Counter Talks

Hosted by Canadian Rental Service

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Latest episode

Nov 2025

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About the show

Just like at your rental counter, this is where the great conversations happen. Join Canadian Rental Service editor, Patrick Flannery, for in-depth discussions with top experts and big names in the Canadian equipment and event rental industry.

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60 recent

November 25, 202522 min

Episode 64: Andy Grover, Trackunit, Vice President Sales – Rental North America

For decades, construction machines were seen purely as physical, mechanical tools. Today, that definition has changed. Machines are evolving into smart, connected platforms that continuously generate and deliver value across their lifespans. Component OEMs are at the heart of this transformation, working with technology providers and machine manufacturers to digitize construction.Andy Grover with Trackunit joins Counter Talks to discuss how OEMs are enabling rental organisations and contractors to work more efficiently, leveraging secure connectivity, real-time updates, and actionable data.

September 17, 202528 min

Episode 63: Laure-Anna Bomal, with Canadian Federation of Independent Business

2025 has been a year full of economic uncertainty as the United States reshapes international trade and its relationship with other countries. As a result of this seismic shift in American policy, Canada has faced significant economic impacts. As we head into the final months of the year, Counter Talks spoke to Laure-Anna Bomal, an economist for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, about the present state of the Canadian economy, what can we expect to see in the last months of 2025 and what might 2026 have in store.

December 18, 202441 min

Episode #62: Meet the new team - Mike Lacey and Macenzie Rebelo

As 2024 ends, Canadian Rental Service editor Patrick Flannery says goodbye to the Counter Talks podcast and the magazine he has helmed for so many years. Joining Patrick in this episode is new editor Mike Lacey and associate editor Macenzie Rebelo, who introduce themselves and discuss their plans for 2025.

November 5, 202433 min

Special Episode: It’s Movember – Mitch Hermansen, Movember

Movember is back with an added focus. The popular fundraising drive for men’s health has added support for mental health to its efforts along with prostate and testicular cancer. Mitch Hermansen joined Annex Business Media publisher/editor, Patrick Flannery, to talk about why these issues are important and what we in the construction community can do to help the guys who work for us.

August 16, 202448 min

Episode #60: Rental Intelligence – Dave Swan, Trackunit

Artificial intelligence has been exciting tech nerds for decades, but the rental industry has struggled to see how it can actually improve profits in its operations. The benefits of improved data collection and analysis have seemed marginal next to the costs in time and technology investment. But now, “generative” AI, like that powering ChatGPT, promises a new level of assistance that could have a meaningful impact on all rental operations. Dave Swan of information technology integrator, Trackunit, joins Counter Talks to explain.

August 12, 202412 min

Counter Talks SPECIAL EPISODE: Meet Dawn Bloomer, keynote presenter at the Canadian Rental Mart

Dawn Bloomer is going to put on a very special presentation at Rental Mart + Turf & Rec Show on Oct. 17 in Calgary. Dawn’s fun, informed and interactive workshop will give you some time to chew over key strategies for your company based on her Seven Drivers of Business Success. This is not your typical business trends talk and Dawn is not your typical business consultant. Listen here to find out why.

July 22, 202433 min

Counter Talks Episode #59: What’s Happening at the Rental Mart? – Navneet Matharu, Canadian Rental Service

The Canadian Rental Mart, Canada’s trade event for the equipment and event rental industries is coming to Calgary, Sept. 11 – 12. Canadian Rental Service brand manager Navneet Matharu joins Counter Talks to talk about our excitement to bring Canada’s big rental event to the west for the first time in its 40-year history. And to let us know about all the new and old friends who will be joining us there.

June 24, 202442 min

Counter Talks Episode #58: The Way Forward – Melanie Misener, Canadian Rental Association

Melanie Misener has taken over as interim executive director of the Canadian Rental Association following the departure of Nathalie McGregor, who led the organization for 10 years. Here’s your chance to get to know Melanie and hear her plans to get Canada’s rental association back to the thing it does best: bring Canadian store owners together to support each other.

May 24, 202451 min

Counter Talks Episode #57: Bird On A Wire: Patrick Falzon, Electrical Safety Authority

Contact with electrical power lines has killed 20 people in Ontario in the last 10 years. As powerline safety and code specialist for the Ontario ESA, Patrick Falzon’s mission is to empower people with the information they need to avoid these horrific incidents. And as the industry that rents equipment and erects tents that can reach overhead high-energy lines, we have a role to play. Falzon clears up some critical misunderstandings around powerline safety and offers some solid tips on this episode of Counter Talks.

April 26, 202432 min

Counter Talks Episode #56: Your Task: Canada – Kelly Brincheski, Collective Event

Kelly Brincheski, general manager of Collective Event Rentals in Winnipeg, is the new Region 10 director for the American Rental Association. It’s a big honour, but the title itself contains a challenge. As just one of the ARA’s several regions, Canadian rental store members have sometimes wondered if they are lost inside the U.S. behemoth. The ARA is trying to address that with a Canada task force charged with addressing the specific needs of Canadian members. Brincheski chairs it, and joined Counter Talks to discuss it and lots of other things about the ARA and her life in the industry.