Tom Friedman, manager, Got You Cover’d, San Luis Obispo, Calif., had never attended an ARA of California event or ever seen a baseball game from a suite. So, when he heard about the Aug. 16 ARA of California’s Night at the Ballpark at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, this baseball fan knew he had to take part.
With his wife and two children in tow, Friedman had two objectives for the night: “first to see the game and second to network,” he says.
It ended up that he was able to do both at this event that attracted nearly 50 people from the California rental community — and had a blast in the process. “My family loved it. It was a fun experience — really nice environment, everyone was friendly, the suite was great with a wonderful view and seats, and the food was excellent — and plenty of it,” he says.
Even though the Los Angeles Angels lost to the Seattle Mariners 8-2, “it was still a fun game,” he says.
The loss by the Angels didn’t put a damper on the event for Carisa Pianelli, front counter lead, F & B Rentals, Santa Ana, Calif., either. “It was still a good time. I always love these events because they expand our outreach with other rental yards and offer an opportunity to talk about business as well as catch up with each other,” she says, adding that both definitely occurred at the game.
“Everyone was talking, socializing and catching up. It was nice. We all had a good time, and my son, Luciano, loved the watermelon and pizza. I think he ate a whole watermelon by himself,” she says with a laugh.
Brad Baker, general manager, Toro Equipment Rentals, Corona, Calif., had never been to an ARA of California baseball event. He and his colleagues made the mistake of stopping for hors d’oeuvres before going to the game. “When we got to the suite and saw the food, we said, ‘Wow, we could have saved our money,’” he says. But eating appetizers before the event didn’t stop him or his team from sampling the buffet. “The food was great, particularly the wings and the pizza.”
Baker also had the opportunity “to make a couple of new rental connections and was told that I am welcome to come over, visit their operations and pick their brains, which is great for us. We are a relatively new independent rental company coming out that will focus on light construction and general tool,” he says.
Networking with rental peers took such a prominent focus that Baker didn’t pay that much attention to the outcome of the game. “I spent most of my time chatting with fellow ARA members inside the suite and only glanced occasionally at the game. There were some who were paying close attention to the game and donning their Angels gear, which was fun to see. I didn’t really pay attention to who won or lost the game. It was just fun seeing everyone,” he says.
The value of events like this is the ability to “connect with those in the industry. The camaraderie that you find among rental operators and the networking are really fun. Everyone has a good time. It is such a welcoming environment. People aren’t cliquey. Everyone is talking with everyone,” Baker says.
One never knows who you might meet at an ARA of California event, either. “Last year, I connected with a rental operator who deals with large equipment,” Pianelli says. “We don’t deal with large machines like that. He became my point of contact over the following week, giving me answers for a customer. It is nice to have that kind of contact in your back pocket for answers you need.”
All say they will make a return visit. “I will go again. It was a fun experience, non-pressure, very social and an opportunity enjoy a day at a game,” Friedman says.
“I don’t think we will miss another baseball game from here on out,” Baker echoes.