In this episode of The Rental Journal Podcast, Michael Larsen sits down with Robert Pedersen, President of A Tool Shed Equipment Rental — a fourth-generation, family-run business that’s been serving California’s Bay Area for over 80 years.

Founded in 1945, A Tool Shed began as an Army surplus store called White Elephant Sales selling whatever they could pull from military storage containers. While most items sold, they couldn’t move the generators. So, they made a bold decision: instead of selling them, they’d start renting them. This innovative move set the foundation for the company to become a pioneer in the equipment rental industry.

Robert shares insights on growing the business to eight locations, the lessons learned over decades of change, and his experience as the 63rd President of the American Rental Association. He also discusses the future of rental and how his company has adapted to an evolving market.

This episode was recorded at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.

In this episode recorded at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas, host Michael Larsen sits down with Avery Dubose of Rental Guys Inc, a proud third-generation equipment rental business with deep roots in Northern California and Nevada.

Avery shares the inspiring journey of Rental Guys, which has been family-owned and operated since 1959, and now spans 14 locations across the region. With a focus on local service, integrity, and long-term growth, Rental Guys has steadily climbed the ranks to become the 87th largest equipment rental business in the United States, as listed in the 2024 RER 100.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Doling, Director of Global Markets at POWR2, a global leader in clean energy storage solutions. Tim brings deep industry experience and a passion for sustainable innovation to the conversation, offering insights into how POWR2 is transforming the way the construction and rental industries approach power generation.

POWR2 specializes in hybrid energy systems, particularly their flagship product—the Hybrid Power Unit which integrates battery storage with traditional generators to dramatically cut fuel usage, reduce emissions, and lower noise on job sites. Tim walks us through how these solutions not only align with global sustainability goals but also make strong commercial sense for equipment rental businesses looking to improve efficiency and meet ESG targets.

This episode was recorded by Michael Larsen at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.

Listen to the Leading the Charge podcast by Powr2
https://powr2.com/leading-the-charge/

Tony Conant is the American Rental Association Chief Executive Officer. The American Rental Association (ARA) is the largest international trade association for owners of equipment and event rental operations and manufacturers and suppliers of rental equipment. As rental continues to evolve, ARA employees and members are working together to build a strong future for our industry.

Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Conant while at the ARA Show in Las Vegas.

The ARA Show is the world’s largest equipment and event rental trade show. Hosted by the American Rental Association (ARA) since 1956, this can’t-miss trade show includes networking events, education, and a trade show featuring hundreds of exhibitors.

Learn more about the upcoming The ARA Show 2026 in Orlando
https://arashow.org/

Tyler Carroll of United Rentals (previously Shore Hire) was awarded the Young Professional of the Year 2024 by the Hire & Rental Industry Association, and was recently completing his exchange program in the U.S with United Rentals.

Michael Larsen caught up with Tyler at the ARA Show in the Las Vegas and chatted about his experiences in the HRIA's Young Professional Program, attending the United Rentals Supplier Show and reflected on Shore Hire winning Hire Company of the Year at the HIRE24 convention.

This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.

Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? 

Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:

https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Anthony Durante comes from a family deeply rooted in the equipment rental industry, dating back to 1969. In 2009, he co-founded Durante Rentals alongside John Durante and Christopher Jones. From humble beginnings, the company expanded to 10 locations across the New York Tri-state area and earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies for seven consecutive years—an accomplishment achieved by only a select few.

In June 2024, Durante Rentals was acquired by Herc Rentals, marking a new chapter in its journey.

At the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas, Michael Larsen catches up with Anthony Durante to reflect on the legacy of Durante Rentals and hear what exciting ventures Anthony is pursuing next.

This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.

Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? 

Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:

https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Tye & Erin Blair at the ARA Show in Las Vegas to talk about how AI can help equipment rental businesses with their route planning, driver allocation, and reduce the spend on third party transport contractors. They dive into how InTempo & Wise Systems have partnered up to bring the latest logistics innovation to the equipment rental industry.

Learn more about InTempo & Wise
https://www.intemposoftware.com/blog/intempo-partnership-wise-systems-rental-industrys-first-connected-transport-solution

Elliott Vigil has over 22 years experience in the equipment rental industry previously working in various sales roles at the likes of United Rentals & Ahern Rentals.

Today Elliot is a sales coach to the construction & equipment rental industry, a key note speaker & co-host of the ARA's podcast ShopTalk.

Michael Larsen sits down with Elliott Vigil at 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.

Interested in Elliot coaching your sales staff?
https://elliottvigil.com/

This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.

Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? 

Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:

https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Tony Symons is the General Manager, Commercial at Kennards Hire with responsibility for the Major Projects Business and dotted line responsibility of the Kennards Hire business development teams.
 
Tony Symons started in the equipment hire industry in 1993 with Crommelins Hire & Machinery in Western Australia. In 2001 Tony joined Kennards Hire during their early expansion into Western Australia, joining as a Business Development Manager and eventually working his way up to the General Manager for Western Australia & Northern Territory.

Working in the equipment hire industry for the past 31 years, Tony is now planning his requirement from Kennards Hire in mid 2025 and moving back to Western Australia.

This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.

Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? 

Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:

https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Tony Crane was awarded the HRIA Life Member award at the HIRE24 convention in Brisbane, an award that hasn’t been presented since 2018.

Tony has worked in the equipment rental industry for the past 40 years, working at companies such as BOC & Flexihire. During that time, Tony also served as the QLD State President of the HRIA.

Tony has also assisted in judging the Hire Company of the Year awards in the past and is a long-term mentor in the industry, informally and formally, as part of the HRIA’s development programs.

This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.

Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? 

Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:

https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739