In creating this column, I decided to look up the definition of “community” in order to inspire creative thinking around the concept. One definition that was offered was: “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
If that doesn’t describe the equipment rental industry, I don’t know what does. As a relatively newer member to the rental club, I’ve realized how impactful this fellowship is to the industry at large.
From my experience, it seems that business owners take pride in helping their fellow business owners. In various rental Facebook groups I’m in, it’s a constant stream of industry members asking questions and getting flooded with responses from their fellow rental industry members.
To rental, community is important and its value is unparalleled.
That’s why I decided to create Rental Perspectives, our new monthly feature. Rental Perspectives focuses on the day-to-day lives and business insights of rental business owners and team members. It gives you an inside look into the daily lives of your community, while allowing business owners the chance to share their insights and learn from others.
Each person, and therefore each business, has a story. This gives those individuals a voice, to share the challenges solved, lessons learned, and insights developed. And Rental Perspectives shows that even the smallest businesses can have a voice and share their impact with others. Everyone in this industry has value.
Speaking of community and value, this issue is our Rental Show Issue, set to arrive in mailboxes ahead of the October show. With a different date and venue, this year’s show will be a little outside the norm. But the excitement to attend an in-person event again – and to connect with friends, equipment, technologies, and new colleagues – is top of mind for attendees.
As Dick Detmer says in the October/November edition of his monthly column, “For all that’s different, the show will still be a great opportunity to connect with others in the industry and catch up with old friends. There are very few who haven’t been impacted in the last year and a half, and I expect that there will be quite a few stories to tell.”
Through all the hardships and uncertainty of the last year, the people of the rental industry have remained determined and strong. The sense of community, the sense of “we’re all in this together,” has proved steadfast in the hearts of rental industry members.
I’m interested to know: What does community mean to you? How has the rental community benefited you? Shoot me an email at [email protected].
Stay strong, stay safe, and see you in Las Vegas!
