Recapping the 15th Annual NSRA Conference.
The shed rent-to-own (RTO) industry came alive in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 23, 2025, as the National Shed Rental Association (NSRA) hosted its Annual Conference.
Themed “Belonging. People First,” this year’s event emphasized the human element in our business by fostering trust, community, and growth beyond mere transactions. As part of the inaugural Shed Week, a collaborative four-day extravaganza uniting the Shed Sales Summit, NSRA Conference, and Shed Builder Expo, the conference drew professionals from across the nation to network, learn, and inspire one another.
Shed Week, running from September 22 to 25, provided a comprehensive platform for shed manufacturers, builders, dealers, and haulers, blending education on sales, compliance, and innovation.
The NSRA Conference stood out as a pivotal day in this lineup, focusing on the welfare of the RTO sector through keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and vendor presentations. Attendees enjoyed a full schedule starting with registration at 7 a.m. and wrapping up with a VIP book signing at 4:35 p.m.
The event featured networking opportunities over breakfast, lunch, and breaks, allowing participants to connect in meaningful ways. The atmosphere was electric, with professionals sharing stories of challenges overcome and successes achieved, all under the banner of putting people at the forefront.
One of the highlights was the launch of the NSRA’s new membership program, designed to extend the association’s impact beyond the annual conference. This initiative transforms NSRA into a year-round resource hub, offering members exclusive access to a library of sample documents, industry-specific videos, discounted conference pricing, a membership directory, and timely updates on regulatory changes.
Membership tiers cater to companies of all sizes: Tier 1 for those with fewer than 1,000 contracts at $399 (including one user), Tier 2 for 1,000–10,000 contracts at $899 (up to three users), and Tier 3 for over 10,000 contracts at $2,699 (up to 10 users). Service providers can join for $599, with additional individual memberships available at $250 each.
As a board member, I encourage all in the shed RTO space to check out the website at https://www.thensra.com/membership to join today and unlock these benefits and strengthen our collective voice.
The mainstage sessions were the heart of the conference, delivering powerful messages aligned with the “People First” theme. Kicking off at 9 a.m., John Felkins, executive director of EntreLeadership Elite at Ramsey Solutions, shared insights from over 12 years of coaching business owners on leadership and scaling.
Drawing from Dave Ramsey’s proven frameworks, Felkins emphasized building high-performing teams through personal development and effective communication. Attendees left his session equipped with practical strategies to lead their teams toward sustainable growth, reminding us that true success in RTO comes from investing in people, both employees and customers.
Following lunch, the energy shifted to “edutainment” with John Branyan, a renowned Christian comedian and Dry Bar Comedy star. At 12:45 p.m., Branyan’s session on “Humor in Storytelling” had the room in stitches while imparting valuable lessons on using levity to connect, inspire, and make messages memorable. With his philosophy that comedy is a gift for navigating life’s struggles, Branyan demonstrated how incorporating humor into business communications can humanize interactions, reduce stress, and foster stronger relationships in the often high-pressure RTO world. His performance was a perfect blend of laughs and learning, reinforcing the theme that belonging starts with shared joy.
At 1:35 p.m., Chairman Jim Kuhlmann delivered his address, highlighting the association’s progress and future directions. A special moment came when NSRA honored two exemplary figures: Ed Winn received the Legacy Award for his decades of pioneering contributions and lasting influence on the shed RTO industry, while Leland Ulrich was presented with the Cornerstone Award for his foundational efforts in establishing strong industry standards and supporting community growth.
The conference culminated with a thought-provoking mainstage address by Dr. John Delony at 3:05 p.m. As a No. 1 bestselling author and host of The Dr. John Delony Show, Delony, with his Ph.D. in counseling, dove into mental health, relationships, and creating non-anxious lives. His talk explored how prioritizing emotional well-being can transform workplaces and customer interactions, urging attendees to build environments where people feel seen and supported. Delony’s relatable stories and actionable advice left a lasting impact, inspiring many to rethink how “People First” applies not just to business strategies but to everyday leadership.
Beyond the mainstage, breakout sessions offered targeted knowledge. Morning sessions included Julie Cruz-Martyn on RTO accounting basics; a panel on culture design led by Richard Miller with panelists Joe Kuhlmann, Tiffany Strong, Crissy Gonzalez, and Erin Derr; Darren Tyler on personal strengths for change; and Trent Myers and Charlie Sells on brand building.
Afternoon breakouts featured Jonathan Ulrich on AI’s future in business, Nick Garrard on RTO law and ethics, and David Weaver on trust in partnerships. Vendor presentations from RTOSmart, RTO Suite, and Ownly showcased innovative tools for generating and managing RTO contracts. As Shed Week’s NSRA day wrapped up, the sense of community was palpable. This event not only recapped our industry’s progress but set the stage for future collaboration. Looking ahead, the 2026 conference promises even more, but in the meantime, joining NSRA membership ensures you stay connected and supported year-round. Together, we’re building more than sheds—we’re building belonging.
