RER recently interviewed numerous rental executives on how their companies have fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris Pera, chief operating officer, Able Equipment Rental, speaks about the company’s continued expansion plans, safety protocols, pent-up demand for road and bridge construction, and more.
How was business for you in 2020? How has the pandemic affected your business?
In 2020 our revenue was impacted April, May and June, however, it started to rebound in early July and has continued to do so through November.
How do you expect the pandemic to affect business going forward into 2021?
Presently, we’re confident about 2021, as our plans for careful expansion continues.
How has the pandemic affected and changed your company’s ability to meet with customers, go on jobsites and essentially conduct rental business as you always have?
Like everyone, we’re very cognizant of the safety for both our employees and our customers, which is always our first priority. All visitors to our facilities must follow our safety protocols which are clearly posted before they enter. We strictly adhere to all social distancing requirements. If necessary, we will meet customers and visitors outside our buildings.
Have there been any good opportunities that have come out of the pandemic, i.e., more people doing home improvements, work renting to testing centers, etc.?
Road and bridge construction have continued through and actually grown based on the pent up demanding schedules before winter and or the paving season ends.
This is a very uncertain time in the economy in regard to the pandemic and so many job cancelations. Does this uncertainty benefit rental in the sense that contractors would want to avoid capital expenditures on equipment and would therefore rent more?
Initially we canceled our Capex spending but as we experienced the resurgence we found it necessary to reinvest, but only 50 percent of our anticipated spend.
