For the 20-year-old Hire Manager from Larsen’s Air Conditioning Hire in Central Queensland, the International Rental Business Leadership Exchange program between the HRIA and the American Rental Association (ARA), was a great opportunity to gain insights into the US hire industry. Hosted in the US by CES Power, Michael visited multiple states including Tennessee, Mississippi, New Orleans, California and Florida, before attending the 2022 American Rental Association Show in Orlando, Florida. “The scale and size of the ARA show was truly amazing,” said Michael. “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone participating in the ARA young professional network, and it was great to see so many enthusiastic young people entering this exciting industry.”
“It was also incredible that so many Aussies were at the show, including awesome representation from HRIA members.”
“This experience would not have been possible without the support of the HRIA and the ARA.”
Daytona 500 race in Daytona Beach. “I cannot thank CES Power enough for their overwhelming hospitality,” said Michael. “They made my experience unforgettable, giving me so many
opportunities to learn and experience their amazing company. Supplying power and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) services to the largest events in the world was on a scale I
could have never imagined.” After completing the five-week exchange program, Michael maximised his time in the US visiting rental companies in Chicago (RentalMax) and
New York City (Durante Rentals) before stopping in Ohio to purchase equipment for their ever-growing family business. He said he’s grateful for the new
friends and connections he made during his US trip. “The ARA absolutely hit the nail on the head matching me with CES Power and involving me so much at the ARA show. Thanks also to the HRIA for setting me off on this exciting journey to explore the hire and rental industry. I’m now looking forward to continuing my adventure.”
Michael completed the HRIA Young Professionals Development Program and the HRIA HATS program in 2022 and plans to continue his future involvement with the HRIA Young Professional
Network. He has recently joined the HRIA Queensland committee, becoming the youngest committee member at age 20.