Most rental companies collect data. Very few know what to do with it.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Anthony Durante shares lessons from more than 30 years in the equipment rental industry, from building and selling a multi-location rental company to launching The Owl, a data platform designed to turn insights into action.

We discuss why safety metrics like TRIR reveal more than revenue ever will, how technology created early competitive advantages, and what the future of data and AI looks like in rental.

Revenue is growing across the rental industry, but that doesn’t always mean businesses are getting healthier.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Rebecca Warnick, CEO of the Warnick Group, breaks down the financial patterns she’s seeing across rental companies, including why some businesses are “busier but broke,” “bigger but weaker,” and “growing but gasping.” She also shares key tax updates and the metrics every rental operator should be tracking to ensure profitable, sustainable growth.

Growth in rental doesn’t come from flashy tactics. It comes from doing the basics well, consistently.In this episode, Don Hundley, founder and CEO of Iron Pulse, shares how rental companies should approach revenue growth in 2026. He breaks down why operational readiness has to come before marketing, what “blocking and tackling” really looks like, and how fundamentals like customer data, SEO, trade associations, and internal alignment drive sustainable growth.A practical roadmap for rental companies looking to grow the right way this year.

There are no shortcuts in building technology for the equipment industry.

In this episode, Charles Anderson, founder and CEO of Arrow, shares why persistence matters more than luck, how growing up as the youngest of 17 shaped his obsession with access to capital, and why he’s focused on making equipment transactions as simple as buying a book. He breaks down how data-driven pricing, integrated point-of-sale tools, and AI are changing the way dealers buy, sell, and manage heavy equipment.

Dot's Rentals has been family owned and women-led for 37 years. In this episode, Claire Torrans, Director of Operations, shares how her grandmother built the business from $500, why customer service is still their strongest advantage, and how Claire is modernizing operations with new tech while preparing to open their second location.

When Mike Rhima immigrated to the U.S. at 21, he didn’t speak English and hardly had any savings. Today, he runs EZ Equipment Rental in Dallas, built through customer obsession and steady growth.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Mike shares how the ARA and TRA helped him enter the industry, the digital marketing strategy that drives his utilization, and the hands-on leadership style that keeps customers coming back.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Dino Caparco, president of Taylor Rental in Rhode Island, shares how he transformed a struggling rental business through better equipment, stronger processes, and a team built on work ethic. He breaks down the steps behind his turnaround, what he would do again, and how he’s planning for future expansion.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Kyle joins the Beyond the Build podcast to break down the future of rental software. He shares how AI agents, data migration improvements, and modern tools are transforming how rental companies operate and what teams should expect in the years ahead.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Bekah Ware, Founder and CEO of NYAMARK, shares what makes marketing actually work for rental companies. From defining your ideal customer to aligning your team and measuring what matters, Bekah breaks down how clarity, consistency, and the right goals can turn marketing from frustration into profit.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Dan Crowley, founder of Peer Executive Groups (PEG), shares what he’s hearing from hundreds of rental companies across the industry.

From AI adoption to strategic planning, Dan explains how technology, people, and community are shaping the next phase of growth, and why now is the time to start planning for 2026.

Every day, 14 to 18 construction workers die by suicide - a rate far higher than jobsite accidents.

In this episode, Dr. Vince Hafeli, President of Ajax Paving, shares his personal journey with depression and how it led him to champion mental health awareness across the construction industry. He explains why mental health has to start at the top, how leaders can use existing resources to make an impact, and what it means to truly lead with empathy.

Most rental companies try to serve everyone, but the smartest ones focus on the few who matter most.

In this episode, Nick Mavrick, CEO of BiltData.ai, shares how independents can use focus, data, and personalized service to outsmart national chains and build stronger, more profitable rental businesses. He explains why just 3% of customers can drive over 60% of your business, and how identifying and serving those top accounts can transform your growth strategy.

Fleet and financials still matter in rental acquisitions, but they are no longer the first thing buyers evaluate.

In this episode of The Rental Roundtable, Joe Kondrup and Josh Mosko of Catalyst Strategic Advisors share how the equipment rental M&A market has evolved and what buyers actually look for today.

From the rise of private equity to the growing importance of specialty rentals, leadership teams, and safety culture, this conversation offers a clear view into how deals get done and how owners should think about preparing their businesses for a future sale.

The global rental industry is evolving fast, and Australia offers a glimpse into its future.

In this episode, Rental Journal host ⁠Michael Larsen⁠ joins The Rental Roundtable to share lessons from Australia’s $6.5B rental market, where independents thrive by focusing on relationships, service, and specialty solutions. We also dive into what 200+ podcast interviews have taught him about leadership, authenticity, and the power of people in the equipment rental business.

Brandywine Rentals started as a small family business, but in the last decade, it’s grown from two employees to forty.

COO Haymond Meinhardt shares how learning every part of the business, from driving trucks to building a sales team, helped fuel that growth, and what it takes to scale a rental company in a competitive market.

Frustrated by poor service and outdated equipment, Jeff Van Dongen launched Econorent to raise the standard in equipment rental.

He shares how the company scaled quickly with young fleets, rural delivery, and a rental-first model, and why digital transformation in rental is accelerating fast.

Truck rental is exploding — and for good reason. Contractors are realizing that renting trucks offers tax advantages, predictable costs, and fewer headaches compared to owning.

In this episode of the Rental Roundtable, Chris Keys of Premier Truck Rental (PTR) explains why contractors are making the switch, how the AI-driven data center boom is fueling demand, and the culture and sales model that helped PTR scale to 15,000 trucks in just 11 years.

Rob Mayes⁠, General Manager at ⁠Empower Rental Group⁠, shares how he went from finance to running two rental branches, and what he’s learned along the way.

Hear how he navigated the shift from a scrappy independent to a national player and now a fast-growing regional company, why relationships are everything, how “scrappiness” gives smaller companies an edge, and where AI fits in without replacing people.

Mike LeMaster, CEO of Black Star Auctions, shares how rental companies can sell equipment faster and maximize returns through national and international buyers.

He explains why most traditional listings fail and how flexible auction strategies turn slow-moving or retiring fleet into profitable opportunities.

Video marketing is one of the most powerful yet underused tools in the equipment rental industry.

Dave Timpone, Marketing Director at Luby Equipment, shares how rental companies can capture authentic content with just a phone, repurpose it across LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, and use AI to save hours in content creation.

Learn practical strategies to boost engagement, generate leads, and turn everyday operations into high-impact marketing.

Most of the drilling industry still sees equipment ownership as the only option—but Rig Source CEO Jake Rockafellow is out to change that.

He shares how his team educates customers on renting vs. owning, builds a high-performance culture, and uses data systems to scale. Along the way, Jake reveals why in-person visits still win in a digital world and what the future holds for specialty rental.

This week’s Rental Roundtable features a rare insider perspective on one of the most influential companies in the rental industry. Joe Kondrup, co-founder of United Rentals and now CEO of Catalyst Strategic Advisors, joins Kyle alongside Josh Mosko, a 25-year rental veteran who recently joined Catalyst after helping build United’s early specialty business.In this episode:

• How United Rentals completed 240 acquisitions in three years
• Why entrepreneurs start rental businesses and why many fail
• The biggest industry growth trends: specialty, mega projects, sustainability
• What really drives valuations beyond EBITDA multiples
• When and why to sell and the myths that cost owners millions

Joe and Josh explain how technology, timing, and strategy shape the value of every rental business.

In this episode, Ben Bradshaw, Executive Vice President of North American Sales at Genie, shares insights from his 23-year journey from yard worker to executive leadership.

He explains why the days of casual drop-ins are over and how intentional, value-driven sales can set rental companies apart. You’ll learn:

• How to build long-term, trust-based customer partnerships

• Why deep knowledge of your customer’s business is your biggest sales advantage

• Strategies for independents to compete against national firms

• The power of focusing on a specific market niche

• Career advice to bloom where you’re planted and excel in your current role

Hear stories, lessons, and practical strategies to strengthen customer relationships and grow in today’s competitive rental market.

Dan Crowley, CEO of the Peer Executive Groups, shares a practical rental playbook for 2026 recorded live at Rental Roundtable Live, Quipli’s first-ever user conference.

He explains how rental companies can forecast growth by tracking their rate of change in sales (1/12, 3/12, 12/12) and using economic indicators like the Dodge Momentum Index.

If you want a clearer picture of where the rental market is headed and how to prepare for the next 24 months of growth, this episode breaks down the strategy.

Dan Maitland, Fleet Manager at Ajax Paving, has worked on both sides of the rental industry. From sales and branch management to managing a construction fleet, he shares practical tips on building trust, running effective account reviews, and improving customer retention in the equipment rental business.

Rebecca Warnick returns to the Rental Roundtable to break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the major tax bill passed on July 4th, and what it means for rental businesses.

We cover:

• 100% bonus depreciation through 2030
• QBI deduction permanence
• New $40K SALT deduction cap
• Tax-free overtime and tips
• Expiring EV and solar credits
• Why rental companies must think long-term, not just short-term savings

Rebecca shares what’s exciting, what’s risky, and how to plan ahead with this bill in mind.

The construction industry is facing the longest backlog of work in history, with contractors booked through 2027.

In this episode, Luke Powers, founder and CEO of Gear Flow, explains why procurement is the missing link, and how digitizing it can save contractors millions. We cover the true cost of downtime ($234 per minute!), why independents thrive, and how AI will shape the future of construction workflows.

In this episode of the Rental Roundtable, we sit down with Garrett Schemmel, known as “the equipment data guy,” to explore how the rental industry’s relationship with data has transformed over the past decade. From mailing out quarterly pricing books to integrating real-time APIs and embracing AI, Garrett shares a firsthand look at this massive data evolution.

We cover:

• The rise of equipment data from 2011 to today

• Why standardizing data taxonomies is still a major hurdle

• Practical ways rental companies can start using AI tools right now

• How AI will reshape pricing, utilization tracking, and even sales prospecting

• Advice for challenging “mindset gridlock” in your business

What does it take to grow from cleaning bathrooms to running an entire rental operation?

Eddie Wilson, General Manager at City Rentals, joins The Rental Roundtable to share his incredible journey from an entry-level yard position to leading one of the most respected independent rental businesses in California.

He discusses building a strong team culture, preventing theft, and adapting to today’s changing rental market.

AI agents aren’t coming—they’re already here.

In this episode of Rental Roundtable, we’re joined by Jesse Buckingham, former CEO of Record360 and founder of Vooma, to explore how AI is actively transforming the freight industry, and what that means for the future of rental.

Jesse walks us through a live demo of a voice AI agent that can answer calls, qualify carriers, and book freight with zero human involvement. This isn’t a future prediction. It’s already handling thousands of calls a day.

“AI is answering thousands of calls every day for brokers across America.”

Steven Eisenstein, owner of Classic Tents and Events, shares how he scaled a small tent rental company into a 96-person operation serving movie sets, major sporting events, and even the Secret Service. From building a strong team culture to developing custom software, Steven breaks down the systems behind his growth, and what makes Atlanta’s event rental market unique.

Carol Fontanez spent over a decade building Jamco’s rental division from the ground up, turning what was once a minor part of the business into a key revenue driver.

In this episode of the Rental Roundtable, she shares what it takes to succeed in the equipment rental industry. From fighting theft and earning trust to navigating a tight-knit industry, Carol talks through the hard lessons, real wins, and how to grow with integrity.

John Pfister, CEO and co-founder of Mazo Capital Solutions, joins the Rental Roundtable to discuss how transparent, dealer-focused financing is helping rental companies grow without relying on blanket liens. He shares Mazo’s approach to flexible funding, how tariffs and economic shifts are impacting the market, and why trust and clarity are the future of equipment financing.

Dan Morris started in rental right out of high school—washing equipment and running deliveries. Today, he’s the General Manager of Kennebec Equipment Rental and President of the ARA of Maine.

In this episode, Dan shares how he worked his way up over 25 years, what it takes to lead a successful independent rental business, and why now is the time to plan for ownership transitions.

Topics include:

• Career growth in the rental industry

• Succession planning and ownership

• Competing with national chains

• Company culture and employee retention

• The role of ARA in supporting independents

Quipli just released the 2026 State of Rental Report, and in this episode of The Rental Roundtable we break down what it means for equipment rental businesses going into 2026.

Growth is still present in rental, but it’s slower, tighter, and more dependent on execution than ever before. Drawing on insights from more than 50 podcast interviews, a survey of independent operators, and anonymized platform data, we explore how industry leaders are responding to this new operating reality.

Fuel isn’t just a cost—it’s a competitive edge rental companies can’t afford to overlook.

In this episode, Mike Murphy, president of Ally Fuels, explains how rental companies are turning fuel management into a profit center by unlocking new revenue streams. Learn about the three phases of fuel management - 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 - and how independents can compete with the nationals by offering smarter, tech-enabled fuel services.

Brett Baker, founder of States Rentals in Midland, TX, shares how he turned $77K and a driveway into a $60M fleet. He breaks down his niche strategy, creative financing, and why team culture and customer service set them apart.

Troy Greenleaf has spent over 40 years in the equipment rental industry - and he's still evolving. In this episode of the Rental Roundtable, Troy, owner of ⁠Mainely Equipment⁠, shares how he’s adapted to decades of change, how independent rental companies can stay competitive, and why personalized service and flexible rental programs still win.

Scott Cannon, CEO of BigRentz, joins us to share how his team has used AI since 2017 to improve pricing, logistics, and decision-making across 14,000+ rental locations. We dive into the future of equipment rental, construction inefficiencies, and what small businesses can learn from BigRentz’s tech-driven approach.

Laura Albert is the third-generation CEO of Interstate Rental Service, a 90-year-old family-owned event rental company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

In this episode of the Rental Roundtable, Laura shares how Interstate has supported some of the city’s most iconic events- like the Boston Marathon, championship parades, and university graduations.

Whether you're in event rentals, equipment rentals, or running a family business, Laura’s story offers valuable insights on legacy, leadership, and adapting to change.

CPA Rebecca Warnick joins Kyle to break down the biggest financial mistakes rental owners make—often without realizing it. Learn how to:

✔️ Look beyond your bank balance

✔️ Identify your most profitable items

✔️ Raise prices the right way

✔️ Retire underperforming equipment

✔️ Stay ahead with proactive maintenance

With over a decade of rental industry experience, Rebecca shares what it takes to run a financially sound operation.

In Part 3 of Mastering Rental Growth, Kyle and Elliott explore how to successfully expand your rental business into new markets and niche segments. They discuss testing demand, cold starts, market research, and forming strategic partnerships. You’ll also hear insights on sales team structure, compensation strategies, and how to use curiosity and social media to uncover new growth opportunities.

🎧 Catch up on Parts 1 and 2 if you missed them!

Part 2 of Mastering Rental Growth with Elliott Vigil is now live on the Rental Roundtable!In this episode, we dive into how to build a sales team that fuels real growth. Kyle and Elliott explore the timing of your first hire, how to recruit top performers, and the role of onboarding, trust, and tech in creating a high-performing sales culture. Whether you’re just starting to grow or rebuilding your team, this episode offers practical insights you can act on.

We’re re-releasing one of our most insightful series: Mastering Rental Growth with Elliott Vigil.

Originally recorded in August 2024, this three-part series is now being published on the Rental Roundtable podcast - starting with Part 1: The Mechanics of Efficient Rental Growth.

In this episode, Kyle and Elliott explore what it takes to build a rental business that’s designed to grow. From business strategy and org charts to operational best practices, this episode sets the stage for long-term, efficient growth.

Activate CEO Brian Giamo joins the Rental Roundtable to share how his platform is helping rental companies and fleet owners gain real-time visibility, improve customer service, and scale operations with AI and automation. With over 20 years in the industry, Brian demonstrates how transparency, data integration, and tech adoption are shaping the connected future of equipment management.

Scott Cannon, CEO of BigRentz, shares why AI is overhyped in the short term but massively underhyped for the long term. We discuss why most AI projects fail, why integrations and APIs create more value today, and how data will reshape the rental industry over the next decade.

In this episode of the Rental Roundtable, Kyle chats with Clement Cazalot, CEO of Machinery Partner, about how niche markets and specialized equipment are reshaping the rental industry.

Clement shares insights on the growing demand for specialty equipment, the challenges of managing unique inventory, and how new manufacturers are impacting the market. He also explains how Machinery Partner combines technology and industry expertise to help rental companies meet these changing demands. Plus, Clement reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and key lessons learned along the way.

Thinking about selling your independent rental business? In this episode, Kyle sits down with Dan Conway, Managing Partner at Craft Partners, to break down the entire M&A process. With over 30 transactions and $2 billion in enterprise value under his belt, Dan shares invaluable insights on:

✅ When to start preparing for a sale

✅ Common mistakes to avoid

✅ Navigating due diligence

✅ The emotional impact of selling your business

In this episode of Rental Roundtable, Kyle welcomes Jay Tyrell, founder of Northern Safety, to discuss the critical role of safety training in the equipment rental industry. Jay shares insights from his decades of experience in construction and equipment safety, emphasizing how operator errors contribute to service calls and job site accidents.

Get in touch with Jay at 218-296-1731 or jay.nsmn@gmail.com.

In this episode of Rental Roundtable, Chad Wagner, owner of A1 Rent It, shares his journey from being a teacher to running a four-location rental business. Starting with one location, Chad and his wife rapidly expanded to three overnight, growing from six to 35 employees.

We discuss:

✅ The challenges and lessons from scaling so quickly

✅ How peer groups and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) keep their business on track

✅ The evolving role of technology in rental operations

✅ Whether subscription models are the future of equipment rental