HRIA Life Members

Gordon first became involved in the Hire Industry in 1964 when he was made manager of Silverwater Plant Hire. Gordon was approached by Neville Kennard in 1967 to help set up a Hire Association in NSW. The first committee was elected and Gordon held a position on the committee for the next 27 years, also serving as President for two years.

Looking back, Gordon remembers the camaraderie of the early days of the Association. ‘Where ever you go in the world there are always people ready to welcome you and share ideas with you.’

Andy’s involvement with the industry began in 1964 after attending the California Rental convention.

Together with his late elder brother Neville, they organised a meeting of hire operators in Sydney in 1967 which grew to the HANSW and the HAA then ultimately the HRIA. Andy has served as President of the HANSW and HAA.

In addition to Life Membership with the HRIA, Andy has also been inducted into the American Rental Association Hall of Fame.

Andy’s advice? Look after your people and they will look after your customers. Choose a strategy that separates you from the rest of the industry – either with customers, geography or product.

Jim’s 35 years in the industry started in 1968 with Coates Hire. Jim has served the Hire Association as the Inaugural President in WA, Vice President and various roles in Victoria, Vice President, President and many roles in NSW and National President from 1983-1986 and was the recipient of the President’s Award in 1980 and 1990.

Jim’s most valuable lesson is to maintain an honest relationship with your suppliers, competitors and customers and maintain absolute integrity and honesty in all your dealings.

An early pioneer of hire in Western Australia, Terry founded Crommelins in 1958.

Terry had a great slogan, ‘try before you buy,’ but found some equipment returned was too soiled to be sold. In 1960 a client wanted equipment for one week which did not justify the cost of purchasing the equipment. Terry hired it to him and a new hire division of the business began. Terry sold Crommelins Hire in 1981 to Wreckair.

Des began his career in 1956 through his family’s business, Wreckair. He was elected to the first committee in 1977 and he became the third foundation committee member to become National President. Des also served as the Victorian State President, Victorian State Secretary and committee member in both NSW and Victoria.

Des recommended always trying to improve and staying alert to trends and market forces. And of course, be involved with the HRIA!

Ralph entered the hire and rental industry in 1980 with Crown Equipment, moving to Coates in 1988.

Ralph has served on the South Australian and Queensland committees including time as President in both states and was involved with the formation of the EWPA.

Ralph’s proudest achievement was becoming a Life Member of the HRIA and believes that hard work and integrity is the recipe for success. ‘Live the dream, realise your full potential and love life.’

Peter is recognised for his outstanding achievements over 30 years in the hire industry, including 11 years at Kennards Hire, together with his work for state and national industry bodies, and the high regard in which he is held by US and European associations.

Joining the Association in 1984, Peter has served as NSW President and Vice President as well as National President. Peter says, ‘Our Industry is cyclical and you have to manage these cycles through smart investment of equipment and management of debt levels. Never let the fleet condition deteriorate in the bad years. Also look after your people and continue to develop train and promote them whenever possible. Look, listen and learn from others around you in the Industry. It is more complicated than it looks to operate at a high standard. Get involved in the Industry Association and have fun.’

Neville Kennard of Kennard’s Hire became the inaugural president in February 1973 and held the position for two years.

On his return from a trip to the US he initiated the idea of a NSW association with some local Sydney hire companies. A meeting was arranged and almost two hundred people turned up and the NSW association was born.

Neville heard that other states had local committees so contact was made to see if they were interested in forming a National association. A meeting was arranged on the 4th of December 1972 with Victoria, NSW and Queensland and it was agreed unanimously that they should proceed and the new association be called the Hire Association of Australia. ‘We probably all had the sense, the feeling, that we were in on the ground floor of something new and exciting in what was to become the Hire Industry’.

Gary’s contribution to the HRIA spans more than 20 years and counting. Serving as Victorian President from 1998-2003, Gary was also instrumental in developing and implementing the plan to bring all the independent state branches of the HRIA to a national association. In 1999 Gary became the first President of our newly constituted and National HRIA until stepping down in 2005. During his years of industry service Gary has worked tirelessly to better improve services and benefits for all members.

Gary’s most valuable lesson learned was to be involved with your industry. Join the Association, attend all meetings and conventions and always ask questions to the industry members as they are always willing to discuss their issues.

As the owner of Belmont Hire, Barry had 25 years of involvement in the hire industry on the state committee and as the Western Australia President for 6 years. Barry’s proudest industry accomplishment was being elected WA State President and organising the inaugural Western Australia hosted Convention.

Barry’s advice to anyone just starting in the industry is to get involved: attend conventions and events and to communicate with fellow members.

Gary’s most valuable lesson learned was to be involved with your industry. Join the Association, attend all meetings and conventions and always ask questions to the industry members as they are always willing to discuss their issues.

Tim has been in the industry since 1976 when he worked in the hire office at Wreckair Hire. Currently working as the Managing Director at Access Hire in Victoria, Tim has been involved with the HRIA and EWPA. He formed part of the sub-committee that developed the EWPA Yellow Card program, served as the EWPA Victorian President, the EWPA National President and is currently the EWPA National Vice President. Tim has been involved in the PPSA battle and his commitment to fighting this legislation has been second to none.

While he believes his proudest industry accomplishment is yet to come, the partial success with the PPSA battle in May 2017 but he will continue to fight until hire is removed from the Act.

Tim says integrity and honesty are key components of our industry. He also advises to  remember where you came from. Over the years truck drivers have become CEOs of the biggest rental companies, back yard home handyman hire people have become world leaders in innovative equipment service standards. ‘Work on your education. The demands today to understand accounting, finance, law and the like are important if you want to progress. Work hard… Take a nothing is too much trouble approach and attitude to your job and the customers.’

Rob was an accomplished businessman (a Director at National Hire amongst other key positions) and a passionate advocate of the hire industry. Indeed, Rob was present at the first meeting in 1968 in Sydney to discuss the forming of a national association. Throughout his successful career Rob remained active in the association as both a NSW State President (1979) and later as a member of the strategic HRIA WoRK (Wealth of Rental Knowledge) Group. Rob’s sons, Neil, Jay and Glenn, remain key members of the hire industry.

Rob was a true stalwart of the hire industry.

Tony has been in the industry for over 40 years starting with BOC Group, then Flexihire, Sunset Equipment finally Petro Hire. Tony’s involvement with the HRIA has been long running, dating back to the early 2000’s.

Tony has held positions on both the QLD committee and National Board as QLD State President. Tony has been long term mentor both informally and formally through the HRIA Development Programs and is also now a judge in the Hire Company of the Year Awards.

However, it is Tony’s above and beyond support of the industry that really stands out. One of the biggest advocates for the HRIA, Tony regularly drops in to meet members and prospective members telling them about the HRIA, inviting them to meetings, introducing himself and offering advice.

Tony says the hire industry has been like a family to him, and it is important to give back, which for him is through supporting and encouraging people.