It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend, Jim Grasse, who left us peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Jim was a third-generation rental person with a long and impressive history of service to many rental suppliers and rental businesses in many different capacities. Jim also played a prominent role in making the CRA what it is today; he touched the lives of many with his warmth, humor, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

 

In the equipment and party rental industry, phone etiquette plays a crucial role in maintaining professionalism and fostering positive customer relationships. Clear and courteous communication over the phone ensures that inquiries are handled promptly and accurately, leading to satisfied clients and potential repeat business. Polite phone manners also reflect the company’s commitment to excellent service, helping to build trust and credibility. Effective phone etiquette includes active listening, speaking clearly and professionally, and providing helpful information or solutions. By adhering to these practices, businesses in the equipment and party rental industry can enhance their reputation and stand out in a competitive market.

   Contractors Equipment Rentals, Inc.
   P.O. Box 81017
   Bakersfield, CA 93380
   (661) 587-3111
   https://cer-equipment.com/

 

Peer Executive Groups (PEG) has named the winners of its 2024 Top Gun Awards. The Top Gun Award recognizes businesses who receive the PEG Award for Financial Excellence, and the award is given to the top 25 percent of rental operators based on financials verified by Peer Executive Groups. This is the sixth year that PEG has named companies for this prestigious award.
    “We apply owner compensation, expense, and rent tests to verify EBITDA and check financial reports and tax returns where appropriate. While our general population of event and tent rental averages EBITDA of 9.5% and a median of 9% - a significant drop-off due to labor cost increases, our Top Gun winners average 26% with a median of 23%,” stated President, Dan Crowley.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. has announced the results of its 2023 Travelers Risk Index on distracted driving, highlighting the dangerous behaviors that occur on U.S. roadways. While technology continues to be a leading cause of distraction, other top reasons include drowsiness, heightened emotions and work-related stress. Notably, 70% of survey respondents said that they believe distracted driving is more of a problem now than it has been over the past few years. That finding is underscored by estimates from the National Safety Council, which show that deaths due to preventable traffic crashes in 2022 increased by 18% compared with pre-pandemic levels.

New regulation to yield $7.5 billion in health benefits and save fleets over $2.7 million in operating costs. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed a new regulation that will phase out the operation of large spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts in California and spur the use of zero-emissions alternatives. LSI forklifts are a source of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases, particularly in parts of the state that continue to exceed federal ozone standards. Under the rule, manufacturers cannot produce or sell, for use in California, Class IV and Class V LSI forklifts – categories that largely operate on propane, gasoline and natural gas – beginning in 2026. The rule also phases out the use of spark-ignited forklifts by large fleets, defined as 26 units or more, starting in 2028. The phase-out schedule is by model year and designed so that no forklift is required to be phased out before it is 10 years old. Smaller fleets will phase out use of spark-ignited forklifts starting in 2029. This rule addresses more than 89,000 spark-ignited forklifts currently operating in the state. CARB estimates that more than 2 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions will be avoided per day by 2031 – which is the equivalent of removing 1.2 million miles traveled by a gasoline-powered car. Forklifts are well-suited for widespread adoption of zero-emission technology, and about half of forklift sales in California today are zero-emission.

The following article is by Alan Berger, Managing Partner of abcg, and Brian O'Sullivan, Managing Director of Daredevil. The adoption of AI in the equipment and heavy machinery industries remains in its infancy. But it’s coming – and although currently shrouded in hype, the future benefits to business performance are real, according to abcg™ consultants Hans Iredahl and Mike Going. The media is obsessed with artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s going to take over the world, be a force for good and/or destroy the planet – and everything in between. The reality is likely to be less dystopian – but far more useful in practical terms. But it can’t – and shouldn’t do everything, so care is needed in its implementation. The basic principles on deploying and implementing digital solutions are also true for AI. Starting with technology and then trying to find a matching problem is a recipe that in most cases is destined for failure. You need to know your business pain points and opportunities and, accordingly, identify areas to address. You should start small, implement with a trusted partner and make sure your teams and employees are on the journey with you. After the first phase of the project you evaluate, regroup, and build further according to your priority setting. Old school, but effective. 

Contact Jeff, Katie, and Connie with questions or ideas for the continued growth of our association. Visit the CRA website at www.calrental.org and see the opportunities available to help sustain and grow your business. Stay engaged with CRA!

 

Cell: (909) 821-5998

Jeff.Roberts@calrental.org 

 

Katie.marrs@calrental.org 

 

Connie.Roberts@calrental.org 

 

New Address: P.O. Box 757, Upland, CA 91785

Phone Number: (800) 272-7400