What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
All rental companies are the same - its about price. Not true - you have to decide what is most important - price, service, quality. PICK TWO. Our focus is service and quality. We push being ready NOW all the time. Service standards are heavily emphasized and help separate us from our competition.
What keeps you up at night?
The big box companies and how they saturate the territories, cut price, and give away the farm to capture a site. Most of the big box companies can see a client at a site 5 times to my one time. Frustrating.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Touching as many clients as possible each and everyday. Staying in front of clients is absolutely essential in our business - since we are not a 'rental house' and do not have equipment for every scenario needed. Out of site...out of mind!
What project is your company most proud of?
Construction side: Eckington Yards -DC (CBGBC), along with Black Hills in Germantown, MD (WSC) Event Side: Concert for Valor (we powered everything BUT the main stage), Marine Core Marathon, and Pride Festival.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Exposure to company's and decision makers, networking to meet more folks, advertising, face time.
What do you look forward to each day?
Spending time with my wife, my furry kids (all my kid's are grown up and moved out), and enjoying life! Life is a gift - give back and always be positive!
What are you like to work for?
I am a softie....but expect the best! Excellence has no excuses!
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
I enjoy the new breweries in town, The Wharf, and the area around National's Stadium.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was young - a firefighter. Later in life, a sports broadcaster.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
I married my wife in 1996, and adopted all three of her biological children. Each one has a different last name - one from her ex-husband, one is her maiden name, and one has my last name. I have always been 'Dad'.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Movie - many, but Major League is a good funny movie, Star Wars ranks up there, as well as anything with Eddie Murphy or Robert Deniro or Denzel Washington. TV - Madam Secretary right now...in the past - "24".
What do you do for fun?
My wife and I love to RV (we go 4-6 times per year), spend time with my kids/family, spend time with my dogs (we have three Siberian Huskies), and read and learn!
What book are you currently reading?
John Grisham - Camino Winds
What was your first job?
Pre-adult: Mowing, pulling weeds, painting. Adult: Sold Shows for Kinney Shoes (I was laughingly called "Al Bundee" by many friends).
Who would you trade places with for a day?
Jesus. Our savior was a servant while being a Master - no greater lesson in being humble and loving everyone.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
How important networking and relationships are to being successful. Surround yourself with people/connections smarter than you. Most successful businesspeople do...