Steve Creamer, manager, ABC Rental Center, Rosedale, Md., has taken on the role of president for the ARA of Maryland. Creamer, who has served on the ARA of Maryland board of directors since 2016, succeeds Jeffrey Sleight, chief operating officer, Elite Tents and Events, Sykesville, Md.
“My goal as ARA of Maryland president is to re-establish the level of membership involvement to pre-pandemic numbers while also offering events that will further increase attendance and overall involvement,” Creamer says. “2020 was an extremely trying year for everyone on a personal and business level, and a lot of our members are still feeling those effects. I'm hoping to take the solid foundation the ARA of Maryland has established by the presidents and boards that have served before me and utilize the resources that ARA [American Rental Association] provides us to help the members in our state achieve their maximum potential while also allowing for dialogue among members to help learn from one another.”
ABC Rental Center was established more than 40 years ago and serves primarily the construction rental segment, with smaller percentages in general tool and party/event equipment. Creamer started working at ABC Rental Center during his summer break from college a year after his family purchased the business in 2005. After he graduated in 2007, he joined the company full time.
Creamer says that he became more involved in ARA “because of the great opportunities it presents to all members. I started going to meetings early on in my career, and I’ve always been welcomed with a smile and a handshake from everybody that I’ve met. Everyone is always very open and willing to teach you from their experiences. It was something that really grabbed my attention and I wanted to be a bigger part of it.”
These interactions prompted Creamer to seek a bigger role in the association. In 2016, he was tapped to join the ARA of Maryland board. In 2017, he attended ARA’s Leadership Conference to gain a greater understanding of serving his state chapter. Creamer most recently served in the role of vice president for the ARA of Maryland, and in 2016 he was featured as one of the “10 to Watch Under 40” by Rental Management.