International rental exchange participants return home

While their travels were different, both participants in the latest international rental exchanges had similar revelations: each learned the differences in rental business practices between the U.S. and Australia, plus gained valuable lessons they can apply once back to their respective jobs.

Todd Daymont, manager of American Party Rentals in Durham, N.C., is back at his business following six weeks working at Harry the Hirer in Richmond, Victoria, Australia, just outside of Melbourne. Daymont believes these exchanges are beneficial, because they help the participants and the rental businesses involved “see how others do business and ways we each can improve our customer service and business practices.” During his time in Australia, Daymont visited the office of the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) in Mona Vale, New South Wales, Australia.

Michael Hayek, branch manager of Kennards Hire P/L in Sydney, Australia, also had a six-week rental exchange, working at three U.S. rental businesses: Eagle Rentals in Seguin, Texas; Taylor’s Rental Equipment in Fort Worth, Texas; and Taylor Rental/A&A Tents in Shreveport, La. In addition, he attended the Texas Rental Association Roundup in San Antonio, Texas, in September and the American Rental Association (ARA) Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 16-18. The next round of exchanges will be during mid and late 2010.

More details on Daymont’s and Hayek’s experiences are available at www.globalrentalalliance.com.