Canadian Rental Service
December 2009 edition
www.canadianrentalservice.com
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Year of Service
Let’s communicate more, says the incoming CRA president
A born entrepreneur and people person, Andrew Paquette didn’t miss a beat when technology came calling with new ways to stay connected to others. The website for his company, Bravo Location Rentals Inc., attests to that: One part online shopping centre for whatever the heart desires for a gathering, one part peek-a-boo into parties that Bravo is setting up and also one part commentary and advice column, Paquette believes that what works for his company can also work for the Canadian Rental Association (CRA) and its members.
Paquette will become the new CRA president at the annual general meeting in February being held in Orlando, Fla., and he has communication on his mind. “Our members lack time. Let’s make dealing with CRA as efficient as possible. Getting more services from CRA; for example, reserving for events, ordering clothing, supplies and documents on the web, will be a good step toward that.”
Though not addicted to technology (he can eat an entire half-portion of pasta without even glancing at his BlackBerry) Paquette wants to bring CRA’s members closer together, have them share news of local events, government policies, business opportunities, laws and whatever else can help them. Possible ways to do this include text-messaging, using Twitter and sending e-mails to members who fall between the info-cracks.
“I also want CRA vendors to be more visible to potential clients. For example, we contacted the organizing committee of the Olympics and told them if they have requirements for tools, equipment, etc., that there are CRA members in Vancouver, and we encouraged the Olympic committee to contact them for their rental needs,” Paquette says.
Paquette wants to hear about the existence of non-members as well. After all they are all potential CRA members themselves. “More members will allow us to develop new membership benefits, including education opportunities, such as learning seminars.” After all, he adds, “We are in the membership services business, creating networking opportunities, putting CRA in touch with vendors, manufacturers and distributors.”
Sound background
It is hard to argue with success: A lifelong Montreal resident, Paquette launched his first business in high school as a deejay. He later founded Action Audio, a sound reinforcement and staging company and accumulated seven years of business experience by the time he finished his Bachelor of Arts in economics at Concordia University in 1982.
In 1984 he joined his father, one of the founders of the construction equipment and rental leasing chain Lou-Tec. Not long afterward, however, he followed his heart back to the event industry and founded Bravo.
The range of supplies on display in the company showroom runs from A to Z. There is stemware of all description and silver-plated sugar bowls, creamers, cake platters, trays and candlestick holders. Carpet samplers, vases and street lamps stand across from cutlery galore, mixers, waffle makers, serving dishes and coffee makers. Tents that fold like huge umbrellas shade swatches of fabric and heavy-duty hardware, including a Blodgett oven, Anvil deep fryer, Garland stove and an insulated box for shipping hot food on airplanes, if you wish. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, of which he probably has three copies for rent. Out back of the showroom and in warehouses scattered around town are enough supplies to kit out parties – indoors, outdoors, rain or shine – for thousands.
As well as his term as CRA vice-president, Paquette has had other association responsibilities. In 1999 the American Rental Association (ARA) invited him to develop a multi-disciplined, national educational certification program for the party and event industry. He is an elected Canadian director of ARA and was appointed a 2008/2009 member of ARA’s executive committee.
Cross-border shopping
Perhaps this cross-border activity explains why Paquette is passionate about the cross-border pollination of ideas and activities. He wants to bring American and Canadian vendors together for workshops and conferences. He also wants to see a concerted effort to market to the border states and tell CRA members about border-state events. He’d even like to share events between the border states and provinces. “Let’s capitalize on opportunities for more co-operation and synergy with our members in the U.S.,” Paquette declares.
He also wants more webinars – seminars hosted on the Internet. “Webinars are an effective way to learn new information. They are hosted by ARA and are available to CRA members. “Those who participated in the last one well appreciated what they learned, but I would like to see a much higher level of participation. This goes back to the need to share information,” Paquette says.
He also wants CRA members to spread the word about local shows, which likely fly under the radar of members elsewhere in the country. “We need to invite more people to the events and trade shows. If we invite everyone across Canada to a show in, say, British Columbia, someone might take time off from their vacation to attend.”
Paquette believes CRA has many successes to be proud of and on which it can continue to build; for example, RentTech and NextGen seminars, the latter of which deals with the issues of working with family members. “Ongoing in the presidential mandate is developing more such seminars,” he says.
Another CRA coup is the Protected Self-Insurance Program. This private pool of member money for insurance, says Paquette, “has let us provide consistent member coverage because an actuary can come up with a better assessment of risk with a large pool of members. It was a pleasure, as vice-president, to see this process come to fruition and see these benefits to our members.”
Among Paquette’s goals as CRA president are making the newsletters better and providing more tools to independent vendors who, Paquette notes, have done well in this recession. He’d also like to disseminate knowledge of legislative issues and infrastructure projects that could put money in vendors’ pockets. Overall, Paquette would like to get members excited and active. “I have come to a place in my life where I think I should give something back. It is a pleasure to get tough questions from an entry-level person. I have lots to tell him. It is a rewarding business to be in and I have made countless friends,” Paquette says.
As for what to expect at the ARA Rental show in Orlando, Paquette counsels, “A whole lot of partying, drinking and carrying on. And while we are there we will attend some educational seminars and spend lots of money on the show floor in Canadian dollars that are almost at par with the US dollar. It should be great.”
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Le Tenancier
Volume 6, #1, Summer 2008
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Bravo, Let's Party !
Yes ! … but you're really thinking that it is always an elaborate task, as you have to plan numerous details to turn an: intimate diner, client reception or neighbourhood gathering, into a success story. Furthermore, after all this planning you are still left with making arrangements for food, furniture and decorations…and let's be honest, we always forget something!
The ideal solution would be to find an expert with considerable experience in organizing a variety of events. This expert would
guide you in carefully planning everything for your party, within your time and budget constraints.
That's exactly what the president, Andrew Paquette of Bravo Rental's had in mind in 1985 when he based his company on the
full integration of: event planning, organization and the renting of specialized equipement.
Bravo is a fully integrated event planning organization. We enlist a team of experts to guide you in the selection of all elements needed for a memorable party. With our numerous years of experience, the professionals at Bravo can ensure no important
details will be forgotten. At Bravo we even provide a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency hot line. In order to ensure complete satisfaction, our general manager, Martin Bérubé, personally answers your calls
We are a one-stop shop! Our personalized and expert service will take the worry out of your special day, whether it be a small
dinner party or a gala event. China, linens, tables, chairs, dance floors…from the simple to the elegant we have it all. If we are missing something in our huge inventory, we'll help find it for you!
We at Bravo are proud to say, that we were voted one of the top 10 event rental firms by Canadian Event Perspective Magazine
and industry professionals: “For over 20 years their corporate clients have been amazed with their professional service from
planning to production. A small dinner party or gala event, let Bravo lead way”.
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Canadian Event Perspective
Issue 18, April 2008
CEP Magazine
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Canada's Favourite Event Rental Firms
it's amazing what you can rent. Today's event rental firms are among the fastest growing businesses in the industry and many are doing massive business, expanding their lines and amalgamating to create larger firms that can offer one stop shopping. From tents to AV to linens, chair covers, furniture, plates, glassware and more, the options for rentals is endless, one can pretty much rent just about anything - as you will see in our You Can Rent THAT? article immediately following our top 50 list.
So that you have a useful directory and because we love to make lists, we have compiled our selection of Canada's Favorite Event Rental Companies. The list was made using the data results of online surveys conducted both amongst the rental industry and polls of event professionals, event clients and CEP readers across Canada. We hope you find this information helpful next time you need to rent...well, just about anything.
The Top Ten - YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVOURITES!
Bravo Location Rentals
Bravo Location Rentals Inc is an event services and equipment rental company located in the Montreal area. For over 20 years their corporate clients have been amazed with their professional service from planning to production. A small dinner party or a gala event, let Bravo lead the way.
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Horizons Magazines
Spring/Summer 2007
Sodexho
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CAE Turns 60!
 On March 28th, CAE celebrated its 60th Anniversary and Sodexho, their food services provider for over 35 years, was proud to host this special event. For Account Director Eric larocque and executive Chef fabio Di Pasquale, pulling together an event of this magnitude was no small feat. After all, serving a meal to 3,000 employees at one time under an outdoor tent requires a great deal of planning, organization and team effort.
According to Eric Larocque, "The event could not have been so successfull without the full support of our client, Mr. Michel thibault, and the collaboration with Sodexho's event planning partner, Bravo Rental.
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Magazine Recevoir
Spring 2005
written by: Louise Pilon
TVA Publications
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Accessoires en Location
Tables, chaises, nappes, porcelaine, verrerie, couverts, machine à espresso, plaques chauffantes, fontaine à chocolat, plateaux-miroirs, chandeliers, arches, tapis rouge, bars système audiovisuel...tout ce dont vous pourriez avoir besoin pour le grand jour se trouve chez Bravo, des professionnels de la location. On vous propose même des bols d'ambiance lumineux avec télécommande! Que ce soit pour une réception bien humble ou très sophistiquée, vous pouvez compter sur leurs services professionnels et leur vaste inventaire. Si vous ne trouvez pas l'objet de vos désire, on fera l'impossible pour le dénicher! www.bravoparty.com 61K Brunswick, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, 514 685-8000.
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Rental Management
Official American Rental Association's Magazine
April 2003
Written by: William J. Lynott
www.rentalmanagementmag.com
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Self-designed: Bravo Location Rentals; www.bravoparty.com
Located in bilingual Quebec, Bravo Location Rentals made the wise decision of greeting the viewer with a simple splash page providing a choice between English and French. The two versions are identical except for language. Once the language choice is made, the viewer is greeted by an opening page using short paragraphs highlighted by checkmarks. Each checkmark provides brief information on the company’s products and services. A simple navigation menu across the top makes it easy to get details on products, services and new products. Every choice in the navigation bar is supplemented with a detailed sub-menu. The important “contact us” choice provides travel directions, hours, and job opportunities at the firm.
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Le Magazine Québec Entreprise
Juillet 2002
Written by: Pierre Thibeault
www.quebecentreprise.com |
L'histoire économique regorge d'exemples de légataires qui poussent à la faillite l'entreprise paternelle. Il suffit de songer à la saga Steinberg pour se rafraîchir la mémoire à ce sujet. Aussi, lorsque l'inverse ce produit, que les enfants nourrissent et font grandir l'héritage corporatif, l'exemple mérite d'être cité
Lorsque leur père choisi la retraite, Andrew Paquette et son frère Richard reprennent à leur compte Pyramide Rental Centre, mis sur pieds en 1968. Déjà à cette époque, chez Pyramide, on loue à la fois de l'équipement industriel et des accessoires réservés aux événements spéciaux. Reste donc aux deux frères à la réaliser pleinement.
Pendant que Richard poursuit avec succès dans la veine des outils et autres matériels de construction, Andrew développe la seconde branche et décide de s'installer à Dollard-des-Ormeaux en 1995, un marché en plein essor. Il opte en même temps pour l'appellation Bravo Location Rentals, un terme trilingue qui réfère directement à son secteur d'activités.
Chez Bravo, on peut maintenant louer aussi biens des tentes que des sytêmes audiovisuels ou des serviettes de table. Et ce à des prix défiant toute compétition grâce à un important volume d'achat. Bravo, c'est aussi la possibilité de recourir à des services externes de traiteurs ou d'animation.
Aujourd'hui, ce sont entre 25 et 30 employés passés maîtres dans l'art de créer une atmosphère inoubliable pour vos événements spéciaux qui forment l'équipe de Bravo. Et alors que débute l'été, la saison cruciale pour une entreprise comme Bravo; andrew Paquette envisage l'avenir avec optimisme. Son père avait la vision, Andrew l'ayant comprise l'a fait naître.
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Canadian Rental Service
May 2002
text et picture by: Chris Skalkos
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There are many ways to approach an effective business strategy, but the key to success for Andrew Paquette, owner and operator of Bravo Rentals in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, is taking a systems approach to party rentals.
Like many other second generation Canadian rental operators, Paquette was born into a successful family business started by his father in 1968, called Pyramide Rental Centre. After his father retired, Paquette and his brother Richard continued the family business until they started to find their own paths. Richard continued with tools and equipment opening three more branches in Quebec and serving a term as the American Rental Association (ARA) president, while Andrew, who has also served on various educational committees for the ARA, most notably with the Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program, aimed his sights toward the party and special events industry.
“I was active in the tool division for many years, and at the time we had an inventory of tables and chairs, but in 1985 we built another building to house the party rental division, though it was still attached to the existing building,” says Paquette, adding he credits his father for leading him in that direction. “Party rentals was still in its infancy, but my father was looking down the road and had the foresight to see some strong trends developing in this industry.” Paquette got an early start with rentals when he started a small audio/visual rental company called Action Audio while attending university. He sold that prior to making a commitment to the family business and remembers that time period as being one of the busiest of his life.
“I was graduating from university, selling my audio/visual rental business, joining the family business to launch the party rental division, buying a new house and getting married,” he recalls. “All within a six month period. "For 10 years, Paquette ran Pyramide’s growing party rental division in Chateauguay, south of the St. Lawrence River, until he decided to branch off as a stand-alone operation. “At that point we realized we could not have a party division within a tool store. The party rental industry really services a different client base and you need different systems for each,” he explains. “Everything is different, from inventory to staff to delivery trucks. I didn’t want to deliver champagne fountains on a truck that just had generators on it.”
In 1995 Paquette moved the company, now called Bravo Rentals, to Dollard-des-Ormeaux, a suburb west of Montreal, to take advantage of a larger market, believing his existing customers would follow him, but “It didn’t work out that way. We had to re-build our clientele,” he says. This was only a minor challenge for Paquette who already had a system in place to recover his market share based on the templates he created during his 10 years with Pyramide. “We had a large building that was our own, we were familiar with every event taking place and we had a good location with an even mix of industrial and residential customers. It was just a matter of putting our system into place,” he says. Initially, the rentals he got from corporate receptions, product launches and commercial groundbreaking ceremonies were vital for establishing his new company’s reputation. However, Bravo Rentals never lost sight of the residential market, which can also be lucrative. “Many rental companies go after big events, but there is a lot of smaller stuff out there such as house parties, weddings and the various events taking place within the large ethnic community we have here. When you have a viable system in place there is no difference between servicing the big or small events,” he says.
Today, Bravo Rentals has grown to include 20 employees operating out of a 15,000 square foot location with another 5000 square feet of storage space off premises. In addition to the basic table and chair party rental items, it also specializes in other areas with three distinct services entailing a tent, an audio/visual and a linen division. The company has a large inventory of tents up to 20 feet wide and sub-contracts for events that require larger tents. “We have worked very successfully with our suppliers to accomplish that. Tents are popular and if we are out of stock we have a system in place to source out tent rentals and still remain competitive. We do this by working with our suppliers and with tent rental companies to make it cost effective. Building a positive rapport with companies like that is a win-win situation,” he says. The key to success in the party rental industry, says Paquette, is to better understand the people who rent and what their expectations are. “Customers we deal with today are educated about what they are looking for... they are sophisticated renters.” For example, he says the primary application of linens has changed to the point where people are using linen for artistic expressions at functions.
Another is catering, which Paquette has identified as an important niche and accordingly, keeps a wide variety of food preparation equipment, cold tables, pizza conveyors, ovens and barbecues. He adds that it is equally important to understand the customer’s perception of an event when forging relationships with them. “Quite often a customer’s event is a once in a lifetime event and every detail has to be complete. Delivering the wrong style of salt and pepper shakers may seem like a small oversight, but in the customer’s eyes you are compromising their event and eroding their confidence in you,” he explains, adding that is why it is important to maintain a strong relationship with trusted suppliers. “There is a lot of pressure in this industry to get it right the first time.”
Consolidation has not gripped the party rental industry in Quebec like it has with its tool and equipment counterpart. This means competition is stiff between the growing number of independent stores vying for their slice of the market. “There were seven companies advertising in the telephone book when we moved here. That number tripled within a five year period,” he says. Although some consolidation has already taken place in related industries such as tents and audio visual, Paquette feels it has a long way to go before it reaches the level it has with the equipment rental industry. “It makes sense for the tent industry because they have big ticket items but there are too many SKU’s among the different party stores. Everybody has different product lines, different chinaware with different patterns. It will be quite a struggle to consolidate the party rental industry,” he says. Despite the competitive nature of this industry, Bravo Rentals keeps customers through aggressive marketing campaigns such as direct mail outs and radio spot advertisements with the number one rated English language radio station in Montreal. It also has a web site that it has maintained since the medium was introduced and this is now its primary method of directing its business queries. “We do not publish a printed price list anymore. Instead we ask customers to go to our web site and if they don’t have Internet access then we fax them a price list,” says Paquette, adding he can design a table setting, take a digital photograph of it and e-mail it to customers who can quickly see what it will look like. For customers enquiring about bigger events, Paquette uses a three dimensional CAD program that enables customers to see, through a digital moving pictures format, what their event under a tent would look like
Paquette’s future plans for Bravo Rentals includes increasing the company’s depth with its inventory and creating a system for future growth. ”We have a huge variety of products and we want to move our existing models rather than introduce new product lines. The trendy stuff commands a premium price but the customer’s perceived value has changed. Plus, we have to consider that this industry is tied in with the economy. When the economy is strong party rentals do well,” he says. However, Paquette is confident the systems he has in place will carry Bravo Rentals through the economic slowdown while maintaining a steady pace of growth for the future.
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