Ted Cook


Ventura Rental Center


Ventura, Calif.

Ted Cook is co-owner of Ventura Rental Center, established in Ventura, Calif., in 1958. The company currently has three locations and a repair shop in the area with more than 40 employees. Cook directs the construction, general tool and repair operations while his sister-in-law, Heidi Whitcomb, manages the special events division. The company joined ARA in 2001.

Background: Cook was born and raised in the Carolinas. He was introduced to the rental industry by his wife and her family in California and has been involved in equipment rental since 1982, starting with the wash rack. “I have rental in my blood. I love finding out how my rental peers profit from varied niche ideas and business models,” he says. According to Cook, Dan Kaplan, a rental industry veteran and consultant, once publicly told him he should get out of the business because he had no idea what he was doing. He took that advice personally, gaining education through the American Rental Association (ARA). “It is not an accident that growing my business happens to correlate with my increased commitment to Construction U and the ARA,” he says.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Region Nine Director, currently serving a three-year term.



• Appointed member of ARA Executive Committee, 2009-2010.



• Member of ARA of California board of directors.



• Served on the Construction U Task Force in 2006.



• Participates in the ARA National Legislative Caucus.



• Participates in the annual ARA State, Local and Provincial Leadership Conference.



• Previously involved in the local leadership of the Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter of the California Rental Association.



• Chairman of the board for the Ventura Chamber of Commerce in 2008.



• Ventura Chamber of Commerce PAC Trustee since 2001.



• Member of Ventura’s Budgeting for Outcomes Task Force in 2008-2009.



• Founding advisor of the Ventura Venture Business Incubator.



• Has been a scoutmaster, explorer advisor and district commissioner in the Boy Scouts of America and holds the rank of Eagle Scout.

Why run for office? “I believe in the rental business and know it has not reached full maturity. Continuing to build and enhance the ARA requires time, energy and being market savvy. Just as others before us, we take turns stepping forward to offer our time and talent for the benefit of the industry.”

Mike Flesher is president of Flesher Equipment, which operates Taylor Rentals in Vestal and Ithaca, N.Y. The company serves construction, general tool and party and event customers with party and event comprising just over half of its business. The company has 22 employees with 16-18 seasonal staff members added as needed. Taylor Rentals joined ARA in 1985.

Background: Flesher purchased Taylor Rentals in Vestal in 1984 and built a new store and tent cleaning business in 1990. In 1995, he opened a second location in Ithaca. “I came to the rental industry with no knowledge of the business and learned by doing — everything,” he says.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Chairman of Government Affairs Committee.



• Region One Director, 2005-2008.



• Appointed member of ARA Executive Committee, 2007-2008.



• Served on Events Task Force and Business Development and Education Committees.



• Served on General Tool & Equipment Services Shared Interest Group (SIG).



• Former president and treasurer for the ARA of New York.



• Past president of Upstate New York Rental Association.



• Participates in the ARA National Legislative Caucus.



• Participates in the annual ARA State, Local and Provincial Leadership Conference.



• Member of the True Value Member Advisory Board.



• Member of the Broom Country Chamber of Commerce.



• Member of the Home Builders Association.



• Plans and implements the annual “Flog-n-Grog” golf tournament with his family to benefit various children’s charities.



• ARA Region One Rental Person of the Year in 2003.



• Received TruServ award for Best Niche Opportunity in a Rental Store for commercial tent cleaning operation in 1995.

Why run for office? “I enjoy participating at every level of ARA, and my experience in the rental industry for more than 25 years has broadened my knowledge of all rental segments. I have developed good business and personal relationships. If elected, I will use my experience to help guide the association to an even better and stronger future.”

Region 2 Director

John Futcher Jr.


UniRents


Haskell, N.J.

John Futcher is owner, vice president and CEO of UniRents in Haskell, N.J. The company serves the construction, general tool and party and event segments of the industry as well as offering truck rentals. UniRents has seven full-time employees. The company joined ARA in 1986.

Background: The business was founded by Futcher’s parents and a partner in 1960 as a United Rent-Alls franchise. After opening a second store in 1968, they split the partnership and retained the Haskell location. In 1972, they left United Rent-Alls and formed UniRents, adding PartiRents in 1986. “I went off to college in 1981. At the end of that year, New Jersey was in a recession and my father asked if I would work full time and go to college at night. Of course, I said, ‘Yes,’ and have been full time since then.” His brother, David, also joined the company in 1981. Futcher has been responsible for the daily operations since 2000, and he and his brother assumed full ownership in 2008. “My life is rental and always will be. My son is now 17 and he comes to work after school and on weekends,” he says.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• State chairman, ARA of New Jersey, 1994-2000. Between 1996 and 2004, served as director, treasurer and chairman.



• Exhibitor co-chairman for Region Two conferences, 1991 and 1995.



• Attended The Rental Show annually from 1996 to 2008.



• Volunteer firefighter and currently holds the rank of 1st Lieutenant.



• Serves on the county’s First Aid Squad.



• Member of local chamber of commerce since 1996.



• Coaches children’s sports.



• Boy Scout leader and holds the rank of Eagle Scout.



• ARA of New Jersey Rental Man of the Year for 1999.

Why run for office? “I believe the role of Region Two Director is both challenging and rewarding. I have a lot of years in the rental business — it’s like second nature to me. I am honored that I was nominated and if elected, I believe I will be an asset to the ARA members and board of directors.”

Alan Wismer


George’s Tool Rental


Hatfield, Pa.

Alan Wismer and his wife, Marty, are co-owners of George’s Tool Rental. The general tool segment accounts for about 80 percent of the company’s business, which also includes construction equipment rental. The company has 23 employees. George’s Tool Rental joined ARA in 1974.

Background: George’s Tool Rental was founded by Marty’s family in 1970. Wismer joined the company in 1984 and assumed management of the operation in 1989. In 1997, they established a branch store in Danboro, Pa. In 2000, they opened Good Times Rental, a party and event rental store, which has since been sold. The Wismers purchased George’s Tool Rental in 2004. Wismer places a high priority on networking with his peers and believes that member-to-member engagement has contributed to the success of the business. He also has used the ARA Foundation Rental Executive Advisory Program (REAP), working with REAP advisors on important business decisions.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Member of General Tool and Equipment Shared Interest Group (SIG) for the last three years.



• Served on ARA/ARA Insurance Services Risk Management Committee, 2007-2009.



• Served on The Rental Show Task Force, 2004-2005.



• Served on the board of ARA of Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley Rental Association in the 1990s.



• Member of ARA-facilitated Business Analysis Group (BAG).



• Attends The Rental Show yearly.



• Has participated in Construction U and Events & Tents pre-show workshops.



• Supports the ARA Foundation and the ARA Foundation Auction.



• Serves on various church boards and committees in his community.



• Played a role in facilitating his community’s Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Why run for office? “If elected, I will bring my rental experience to the board and help members understand how they can more fully utilize what ARA has to offer and make the most of their membership. As a respected rental colleague said recently, ‘ARA is the catalyst for success in the rental industry.’ I agree.”

Region 3 Director (unopposed)

Ben Cooke


Cooke Rentals


Mount Airy, N.C.

Ben Cooke is ARA’s current Region Three Director. He was elected last fall to fill a partial term from September 2008 to February 2010. He has been nominated to serve a full three-year term and asks for a vote of confidence from the Region Three members. Cooke is manager of Cooke Rentals, a predominantly construction and general tool rental business in Mount Airy, N.C. The business also offers some party and event equipment rental. Cooke’s workforce fluctuates between 16 and 19 employees. Cooke’s also has a branch in Denver, N.C., run by Ben’s brother, Chad, and a branch in Cornelius, N.C., run by his brother Andy. The company has been an ARA member since 1975.

Background: Cooke’s parents, Byron and Linda Cooke, founded Cooke Rentals in 1973. “I grew up in the rental business, hanging out at the store. Many family vacations were not complete until we had visited a rental store,” Cooke says. He graduated from Appalachian State University, earning a master’s degree in sports management. He worked as an athletic trainer and then for an orthopedic surgeon before joining the family business full-time in 1998.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• ARA’s current Region Three Director, filling a partial term to February 2010.



• Member of ARA’s Next Generation of Rental Owners.



• Member of ARAPAC.



• Officer of ARA of North Carolina.



• Attends ARA National Legislative Caucus and ARA State, Local and Provincial Leadership Conference.



• Member of his local parks and recreation board.



• Member of local sports hall of fame committee.



• Past president of Mount Airy Rotary Club.



• Member and deacon for First Baptist Church of Mount Airy.

Why run for office? “Serving in this role for the better part of a year, I’ve done my homework and feel I have a good idea of member needs and expectations. I’ll continue to support the state/local leaders in the region as we work towards solutions to assist our members to achieve success.”

Sherri Creighton


Pleasanton Rentals


Pleasanton, Calif.

Sherri Creighton is owner and president of Pleasanton Rentals in Pleasanton, Calif., a party and event equipment rental business. During peak months, the company has 18 employees. Pleasanton Rentals has been an ARA member since 1999.

Background: Creighton was exposed to rental early in life when her grandparents opened Broadway Rentals and Sales in Texas in the late 1950s. Her father joined the business in 1965. “From age 12 on, I worked for my father every summer and on Saturdays until I left for college,” she said. Following college, she worked for three years as branch manager of the Tyler homeowners/party store. In 1985, she joined Ducky-Bob’s Party Rentals as a party consultant and was promoted to branch manger of the Fort Worth sales division and opened that location. She retired in 1988, after the birth of her first son, and did not get back into the industry until purchasing Pleasanton Rentals in 1996, when it was predominantly a general tool business. As party volume increased over the next eight years, she eventually sold the general tool division in an asset-only sale, keeping general tool and party in the same shared location. In 2005, she relocated the party division to a 20,000-sq.-ft. building with its own laundry facility, showroom and corporate offices.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Current ARA of California vice president and has served as an officer since 2004.



• Served on ARA Party & Event Services Shared Interest Group (SIG).



• Served on Events Task Force.



• Regularly attends The Rental Show and has participated as a speaker at the event.



• Member of ARAPAC.



• Participated in ARA’s National Legislative Caucus and ARA of California’s Sacramento Legislative Day.



• Participates in the annual ARA State, Local and Provincial Leadership Conference.



• ARA Region Nine Person of the Year, 2008.

Why run for office? “Serving as a board member for ARA of California, I have learned the importance of volunteering your time and serving with others to reach common goals. There are many pivotal issues to our industry and I believe that our region’s members, together with support from ARA, can continue to make a positive difference for business owners in our industry through legislative participation and education. I am passionate about the rental industry and its importance, image and place in our economy.”

Brian Maginnis


American Rentals


Bellflower, Calif.

Brian Maginnis is co-owner and general manager of American Rentals in Bellflower, Calif. The company has three locations with 45 employees in Southern California. The company primarily focuses on construction equipment rental, followed by general tool with a small percentage dedicated to party and event. The company has been an ARA member since 1985.

Background: Maginnis earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from California State University – Long Beach and worked for Airway Rentals between high school and college graduation. After college, he worked for Action Rentals in Los Angeles. He then realized he wanted to branch out on his own and founded American Rentals in 1984, starting out as a truck and trailer rental business with two employees. “During the first two years, I was introduced to the ‘working together concept’ of the rental industry. Whenever I needed advice, forms or anything else, my first call was to one of my competitors. We were always willing to share everything, except our customers,” he said.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Served on ARA Membership Committee.



• Rental Executive Advisory Program (REAP) advisor for the ARA Foundation.



• Attended ARA National Legislative Caucus and the Sacramento Legislative Day the past three years.



• Member of ARAPAC and served on the ARAPAC Council.



• Served on the CRA Insurance and Risk Management Committees.



• Helped form Stolen Taskforce of Southern California, which led to nationwide Stolen Equipment Alert System.



• ARA Region Nine Person of the Year, 2006.



• Received James Gartland Award for outstanding contributions to the California rental industry in 2007.

Why run for office? “The rental industry has had a great deal to do with my success in both my business career and my private life. With my business and family in its mature state, I now have time to get more involved and attempt to ‘give back’ some what I have received. I feel I have not only a good understanding of what our members need, but possess the ability to hear and understand concerns that arise. Region Nine is a large, diverse area with lots of legislative, environmental and governmental issues. We have to be very proactive and ensure our voices and concerns are heard.”

Joe Jabbour is national sales manager for Doosan Infracore Portable Power, Statesville, N.C., which manufactures portable air compressors, generators, light towers and light compaction equipment. The company has been an ARA member since 1960, has exhibited at The Rental Show for 47 years and supports ARA with sponsorship of events at the show.

Background: Jabbour began his rental industry career in 1972, working for Rand-Air in the first division of a major manufacturer solely dedicated to the rental industry. He held a variety of positions with Ingersoll Rand prior to the division’s sale to become Doosan Infracore Portable Power.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Personally participated in The Rental Show for 37 years, attending his first show in Anaheim, Calif., in 1973.



• Serving as a member of The Rental Show Work Group, 2009-2010.



• Served on the ARA Exhibitor Advisory Committee.



• Served as ARA’s first Associate Member Director in 1997-1998.



• Past member of Keystone Rental Association in Pennsylvania and ARA state associations in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.



• Participated in ARA National Legislative Caucus.



• Received ARA Special Service Award in 2008.

Why run for office? “I have worked with the rental industry in various capacities, including selling to independent rental yards, national rental accounts and distributors. I also work with and understand the role of independent manufacturer representatives. I have witnessed the industry evolve over the years and have helped develop solutions for the challenges the industry has faced. I have always dedicated myself to any responsibilities that have been given to me and have looked for challenges and solutions beyond what has been expected. I work very well with people, but am not afraid to speak my mind and offer opinions that may not be popular. Finally, I enjoy my job and my work with the ARA and its members. I am committed to the success of the rental industry.”

Bert de Jong


Bomag Americas — Light Equipment and Rental Division


Kewanee, Ill.

Bert de Jong is vice president of sales for the Light Equipment and Rental Division of Bomag Americas in Kewanee, Ill. The company manufactures compaction equipment, such as plate compactors, tampers and rollers, and serves the construction and general tool segments of the rental industry. De Jong, who resides in Vineland, Ontario, Canada, travels throughout the U.S., Canada and overseas, and has direct administration of more than 40 employees and independent sales representatives. The company has participated as an exhibitor at The Rental Show for the past 36 years and supports ARA with sponsorship of events at the show.

Background: In 1975, de Jong started his rental industry career as sales manager for Ontario Diesel Limited before going to work for Wacker Canada as a special account manager in 1985. In 1986, he joined Bomag Canada as a territory manager and was named general manager in 1992. In 1997, he was transferred to Bomag Americas and became sales manager of the Light Equipment Division before being promoted to his current position.

Volunteer activities and recognition:

• Member of Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Rental Association (CRA) for 22 years and has attended all CRA shows.



• First attended The Rental Show in 1982 and has participated in nearly every show for the past 27 years.



• Serves on Construction & Industrial Services Shared Interest Group (SIG).



• Served on board of directors of the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Associated Equipment Distributors (CAED) for seven years and served as its president in 1998-1999.

Why run for office? “The rental industry has been a large part of my professional life and continues to play a major role. Looking beyond the current economic downturn, I see an industry poised for much growth, creating many opportunities for everyone involved — both general and associate members. If elected, I would regard serving on the ARA board of directors as an opening to further contribute to the industry. I look forward to sharing my experience and expertise for the benefit of all ARA members.”