The Front Porch

Point of Rental's Head of AI, Matt Gaffin, talks with industry experts Brittany Haas (Crown Rental), Grant Christopher (Christopher Equipment), and Anthony Durante (The Owl, formerly of Durante Rentals) about how rental leaders use AI in their lives. They share practical applications like SOP and policy/manual creation, professionalizing emails and job descriptions, marketing content and images, research and event outreach, brainstorming, and drafting sensitive employee communications, while noting limitations in deeper analytics like utilization, fleet moves, and buy/sell decisions without better context and continuous data. 

Brian talks with Point of Rental e-commerce strategy lead Caleb Yell about how rental e-commerce has shifted from a "nice to have" to a business-critical tool and how you can avoid a lot of the growing pains that come from implementing it. You'll learn about the tools being used to digitize counter workflows online (e-sign, ID verification, ACH/payments), common breakdowns, and the need for optimized consumer-facing images and descriptions.  They cover underused tools, key metrics to watch, and highlight the need for great SEO, especially in the AI age. 

Senior implementation consultant Phil Clark shares his path, from trampolining, engineering and IT curiosity to bus driving, coaching, and ultimately training customers at Point of Rental. He talks about what good training looks like, what he enjoys most about working with customers and teams, and some standout travel experiences on the job. March is MS Awareness month, so Phil also opens up about his experience with multiple sclerosis and how it’s shaped his life and relationships. We also learned about Phil's off-the-clock stories—volunteering with an inshore lifeboat crew and doing the occasional “disco” as a hobby DJ.

Kim Medellin is Point of Rental's Global HR Generalist. She shares her journey from growing up in Michigan with dreams of being a singer to moving to Texas and finding her path in HR. She discusses her career transitions, including her time as a pharmacy tech and her entry into the construction industry, which eventually led her to Point of Rental. We talk karaoke tips, Gen Alpha slang, quotable movies, and more. Don't miss out on Kim's insights and personal stories that highlight her dedication to helping others and creating a positive workplace environment.

Join us as we welcome Kayla Winfree, the account management team lead at Record360, to The Front Porch. Learn about her journey from managerial experiences at Planet Fitness and Verizon, to her passion for sales and Record360, and her love for her new home in San Diego. Additionally, Kayla opens up about her yoga practice, the challenges of working remotely, and the strategies she uses to maintain a vibrant team culture. With humor and candor, Kayla offers valuable insights on developing self-confidence, managing multiple roles, and prioritizing mental health.

Brian Holden is a solutions engineer at Point of Rental - the only one in South Africa - and he joins the podcast while on a visit to the UK for this month's Syrinx Conference.. Brian shares his experiences from the conference, memories from his career in the hire industry, and insights into his personal interests. Brian also delves into his love for mountain biking, lessons learned from his time as a golf shop entrepreneur, and being a bona fide online certifications/training star.

In this episode, we welcome Josh Johnston from PartyPros to discuss his career journey and the intricacies of running a full-service events company. From his early beginnings in the AV field to owning a nightclub, DJing, and finally merging into Party Pros, Josh shares invaluable insights and experiences from his multifaceted career in the events industry. Learn how he balances creativity with business acumen, grows his company, and navigates the challenges that come his way. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at his adventures, including speaking at TEDx and attending Burning Man. Dive into the fascinating world of event planning and management, and pick up some practical tips for success along the way.

Join Dan Huggins, our Solutions Engineer Team Lead in Reading, UK, on the Front Porch this month! We delve into Daniel's childhood ambitions, his experiences working at Blockbuster and as a poker dealer, and how these roles have helped shape his career. Daniel also discusses his leadership philosophy, his love for golf, and what it's like to balance parenthood with a professional career. Stay tuned for Dan's top five movie picks and his perspective on the future of Arsenal FC.

Join us on The Front Porch as we sit down with Ash Woodcock, owner of RPM Hire, a leading traffic management equipment hire company in Australia - Hire Company of the Year, in fact, in 2025. Ash shares his journey from growing up in Tasmania to building a nationwide business in Australia. He discusses the challenges and successes of funding business growth, the importance of maintaining balance between work and family, and offers insights on how he maintains a strong company culture. Watch as Ash talks about his experiences with marathons, the importance of goal setting, and offers valuable advice on maintaining balance in life and business.

It's International Podcast Day!Enjoy this interview we published earlier in the month on YouTube:Dillon Baird, founder of RepMove, shares his journey from a young aspiring dirt bike rider to a successful entrepreneur. He delves into his early career, which he pursued throughout the American West, and the roots of RepMove. Dillon highlights the importance of persistence, teamwork, and continuous improvement in both personal and professional life. 

Jim Goodfriend shares his journey to rental software sales, from growing up in the Northeast, dropping out of college, to living on an organic farm in Israel. We learn about his career journey, his passion for sales, and his interests outside of work, including his love for concerts and soccer. Smart, engaging, and full of personality, Jim’s story is one of overcoming challenges, building connections, and finding joy in unexpected places. Whether you're interested in career advice, personal anecdotes, or just want to hear about delicious sandwiches, there's something in this episode for everyone.

Claire Carden shares her inspiring journey from aspiring actress and theater enthusiast to Broadway stage manager and finally transitioning into a career in coding. Get an inside look at her experiences working on Broadway, her passion for adopting senior rescue dogs, and her love for video games. Claire also discusses her favorite musicals, why she enjoys Point of Rental hackathons, and offers insights into her personal and professional growth. 

Erick Gordineer is Point of Rental's Salesforce Developer Manager, and he's got a backstory full of incredible successes, setbacks, and even more successes. Learn why he goes by Erick at Point of Rental, his background in IT and development, and his passion for mentorship and teaching. Erick also shares his love for spirited driving, his reflections on overcoming fear, and his recommendations for helping others use AI tools. 

Elliott Vigil joins us on the Front Porch to discuss his journey from being a kid facing expulsion from school to a 20-plus-year career in rental sales to running his own sales consulting business. You'll walk away from this episode with several invaluable insights on sales, the importance of authentic relationships, and personal growth...and some tips for being an excellent Santa for any neighborhood events. Find him on LinkedIn or visit his website to book him to help train your own sales teams.

Bradley Hindsman, Customer Success Manager and unofficial ambassador of college football - and Alabama football in particular - to the team at Record360. We'll learn about his biggest takeaways from college, why he left mechanical engineering for sales engineering and now customer success, and his Top 5 Disney World rides, plus a whole lot more.Want to meet more Pointers and rental leaders? Subscribe to this feed, or find The Front Porch on Point of Rental's YouTube page.

It's time to meet events coordinator Emyly Banke!On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll get into her journey from aspiring lawyer to event coordinator, and her passion for organizing memorable events, from small parties to company onsites and everything surrounding Point of Rental tradeshows. Learn how she manages logistics, her favorite travel destinations, and some fun facts about her professional and personal life. Don't forget to hug Wayne.

Martin Baugh, the product manager/owner for mobile solutions at Point of Rental, joins us on The Front Porch! Martin's our first Pointer to start his career at Chuck E. Cheese before becoming a key player in the tech industry. Discover the differences between product management and ownership, the challenges and joys of working in rental tech, and taking an RV around the country. Martin also offers invaluable advice for those looking to travel and insights into the inner workings of Point of Rental's mobile and API teams.

Somehow this didn't get shared in March! Jessie Anton is one of Point of Rental's account managers. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jessie tells tales from her career in marketing, waitressing, and in the electricity sector before joining Point of Rental. She discusses her role as an account manager and her love for building relationships with customers despite the challenges it entails. This episode also explores Jessie's introverted nature, her passion for storytelling, conspiracy theories, and how she got into wrestling. 

Sara Brace, Record360's Sr. Customer Support Manager, shares her experiences from her early dreams of being a pop star to working at In-N-Out and how she transitioned into customer support roles. Listen as Sarah discusses her career journey, the surprising non-magnetic world of new fridges, and the challenges of growing a team. Discover her favorite In-N-Out secret menu items, and learn about her love for sewing and crafting.Find The Front Porch on LinkedIn for clips and highlights from past shows!

Kaitlyn DeGrasse joins The Front Porch from Special Event Rentals in Edmonton, Alberta this month! Caitlin discusses her path from growing up in Ottawa with a mother in the events industry to becoming a key player in the rental industry herself. She shares insights on why she was listed on Rental Management's '12 to Watch Under 40' list, highlighting her ability to see the bigger picture and connect with customers. Caitlin also walks us through her love for event planning, inspired by her mother, and how she transitioned from hospitality and tourism education to a thriving career in the event rental industry. Check out the Special Event Rentals podcast on YouTube!

Mark Goodrum, Point of Rental's Managing Director for the EMEA region, joins The Front Porch to talk about his journey to the top of Point of Rental's UK office. From a childhood dream of joining the military, through enlisting and a career in hire, to discovering Higher Concept and rising through the ranks, we learned about his career journey. We also learned about his favourite fishing styles, his car and motorcycle riding, and why he claims to not smile so much after his military days. 

Hey all, no regular episode with a rental leader this month - it's just me producing and my skills are pretty limited. So let's talk about what Point of Rental (and I) will be up to at the ARA Show in Vegas. POR's show specialsPOR's post-show trainingAdopt your own frogLet's talk at the show! Message me on LinkedIn

Cindy shares her journey from dreaming of a career in dentistry to working in nutrition and eventually project management. In this engaging conversation, they discuss the challenges and rewards of her various roles, memorable trips, her passion for coaching, and her unique perspective on the company. Don't miss out as Cindy reveals her top travel experiences, navigates the dynamics of work-life balance, and gives insights into her personal and professional life.

In this episode, we chat with Russ Hicks, second-generation owner of AAA Party Rentals, about his journey in the rental industry, building a company culture, and invaluable business experiences. Russ shares engaging stories, career advice, and his passion for live sporting events, giving insightful perspectives on managing a family business.Book recommendation from the episode: The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

Steve Goff, a Tier 2 software support technician, at Point of Rental, shares his story of growing up in Louisiana, diving into his love for Texas Hold'em, various job experiences, and his journey through education and career development. From handling bomb threats to pursuing his passion for software support, Steve's story is a wild one. 

James Morley, Point of Rental's SVP of Product Development, hosts our #IC24 innovation panel. Panelists Mark Olsen from Caylent, Glenn Holland from AWS, and Evan Fort and Collin Pike from Point of Rental discuss creating a culture of innovation, leveraging AI and telematics, and overcoming traditional business challenges. (03:26) - Sustaining Innovation and Prioritization (05:23) - Customer-Centric Innovation (12:50) - AI and Data-Driven Decisions (23:43) - Customer Self-Service and Future Directions (26:17) - Future of Payments: Integrating New Solutions (26:53) - Generative AI: Skepticism and Potential (27:55) - Practical Applications of Generative AI (30:11) - Generative AI in Business: Efficiency and Caution (31:42) - Generative AI: Real-World Use Cases (36:29) - Data and AI: Improving Business Decisions (39:53) - Challenges and Best Practices in AI Implementation

Join Brian Beaudry on The Front Porch as he interviews Kayla O'Loughlin, Senior Marketing and Events Coordinator at Point of Rental APAC. Dive into Kayla's journey from her childhood aspirations to become a wedding planner, her experiences and challenges in various jobs including Red Rooster and Pandora, and her impressive achievements in the cheerleading world. 

Join Grant Christopher, president of Christopher Equipment, as he shares his path to becoming one of Rental Management's '12 to Watch Under 40'. He discusses his first career dreams and reflects on the challenges and rewards of leading a family business. Tune in for insights on growth, technology adoption in the rental industry, and much more! 

Sr. SDR Tucker Estes shares his unique journey from growing up in Indiana, helping manage a small town in the world's most in-person job, to transitioning into a remote work environment at Record360. Learn about the disturbingly odd food combo he loves, his dream of playing MLB, and his ventures into woodworking and outdoor hobbies. 

Alexx Bacon from Aaberg's Tool & Equipment Rental in Tacoma, Wash. shares his journey from growing up in the rental business to becoming one of ARA's 12 to watch under 40. Discover the challenges and triumphs of running a family business, the importance of work-life balance, and invaluable insights into overcoming personal obstacles. Alex's candid discussion on staying positive, embracing competition, and fostering collaboration among rental companies offers practical advice for anyone in the industry. Don't miss this episode filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and actionable tips for success.Are you searching for ways to make your business processes more efficient and grow your bottom line? Now you can – by integrating with equipment lifecycle management services like SmartEquip or Rouse. Click on those links to learn more.

Software Consultant Luis Cruz explains how he got here: From his roots in Phoenix, Arizona, and early aspirations of racing cars to how he became a consultant at Point of Rental.  Luis shares his journey into the rental industry, starting as a temp worker and transitioning into operations and consulting. We also learn about Luis's personal interests, including his love for Ted Lasso, sports teams, and his brief radio career. Find more interviews with pointers at frontporch.transistor.fm. 

Brian Garcia, one of Point of Rental's implementation specialists, joins us to share his journey from childhood dreams of being a secret agent to his professional path in journalism, support, and implementation. Learn about his passion for skiing, his experiences volunteering as an interpreter on the Mexican border, and the importance of community service in his life. 

Kat Gillis, the new General Manager of Record360, visits the Front Porch this month. Kat shares her fascinating journey from Hamburg, Germany to Boise, Idaho, her early aspirations of becoming an astronaut, and how her diverse interests in biology and luxury brands guided her to a successful career in the software industry. Discover Kat's experiences in research, fashion, and her pivotal role in the growth of Record360. Plus, get a glimpse into her personal life, including her family's move to Boise, her advocacy for Down syndrome awareness, and her unique exercise hobbies.

Dive into Record360 CEO Abby Chao's personal and professional journey, her early dreams of becoming a novelist, her transition into the tech and business world, and her experiences running multiple companies simultaneously. Abby opens up about her upbringing, challenges, achievements, and even some fun personal anecdotes, including her secret about managing three companies and her two-second sock fold technique. 

Our first former Olympian joins The Front Porch! John Keller represented Team USA in team handball in the 1996 Olympics before entering the rental industry and becoming the CEO of FlexTC. We talked about his journey around the country and from sports to building a successful service company in the rental and emergency spaces. Keller also reflects on the challenges and lessons learned in the rental industry, emphasizing the importance of community, flexibility, and resilience in both personal and professional growth.

Point of Rental's Director of Product Operations, Woody Hagar, joins the Front Porch. From dreams of drumming making way to geography to data analytics, we trek the course of his career. For the list of his Top 5 books, find those below. To learn where he got his nickname (spoiler alert: It isn't Woody), or the lie he most remembers telling kids, or how he plans to celebrate his 100th birthday, watch the video. SUBSCRIBE to The Front Porch on the podcast platform you use here: https://frontporch.transistor.fm/Woody's Top 5 Books:5. Nine Lies About Work: https://a.co/d/iN6pGie4. Dare to Lead: https://a.co/d/dxk2F8K3. Boys in the Boat: https://a.co/d/htRz4ht2. Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge: https://a.co/d/bU6w2Of1. You're Not Listening: https://a.co/d/ixWA7mt

Scott Marchant, the Managing Director of Master Hire based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia joins Brian on The Front Porch. They delve into the complexities of Australia's hire industry, and discuss the experiences and challenges they share with their American counterparts.Scott provides valuable insights on the importance of focusing on people in the service industry, balancing work and life, the power of effective listening, and the multiple facets of the hire industry that outsiders often overlook. The discussion encapsulates Scott's journey from starting out in the industry to becoming a majority owner of his company, the shaping of the company culture, and the significant role of customers in driving their growth and innovation path. We also play a game of 'Scott or Not' where Scott discusses his stand on various things, from technology to leadership values.

Sean Konys, Point of Rental's consulting services manager, grew up with a passion for entrepreneurship, starting as a kid selling the gum from his baseball card packs. His rental career has taken him from car dealerships and rental stores to direct involvement with major events like the Oscars and the Kentucky Derby. SUBSCRIBE to the Front Porch on YouTube or wherever you find podcasts: https://frontporch.transistor.fm/

Sandra Carreiro, Bercon Rentals' controller, joined The Front Porch during Point of Rental's International Conference. Sandra shares her unique journey into the rental industry, candidly expressing how she initially struggled to understand it but ultimately fell in love with its diversity and community feel. She underscores the significance of investing in operation staff, noting that they are the face of the company and key to fostering a healthy customer relationship. Sandra also highlights the pivotal role a positive company culture plays in driving success. She discusses how Bercon Rentals has navigated various operational challenges, using Point of Rental's tools to optimize their operations. 

Avery DuBose, the Vice President of Northern California's (and Nevada's) Rental Guys, stopped by the Porch at Point of Rental's International Conference. Avery shares his career journey, the company's growth strategy, and his personal philosophy of leadership - identifying and leveraging the strengths of each team member. He discusses the challenges and rewards of operating multiple locations, the importance of using data to guide your business, and gives a tip for the next generation entering the rental business. He also shares his favorite Point of Rental reports and reveals a secret about the rental industry – the importance of a rate structure that suits your business.

Interested in being a guest on the Front Porch (and in the rental industry)? Email [email protected]. Join us on the Front Porch as we chat with Point of Rental's product owner for Syrinx, Dan McKenna. In this engaging conversation, Dan shares his journey from working in the hire industry to being a part of Point of Rental's product development team. He sheds light on his role managing development processes, coordinating software development projects, and bridging the gap between the sales and dev side of the business. Moreover, Dan opens up about his personal life, discussing his love for camping, athletics, and his dog Ruby. Tune in and get to know more about the man behind the magic at Point of Rental.

Doug Haas from Crown Rental shares insights from his 35-year journey in the rental industry on this episode of The Front Porch, delving into essential business advice, the evolution of his career, and interesting experiences in the rental industry. Also covered are Haas' adventurous motorcycle expeditions and his significant role in the ARA. Tune in for this fun and enriching conversation, filled with anecdotes and invaluable industry insights.

Meet Judy Fort, Solution Engineer Manager at Point of Rental, and learn about her journey from a software developer to a sales engineer and eventually managing a global sales engineering team. She discusses her work experiences, her most cherished accomplishments and fears...and she's the first person to do research into determining her spirit spice. Judy also talks about her most interesting life experiences, including changing her hair color, a particular phobia, and her Top 5 karaoke songs. The talk also takes unexpected turns to talk about house-buying horror stories, her most embarrassing moments at Point of Rental, her great love for traveling, and her furniture-building hobby.

Point of Rental offers business consulting! At #PORIC23, we invited some people who had gone through the consulting process to join our Consulting Team Lead Sean Konys up on stage. Rental Guys' Avery DuBose hosted the panel, adding some humor, and he was joined by Sandra Carreiro from Bercon Rentals and Zane Kitsmiller from Hugg & Hall. They talked about why they tried consulting, the benefits they got, and gave their opinions on why it might or might not be worth it for you to consider.If you'd like to learn more about Point of Rental consulting, visit pointofrental.com/consulting.

Ross Wheat, Point of Rental's Sales Operations Specialist joins us on the Front Porch this month. We discuss his career, from race car driving to bowling to the printing industry to his current role at Point of Rental. Ross, a father of four "Mini Wheats," shares his insights on the importance of proper communication within a company along with his love for bowling, music, and more fascinating stories from his work and personal life. 

At Point of Rental's 2023 International Conference, we welcomed several rental leaders up to the stage to talk about the state of the industry and its future. In this episode, you'll hear from Durante Rentals' Stephanie Rajzbaum, Elite Events & Rentals' Brandon Ahlgren, SitePro Rentals' Trey Calloway, and A Tool Shed's Rob Pedersen. If you have rental/hire industry knowledge you'd like to share and you'd like to be a part of Point of Rental's panels or webinars - or even do a regular episode of The Front Porch with us - send an email to [email protected] and let us know! We'd love to chat. 

Katie McFarland, Point of Rental's Inbound Sales Development Representative, drops by the Front Porch to discuss her career - from achieving her dream of becoming a teacher to why she joined Point of Rental. We also learned her athletic career, her Top 5 reasons to apply to become Point of Rental's GUIDE, and played a game of "McFarland or McFarlout".SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel or find us on the podcasting platform you're using! (If you use a platform that you can't find us on, email [email protected] to let us know about it.) 

James Morley, Point of Rental's SVP of Global Product Management, drops by the Front Porch to discuss...well, product management, overall. We learned about his philosophies and the goals for Point of Rental's product development in the future, as well as his background as an Eagle Scout and some of the opportunities it's afforded him. We also learned about his love of SCUBA diving, how his most embarrassing moment as a Pointer is "yet to be," and played a game of "Morley or Lessly".SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel or find us on the podcasting platform of your choice!

Joseph (Joey) Marks drops by the Front Porch to talk about his path from paleontology to selling software. He explained the differences in working with strategic accounts vs SMB, talked about the growth of the company's SDR team, and how he got into sales in the first place.We also discussed his enthusiasm for watch collecting, the time he traveled the same roads as James Bond, and played a game of "Joey or Noey".SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel or find us on the podcasting platform of your choice!

Evan Fort, Point of Rental's SVP of Global Technology, drops by the Front Porch to talk about his career in technology, from starting in IT for a school district to building the company's Essentials product from the ground up in 2014 to leading Point of Rental's development and QA teams. We also discussed his escape room expertise, ranked the country's best escape rooms, and played a game of "Fort or Fort No".