Even the weather couldn’t stop the fun at the ARA of Arkansas’ April luncheon event
By Connie Lannan
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Even the weather couldn’t stop the fun at the ARA of Arkansas’ April luncheon event

Those who attended the ARA of Arkansas’ April 7 event at Topgolf in Rogers had a great time networking with colleagues, sharing ideas and having fun despite less-than-hospitable weather conditions, including 30-mph winds and 45-degree temps.

“Even though the weather didn’t give us a break, the entire event went very well,” says Kerrigan Ambers, district manager, United Rentals, Rogers, and ARA of Arkansas president. “We enjoyed lunch and networking inside in the lounge, which was awesome. Toward the end, a couple brave individuals went outside for a couple swings under the heated patio.”

B.J. Russow, branch manager, United Rentals in Rogers, agrees. “At the event, I met with one of our vendors, and that relationship will allow me to provide faster solutions to my customers. I also met other peers in the equipment rental industry, which will provide me with an additional option for our customers if we can’t provide them with what they need. So, my goal was realized, which was to build relationships that would help me become a better resource for my customers,” he says.

Networking with others was the big draw for Eddy Combs, owner, Combs Rental Center, Springdale, Ark. “I was in the rental business a few years ago and then moved more toward the contracting side. I now want to concentrate more on the rental, so I wanted to become more involved and network with people,” he says.

Combs wasn’t disappointed. “I met a lot of people and shared contact information. As far as the weather, we ate lunch inside, which was fine. Toward the end, we hit a few balls. I could tell that it has been a long time since I hit a golf ball. I was a little rusty, but after a few hits, I started to stretch out and bring out the driver. I had fun. It was worth my while to go. I have already reached out to some of the folks I met to ask them about their rental software systems,” he says.

The idea to offer a lunchtime gathering came about after ARA of Arkansas Associate Member Director Chuck Stone, owner, Construction Equipment Specialties, Fayetteville, Ark., gathered for lunch with some rental operators, including Tyler Burns, owner, Diamond Rock Rentals & Equipment, Gentry, Ark., who serves as ARA of Arkansas vice president.

“Being that Chuck is an associate member/vendor rep, he’s always traveling throughout the state and often finds himself connecting rental companies together that have similar interests. After several in-depth conversations of challenges we were each facing, best practices and a nice lunch, someone on our board suggested how cool would it be to get away from the branch at least once a quarter for fellowship with other companies in the area. That triggered the idea to offer a quarterly luncheon to our members. We tested the waters with the event in Rogers. It was a hit, so we hope to offer our next event in central Arkansas,” Ambers says.

“The best part of these events is the networking as well as the best practices and ideas that are shared among those who attend,” Ambers adds. “My company may have a way of doing something, but another company might do it a different way that is more efficient and sustainable. On the flip side, we are in the same industry, so we are all facing the same challenges in which we are looking for ways to overcome those issues.”

The more ideas shared, the better for all involved, including customers, Russow adds. Events like these “are important because they allow you to build relationships that help you become a better resource for your customer. The larger your network, the faster you can find the appropriate solution for your customer,” he says.

 

 

Connie Lannan

Connie LannanConnie Lannan

Connie Lannan is special projects editor for Rental Management. She helps plan, coordinate, write and edit ARA’s quarterly regional newsletters, In Your Region. She also researches, writes and edits news and feature articles for Rental Management, Rental Pulse, supplements, special reports and other special projects. Outside of work, she loves to bake for others, go for walks with her husband and volunteer for her church and causes she believes in.

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