This past spring two members of the New York equipment rental community — Giovanni Femia and Judy Fishgold — were appointed to leadership positions on the ARA of New York board of directors.
Femia, regional manager, Partner Rentals, Kingston, N.Y., has been in the construction industry for 10 years, starting as a John Deere equipment salesman. His career took a turn toward rental when “the del Aguila family [who founded Partner Rentals in 2016] came across my résumé while they were expanding into sales. So, I also originally came to Partner Rentals as an equipment salesman. As I learned about the rental side, I transitioned into rental being that it is a more high-paced portion of the business,” he says.
Femia was approached about joining the ARA of New York board by current President Dave Mansbart, product specialist/trainer, ABLE Equipment Rental, Deer Park, N.Y. “I met Dave at an ARA [American Rental Association] event in Albany. At that event we spoke in depth about ARA’s legislative caucus in D.C., which was of course canceled due to COVID. Through conversations about that, Dave told me about the opportunity to serve on the board. I also spoke with Anthony Durante [CEO, Durante Rentals, New Rochelle, N.Y., and ARA of New York board member] in detail about the opportunity and that further made me realize I was a fit for the role.”
During his time on the board, Femia’s goal is to “boost membership and involvement throughout the state. I also hope to support other rental companies as we deal with all the twists and turns that COVID brings. As for the board as a whole, I want us to keep our status as one of ARA’s model state boards. Also, I hope that we push even further to setting additional standards for other states to follow,” he says.
Fishgold, vice president, sales and marketing, Altra Rental & Supply, Ontario, N.Y., has been involved in the equipment rental industry since 2017. Her company is a one-stop shop for contractors in need of equipment, supplies and service. Over the past four years, Fishgold has co-managed a 16,000-sq.-ft. expansion at Altra and recently launched its new shoe and safety division.
Fishgold learned of the opportunity with the ARA of New York board through industry contact and current board member Rich DiMarco II, executive vice president, ADMAR Supply Co., Rochester, N.Y. During
her time on the board, Fishgold plans to highlight the educational and training resources available through the association that will expand the rental workforce, as well as encourage networking among women in the industry.
“I would like to promote ARA’s web-based and in-person learning education programs, utilization of more training within our industry and support for trade schools,” she says, noting that she also would encourage companies to promote and recruit interns from local trade schools as hers does. “I would also continue to support ARA’s Women in Rental initiative.”