The Rental Journal Podcast

Michael Larsen speaks with with Phil Parker (CEO) and Andrew Winlow (Fleet Director) of Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland, two leaders shaping one of the most influential rental businesses in the world.Following Sunbelt’s landmark New York Stock Exchange listing and continued global expansion, Phil and Andrew share insights into what it takes to lead at scale in an industry undergoing rapid transformation. From innovation and capital deployment to culture and customer expectations, this conversation explores how modern rental businesses must evolve beyond equipment providers into fully integrated solution partners.The discussion dives into real-world challenges around fleet strategy, technology adoption, and the accelerating pace of innovation particularly in areas like sustainability, hybrid power, and telematics. They unpack the tension between staying ahead of technology while managing asset lifecycles, and why true innovation isn’t about new equipment alone, but delivering measurable value through safety, uptime, and productivity.At its core, this episode highlights a powerful shift: the best rental companies of the future will be those that combine technical expertise, customer insight, and scalable solutions while maintaining simplicity and strong culture at their core. A must-listen for leaders navigating growth, complexity, and global ambition in the rental industry.

Recorded by Michael Larsen, this episode features Linda Carter-Watts, Business Manager and Co Owner of Advanced Tent Technology, and one of the most respected and influential figures in the Australian event hire industry.From her early days working alongside the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix in Montreal to building a life and business in Australia, Linda’s journey is one of courage, adaptability and relentless hard work. Together with her husband Jamie, known to many as Fox, she helped evolve Advanced Tent Technology from traditional tenting into one of Australia’s leading modular flooring and turf protection specialists, servicing iconic events including Adelaide Oval concerts, LIV Golf Adelaide and the Adelaide 500.With more than 30 years of involvement in the Hire and Rental Industry Association, Linda has served as State President, Vice President, Events Chair and long time judge of the Australian Event Hire Company of the Year Award. She became the inaugural recipient of the Women in Hire Award, a moment that recognised decades of leadership, mentorship and contribution to the industry.In this episode we explore:• The leap from Formula One to building a business in Australia • Growing Advanced Tent Technology into a national flooring specialist • Innovation in modular flooring, turf protection and commercial cleaning • Judging excellence in the Event Hire Company of the Year Award • The evolution of women in the hire industry • Navigating COVID, labour shortages and industry change • The power of community, mentorship and long term relationshipsLinda shares honest reflections on resilience, partnership, perseverance and what it truly means to serve both clients and community. With warmth, humility and a calm strength that has shaped generations of rental professionals, this conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy is built through people, contribution and consistency.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting?Learn about Latner Softwarehttps://www.latnersoftware.com/latner-demo

In this episode, Michael Larsen sits down with Nathan Turner from Onsite Rental Group, whose career journey defies convention. From growing up in Papua New Guinea and working as a chef, television host, and security professional, to navigating landslides, remote communities, and high-pressure environments, Nathan brings a rare depth of lived experience into Australia’s mining and infrastructure sectors.Nathan shares how adaptability, humour, and authenticity have shaped his leadership style and enabled him to support tier-one mining and infrastructure clients across some of Australia’s toughest terrain. We explore the evolving role of equipment rental in major projects and why collaboration between clients, OEMs, and rental partners is critical for the future.Beyond business, the conversation dives deeply into men’s mental health, with Nathan speaking candidly about his advocacy as a Queensland ambassador for the Spoke to a Bloke initiative. He reflects on the power of community, mentorship, and simply starting conversations in industries where mental health has long been overlooked.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Learn about Latner Softwarehttps://www.latnersoftware.com/latner-demo

In this episode recorded at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas, host Michael Larsen sits down with Avery Dubose of Rental Guys Inc, a proud third-generation equipment rental business with deep roots in Northern California and Nevada.Avery shares the inspiring journey of Rental Guys, which has been family-owned and operated since 1959, and now spans 14 locations across the region. With a focus on local service, integrity, and long-term growth, Rental Guys has steadily climbed the ranks to become the 87th largest equipment rental business in the United States, as listed in the 2024 RER 100.

Tony Conant is the American Rental Association Chief Executive Officer. The American Rental Association (ARA) is the largest international trade association for owners of equipment and event rental operations and manufacturers and suppliers of rental equipment. As rental continues to evolve, ARA employees and members are working together to build a strong future for our industry.Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Conant while at the ARA Show in Las Vegas.The ARA Show is the world’s largest equipment and event rental trade show. Hosted by the American Rental Association (ARA) since 1956, this can’t-miss trade show includes networking events, education, and a trade show featuring hundreds of exhibitors.Learn more about the upcoming The ARA Show 2026 in Orlandohttps://arashow.org/

Anthony Durante comes from a family deeply rooted in the equipment rental industry, dating back to 1969. In 2009, he co-founded Durante Rentals alongside John Durante and Christopher Jones. From humble beginnings, the company expanded to 10 locations across the New York Tri-state area and earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies for seven consecutive years—an accomplishment achieved by only a select few.In June 2024, Durante Rentals was acquired by Herc Rentals, marking a new chapter in its journey.At the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas, Michael Larsen catches up with Anthony Durante to reflect on the legacy of Durante Rentals and hear what exciting ventures Anthony is pursuing next.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Elliott Vigil has over 22 years experience in the equipment rental industry previously working in various sales roles at the likes of United Rentals & Ahern Rentals. Today Elliot is a sales coach to the construction & equipment rental industry, a key note speaker & co-host of the ARA's podcast ShopTalk.Michael Larsen sits down with Elliott Vigil at 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.Interested in Elliot coaching your sales staff?https://elliottvigil.com/This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Tony Crane was awarded the HRIA Life Member award at the HIRE24 convention in Brisbane, an award that hasn’t been presented since 2018.Tony has worked in the equipment rental industry for the past 40 years, working at companies such as BOC & Flexihire. During that time, Tony also served as the QLD State President of the HRIA.Tony has also assisted in judging the Hire Company of the Year awards in the past and is a long-term mentor in the industry, informally and formally, as part of the HRIA’s development programs.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Classic Hire is a Western Australian owned and family run business which began operations from just one location in 1993.Since then, they have grown to become one of Western Australia's largest hire companies of small to medium sized equipment with eight throughout Perth.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Steve Mau is the President of Brainerd General Rental and the current & 61st President of the American Rental Association. Brainerd General Rental is a general rental store located in Brainerd, Minnesota.Steve previously worked for a Fortune 500 company and was looking to purchase and get involved with a small business in the early 2000s. In 2002 Steve & Maureen Mau acquired Brainerd General Rental, and have since been involved with the equipment rental industry.This podcast episode was recorded at the 2024 ARA Show in New Orleans by Michael Larsen.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

David Maxwell is the Managing Director at United Forklift and Access Solutions & Keith Clarke is the General Manager at Haulotte Australia.United Forklift and Access Solutions & Haulotte Australia have had a strong partnership since 2010 and United recently hit a milestone of purchasing the 5000th Haulotte machine.

Beth Hoff Blackmer is the Owner & President of Aspen Rent-All, and in 2020 was the 58th President of the American Rental Association. Aspen Rent-All is a second-generation family owned business. Since 1967, they have been the source in Roaring Fork Valley for renting all types of construction equipment from earthmoving, material handling, compaction, demolition and power tools to the do it yourself equipment including pressure washers, heaters, generators, lawn and garden and carpet cleaners.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739

Scott Irwin is the President of Delux Rental. Delux Rental is a family-owned business and have been serving South Eastern Michigan with construction and homeowner equipment rentals since 1966!Scott is also the 60th President of the American Rental Association, and served in 2023 as the ARA Board Chairman.Michael Larsen caught up with Scott during the ARA Show in New Orleans, learning about Delux Rental and Scott's involvement with the American Rental Association.This podcast episode was sponsored by Latner Software.Have you been searching for a modern equipment rental software that is web based, helps streamline your processes and aids decision making with in-built reporting? Watch a personalised demo of Latner Software in the link below:https://play.goconsensus.com/ue0152739