt manufaCturing and nufurn tEam up
Nufurn has entered into a strategic partnership with McCourt Manufacturing. Nufurn has appointed McCourt as the exclusive distributor for a key range of Nufurn products within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Mexico. The product range includes Nufurn’s steel-reinforced Gladiator and Wimbledon resin folding chairs, as well as its Barrel resin stacking chair.
“We are very excited to have McCourt as our exclusive distribution partner in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Mexico. Our Gladiator and Wimbledon resin folding chairs and Barrel resin stacking chairs are a great fit for their existing portfolio of products and customers,” says Gavin Krawchuk, general manager of Nufurn.
Mark Rynearson, CEO of McCourt Manufacturing added, “We are also excited about the partnership between Nufurn and McCourt. Nufurn’s design approach complements our strategy of providing a superior, robust product to the marketplace and fits nicely into our durable product offering. We look forward to a long and successful relationship.”
Established in 1984, McCourt Manufacturing offers a comprehensive range of event, institutional and hospitality related furniture and has been servicing the party and event industry for more than 25 years.
Justin Edwards
Lorraine Kearsey-Carter
INDUSTRY NEWS
UPDATED AEm ComPACT EXCAVAToR SAfETy
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has significantly updated its compact excavator safety manual and now offers a new Spanish/ English version of the material.
The AEM Compact Excavator Safety Manual was developed under the guidance of the association’s Attachment Manufacturers Council and Compact Loader/Compact Excavator Council.
AEM safety manuals illustrate typical worksite and equipment hazards as well as safe practices in equipment preparation, operation, maintenance and transport. AEM says they are ideal for group safety sessions on the job or in the classroom as well as individual usage.
The AEM Compact Excavator Safety Manual has been expanded from 40 to 52 pages. Enhancements include a new section on trenching safety. Expanded or additional material includes safe mounting and dismounting; utility locating practices; attachment installation, installation, use and
maintenance of quick-couplers, and use of newer safety design features such as gate or armrest-based hydraulic control locks and enhanced operator protection systems.
Graphics reinforce the safety messages and are in pictorial style to harmonize with the latest machine safety sign and manufacturer manual practices. ISO safety symbols are incorporated where appropriate. Safety alert messages, use of the “safety alert symbol” and use of “signal words” are revised to conform to ANSI Z535.6:2006 standards.
AEM’s safety and training materials cover more than 40 types of equipment used in agricultural, construction, forestry and utility applications. The association initiated its safety-tools program more than 40 years ago to provide job-proven and time-tested suggestions that promote safety-conscious attitudes and performance.
In addition to accident prevention, benefits include improved worker
productivity and less equipment downtime for repairs.
All AEM safety manuals, videos and related safety and training products are available online at shop.aem.org. Some safety materials are offered in downloadable files or in DVD format. AEM members receive discounts on select materials.
hy-COr ExpandS, OffErS SEvEral nEw linES
Hy-Cor is pleased to announce the company is expanding again due to customer support. The company has moved into a new facility in Komoka, Ont., which is three times the size of the previous location.
The company says this move allows it to better serve clients across Canada with increased inventories, turnaround times and a much broader selection of products to serve the Canadian rental industry.
Hy-Cor is also pleased to announce the addition of several new product groups to its lineup.
Hy-Cor now offers products from Ericson Manufacturing for your electrical needs for temporary power requirements. The company is now able to supply extension cords to temporary power distribution boxes, portable transformers, Sun Towers, E Carts, trouble lights and string lights, among other items.
Seymour Mfg. and Hy-Cor are pleased to offer customers a full line of tools and equipment such as a full range of shovels, Bow rakes, asphalt lutes and rakes, sledge hammers, shingle removers and a broad range of wheelbarrows, all inventoried at Hy-Cor.
Stanley Tools and DeWalt are now part of the Hy-Cor family of products. All tools, accessories and equipment are available through Hy-Cor.
Hy-Cor would like to encourage rental operators to stop by and say hello at regional rental trade shows throughout 2011. Hy-Cor International is also actively seeking distributors. To become a Hy-Cor Distributor, please contact the company toll free at 1-877-657-2220 or visit www.hy-cor.com.
RENTAl INDUSTRy EXPECTS REBoUND IN 2011
Christine Wehrman, executive vice-president and CEO of the ARA, says ARA members are more optimistic about 2011.
A large majority of rental storeowners and managers – more than 80 per cent – expect 2011 to be a much better year than 2010, according to the latest quarterly American Rental Association (ARA) Economic Survey of members.
More than 34 per cent of ARA general members responding to the survey expect rental revenues to show double-digit increases in 2011 versus 2010 and another 46 per cent expect at least single-digit increases this year.
The results show a growing optimism for a significant rebound in 2011 as only about half of the respondents said revenues increased in 2010 compared to 2009. Nearly 30 per cent of the respondents had revenue declines in 2010, but only four per cent expect a drop in revenue in 2011.
Nearly 70 per cent of the respondents also expect to spend more on new rental equipment purchases in 2011 compared to 2010, a significant increase over last year.
The spending expectations of general members also match up with the sales forecasts of ARA associate member equipment suppliers, as more than 83 per cent of the associate member survey respondents expect increased sales into the rental channel, including 52 per cent that expect double-digit sales increases.
Less than 20 per cent of the associate member respondents said sales into the rental channel decreased in 2010, while only one per cent of the respondents expected a decrease in 2011.
“Clearly ARA members are more optimistic about 2011 and have a positive mindset,” says Christine Wehrman, ARA’s executive vice president and CEO. “This underscores the importance of The Rental Show in Las Vegas. The timing is right for solidifying the buyer and seller connections, learning how to further promote the rental concept and taking advantage of tax benefits.”
The Rental Show was held Feb. 27-March 2, 2011, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“Rental companies can benchmark their businesses against these survey results and The Rental Show also provides a great opportunity for attendees to validate the survey results by visiting with other rental operators and exhibitors,” Wehrman says.
The survey results reflect a snapshot in time of those who responded and may not be representative of the industry as a whole.
l.B. wHITE ACqUIRED By PARTNERSHIP
L.B. White has been acquired by a group consisting of Jeff Diermeier, Rick Diermeier and Kevin Gagermeier. This acquisition includes L.B. White, PSI Heating Systems and two sister companies that make up Hospitality International, LLC; La Crosse and Carroll Chair Company.
Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Rick Diermeier is and has served as the company’s president and chief operating officer since 2004 and Kevin Gagermeier is and has served as chief financial officer since 2007. Jeff Diermeier is the company’s new chairman and is a private investor who was the former CEO of the CFA Institute and chief investment officer of UBS Global Asset Management.
L.B. White manufactures and markets direct-fired forced air, radiant and indirect-fired heaters for agricultural, construction, tent and greenhouse environments. L.B. White consists of two heating equipment divisions, L.B. White and PSI Heating Systems. Through separate sales and distribution networks, the divisions manufacture and distribute the company’s products to a broad domestic and international customer base.
Hospitality International, L.B. White’s sister company, designs and manufactures stainless steel underbar equipment and portable bar products under the La Crosse brand and Carroll Chair Company provides a broad line of metal frame commercial seating products and tables.
Midway Seating and Supply Inc. is pleased to announce that they have started a new venture called Top Shelf Imports. The company will be re-entering the tabletop market as a supplier of packaging supplies, dishes and cutlery. Both companies will be run out of the new warehouse location at 512 Garyray Drive in Weston, Ont. The company is still a small, family-run business with 22 years of experience in the import trade and more than 12 years of experience servicing the event industry.
TenTS fo R
evenTS
Customer service is a priority for this family business.
Every successful business owner has his or her own recipe for success. For Ginette Sédillot, the formula is simple. “Every customer has different needs. We talk to our customers, and we do what they ask us.”
by StEFani E WaLLaC E
“ We really take the time to ask a lot of questions and listen to our customers’ needs,” Sédillot says. “It can take several meetings; we will suggest products and try to maintain the customer’s budget, and that is what makes us successful.”
Sédillot and her husband, Raymond Tremblay, co-own Chapiteau Montreal Inc., a party rental business in St-Mathieu de la Prairie, Que., near Montreal’s South Shore area, and judging by the amount of growth the business has seen over the past 11 years, this straightforward mission statement has worked well for them.
When Chapiteau Montreal was formed in 2000, the business was stocked with 18 tents, 40 tables and 200 chairs. Sédillot estimates their supplies were rented for approximately 50 events during that first year.
Eleven years later, the company rents supplies for weddings, baptisms, corporate functions and private barbecues. Its inventory includes 140 tents in varying sizes, more than 600 tables, including round, rectangular, banquet and bistro styles, and some 5,000 chairs, from folding chairs to patio chairs – and that’s not all.
“Every year we change a bit. We started out only with tents, then tables and chairs, and now we have dishes, table linens, chair covers and more,” Sédillot says.
The business’s array of table linens and chair covers includes round or rectangular tablecloths. Complete table settings are also available, including cutlery, white plates, wine
and champagne glasses, and wine buckets. Candles, LED lights, stages, floor platforms, red carpets and other décor items are also available to rent. The chocolate fountain is a customer favourite.
Warner Shelter Systems Inc. in Calgary supplies the company’s tents, which range in size: the smallest measuring 10 feet by 10 feet and the largest measuring 90 feet by 750 feet. “We try to encourage Canadian products,” Sédillot says, “But if other Canadian companies can’t supply what we need, we turn to companies in the United States.” A number of options are available, including tents with bay windows, opaque walls, window openings, fire extinguishers and emergency exit signs.
These gradual changes in inventory have brought big business to the company. Sédillot estimates the business now provides party rental goods for approximately 400 events per year, serving customers across Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa.
“When we started, we only had a Ford F250 pickup truck with a 33-foot trailer, and a small Econoline van,” Sédillot says.
Of course, one pickup truck and one van aren’t sufficient means of transportation anymore, so their fleet of vehicles has expanded as well. “Now we have a fleet of two trucks with 53-foot trailers, two pickup trucks, three trucks with boxes and two Econoline vans to help with deliveries.”
One aspect of Chapiteau Montreal that has stayed the same since its inception is the company’s headquarters. The family’s home
currently plays host to the company’s office and warehouse, but this will change in the spring.
“We’ve been growing too fast and we’re running out of room,” Sédillot says with a laugh. “We have bought another building to make a bigger showroom and office, and we are looking forward to having more room.”
Its new home will be a 4,400-square-
foot building located in an industrial park in the South Shore of Montreal, “a good, central location to continue serving our customers. We have a big area to cover and we are in the centre of it all, so we hope there will be lots of business opportunities,” Sédillot says.
An 800-square-foot office will provide more room for Sédillot and the rest of the staff to meet with clients in person,
and a 3,600-square-foot warehouse will house their supplies. Sédillot estimates the company will be settling into its new headquarters in April – just in time to prepare for its busy party season from May to October.
One of the goals Sédillot hopes to achieve through this new building is to increase the number of events the company caters to during the slower
Raymond tremblay and Ginette Sédillot, co-owners of Chapiteau Montreal, say listening to customers and meeting their needs has made their business successful.
a sampling of items available to rent at Chapiteau Montreal, including chair covers, centrepieces and place settings.
winter months. “Changing locations will hopefully bring more business,” Sédillot says. “We are hoping to gain more business from October to May, which is usually our dead season. We are going to try to expand and do more private house parties and larger business Christmas parties in ballrooms and banquet halls, and market our business, and expand in tables, chairs, linens and accessories,” she says.
This won’t take the focus away from their hectic summer season, though. Chapiteau Montreal is staffed by 10 full-time regular employees, but during the busy months of June, July and August, up to 20 employees can be found in the office and warehouse. With this busy season comes many challenges, and regardless of how many
parties the company has served and how many years of experience Sédillot and Tremblay have in the party rental industry, Sédillot says big events are always tests of their resourcefulness.
“We do a lot of work so that the event will be a success, and we take the time to ask the customer a lot of questions about the installation of the tent and equipment because we want to take care of them,” she says. But there are many things most people forget about when it comes to hosting a party: “Sometimes, they don’t think about things like portable toilets. If you’re in the field and there’s no washroom, it can be a challenge!”
Sédillot recalls a particular challenge that wasn’t anticipated from the getgo. A customer wanted a wooden floor installed for an event. “They told us the ground was level, but when we got there, the ground was not level. We had to work fast and bring in equipment to lift and level the ground. There are
always ways to fix those problems, and that’s why we have to ask a lot of questions from the beginning.”
Although Sédillot and her husband, Raymond Tremblay, don’t have any immediate plans to slow down, they do hope their children, who are already active in the company, will eventually take over the business. Sons Sylvain, 27, and Sebastien, 23, help their father with the installation and delivery side of the business, while daughter Julie, 20, helps her mother in the office, answering phones, creating quotes and preparing orders. “We have worked hard to build this business and I hope they will continue to do so,” Sédillot says.
In the meantime, they will continue doing exactly what has worked for them all along and aspire to meet the needs of their customers for many more years. “It is a small business, but we have a lot of tasks. Listening to the customer has worked for us and it is always good to be busy. CRS
Your customers will think you walk on water.
With a single set of Versalite decks and interchangeable legs of different lengths, you can create just about any staging setup you can imagine in no time. Versalite goes up without pins, tools or separate assemblies. Just slip the legs into the sockets and tighten them into place with a few quick turns. You can choose from a variety of flooring options that won’t curl or peel and provide excellent traction even when wet. It’s the all-in-one system that doesn’t compromise strength, durability or ease of setup. And the classic styling and clean, simple lines make it appropriate for any venue or event.
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CRA Atlantic wrap-up
By ED COSMAN
The Canadian Rental Association held its seventh annual Atlantic trade show in Moncton at the Ramada Plaza Crystal Palace from Feb. 11-13, 2011.
The event started on Friday, Feb. 11, with a buffet dinner. Afterwards, Dave Fraser, MC and national director of the Atlantic chapter, explained the evening’s activities, which included a casino night followed by the traditional Chinese auction. The evening was well attended, with more than 90 people present.
The trade show took place Saturday, Feb. 12. There were 40 booths filled with a wide variety of products for rental companies to view. At the luncheon, Wayne Beckett, incoming national CRA president, addressed those in attendance, focusing the spotlight on the wide range of CRA member benefits; from driver training and group insurance to the coming cost of the business survey the association is organizing.
Additionally, a couple of people received special recognition, including Scott Langille of United Rentals, Moncton, who won the Regional Award of Appreciation, and Olivia D’Eon, who was recognized for her years of service to the Atlantic association. The trade show continued after lunch until 4 p.m.
Next up is the CRA’s 2011 Prairie Regional Tradeshow, taking place on March 12, 2011, at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Quebexpo, put on by the Association Location du Quebec (ALQ), the Quebec chapter of the CRA, takes place at Hotel des Seigneurs in St. Hyacinthe, Que., on March 22-23. CRS
TOP: Olivia D’Eon is congratulated by Dave Fraser, national director of the Atlantic Canadian Rental Association, for her years of service to the regional association. BELOW: Wayne Beckett, national CRA president, addresses the Atlantic show attendees. Photos by Ed Cosman
PARTY FOCUS
TR en DS in D inne RwAR e
the shape of the future is square or oval
Kby dE nni S H EatHC otE
So what are some current trends in dinnerware? The most important trend in dinnerware is the move away from the plain, round dishes. Round dishes continue to have their place, and will endure simply because of their classic nature. Round dishes come in a variety of qualities, including houseware grade, restaurant quality and bone china.
Houseware-grade round plates offer the customer a good-quality plate at typically lower prices. Restaurantquality (or commercial grade) plates are a step up on the durability side of things. These plates typically feature rolled edges to reduce chipping and are made of more durable porcelain. They are also more esthetically pleasing, with a more refined look and feel.
The final grade of dinnerware is bone china. These dishes are reserved for more upscale events where cost is not a concern. Bone china is the best of the best in terms of overall appearance. It is not typically added to inventories, simply because of the necessarily higher rental price needed to recoup the investment; most customers simply cannot justify
eeping up with trends is essential in the party rental business. no one wants to lose a customer because the company’s inventory has become dated. this is especially important when it comes to dinnerware. tables will always be tables, and stages will always be stages, but dinnerware can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. if you have limited funds, it is incredibly important to determine quickly which trends will be around for a while and which trends are mere fads that will pass quickly.
paying the high rental price.
If customers are moving away from round, white dishes, what alternative are they looking for? Square dinnerware has been hot for a number of years now, and it is not showing any signs of slowing down.
One of the reasons that square dishes are so popular is because they are something that consumers don’t have in their own homes. They are exotic and unique. Because the square dishes are so unique, they are
likely to remain a popular item for some time. An investment in square dishes can help differentiate you from competitors who have not invested in the dishes and will ensure that you are competing on even ground with competitors who have.
Square dishes are available in a variety of sizes, as are numerous accessory pieces, including teacups and saucers. Having a full range of square dinnerware allows you to present a completely unique experience to your current and future customers.
Rectangular dishes build on the uniqueness of the square dishes and allow caterers to differentiate themselves from their competition. Rectangular plates do not represent a huge move away from square dishes; in fact, part of their popularity is due to the fact that they can be intermixed with square dishes. A rectangular dinner plate is easily accented with a square teacup and saucer and a square dipping bowl can easily sit on a rectangular platter with an appetizer. Rectangular dishes come in numerous sizes from appetizer/dessert sizes of
Coloured dinnerware may be trendy, but just like clothes, colours can go out of style. White dinnerware is always popular and goes with everything.
PARTY FOCUS
4.5 inches by 10 inches to platters that are seven inches by 10 inches. They can be found with rims or as rimless coupe-shaped varieties.
Colours also have trends. White is always popular, and never goes out of style. It’s easier to find dishes in white, and they match with anything.
Coloured dinnerware and dinnerware with a pattern can be very tricky. Just like clothing, styles change and colours and patterns go in and out of style. What’s hip and cool today can be tired and tacky tomorrow.
Colours that were considered timeless can look dated and old. If you’re going to invest in coloured or patterned dinnerware, you should expect that demand will fluctuate as the style goes in and out of fashion.
Tastes also can vary from person to person. One person’s treasure is another person’s trash. Finally, you may find that you have difficulty replacing pieces, as your supplier may be reticent to bring in patterns that
have slowed or show slowing sales. Although future trends are hard to predict, there is one that we have been watching closely. Over the past several years we have seen a growing interest in a truly unique dinnerware line that is oval. While oval dinnerware is not necessarily new (it has been seen in platters for
years) oval plates with no rim are a new phenomenon.
Many trends like this start in Europe, make their way to Los Angeles and New York City, and then on to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. In the case of oval dinnerware, the trend got its start in Vancouver by one of the city’s leading party rental companies that was interested in offering a product no one else had.
Sometimes, looking at what your competitors have to offer and offering something that is attractive and different can be a great way of setting a trend in your area. CRS
Dennis Heathcote is the president of D & K Imports, a supplier of various products to the hospitality sector, and a proud recipient of the “Supplier of the Year” award from the Canadian Rental Association’s Ontario chapter. For more information, please visit our website www.dandkimports.com.
free coffee and fresh cream
A satisfied customer is the key to more business
by George Olah
During conversations at the hospitality suite after a recently attended event, it became patently obvious that rental stores have little control over external factors that impact both them and their customers. One such external influence is the evergrowing list of Ontario’s propane safety requirements. Safety is of paramount importance and the regulations and standards must be rigorously followed. However, it appears the new safety requirements make continued use of propane cumbersome and costly compared to other fuels.
The problem is that the customer faults you for requiring government-mandated Records of Training (ROT). Worse yet, the customer blames you for making them pay to be trained to safely use the equipment before renting propane-fuelled products. As a service provider, it is up to you to educate the customer on the benefits of the new requirements.
Training costs money and time for both rent shop and customer. But it is a competitive world, and more often than not, one driven by dollars per BTU and least cost use, in turn driving customers to use alternative fuels other than propane. No ROT is necessary to use gasoline or diesel.
As the evening progressed in the hospitality suite, a rental colleague, fuelled by distilled grain products (no ROT required thus far), remarked that the majority of his customers were idiots. I wanted to retort, “But how will you earn any money without any customers?” His bold statement bothered me, because it echoed feelings espoused by other frustrated business managers.
My supplier friend failed to realize that the relationship between businesses and their customers works both ways: many customers similarly feel that certain businesses have no place in the marketplace. Businesses not meeting customer needs or perceived standards eventually lose out to competitors, ultimately resulting in bankruptcy. It is a give-and-take relationship that takes time to foster and nurture so that both sides feel satisfied.
First and foremost, a customer must feel comfortable dealing with you. When a customer comes into my showroom, free fresh coffee with real cream and sugar
and ice-cold water is always available. My customers rely on this complimentary service and have grown to expect it. It’s simple Customer Service 101. Practically every business has its own way of managing customer relationships.
Some spend all their time and efforts pursuing any customer who would buy whatever product they are hawking under the guise of a special. These types of marketing campaigns attract one-time, one-shot bargain hunters, never to be seen again. It is key to retain the customers you have already invested time in. Existing customers tend to spend more than new customers. A satisfied customer will also recommend you to other customers. Word of mouth is huge. Look for new customers, but don’t forget about the existing ones, or you will be continually looking for new customers and sooner or later there won’t be any left.
In the rental business, the buzzword is service. Good service means knowing your products to confidently recommend equipment that will meet the needs of your customer. Customer service also entails providing competent repair service and training, whether specific to the equipment use or due to regulatory requirements.
It is essential you listen to your customer’s praises and complaints to understand what you are doing right or wrong. Listen if they tell you your prices are unreasonable. Don’t be afraid to respond directly and honestly. A good business deal must be a win-win situation for each party.
We always make sure that our pot of coffee is fresh and hot, the cream is genuine and sugar is plentiful. Customers do not want to feel that you don’t care about them. Ensure that every customer complaint is resolved and resolutions found quickly. In this very competitive market, someone else will gladly assume the caring role you have neglected, and sadly, you will have lost a customer for good. And occasionally, you may have to up the ante and provide chocolate chip cookies with that complimentary double-double. CRS
George a olah is presently the General Manager of operations at aBCo Equipment & Supplies, a familyowned rental company located in Weston, ont.
Function and flair: today’s tents go far beyond simply keeping the rain off.
PR o DUCT SH ow CAS e
tents have come a long way. Over the years they’ve become bigger and better, and the future will likely bring even more advances.
We’ve researched some of the latest and greatest tents currently available for the rental industry.
Inclusion in this section does not constitute an endorsement of any kind by Canadian Rental Service magazine or its staff. Please take care and exercise due diligence before making any purchases.
aNChorS PaN
Anchor Industries
8www.anchorinc.com
According to Anchor Industries, the AnchorSpan series offers many of the benefits of traditional buildings, but at a fraction of the cost. Glass doors and weather-tight sunburst window walls can be added to create a secure and attractive setting.
The AnchorSpan features installation ease, ground level assembly, expansive overhead interior space and high, clean,
flowing fabric lines. The AnchorSpan also features the new SpanLatch locking purlin.
The AnchorSpan is available in span widths ranging from 30 feet to 80 feet.
Fiesta Tents
8www.fiesta.ca
According to Fiesta Tents, the Solara Series tents and canopies are ideal for all events. They combine an esthetic elegance with practicality and versatility. The structure is modular, allowing customers to use the same parts to assemble various sizes. Available sizes are 10 feet by 10 feet, 10 feet by 20 feet, 15 feet by 15 feet, 20 feet by 20 feet and 20 feet by 30 feet.
Features include a sturdy rectangular extruded anodized aluminum frame, galvanized steel connectors and base plates, an adjustable suspended centre pole, laminated 15-ounce blackout vinyl tops, laminated 13-ounce vinyl side walls and a unique sliding wall system. No nuts or bolts are required for frame assembly.
A number of options are available for the Solara Series, including white, clear or French window walls, side walls, adjustable legs, and double or single glass doors.
Tentnology 8www.tentnology.com
One of Tentnology’s newest innovations, the company says the Poleadion’s sculpted high peaks create a totally new attention-getting silhouette. The swooping fabric is supported by side poles every 20 feet. It’s available in two widths, 40- and 60-foot, and is expandable in 20-foot midsections for infinite length.
The patented Tentnology keder connection lets you slide and slip-lock, rather than lace, sections together.
The new Tentnology patented flexible keder rail along the edges of the Poleadion allows walls to be securely zip slipped on and then tensioned while providing a drip-free tent edge. The ultra low profile is great for wind stability and easier installation.
WSS l P Eak Marqu EE Warner Shelter Systems 8www.wssl.com
WSSL says the original Peak Marquee (MQ) is user-friendly as well as attractive.
It features a clearspan interior and guy ropes are not necessary under most conditions. The Peak Marquee is available in nine sizes, ranging from 100 to 1,380 square feet.
Peak Marquees can be linked together in many configurations and can also be joined with the company’s Peak Pole Tents. A unique gutter system allows the tents to be joined in a variety of configurations. Many products from WSSL use interchangeable parts, which the company says will streamline rental inventory.
The flying Centrepole supported by diagonal cables gives an obstruction free and spacious interior. Baton sliding walls slide and attach neatly to the post for an open-side setup. WSSL says the batons make carrying and installing walls quick and easy while reducing wear, tear and cleaning. CRS
Solara S E ri ES
PolEadioN
BoTTom S D own
the latest in foldable and stackable chairs for the rental market.
Welcome to our review of some of the new and hot chairs for the 2011 season. although it’s true that chairs don’t change much in their function (keeping your pants off the ground), styles change on a regular basis.
While many of your customers will be satisfied with a basic chair, others may be more discriminating. Some events require something a little fancier or a lot showier. Weddings in particular seem to bring out the attitude that everything must be “just so.”
Inclusion in this section does not constitute an endorsement of any kind by Canadian Rental Service magazine or its staff. Please take care and exercise due diligence before making any purchases.
rES i N ChiaVari Chair S
D & K Imports
8www.dandkimports.com
D & K Imports expanded its product line recently with the introduction of Resin Chiavari Chairs. Initially available in mahogany, black, white, silver, or gold, these chairs feature enhanced structural supports to increase their durability. In addition, a Crystal Chiavari Chair will also be available.
“We have been selling the traditional Wood Chiavari Chairs for the past few years, but our customers have been asking for a Chiavari Chair with greater durability, that required less maintenance and touch-ups,” said Dennis Heathcote, co-president of D & K Imports. “Our new Resin Chiavari Chair meets these needs. Our customers don’t have to worry about these chairs breaking or the wood showing through when the chairs get scratched or bumped.”
D & K Imports’ Resin Chiavari Chairs feature an allsteel frame, covered with a thick resin outer layer that is the base colour of the chair. The chair is then coated with
a high gloss acrylic automotive paint that D & K Imports says gives its Resin Chiavari Chairs that great “wow” appeal for weddings and other special events.
D & K Imports Resin Chiavari chairs have also been subjected to the BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) drop test and will support a 300-pound drop from six inches above the seat.
The Crystal Chiavari Chair is made of a very strong polycarbonate and allows you to present a “ghost-like” Chiavari Chair at a fraction of the price of the original Philippe Starck Ghost chairs.
Gladiator rES i N Chair S
McCourt Manufacturing
8www.mccourtmfg.com
Gladiator Resin Chairs from McCourt Manufacturing feature a patented steel reinforced seat and rear legs that will not bend, offering your customers safety and yourself peace of mind. Steel inserts in the legs and seat frame help to increase strength and durability. The Gladiator can be ordered in white in unlimited quantities. Black is also available; however, quantities are subject to availability.
The Gladiator Resin Chairs are constructed of UV stabilized polypropylene and feature a replaceable padded seat. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The chairs feature a unique interlock system for stacking and storage. Gladiators can be stacked up to 25 high for transport, and up to 35 high for storage.
They come with a 10-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects under normal use. McCourt Manufacturing will repair or replace (the customer’s option) any defective chairs at no charge.
duraMax Pro
Mity Lite
8www.mitylite.com
According to Mity-Lite, the DuraMax Pro resin folding chair is perfect for those who want a classic “wedding chair” look, without the maintenance hassles of folding wood chairs. The company says that durable construction ensures safe and stable use, while a proprietary stainresistant resin makes cleaning and maintenance easy.
Each chair is rated to support over 1,000 pounds, and is designed to blend with existing wood or resin folding chairs to ease replacement schedules. Mity-Lite says the DuraMax Pro maintains a clean look for an extended period with non-stick, stain-resistant finish.
The chairs can be stacked up to 30 chairs high for efficient transportation, or 40 to 50 chairs high for storage. The UV-treated resin eliminates fading and discoloration, and the DuraMax Pro can be used both indoors and outdoors. No sanding or painting is required, and the chairs are available in white or black. CRS
Why is this pump buried in sand?
Because it’s designed to!!
TSURUMI PUMP MODEL
HS2.4S- 62
n e T wo R king
new PR o DUCTS
Cra B.C. provides a positive kickoff to the show season.
if there were one word to describe the 2011 CRa B.C. Regional tradeshow, it would be “community.” More than 40 exhibitors filled the Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds Showbarn for the two-day event, which took place Jan. 14 and 15. attendance was up by 13 per cent from last year, and all members seemed happy to be there.
by Ro BYn CadaM ia
Tony Davey of Hilti Canada was only one of the exhibitors who described the B.C. show as having a “real sense of community” and a “down-home feel.”
“It’s one of my favourite shows,” Davey said. “A great way to kick off the year.”
The B.C. Local association provided raffle prizes and catering throughout the weekend and supplied a hospitality suite with enough food and beverages to please hungry CRA members at the end of the long days. Mandy Wellnitz, executive director of the CRA, believes the event’s quality was due in part to this high level of hospitality. “[The show] has really come up a lot of notches in the past couple of years because B.C. Local has really stepped it up,” she said.
However, the trade show wasn’t only about industry networking. It was also about the hard, cold products. Rental professionals were there to see what was new, and this was the right group of people to show them.
“These are very qualified people,” said Art Enns of Wallenstein. “They’re very knowledgeable in the industry.”
The exhibitors were just as eager to show their latest technology as attendees were to see it.
After two full days on the trade show floor, people were more than ready to proceed to the Cascades Hotel and Casino for more socializing at a banquet-style feast and awards ceremony. There, they had their palettes pleased and were treated to some unique entertainment to help them unwind. Kilt-clad comedian Johnny Bagpipes took the stage just after dinner with his musical shenanigans, and had the crowd
slapping their tables in approval for the better part of an hour.
The whole event just wouldn’t be complete without the hard work of the CRA members being recognized and rewarded. Following the entertainment, B.C. national director Angie Venekamp handed out five awards on behalf of the association.
Mike Faulkner spent a great deal of time on stage humbly accepting awards on behalf of Rentquip Canada. Rentquip was chosen as both B.C. Supplier of the Year and National Supplier of the Year for 2010, and Faulkner himself was awarded Rental Professional of the Year.
The Alberta Regional Award went to Jim Johnson of Cavalier Industries, and the award for B.C. Rental Store of the Year was given to Russ Walsh of Chilliwack’s EZE Rent-It Centre B.C.
Just when everyone thought all of the awards had been distributed, and Angie Venekamp thought her time behind the microphone was through, B.C. Local president Jim Clipperton surprised her with a custom Appreciation Award for her hard work and dedication to the local and the trade show.
On that kind note, people offered congratulations and proceeded in high spirits to the hospitality suite, where they wrapped up the first show of 2011 with just a little more networking. Mandy Wellnitz commented on the camaraderie among rental professionals. “Competitors all work together. They all help each other out,” she said. “It’s a unique industry.” CRS
FlE xi B lE StaG i NG P latFor MS F roM W ENGE r Cor P.
The Versalite Platform System from Wenger Corp offers durability, strength and flexibility. Versalite sets up quickly in dozens of configurations for flat or multi-level stages or risers that provide rock-solid stability.
An attractive aluminum frame offers classic styling and clean, simple lines for Versalite, along with easy mobility and lightweight strength. Fixed, telescoping and custom leg lengths are available to suit almost any occasion; legs attach quickly and securely with a geared compression locking mechanism.
Available Versalite accessories include stairways, closure panels, skirting and backdrops, storage carts and guardrails. Deck surface options include two black surfaces – heavy-duty and standard – that both provide excellent traction, even when wet. Other surface options include natural hardboard, charcoal carpet or carpet-ready. Unlike most common laminates, Versalite surfaces will not curl or peel.
For more information about Versalite or other Wenger staging products, visit www.wengercorp.com.
SilVE r GiaNt C oMME rCial G rill F roM FlaG ro
The Silver Giant commercial gas grills manufactured by Flagro Industries are made of food grade 304 stainless steel. This not only includes the body of the grill, but also the burners, flavour bars and cooking grills. These parts all carry a lifetime warranty from Flagro Industries.
The company says that this stainless construction, along with the removable stainless grease pan, allows for quick and
easy cleaning of the unit after each rental to prepare it for the next. The crossover ignition system provides reliable ignition, and the pneumatic wheels and high profile bottom shelf allow for easy loading and unloading at events.
Flagro Industries grills are both CSA (gas) and ETL (health) approved and meet all requirements for fire departments across Canada for on-site use.
For more information, please visit www.flagro.ca.
N EW EC20C C oMPaCt E xCaVator F roM VolVo
Volvo Construction Equipment recently introduced the new EC20C compact excavator, which the company says provides reliability, operator comfort, ergonomic design, performance and safety in a two-ton-class excavator. The EC20C is powered by a Tier 4 compliant 16.2-horsepower diesel engine and sports a new cab and digging equipment design.
Other features of the new excavator include an electroproportional fingertip control on the joystick for swing and offset movement at the same time, which Volvo says enables the EC20C excavator to deliver faster and more precise performance while reducing operator fatigue. Travel speed automatically shifts from high to low according to the working load, ensuring low fuel consumption and optimum productivity and traction when operating over steep terrain or in difficult conditions.
For more information, please visit our website at www.volvorentsconstructionequipment.com.
N EW BrouWE r ModE l 2442 larGE roll rollMatE
Kesmac Brouwer has introduced the new Brouwer Model 2442 Large Roll RollMate.
According to Kesmac Brouwer, the new model installs rolls of up to 42 inches with ease and is among the most economical sod installers in the marketplace today.
The Brouwer Model 2442 Large Roll RollMate features heavy-duty construction, automatic start, hydro static drive, and an 11-horsepower engine, as well as fingertip forward and reverse controls. The unit is simple to operate and maintain.
For more information, please visit www.brouwerturf.com
N EW PCd dyMa-S E rt For E d C o
CoNCr EtE Floor Gri N dE r S
EDCO Concrete Floor Grinders can be used to improve concrete surfaces by removing deteriorated coverings, eliminating imperfections and preparing slabs for new overlays. The company’s new accessory, the PCD Dyma-Sert, uses polycrystalline diamonds to aggressively strip hard and soft coatings from concrete surfaces.
EDCO says that even thick coatings of urethane, waterproofing membrane and epoxy are no match for the PCD Dyma-Sert. Without changing the grinder, this new accessory increases its production and expands its versatility.
For more information, please visit www.edcoinc.com.
ar BortECh i NtroduCES NEW
B ladES For th E aS170
Arbortech has introduced the new Head Joint blades and Heritage blades, which the company says offer more controlled cuts and exceptional precision for mortar removal on vertical joints and very narrow mortar joints. The blades are available as aftermarket accessories for Arbortech’s AS170 Brick and Mortar saw.
The new Head Joint Blades are designed for cleaning out vertical mortar joints. Arbortech says the Head Joint blades clean out the complete
joint without any damage to surrounding bricks. A shortened blade offers precision and is easy to control, even when the user starts cuts in hard mortar. The cutting depth is 3-1/8-inch deep and the cutting width is 1/4-inch wide.
Heritage Blades were developed in response to feedback from heritage restoration specialists. The reduced cutting width of 1/8 inch and their high level of precision and control make them ideal for cleaning out the narrow lime mortar joints typically found in historic buildings.
Both blades feature the new high-performance improved carbide formula and tooth design and high-temperature brazing.
The AS170 brick and mortar saw’s patented Allsaw cutting technology uses a unique orbital cutting motion with two forward facing blades that combine to perform a hammering action and a cutting action that allow for the users to have clear visibility and the ability to accurately cut square and deep.
For more information on the new blades and the AS170 brick and mortar saw, please visit www.AS170.com.
N EW drai N-rootE r P h F roM
G ENE ral Pi PE ClEaNE r S
General Pipe Cleaners says the new compact, portable Drain-Rooter PH features a variable speed power cable feed and variable speed motor to make drain cleaning jobs cleaner and easier.
The variable speed power cable feed gives the operator complete control at all times. It feeds and retrieves the cable at 16 feet per minute. A four-foot guide hose prevents cable whipping, dirty fixtures and messy floors. The drum speed can be varied by changing pressure on the foot pedal, making it easier to thread the boring head through strainers. The Drain-Rooter PH can be operated in both horizontal and
NEW PRODUCTS
vertical positions to get closer to the drain opening.
Powered by a 3.2-amp variable speed motor, the DrainRooter PH carries up to 50 feet of 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch Flexicore cable, and 35 feet of 3/8-inch Flexicore cable, yet weighs only 22 pounds. It carries a one-year warranty against breakage.
For more information, please call General Pipe Cleaners at 1-800-245-6200 or 1-412-771-6300, or visit our website www.drainbrain.com/rental.
lG lau NCh ES i N duStry-F ir St 150-Foot BooM li F t
JLG Industries is adding a new model to the JLG line of Ultra Series boom lifts. The new 1500SJ is a 150-foot telescopic boom lift that delivers greater work envelope flexibility and superior reach at elevated heights.
According to JLG, the 1500SJ is the first boom lift that elevates operators 150 feet and requires only a weight permit. It includes a telescopic jib that extends up to 25 feet for additional vertical and horizontal reach.
Standard steel hoods provide improved durability, reduced cost of ownership and greater longterm value. In addition, operators receive key information with new graphic LCD displays in the platform to further increase ease of operation. As with all Ultra Booms, the 1500SJ delivers dual 1,000-/500-pound capacity, three steering modes and advanced systems to assist in safely positioning the platform.
GroW th i N itiatES E x PaNS ioN at aBSolutE E-Z uP
Absolute E-Z Up is expanding its product line. The company is adding two self-propelled and one manual aerial work platform to meet customer demand for its access and material handing equipment.
AEUP debuted the new CAWP-9.6 and IAWP-7.3 aerial work platforms and its first manual aerial work platform at The Rental Show, Booth 3481, Feb. 27 – March 2, 2011, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
For more information, please visit our website at www.absolutee-zup.com.
aFF i N ity tool Work S lau NCh ES dtEC diaMoN d BladE diVi S ioN
Affinity Tool Works has officially launched its Dtec Diamond Blade product division. Dtec offers three lines of diamond blades: Superior, Contractor and Barracuda, providing a solution for every type of construction cutting application and budget. The Dtec blades are engineered to perform and built to meet the demands of a variety of applications, and are intended to fit a wide range of both
gas- and electric-powered saws.
Dtec’s Superior series offers more than 10 blade sizes and is available in segmented and turbo configurations. With either a 12-millimetre or 15-millimetre segment height, the Superior segmented blades offer faster and cleaner cuts, along with a longer blade life.
The Superior blades have been designed with the ability to cut through steel. Unlike typical diamond blades that can be severely damaged if they encounter steel, Affinity Tool Works says the Superior blades are able to cut through the material easily. This makes the blades suitable for applications where steel rebar may exist within the material, such as cutting reinforced concrete and masonry on bridge decks and roads.
Consisting of more than 15 blade sizes, the Contractor series offers an option for the price-conscious without sacrificing the performance of a diamond blade. Three different configurations are available to suit a wide range of applications: segmented, continuous rim and turbo.
Featuring a continuous rim design, the Barracuda series is a premium line that offers the smoothest, thinnest cuts for wet or dry applications. S-slots in the blade prevent heat buildup, extending blade life to up to 10 times longer than that of similar blades. Furthermore, the S-slot design keeps the blade from warping and allows straighter, more precise cuts. Designed exclusively for “beauty cuts,” the Barracuda series can be used for cutting expensive granite and tile on high-end commercial and residential finish work and remodelling.
For more information, please visit www.affinitytool.com.
N EW 712Mt MiCro tr ENCh E r
F roM Barr Eto
Barreto has introduced the new 712MT Micro Trencher. The 712MT features a wheel drive propulsion system with a loadsensing hydraulic valve that adjusts the trenching wheel speed to the load on the digging chain.
When the load on the digging chain increases, the sensing valve sends less oil to the wheel drive motor and wheel speed will automatically slow down. When the load on the digging chain decreases, the sensing valve sends more oil to the wheel drive motor and the wheel drive speed will automatically increase. The 712MT digs 12 to 18 inches deep.
For more details, please visit www.barretomfg.com.
m A nie Z vo S P om P e S! Êtes-vous prêt pour l’inondation?
by WaYn E B ECKEtt, P RéS id E nt d E La CRa
quand vous lirez ce message, vous aurez soit poussé un soupir de soulagement, ou alors vous serez entrain de vous battre contre les inévitables dégâts d’inondation.
Ici dans les Prairies, tout comme dans la plupart du pays, nous sommes confrontés à de sérieux risques d’inondation ce printemps - surtout au Manitoba, dans la vallée de la Rivière Rouge (qui n’est pas vraiment une vallée après tout, d’où les inondations fréquentes). Avec les précipitations record de neige cet hiver et toute la pluie de l’automne dernier, le sol est saturé et les bas fonds sont remplis d’eau, tout indique que nous aurons de grands défis à relever ce printemps.
Alors, vous êtes prêts? Vos pompes sont-elles prêtes? Avez-vous les pièces de réparation et assez de tuyaux? N’oubliez pas non plus les déshumidificateurs pour les soussols, les ventilateurs… Mère Nature est capricieuse… nous pourrions avoir une fonte des neiges tardive, et en l’espace de quelques jours nous retrouver avec par-dessus la tête, des clients paniqués qui cherchent des pompes de toutes tailles. Que ce soit enlever l’eau des bassins avant qu’elle atteigne les maisons ou celle qui se trouve déjà dans les sous-sols, au risque d’inondation, nous devons être prêts à tout!
Plusieurs magasins auront vite écoulé leurs stocks, donc il est fort probable que vous voyez entrer de nouveaux clients qui ne veulent entendre qu’une chose : ‘’Oui, nous avons ce que vous avez besoins, et oui, nous allons vous aider tout de suite’’. Comme l’inondation, cette opportunité de location sera de courte durée, alors soyez prêts. C’est une très bonne source de revenue en début de printemps, avant que débutent les travaux de paysagistes et ce revenu est bien accueillit après un long (et peut-être lent) hiver.
En passant, je m’appelle Wayne Beckett et je suis votre nouveau président de la CRA pour l’année 2011. Mon épouse, Tammy, et moi, avec nos trois enfants, sommes propriétaires gérants du centre de location Wayne’s Rental Centre à Moosomin, en Saskatchewan. Moosomin est un petit village d’environ 3000 habitants dans le sud-est de la province. Nous sommes très fortunés de connaître un essor au niveau du développement économique et de la construction ici depuis les dernières années, donc les affaires roulent pour nous. Cela fait 25 ans que nous sommes dans
SIDENT DE LA CRA
l’industrie de la location. Les premières 15 années ont été difficiles, mais depuis 10 ans les affaires ont bien décollées. Alors à vous tous qui avez des petits centres de location, rappelez-vous que vous êtes le pivot de l’économie, la majorité des membres de l’association au Canada et aux États-Unis, et que, selon les statistiques, vous êtes les plus optimistes dans votre vision du futur. Excellent!
Si vous lisez ceci, c’est que vous êtes déjà membre de la CRA, et il est fort possible que vous soyez assurés avec HED Courtier en Assurance inc. Si oui, vous venez probablement tout juste de recevoir votre cheque de remise par la poste, car encore une fois, cette année, notre industrie a eu un faible nombre de réclamation d’assurance. Ça fait du bien de recevoir un cheque, et pas simplement voir que l’argent s’appliquera à la prime lors du renouvellement de la police d’assurance. Ce programme d’auto protection est le meilleur bénéfice que nous avons pour les membres. En voici trois raisons :
Premièrement, c’est un programme d’assurance qui a été conçu par des gens qui connaissent l’industrie de location, et qui peut être taillé sur mesure selon vos besoins.
Deuxièmement, il est une source de revenue à la CRA. (Nous recevons un pourcentage de revenue pour chaque membre qui est assuré par le programme auto-assurance).
Troisièmement, vous recevez une remise à chaque année d’environ 15 % le taux de votre prime (basé sur les deux dernières années).
Un des buts que je me suis fixés est de faire connaître le programme d’assurance aux membres qui ne sont pas assurés par HED, car comme vous voyez, c’est un programme qui est avantageux pour tous.
J’aimerais remercier tout spécialement notre président sortant, Andrew Paquette de Montréal. Andrew est un grand supporteur de l’industrie de location et l’association a ressentie les bienfaits de son engagement depuis les dernières années.
J’espère que vous avez eu la chance de vous retrouver au Rental Show de Las Vegas et que vous en êtes repartis avec des nouvelles idées et des nouvelles ressources pour améliorer votre centre (et que vous n’avez pas perdu ce que vous avez gagné au casino!!)
J’espère que vous profiterez de mes prochains articles ou courant des neuf prochains mois. Et n’oubliez pas, ce n’est pas sorcier, c’est de la location! CRS
Wayne Beckett est propriétaire et gérant du centre de location
Wayne’s Rental Centre à Moosomin, en Saskatchewan, une petite communauté de 3000 habitants. i l est impliqué dans la CR a depuis le jour où il a ouvert son centre, il y a 25 ans déjà. Vous pouvez le rejoindre au 1-306435-4143
COMING EVENTS
CRA 2011 Prairie Regional Tradeshow m arch 12
Prairieland Park Saskatoon Canadian Rental Association www.crarental.org
CRA/Alq 2011 quebexpo
m arch 22-23
Hotel des Seigneurs St. Hyacinthe, Que. http://www.crarental.org
ConExpo-Con/Agg m arch 23-26
Las Vegas Convention Centre Las Vegas, Nev. www.conexpoconagg.com
GIE+EXPo 2011 o ct. 27-29
Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, Kentucky www.gie-expo.com
APEX 2011 Rental Show Sept.14-16
Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Centre Maastricht, Netherlands www.apexshow.com
• Flame safe guard protection • 3 Phase model #6L13-120-R Also Tablecloths and Napkins for sale. Please contact 613-507-3221 or 613-561-3221 e-mail: pvivian@kingston.net
LITERATURE REVIEW
Readers may request the literature items featured in this review. Simply contact the companies directly using the phone numbers indicated to request their latest brochure(s).
POweR
CLeANeR
– CLeANeR
General Pipe Cleaners new Auto-Feed power drain cleaners blend the best of professional drain cleaners with the reliability of rental machines. All with automatic feeds and open drum designs are easier, cleaner, and faster for your customers to use than manual machines. The automatic feed makes getting the cable into and out of the drain faster and easier while keeping the operator’s hands clean and away from the spinning cable. For more information call 1-800-245-6200 or visit our website www.drainbrain.com/rental
offer tile and masonry saws, surface preparation equipment, dust containment systems and the Tuscan Leveling System for tile. Look for Pearl for all your cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing needs and more.
4 models advance and retrieve cable with the push of a lever. Cable guides keep hands off rotating cable for added safety. Open cages allow quick cable inspection and cleaning. More user-friendly for contractors and homeowners. Model RF cleans 3” – 6” dia. lines up to 100 ft. Model Z5-AF cleans 1” – 3” dia. lines up to 100 ft. Model E-AF cleans 1” – 3” dia. lines up to 75 ft. Model CT cleans 3/4” – 2” dia. lines up to 50 ft.
1-800-866-3831 www.marind.ca
1-800-866-3831
For a copy contact: ed Cosman 888-599-2228 ext. 276 ecosman@annexweb.com
HIMOINSA POweR SySTeMS
Marindustrial Ontario Inc is proud to be selected by HIMOINSA POWER SYSTEMS as their official distributor for Ontario.
Mobile Rental Range
HIPOWER builds the best in class towable Generator to the Rental Industry
CSA certified Gensets 20kW to 611kW, 1 & 3 phase, EPA Tier 3-4Interim Yanmar, JD and Volvo engines, sound attenuated weather enclosure, residential silencer, high capacity fuel tank, heavy duty skid base with forklift pockets, DOT approved trailers (optional), distribution panel with multiple receptacles, single eye lifting point of other quality components….. call Marindustrial today for your quote!
MARINDUSTRIAL ONTARIO
New SGX PORTABLe GeNeRATOR LINe
MARINDUSTRIAL, distributor of the Subaru’s industrial engines and equipment, is pleased to announce a new line of commercial generators!
The new SGX portable generator line is designed to extend the current Subaru RGX line. The SGX Series incorporate the most popular features, Subaru’s premium EX series Overhead Cam (OHC) engines and AVR/brush type technology but at a very new competitive price and includes a two-wheel kit with fold-down handles, 3 year limited warranty
MARINDUSTRIAL ONTARIO
New Pearl Diamond Revamp Brochure
NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT? Pearl’s new look, improved and new products combine traditional quality, consistency and unique products, with a better-than-ever cost-performance value. Pearl’s strong brand is getting a refreshing new look, from product art design to uniform packaging. NOW MORE THAN EVER, PEARL IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE. ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS!
2011 Media Kit
The 2011 Media kit for Canadian Rental Service is now available for suppliers to the industry. Inside this 4-page brochure you will find information on Canada’s only trade publication devoted entirely to the rental industry. It contains the editorial topics and advertising features for the coming year and is available electronically as well. If your company sells to the rental industry, then this brochure is a must-have.
PeARL
by WaYn E BECKEtt, CRa PRES id E nt
m A n TH e PU m PS!
are you ready for the flood?
By the time you read this, we could be breathing a sigh of relief – or trying to come up for a breath of air!
Out here in the Prairies, as with much of Canada, we could face a real flooding problem this spring – especially in Manitoba along the Red River Valley (which isn’t really much of a valley at all, hence the frequent flooding). With record amounts of snow this winter and rain last fall, the ground is saturated and all the low spots are full of water, meaning this spring could be a real challenge indeed.
So, are you ready? Do you have your pumps serviced and ready to go? Do you have spare parts and enough hoses? Don’t forget about the dehumidifiers for flooded basements, too! Mother nature is hard to predict; we could have a slow thaw, and then within a couple of days, we could be up to our necks in panic-stricken customers looking for pumps of all types and sizes. From dewatering ponds and sloughs to pumping out basements, we have to be ready for anything!
Many retail stores run out of stock in a hurry, so we may see new customers in our stores for the first time, and they don’t want to hear anything but, “Yes, we have those, and we can help you out right away.” Like the flood, this rental opportunity won’t last long, so be ready. It’s a good income source early in the spring, ahead of the lawn and garden season and just after a long (and maybe slower) winter season.
By the way, my name is Wayne Beckett and I am your new Canadian Rental Association president for 2011. My wife Tammy and I, along with our three children, own and operate Wayne’s Rental Centre in Moosomin, Sask., a small town of fewer than 3,000 people in Southeast Saskatchewan. We are very fortunate to have a lot of construction activity going on around here lately, so business has been very good for us. We’ve been in the rental business for 25 years. The first 15 were challenging, but the last 10 have really taken off. So for all you small stores out there, remember you are the backbone of the job economy, the largest segment of members in the rental association in Canada and the United States, and, according to statistics, you are the most optimistic about your future too. Good for you!
Wayne Beckett owns and operates Wayne’s Rental Service in Moosomin, Sask., a small community of 3,000, and has been involved with the CR a almost since the day he opened shop 25 years ago. He can be reached at 306-435-4143.
On another note, if you are reading this, it means that you are already a member of the CRA and maybe you also insure your business through Western Financial Group Insurance from Winnipeg. If so, you probably just got your rebate cheque in the mail, because again this year, our industry has had a low number of claims. Doesn’t it feel good to get cash back, and not just have it applied to your premium for next year? This protected self-insurance program is the best benefit we have going for our members for three reasons: First of all, it’s insurance from people who know the rental industry and can tailor your coverage to meet your store’s needs.
Secondly, it provides a source of funding to the CRA (we get a percentage back for each member who insures through them).
Thirdly, you can get a rebate each year of about 15 percent of your premium (based on the past two years).
One of my goals during my term is to get more members to sign up with Western Financial Group Insurance for their insurance needs, because as you can see, it’s good for us all.
A special thank-you to our past president. Andrew Paquette of Montreal is a staunch supporter of the rental industry and we are all better off because of his involvement in the CRA over the past several years.
Hopefully you got a chance to take in the Rental Show in Las Vegas and you came come away with some new ideas and ways to make your business better (so long as you didn’t gamble it away at the poker table)!
Enjoy reading these articles over the next nine issues, and remember, it’s not rocket science, it’s just rentals! CRS
