ARA of Missouri members escaped to the oasis of Margaritaville on the weekend of July 29-31 for a summer getaway full of fun and business education.
The event, hosted at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake of the Ozarks, included family-friendly entertainment, a two-hour “Tropical Island” dinner yacht cruise, cold drinks, delicious meals and plenty of peer networking.
“It was fun, relaxing and motivating at the same time,” says Steve Houser, general manager/part owner, U.S. Rents It, Jefferson City, Mo., and ARA of Missouri president, adding that his primary motivation for attending the event was not only that he helped to run it but also that “I enjoy networking with fellow rental store members and vendors.”
Interaction with like-minded industry contacts also was on the mind for John Schupp, vice president of operations for Rental Supply, O’Fallon, Mo., who also serves as ARA of Missouri treasurer. “It is important to be a part of your state organization. I wanted to meet with others in our industry to see how their businesses are working, discuss ideas and see what works for them. The event was a great experience. There were people there that I would never have had the opportunity to speak with,” he says.
The event kicked off on Friday evening with a poolside happy hour, followed on Saturday by a brunch buffet and a professional development session from Chad Carden, one of USA Today’s “Top Coaches.” Carden delivered “A Better You, A Better Business AND Better Results,” and many in attendance judged his presentation to be a highlight of the weekend.
“Chad’s presentation, along with the networking with other members, was my favorite part of the event,” says Dawn Weinhardt, owner, Weinhardt Party Rentals, St. Louis, who also serves as ARA of Missouri secretary. “He was wonderful. He has such great energy and his presentation included getting everyone involved. It was a great presentation for all levels: owner, manager and salespeople.”
Schupp was equally impressed with Carden. “He is an excellent speaker. He presented to us a different approach on how to look at our management style regarding how we manage our employees. He also gave us tools to use with employees to make them a part of the common goal, to buy into our business philosophy and be a part of the operation,” Schupp says.
Following some afternoon free time for attendees and their families, Saturday evening’s main event was the Tropical Island dinner cruise of the lake, which allowed for even more interaction that the attendees prized so highly.
Altogether, the weekend delivered on everything members would want out of an ARA of Missouri happening.
“It was a great weekend of activities. It was fun and educational, which is what I think are the ingredients for a great ARA of Missouri event,” Weinhardt says.
Schupp agrees and hopes to see future events resonate with even more Missouri rental operators. “I would like to see the ARA of Missouri host this event again next year and see more members attend. This event had a lot of benefit, and I believe everyone walked away with something that would benefit them in their business.”