Columnists, V10I6

Recap of the 2024 NSRA Annual Conference

Written by Ryan Carbrey

The National Shed Rental Association (NSRA), formerly known as the National Barn and Storage Rental Association (NBSRA), hosted its annual conference on Sept. 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The event’s theme, “Forge Ahead: Strengthen Your Foundation for Elevated Growth,” focused on equipping shed rent-to-own professionals with the insights and tools necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

The conference fostered a spirit of collaboration and growth, leaving attendees energized and ready to enhance their businesses.

A major highlight of the event was the official rebranding from NBSRA to NSRA, announced by Steve Byler, the association’s chairman.

Byler’s address reflected on the importance of maintaining compliance with industry regulations while fostering collaboration and upholding ethical standards.

He emphasized the association’s core values—Trusted Integrity, Servant Leadership, Forward Thinking, and Inclusivity—as key drivers for future success.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

This year’s event featured powerful keynote speeches that inspired and challenged attendees to think differently about leadership and business growth.

Colonel (Ret.) Mark Tillman, one of the keynote speakers, brought a unique perspective on leadership during high-stakes situations. As the 12th presidential pilot and commander of the Presidential Airlift Group, Tillman recounted his experiences during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when he successfully evacuated President George W. Bush.

He also shared the story of his highly secretive mission to transport President Bush to Iraq for Thanksgiving dinner.

Tillman’s experiences underscored the importance of decisive leadership in volatile environments—a message that resonated strongly with business owners and leaders in the audience.

Illusionist Harris III also captivated the audience with his thought-provoking presentation on WOW Level Leadership.

Blending storytelling and magic, Harris encouraged attendees to reimagine how they approach business challenges and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The conference also included a series of breakout sessions tailored to different aspects of the shed rental business. These sessions provided attendees with deep dives into key topics such as improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer relationships, and navigating the complexities of financing.

Each session was designed to be practical and immediately applicable, allowing participants to walk away with strategies they could implement in their businesses right away. Whether focused on technology integration or best practices for customer service, these breakout sessions offered something valuable for every segment of the industry.

REGULATORY INSIGHTS

Regulatory compliance was a central theme at this year’s conference, with Ed Winn, a leading voice on regulatory issues, providing crucial updates on state and federal regulations affecting the rent-to-own shed industry.

Winn’s session emphasized the importance of staying informed and proactive in navigating the regulatory landscape. He highlighted recent legislative developments and provided strategies to help businesses remain compliant while continuing to offer affordable and flexible rent-to-own options to consumers.

DEEPENING PARTNERSHIPS

Following the NSRA conference, the Shed Builder Expo took place on Sept. 25 and 26 in Grand Rapids. The NSRA has strengthened its relationship with both Shed Business

Journal and the Shed Builder Expo, furthering its mission to foster collaboration and education within the industry.

The Expo offered additional networking opportunities for shed builders and RTO professionals, allowing them to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and explore new avenues for growth.

In addition, the NSRA is deepening its relationship with the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO), which serves as the national trade association for the

rent-to-own (RTO) industry. APRO’s chief executive, Charles Smitherman, was a guest at this year’s conference, and his presence underscored the growing partnership between the two organizations.

The collaboration between NSRA and APRO aims to elevate the shed rental industry by aligning advocacy efforts and sharing best practices to ensure businesses thrive while maintaining high standards of integrity and customer service.

LOOKING AHEAD

As the 2024 conference wrapped up, excitement built for the future. The 2025 NSRA annual conference will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee, continuing the momentum of this year’s event.

Additionally, NSRA announced plans to introduce a formalized membership program that offers additional benefits and resources. Further information will be released in early 2025.

This year’s conference reinforced the NSRA’s commitment to fostering collaboration, navigating regulatory challenges, and leading the shed rental industry into a new era of growth and innovation.

With a clear strategic vision and an unwavering focus on its core values, the NSRA is poised to continue driving success for its members in the years ahead.

Ryan Carbrey is with NEWFOUND Solutions and is a member of the NSRA Board. 

The National Shed Rental Association (NSRA) provides valuable member benefits, promotes peer collaboration, and nurtures a conducive business environment for the shed rent-to-own industry. We highly recommend that your RTO provider be a member of NSRA and that their RTO contracts be reviewed by an NSRA attorney for legal compliance. For moreinformation, visit www.nsra.info.

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