Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Larsen

Recorded live at the 2026 ARA Show in Orlando by Michael Larsen, this episode features Achille Ettorre the owner of GTA Equipment Rentals,  analytics leader, and author of The Digital Advantage.Cutting through the noise, Achille reframes AI not as a shiny tool or silver bullet, but as a leadership capability—one that empowers better, faster decision-making across rental operations. He breaks down a practical 90-day roadmap for operators, emphasizing the critical order of people, process, and technology, and why rushing into AI without foundational clarity creates more problems than it solves.The conversation explores real-world applications of AI in rental—from improving utilization and predictive maintenance to enhancing revenue through smarter customer insights and onboarding efficiency. Achille also tackles the biggest misconceptions around AI, the risks of outsourcing human judgment, and the importance of governance, ethics, and trust in adoption.At its core, this episode is a reminder that AI doesn't replace people—it amplifies them. For rental leaders seeking clarity, confidence, and a structured path forward, this is a grounded, actionable guide to building both a digital and human advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.

Director Samir Oliveros Joins the Show to Discuss the upcoming release of his film " The Luckiest Man in America" starring Paul Walter Hauser. We discuss The True events of this film, Working with Paul Walter Hauser & Walton Goggins, Recreating the "Press your Luck" set, The Character of Michael Larsen and More!Follow Popcorn and Soda:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallalazim/?hl=enSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P4GrVA...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-po...IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14857450/Ask

Recorded live at the 2026 ARA Show in Orlando by Michael Larsen, this episode features Dan Crowley the President of Peer Executive Groups. Dan is a facilitator, business strategist, and trusted advisor to rental leaders across the industry. With decades of experience spanning finance, operations, and over 20 business acquisitions, Dan unpacks what truly separates good rental businesses from great ones.From his early days in high-pressure consulting to shaping peer groups that drive real accountability, Dan shares how leadership is less about spreadsheets and more about creating the right environment for growth. He dives into the power of shared experience, why most business problems are misdiagnosed, and how peer accountability, not just conversations drives lasting change.The conversation explores common growth traps, the transition from operator to leader, and why many owners get stuck in strategy and financial control. Dan also reveals the critical role of systems, succession, and fleet management in scaling a rental business, along with practical insights on using benchmarking and AI to make smarter decisions.Packed with actionable advice and grounded wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for independent rental owners looking to grow, lead with clarity, and build businesses that last.This podcast episode was sponsored by SmartEquip.SmartEquip helps equipment owners, dealers, and manufacturers slash downtime by connecting parts procurement, service data, and equipment lifecycle management into one seamless platform.Test drive SmartEquip via the link belowhttps://www.smartequip.com/schedule-demo

Recorded live at the 2026 ARA Show in Orlando by Michael Larsen, this episode features three industry leaders spanning software, operations, and asset intelligence come together to challenge one of rental's biggest assumptions. Is downtime really a labor problem, or is it a workflow problem?With perspectives from SmartEquip (Alexander Schuessler), Texada Software (Adam Kropf), and real world operator experience at RP Rents (Jay Jude), this conversation explores what truly separates high performing rental businesses from the rest. From technician enablement and digital workflows to parts intelligence and system integration, the group breaks down how modern rental companies are unlocking more uptime not by adding headcount, but by removing friction.They dive into the hidden cost of downtime, why ERP systems alone are no longer enough in 2026, and how layered technology from mobile tools to AI driven insights is transforming everything from dispatching to parts ordering. The discussion also highlights the growing importance of technician experience, the shift toward proactive operations, and how customer expectations shaped by consumer technology are reshaping rental interactions.At its core, this episode makes one thing clear. The future of rental is not about working harder. It is about working smarter. For operators looking to improve utilization, empower their teams, and deliver a seamless customer experience, this is a must listen on building truly agile rental businesses.

We have a Special Crossover Episode with the Rental Journal and Michael Larsen! This episode was recorded live on the show floor at the American Rental Association's ARA Show in Orlando earlier this year. This gives us the opportunity to turn the mic around onto our own, fearless Peer Group Leader, Dan Crowley! Dan has had an active hand in the Rental industry for over twenty years, from facilitating our groups, to holding every leadership position under the sun. This is a great way to get to understand Dan and Peer Groups!   This episode is sponsored by AL Risk Solutions AL Risk Solutions specializes in providing tailored insurance coverage for rental companies. By working with multiple carriers, they secure competitive pricing while ensuring comprehensive protection. Their team takes a personalized approach, understanding the unique risks your business faces and offering expert guidance every step of the way. With AL Risk Solutions, you can confidently protect your business's assets and operations with cost-effective, customized insurance solutions. You can find more information and get in contact with them on our website under the Associate tab.

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 live at the 2026 ARA Show in Orlando by Michael Larsen, this episode features Brian Richardson, President-Elect of the American Rental Association and owner of L & A Tent & Event Rentals. With over four decades in the industry, Brian shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to operate in an environment where “there is no tomorrow.”From building a people-first culture to navigating succession and letting go of micromanagement, Brian opens up about the evolution from operator to leader. He dives into the realities of running a labor-intensive rental business, the importance of investing in teams and safety, and why the industry must professionalize to keep pace with growing demands.The conversation also explores innovation, multi-generational customer relationships, and the urgent push for safe tenting standards across the industry. Packed with insight, humour, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for rental professionals looking to future-proof their business while staying grounded in strong values and relationships.

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

Recorded by Michael Larsen, this episode features Jeff Crotto, President of All About Events, whose journey from a 10 by 10 storage unit in Jacksonville, Florida to a 32,000 square foot operation with 45 team members is nothing short of remarkable.Jeff shares how a deep commitment to customer service, people first leadership, and a willingness to say yes to opportunity shaped both his business and his career. From scaling through adversity including navigating the challenges of COVID to building a culture of service excellence that sets All About Events apart in the Florida market, Jeff reflects on the lessons learned, the risks taken, and the mindset shifts required to grow sustainably.As current Chairman of the American Rental Association, Jeff also dives into his leadership journey within the association, from saying yes to his first volunteer role to helping lead major national decisions and mentoring the next generation of rental leaders. He shares how involvement in the ARA transformed not only his business but his life, creating lifelong friendships and opening doors that would never have existed otherwise.In this episode we explore:• The early days of entrepreneurship and taking the leap into business ownership • Building a strong internal culture with a zero bad apple policy • Why customer service remains the ultimate competitive advantage • Navigating hurricanes in Florida and managing capital intensive growth • Raising the bar in the wedding and corporate event market • How rising expectations and social media continue to shape the future of event rentals • The lessons Jeff would tell his 2010 self including buy nice or buy twiceWith humour, humility, and insight, Jeff offers an honest look at leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to build a business around people.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

Bunkere, klimakrise og flugt fra ansvar Bogen foregår 10-20 år ude i fremtiden, men ligner vores verden skræmmende meget. Bare værre. Tre tech-oligarker – tydelige parodier på Bezos, Zuckerberg og Musk – har monopol på logistik, sociale medier og teknologi. Og de har travlt med at bygge private bunkere i stedet for at løse klimakrisen. Her møder vi Lai Zhen, survivalist-influencer og tidligere flygtning fra Hong Kongs kollaps. Hendes filosofi er klar: Individualisme er for tåber. Små grupper, samarbejde og planlægning er vejen til overlevelse. Ikke bunkere fyldt med våben og mistillid. Om forfatteren: Naomi Alderman Naomi Alderman (f. 1974) er en britisk forfatter med rødder i London og en akademisk baggrund fra Oxford, hvor hun læste filosofi, politik og økonomi. Hendes debutroman Disobedience (2006) blev hurtigt anerkendt for sit modige blik på religion og seksualitet, men det var The Power (2016), der for alvor sendte hende ind på science fiction-radaren. The Power forestiller sig en verden, hvor piger pludselig udvikler evnen til at slå med elektriske stød – og samfundets magtbalancer tipper dramatisk. Romanen blev både en prisvinder (bl.a. Women's Prize for Fiction) og senere tv-serie (Amazon Prime). The Future (2023) viser tydeligt hendes dobbeltblik: Kyndig satiriker overfor Silicon Valleys vildskaber, men også romanforfatter med blik for både filosofi, samfund og fremtidens etiske spørgsmål. Naomi Alderman på Wikipedia Digital enclosure – Vores fælles data bliver stjålet af de få Man mærker Aldermans skarpe samfundsblik, når Badger – non-binært barn af en tech-CEO – forklarer konceptet “digital enclosure”. Det er en reference til de historiske enclosure-bevægelser i England, hvor overklassen lukkede fællesarealer og gjorde dem til privat ejendom. Tech-giganterne har gjort det samme med vores data, vores opmærksomhed, vores fællesskab. De har taget noget der tidligere tilhørte os alle – adressebøger, købshistorik, vores bevægelser, vores billeder – og gjort det til private data-chunks som de tjener formuer på. AUGR – AI’en der forudsiger dommedag Central i plottet er AUGR, en prædiktiv AI der skal fortælle de rige, præcis hvornår de skal flygte til deres bunkere. Ti dage før katastrofen rammer. For hvis de venter for længe, vil folk ikke lade dem flygte. Så timing er alt. Men AUGR dukker også mystisk op på Lai Zhens telefon og begynder at guide hende. Hvem styrer egentlig AUGR? Og hvad er planen? Bogen folder sig ud som et urværk – med flashbacks, posts fra et prepper-forum kaldet “Name The Day”, og kapitler der hopper mellem perspektiver.. Der er et afgørende twist, der kom som en total overraskelse, men som vi ikke skal spoile her. Enochites og ræven og kaninen Martha Einkorn bærer sin barndom med sig. Hun voksede op i en kult, hvor teknologien var forbudt, og hvor faderen Enoch insisterede på, at den moderne civilisation tog fejl, allerede da vi begyndte at dyrke jorden og gøre krav på territorium. Hans “Sermon of the Rabbit and the Fox” vender det klassiske ræv/kanin-motiv på hovedet. Her symboliserer kaninen ikke uskyldig sårbarhed – men netop de første, der bosatte sig, hegnede af, og indførte ideen om meningsløst ejerskab af land. Ræven er jæger-samleren, den, som lever i nuet og tilpasser sig landskabet uden at forsøge at eje det. For Enoch er tanken om at eje jord lige så absurd som at eje luft: Jorden tilhører dig kun, så længe du tager vare på den. Luften kun, så længe den er i dine lunger. Tech-oligarkerne i The Future er overvældet af kanin-mentalitet, der er gået til yderligheder: De indhegner og griber alt, og forsøger at sikre sig mod fremtidens farer gennem privatisering og massive forråd, frem for at stole på fællesskab og samarbejde. Når de rige ikke kan samarbejde Bogens centrale pointe er brutalt enkel: De ultrarige kan ikke redde verden, fordi de fundamentalt ikke tror på samarbejde. Selv når de tre tech-bosserne sidder på en ø sammen i livsfare, vælger de sabotage, mistillid og vold. Lai Zhen anbefaler samarbejde i små grupper. Enoch prædikede fællesskab med naturen. Men milliardærerne? De tror kun på sig selv og deres våben. Så selvom de har ressourcerne til at løse klimakrisen, bruger de dem på bunker-byggeri. Alderman sparer ikke på kritikken. Bogen er både thriller, satire og politisk essay. Den stiller spørgsmålet: Hvorfor skal nogen have lov til at være så rige? Hvad godt gør det? Vurderingen Jens: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (fem stjerner). Det er et utroligt stykke urværk. Perfekt crafted underholdning med masser af yndlingsting – den kunne laves til en vild serie. Og så synes jeg digital enclosure-pointen var super godt set. En bog til tiden. Anders: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(⭐) (fire-og-en-halv stjerner). Virkelig underholdt. Velskrevet, cool, tankevækkende. Men karaktererne var ikke helt så stærke – de føles alle lidt som Aldermans egen stemme. Hvis jeg kunne give 4,5 ville jeg. Men den gør alt det rigtige på det rigtige tidspunkt. Jens og Anders har SCIFI SNAKKET The Future. Shownotes til episoden om The Future Siden sidst Anders Er færdig med Pluribus – virkelig speciel serie med fantastisk stemning. Ray Seehorn er crazy dygtig. Har set Oppenheimer igen – fantastisk film, ikke meget sci-fi, men vi læste jo en bog om ham. Har læst Ship of Fools af Richard Paul Russo – om et generationsrumskib der finder et mystisk alien-rumskib. Virkelig stemningsfuld, med mindelser om Alien 3 og Stanislav Lem. Er i gang med Clade af James Bradley – klimadystopi med fokus på familiedrama gennem flere årtier. Tak til Jens for Calibre-plugin info – har nu fået konverteret alle sine Kindle og Kobo-bøger til epub. Jens Er færdig med sæson 1 af Pluribus på Apple TV – om Carol alene i en verden hvor alle andre er blevet til en hive mind. Meget tilfredsstillende slutning. Ser sæson 2 af Fallout på Amazon Prime – baseret på computerspillet som skaber en fantastisk verden som nærmest er en blanding af Hugh Howey’s Wool og Mad Max. Mega fed. Er begyndt at købe bøger på ebook.de i stedet for Kobo, da de ofte er meget billigere. Ripper DRM’en af og håndterer dem i Calibre. Jeg anser det for en politisk handling og at vi har lov til at eje ebøger fuldt og helt. Lytternes input Maibritt takkede for Star Maker-episoden: “Det lyder som om podcasten tog en for holdet her – tak for det

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

On Today's episode of Peer Talk, Dan Talks with Michael Larsen, Manager at Larsen's Air Conditioning in Rockhampton, Queensland and co-host of the Rental Journal Podcast, who is using his diverse experience in the rental industry to help other rental managers and owners.   Through both the Australian and American Rental industries, Michael has learned many lessons on what makes rental one of the most important industries today. Focusing on the inherent problem solving and human elements in rental, Michael shows how independent companies can provide great experiences to their customers. Check it out today!   Today's episode is sponsored by Wheel Jackets. Wheel Jackets is setting the new industry standard in surface protection by providing the strongest and most affordable line of products. Wheel Jackets are preferred by contractors to keep their equipment from marking up and spilling on finished surfaces. Wheel Jackets are the trusted surface protection product by Peer Group members and will undoubtably keep your job site clean from equipment markings and leaks. You can find more information on Wheel Jackets on the associate page on the PEG website.

Nicholas is joined by double finalist at this year's Silver Scrolls Marlon Williams. And, Michael Larsen joins Nicholas for Audio Culture to discuss his new article on lost 80s earworms.   Thanks to The Beer Spot!

The global rental industry is evolving fast, and Australia offers a glimpse into its future. In this episode, Rental Journal host ⁠Michael Larsen⁠ joins The Rental Roundtable to share lessons from Australia's $6.5B rental market, where independents thrive by focusing on relationships, service, and specialty solutions. We also dive into what 200+ podcast interviews have taught him about leadership, authenticity, and the power of people in the equipment rental business.

In this episode of The Rental Journal Podcast, Michael Larsen sits down with Robert Pedersen, President of A Tool Shed Equipment Rental — a fourth-generation, family-run business that's been serving California's Bay Area for over 80 years.Founded in 1945, A Tool Shed began as an Army surplus store called White Elephant Sales selling whatever they could pull from military storage containers. While most items sold, they couldn't move the generators. So, they made a bold decision: instead of selling them, they'd start renting them. This innovative move set the foundation for the company to become a pioneer in the equipment rental industry.Robert shares insights on growing the business to eight locations, the lessons learned over decades of change, and his experience as the 63rd President of the American Rental Association. He also discusses the future of rental and how his company has adapted to an evolving market.This episode was recorded at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.

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.

In this episode, we're joined by Tim Doling, Director of Global Markets at POWR2, a global leader in clean energy storage solutions. Tim brings deep industry experience and a passion for sustainable innovation to the conversation, offering insights into how POWR2 is transforming the way the construction and rental industries approach power generation.POWR2 specializes in hybrid energy systems, particularly their flagship product—the Hybrid Power Unit which integrates battery storage with traditional generators to dramatically cut fuel usage, reduce emissions, and lower noise on job sites. Tim walks us through how these solutions not only align with global sustainability goals but also make strong commercial sense for equipment rental businesses looking to improve efficiency and meet ESG targets.This episode was recorded by Michael Larsen at the 2025 ARA Show in Las Vegas.Listen to the Leading the Charge podcast by Powr2https://powr2.com/leading-the-charge/

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/

In this episode, Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome Pat Rinaldo and Naresh Kumar Nunna to discuss the importance of synthetic test data for organizations that handle large amounts of customer data and cannot use real data due to privacy concerns. Ally Bank, working with Qualitest, has successfully leveraged synthetic data to enable faster innovation and testing for its automotive and insurance applications.  Pat and Naresh discuss ways that they have been able to generate diverse and representative test data to cover a wide range of scenarios, provide significant improvements in test coverage, regression testing speed, and reduction in defects escaping to production, to allow teams to focus on innovation rather than data management and compliance.

Tyler Carroll of United Rentals (previously Shore Hire) was awarded the Young Professional of the Year 2024 by the Hire & Rental Industry Association, and was recently completing his exchange program in the U.S with United Rentals.Michael Larsen caught up with Tyler at the ARA Show in the Las Vegas and chatted about his experiences in the HRIA's Young Professional Program, attending the United Rentals Supplier Show and reflected on Shore Hire winning Hire Company of the Year at the HIRE24 convention.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

For the second part of our Women in Testing podcast  Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome guest moderator Gwen Iarussi and guests Alexis Bell, Sangeetha Gururaj, and Lihi Segev to discuss the challenges faced by women leaders, and strategies for overcoming bias and creating opportunities for diverse talent, including stepping outside of their comfort zones and giving people a chance, microaggressions that women leaders face, and approaches for addressing them, as well as ways to make the first or next move in a dynamic and changing environment.

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

Michael Larsen caught up with Tony Tye & Erin Blair at the ARA Show in Las Vegas to talk about how AI can help equipment rental businesses with their route planning, driver allocation, and reduce the spend on third party transport contractors. They dive into how InTempo & Wise Systems have partnered up to bring the latest logistics innovation to the equipment rental industry.Learn more about InTempo & Wisehttps://www.intemposoftware.com/blog/intempo-partnership-wise-systems-rental-industrys-first-connected-transport-solution

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

In this episode, we have a very special guest, outgoing Stolle Machinery CEO Gus Reall, who discusses his stellar career in the can-making business, the industry changes he has seen, and the future outlook for the health of the metal packaging sector.He reflects on how the sector has evolved in the industry due to technological advances and the need for fresh perspectives.Gus also praises his successor, Michael Larsen, and highlights the industry's evolution, particularly the shift from a clear value chain to a more integrated global market. He identifies the post-pandemic era as the most challenging time, citing supply chain issues, inflation, and geopolitical problems.He remains optimistic about the industry's future, especially in emerging markets like India and the Middle East.The executive also emphasises the importance of AI and collaboration within the industry, while noting the need for better promotion of metal packaging's benefits.He concludes with personal reflections on his career and advice for the next generation.

Test Coaching requires understanding team dynamics, building trust, and providing tailored coaching to help testers improve their skills and address perception issues.  Mike Talks joins Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen to discuss ways to assess team strengths, weaknesses, and ways of working. They focus on building rapport and a feedback culture to encourage open communication, as well as avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach to providing individualized coaching to best help them succeed.

On the fourth night of Halloweed my true bud gave to me: 4 FrankensteinsIt's night 3 of Fried Rice Podcast presents 17 Nights of Halloweed! Tonight the boys go out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to find and watch a classic horror movie (Andy really understands the assignment) and then review it. Find out what we all chose in this fun episode about movies from Michael Larsen's childhood.We are on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MHpzbpH9H0jXRCJI34KlC?si=a95fe723c01c4b6cWe are on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriedRicePodcastCheck out our website: www.friedricepodcast.comCall our VOICEMAIL: (702) 829-0117 and listen for this week's question!(don't worry, Andy isn't sitting in his room, waiting by his phone like it's the 90s, just fiddling with the long chord, watching "The Andy Ric..Griffith Show"..)

Qualitest recently participated in the SAP for Utilities conference in Florida and we have several key players who part of the proceedings. Matt Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome Qualitest and Tricentis regulars Rick Lesley, Ryan Williams, Kevin Flynn, and Jeff Fillegar to talk about utilities moving their SAP systems to the cloud, major digital transformation efforts with aggressive deadlines, and the need to ensure quality and minimize disruption to users and providers alike.

Austin recommended both SLC, Punk! movies this week, which is honestly the most punk thing ever because he knew it was going to piss of his "dad", Michael Larsen, and he fucking did it anyway! What's even more punk is he made us watch BOTH movies haha, Mike was NOT happy. - AndyThis episode of Fried Rice Podcast was a blast as we dove into the cult classic SLC Punk! (1998). We were all amped from the get-go, reminiscing about how this movie shaped our views during those younger, rebellious years. It was one of those rare films that spoke to an era and mindset we all went through, making it a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we shared stories of trying to live that punk lifestyle—minus the heroin, of course. It's clear this movie still resonates, even though our lives have moved far from that chaotic energy.While we had a lot of love for the film's raw spirit, not everyone was on board with the way it portrayed punk culture. Some of us felt that the movie's exaggerated approach came off as more of a caricature than a true tribute. It was fun and chaotic, but at times it felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy, almost as if it was ticking off a list of punk stereotypes. However, we all agreed that Matthew Lillard's performance as Stevo was a highlight, especially during the emotional scenes where he struggles with the expectations placed on him by his family and society.In the end, we all saw SLC Punk! as a time capsule of its era—full of rage, angst, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about finding your own path. Our grades reflected our varied takes, but the final average landed at a B-. It's not a perfect film, but it's undeniably memorable and still packs a punch for anyone looking to reconnect with their inner rebellious spirit.We are on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MHpzbpH9H0jXRCJI34KlC?si=a95fe723c01c4b6cWe are on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FriedRicePodcastCheck out our website: www.friedricepodcast.comCall our VOICEMAIL: (702) 829-0117 and listen for this week's question!(don't worry, Andy isn't sitting in his room, waiting by his phone like it's the 90s, just fiddling with the long chord, watching "Survivor"...)

CrowdStrike showed the world that problems can be found in unexpected places and can manifest in ways never intended with devastating results. While there is much pontificating about the root cause and how it happened, the point is "it happened". The popular joke of "Maybe they should have tested more" will invariably be said but what specifically does that mean?  Testing Show hosts Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome 1-800-CONTACTS Software Test Engineer Rachel Kibler and Qualitest CTO Vikul Gupta to discuss the various findings and speculations related to the Crowdstrike issue. We then delve into ways that testers can learn from and be better prepared for situations like this going forward, as well as leveraging next-generation technology like Generative AI to assist in the process.

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

John Bibbo is a past American Rental Association president and is the President at Event Source, a 40 year old event second generation event rental business based in based across Ohio, Michigan & Pennsylvania.This episode was recorded by Michael Larsen at the ARA Show in New Orleans.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

Testing remains a critical yet often misunderstood and undervalued component of software development. What's more, as artificial intelligence threatens to reshape the role of testers, questions of job security and demonstrating value become increasingly pressing. From the struggle for recognition and early involvement in the development process to the delicate balance between automation and human insight, testers navigate a minefield of technical and organizational hurdles. Michael Larsen, a veteran with over three decades of experience in the field, sheds light on the complex challenges facing the software testing industry today.Listen to the full episode or read the transcript on the Semaphore blog.Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on the podcast player of your choice and share it with your friends.

This week, Anna and Katie review Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient. This is one of our favorite OG smut books, so read along with us as we bask in the smutty goodness of it all! As always, send us your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to smutisbetterwithfriends@gmail.com and follow us on socials @smutisbetterwithfriends. The next book we will be reviewing is Funny Story by Emily Henry, so if you haven't read it yet, you've got two weeks! *Synopsis at 0:08:16 *Official discussion at 0:20:00

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

I'm thrilled to have two titans in software testing, Matt Heusser and Michael Larsen, with us today. These veterans, with their wealth of experience and knowledge, are here to discuss their latest contribution to the testing community, their new book, "Software Testing Strategies." In today's episode, we will unpack the inspiration behind "Software Testing Strategies," exploring the trio of testing essentials: skills, strategy, and the nuances of day-to-day operations, including the politics that intertwine with the testing process. The authors will discuss their approach to addressing the complexities of software testing, finding the most effective tests among endless possibilities, and how their book aims to guide you through these challenges. Matt and Michael will also share critical insights into organizational dynamics, the value of adaptability in the testing realm, and the ethical considerations professionals face in their careers. Plus, we'll touch on the difficult journey of updating outdated systems, navigating the minefield of communication, and why terms like "QA" may need a rethink. Listeners, you're in for a treat, with real-world stories, practical advice, and invaluable expertise that's just a discount code away – so stay tuned as we dive into the world of "Software Testing Strategies" on the TestGuild Automation Podcast.

John Jeanguenat is the President at RentalMax, a U.S based equipment rental business serving Chicago, Northwest Indiana and South Wisconsin.Michael Larsen caught up with John during the ARA Show in New Orleans, learning about RentalMax and John'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

In this episode of The Testing Show, Michael Larsen interviews Señor Performo, Leandro Melendez, about cognitive biases and how they can affect testing. They discuss various biases such as confirmation bias, the halo effect, the sunk cost fallacy, and more. We like to think that we are immune to cognitive biases and logical fallacies because we testers prize critical thinking but as Leandro points out, you would be wrong, we are as prone to them as anyone else.

This week the group gets together and discusses the movie that YOU the audience at the Andy Rice Birthday Extravaganza chose for us: the DOCUMENTARY "You Cannot Kill David Arquette" 2020This is a documentary that follows David Arquette on his journey to gain some respect in the professional wrestling world after his disastrous WCW World Title win while promoting the film "Ready to Rumble" 2000, which we totally covered already on our show, so go to check that episode out first if you want to know why this sis sop important for him!Check out our website: www.friedricepodcast.comCall our VOICEMAIL: (702) 829-0117 and listen for this week's question!(don't worry, Andy isn't sitting in his room, waiting by his phone like it's the 90s, just fiddling with the long chord, watching Ripley's Believe it or Not..)

Making the move to mobile-first application development is creating interesting challenges for co-located global teams. To this end, Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen invited Mav Turner, the CTO of Tricentis, and Smita Mishra, CEO of Fandoro, to discuss the importance of user experience, security, and the need for optimized and secure code for mobile apps. They also highlight the challenges of working with distributed global teams and provide tips for effective collaboration, such as being aware of time zones and cultural differences.

In this episode of The Testing Show, Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome Dmitriy Melnik from BCU, Sri Aravamudan from Qualitest, and Mike Mokrzycki to talk about the importance of automation and cloud technology in reducing costs and improving scalability. They also highlight the differences between commercial banks and credit unions in terms of resources and investment in technology and the importance of staying relevant and providing a high-quality member experience.

The world of Utilities is undergoing a massive shift and has been doing so for the better part of a decade. With the advent of new renewable technologies and solar at home, individuals are not only power consumers but are often producers. To this end, Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome Wayne Tofteroo, Ronald Teteroo, and Scott Swanigan to discuss the changing landscape of utilities and how testing in and around them is full of unique and interesting challenges.

Hur gör man för att inte falla tillbaka i en destruktiv relation? I det här avsnittet möter klienten Carola relationsexperten Michael Larsen. Här ger han konkreta råd i hur hon ska göra för att stärka sin självkänsla. Michael ger även tips på hur man gör för att inte falla tillbaka i en skadlig relation.

We've had a chance to focus on a great deal of speculation and interest in Artificial Intelligence models over the past several shows and for this episode, we asked Dan Geater to join Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen to help get to the bottom of what AI is actually doing, why the spike in interest, and how testers can prepare and benefit from the AI gold rush currently underway.

We can talk all day long about the importance of quality and testing but for many, this question will always come down to "How much is this going to cost?" Is this expense in quality and testing really worth it? To that end, Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen invited Nabhanshu Bambi and Curtis Stuehrenberg to join us and discuss the true costs and the Return on Investment that testing can provide both in the short and long terms of projects and teams.

In this episode, the metaverse and VR become more and more present and active. To that end it makes sense that there are companies working towards making those interactions as usable and seamless as possible. To that end, Ross Fernandes, Vikul Gupta and Prem Vishwanathan join Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen to talk about ways that the virtual and the real are coming together and why it's an exciting place for a tester to potentially be.

Software testing covers a lot of areas. Perhaps one of the most important, yet often overlooked, is the quality of the data that is both part of testing and the actual business. To that end Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome Naren Yalamanchilli, David Small, and Ken Wrem to talk about Datagaps, a company that is focused on making sure that Data Management and Data Analytics are in place so that companies can make sure that they have the best data possible to do business successfully. 

In the past several months, ChatGPT has been getting a lot of attention as a new cool tool that everyone is talking about. It can generate song lyrics on the fly. It can create code to solve problems and be compiled. Still, do we really understand what it is and what it can or can't do? To that end, Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen welcome Ted Ariaga, Chris Kenst, and Beth Marshall to talk about ChatGPT, especially as it interests the world of software testing, and explore areas where it is ready for prime time and where it is not, or at least, not yet.

Agile Testing and some would say Modern Testing is built around understanding the processes and quality practices necessary to deliver a quality product to customers. How do we know if the practices our company or organization is using actually deliver what we hope them to. To help answer that, Selena Delesie and Janet Gregory join Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen to talk about their new book "Assessing Agile Practices With the Quality Practices Assessment Model (QPAM)" and help determine if the practices an organization is using are effective and ultimately will help deliver quality products in the first place.

Many individuals on the team have a vested interest in what the tester provides and reports on. One such important team member is the product owner, who can wear many hats in an organization and represent many different perspectives. In this episode, Holly Bielawa joins Matthew Heusser and Michael Larsen to talk about the world of the product owner, their involvement with the organization, and their view of the world and their interaction with QA and testing.