With a quartet singing doo-wop tunes, and an NBA maven giving out a game plan for business, the keynote address kicked off The Rental Show on a high note Monday, Feb. 8. Awards were given to rental industry volunteers and veterans, while executive leadership for the American Rental Association (ARA) changed hands.

Mike Martinie, vice president of sales and marketing for ARA Insurance Services, Kansas City, Mo., gave a rousing rendition of both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems. Martinie, who is retiring from his position with ARA Insurance Services following The Rental Show, will move on to become an ARA Insurance Services Preferred Agent. “I‘m looking forward to it,” he said.

Christine Wehrman, ARA's executive vice president and CEO, congratulated rental companies and suppliers for their perseverance over the past year and encouraged members to work together through the coming months. “I commend you for being at the show to join with your peers, as we look ahead, not behind. Our ARA purpose is to build a better future for you in the industry, to maximize the growth potential we have. This event — The Rental Show — provides the key connections for the value aspects of the industry: the people, the products, the relationships and the enjoyment. Most of all, the pride. Be proud of getting through 2009 and moving into 2010, and continuing to be part of this great industry.”

Current ARA president Buddy Stubbs, president of Busylad Rent-All, Tupelo, Miss., thanked the industry for the past year. “The recession has forced many of us  to be creative with our businesses by offering new products and services, yet we've also been able to learn from each other about sharing ideas and survival strategies. That sharing spirit is what has made ARA the largest association of rental companies in the world. I encourage you to continue that spirit by getting involved or getting more involved.”

Hal Roe, ARA president-elect, owner of Bradley Rentals, Cleveland, Tenn., said one of his goals is "to make you feel good about continuing to be a member of the association. There are so many resources that can help you succeed.”

The late Wilbert "Bill" Bourque, and Michael Watts also were formally inducted into the Rental Hall of Fame during the keynote session.

Family friend and former co-worker Matt Villamaino accepted the award for Bourque on behalf of the Bourque family. Bourque was an industry veteran who worked with both Taylor Rental Corp. and the Grand Rental Station operations. “Part of his legacy might well be sitting in this room. Bill paved the way for more than 1,300 men and women to become successful entrepreneurs in the rental industry. I’m sure Bill would have been honored and humbled by this award. He always put the well-being of his customers first. He sincerely wanted them to succeed. That was the fabric that helped define his characters,” Villamaino said.

Michael Watts, founder of Sunstate Equipment, began his rental operation in 1977, and later built up to 54 locations in eight states. “I set out to make a living in the industry. That's all I really ever set out to do. I wanted to focus simply on the rental and being able to differentiate myself. I wanted to have the best service. I'm very proud of the culture we have in the company. I challenge everyone here to realize that with the challenges and uncertainty, there are tremendous opportunities. Let's make 2010 for sure better than 2009.”

Stan Crumbaugh, president of Independence Rent-All, Independence, Mo., received the Meritorious Service Award for his service on The Rental Show Work Group. "I'm truly humbled by this award. The time you spend in volunteer service with ARA is not a distraction from your primary role as owner, manager or employee, but a means to increase your knowledge and a way to grow in the industry. It's more fun to make it happen than to watch it happen," he said.

Clay Eubanks, president of Takeuchi Manufacturing (U.S.), Pendergrass, Ga., received the Special Service Award for his work on marketing The Rental Show in Atlanta. “What an outstanding association that is concerned with all its constituents. What a great honor it is to represent the associate members on the board. The great thing about this association is the volunteer spirit and passion of everyone in the industry. I'd like to invite everyone to share in the passion of the industry and get involved,” he said.

The Outstanding Leadership Award went to Neil DeJong, manager of Industrial Tools and Equipment Rentals, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. “I accept this award on behalf of my team and the board of CRA Ontario. I couldn't have done it without you.”

Pat Williams, senior vice president of NBA's Orlando Magic, put the audience to work following the awards, making attendees find pens and paper to take down a new game plan for their businesses. Williams' game plan evoked the wisdom of Walt Disney. “Every time you head for his little place down the road, you have a quality experience,” Williams said.

His game plan included 10 keys for a quality organization. The first, second and third keys were to know your customers, everyone is responsible and love the work you do. “You can never do enough for your customers. They are the only reason you exist,” he says. “Everybody in your organization is responsible.”

The fourth and fifth keys are to work hard and welcome your competition. “It's the competition that makes us better. It pulls out of us everything we should be doing anyway,” he said.

The sixth, seventh and eighth keys are understanding the importance of consistency, controlling only what you can control and understanding change is a factor. “Consistent organizations demonstrate to the customers that they are dependable,” he said.

The last two keys are to take care of the little things and teamwork. “The power ot teamwork is immeasurable,” Williams said. “You could turn your whole organization upside down.”

Following the keynote, attendees streamed into the trade show floor to peruse the exhibits. The day wrapped up with a social hour on the trade floor, and the ARA Foundation auction.