Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Bruce Campbell Hall of Fame Nomination Submitted by
Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Leadership Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bruce Campbell began his rental career as a high school student at an independent rental store in the late 1960s. In 1984, he and his wife Laura moved to Harrison, Ohio where together they founded the aptly named L & B Equipment Rentals and Sales. In its first two years, L & B became the largest dealer in the area. Within four years it was a multimilliondollar rental company and the second largest in the state. That success led to the couple being featured on the cover of Rental Management Magazine in 1989. The feature story highlighted Bruce’s basic operating principles and philosophies, such as customer service, inventory control, proper merchandising techniques, and taking care of (and educating) his staff. He showed them the importance of providing outstanding customer service as part of the path to business success. Incidentally, he experienced no employee turnover in the years he owned his business. With several years of success with thriving rental operations, Bruce decided to sell his business and retire early at the age of 41. But he wasn’t finished with work, or the rental business, for that matter. A committed affiliate of the ARA for many years, he began writing a monthly column called “Discovering Rental” for the same publication he and Laura appeared on the cover of just three years before. He felt it was a great way to stay connected to the industry and share his experiences and expertise with a national audience. Every month, the column illustrated how he achieved success, which certainly inspired readers to do the same with their rental businesses. As it turned out, Bruce’s lasting impact on the rental industry was really just beginning. Around the same time, Do it Best (then HWI) was looking to develop a Rental program that its members could add to their retail operations. Familiar with Bruce’s magazine column and his success and expertise in the field, the co-op courted the industry veteran to join their team and help launch the program. Wanting to retain his new-found independence, however, Bruce turned down that offer and instead signed on to work exclusively as a contractor for them in 1994. In this role, Bruce could set his own hours and continue to do the work he was most passionate about. He dove headfirst into this new venture and was instrumental in developing the Do it Best Rental program from the ground up. He set up all of the details involved in the program—how it would work, how members could utilize the offerings, and how they could make it profitable for their businesses. At the onset of the rental program he spearheaded, Bruce joined many of the co-op’s territory sales managers on their routes to solicit members to start their own rental operations. In essence, Bruce has been the face of the program, and the go-to expert for independent retailers joining the rental space for nearly 30 years. In that time, Bruce’s dedication and commitment to the rental industry have helped more than 700 members successfully venture into this profitable category. “I was successful in rentals, and one of the reasons I was is because I learned early on that you have to charge rates that will allow you to offer highly maintained pieces of equipment, and back them up with service. Turn your equipment over more often. Have better maintenance programs. Spend some money to train your counter personnel. Make sure you are providing the best service that you know how to provide. These are the keys to surviving through the next century and surviving against competition.” Bruce Campbell Discovering Rental 1994
Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Industry Impact One of the biggest impacts Bruce has made on the rental industry is hosting the Do it Best Rental School—the member education event he helped create in 1994—several times per year. The highly popular, in-depth, four-day training program attracts new and current rental business operators from across the country. Bruce teaches owners every aspect of running successful rental operations. The school’s participants have referred to Bruce over the years as the most dynamic speaker who genuinely cares and supports their efforts with his outstanding and invaluable knowledge of the rental business. Bruce further instructs attendees on performing maintenance on a variety of equipment and the proper way to strategically advertise tools and specials to potential customers. Most importantly, he relentlessly stresses safety protocols and the proper operation of all equipment being rented. Bruce teaches them to read their customers’ understanding of tools and machinery, and he outlines how to train customers to operate equipment safely. Bruce shows store owners and their employees what he’s learned from a lifetime in the rental business, including his own rental philosophy he established at his own business and what he attributes as a pillar of his personal success. Countless Rental School attendees through the years are incredibly appreciative of Bruce’s ongoing contact and additional guidance offered to them long after the class has ended. He makes himself available 365 days a year through his email address and personal cell number to answer questions or offer advice in times of crisis, such as accidents with equipment. During his travels, Bruce often visits the stores where he helped establish a rental business, and he’s remained close with members he’s taught over the years. His leadership and insights have proven so successful that many owners have maintained profitability with rental for the entire 30 years Bruce has been mentoring them. It’s not just business owners who have been impacted by Bruce’s passion for rental. Ground Hog National Sales Manager Allen Carlson recalls, “I observed Bruce as a teacher and trainer at the Rental School for many years. I was impressed by Bruce’s ability to get to the heart of the matter about why certain rental equipment wasn’t selling, and I appreciated Bruce’s candor. Today, I count Bruce as not only a long-time colleague in the rental industry but also a good friend,” Carlson says. “After joining Do it Best more than 20 years ago, one of our first experiences was being introduced to Bruce Campbell. My initial impression of him was that he was all about rental and all about us succeeding with it—his passion is simply infectious. He always has members’ best interests in mind and he has continued to not only ‘talk the talk,’ but ‘walk the walk.’ A perfect example was when he was on-site for training at our store. He learned that our brand new man lift would be out of service due to a safety issue missed at the factory. He immediately jumped into action and personally called the company directly to explain the situation and the inconvenience it was causing our rental department. After several more phone calls that day, the company ended up shipping us a brand new unit. Bruce’s consideration for the ARA Hall of Fame is certainly well deserved.” Rob Gardiner, President Damariscotta Hardware Inc.
Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Industry Impact (continued) It’s clear that Bruce’s obvious love for rental is contagious, as he’s planted the seed of countless successful rental businesses over the last 30 years. But Bruce would tell you that he’d never have been so successful without the help of his wife Laura. That’s because she was an acting partner in the business right along with him. Even though Laura’s largest contribution to the business was handling the accounting side of things, she was integral to everything Bruce set out to achieve. L & B Equipment store interior, circa 1990. “In 1984, my husband was blessed to have his dream of opening his own rental center turn into a reality. With such a passion for the rental industry, I knew he’d love sharing his knowledge of tools and equipment with our customers when they’d talk about their projects. I’d listen to him instructing them on the best way to get the job done correctly. Because he took the time to listen, he also gained valuable information he could later pass on to other customers tackling the same project. Bruce loves to talk to people, and they love talking to them. Both exchanged questions and in turn, learned from each other.” Laura Campbell , wife and partner “Bruce Campbell has been my friend and mentor in the rental business for more than 20 years. As an enthusiastic teacher and advisor, he’s been an invaluable resource for learning about all aspects of the rental industry, not just for me, but for hundreds of other members across the US and abroad. He has a real passion for it, and the team he’s assembled works tirelessly on behalf of members, large or small, who are starting or growing a rental department. He’s always accessible when questions arise and is genuinely interested in new developments in the industry. Bruce and his team support the successful day-to-day operations of businesses like mine. I can’t imagine a better ambassador for the rental industry than Bruce and I heartily endorse his membership in the ARA Hall of Fame.” Joe King King Hardware Co. Inc.
Ingenuity Bruce continuously enhanced the Rental School’s curriculum and offerings throughout the years. When pandemic lockdowns prevented members from attending, Bruce made sure none lost the opportunity to learn about Rental, establish it in their stores, and boost profitability. By adapting his curriculum, he successfully served more than 50 members with his rental expertise by holding two “virtual” Rental Schools. For existing rental members, Bruce held about 20 on-site tailored training days each year to help them fine-tune their businesses and boost profits. Longtime Do it Best member (and current board member) Tim Post of T & M Hardware & Rental has much respect for Bruce’s commitment to helping enhance his business. In fact, he’d say Bruce’s encouragement and assistance helped T & M survive the recession in the late 2000s. Tim’s rental business is now one of his top-earning categories, and T & M is widely known in their markets today as the go-to for rental. Outside of the Rental School, Bruce spent many years visiting members’ stores domestically and internationally championing the benefits that rental provides. On those trips, he’d conduct feasibility studies to help members determine if adding a Rental Center was a good fit for their store and their communities. He’d take several factors into consideration, such as location, competition, area demographics, customer base, and profitability potential. If Bruce’s analysis didn’t conclude with positive results, he’d actually advise against adding a rental department. His priority was to protect the future of potential rental owners by directing them in their most profitable direction. Even today, as the rental industry is a 24/7 job, Bruce still answers questions from members and offers advice. Bruce’s ingenuity extended to other aspects of running a successful rental business as well. In particular, his own operation’s marketing and advertising efforts in the 1980s were creative. He gained a loyal following by placing new illustrated ads in his local newspaper featuring his “Captain L & B” cartoon character. It had a different message each week, giving customers a reason to seek out the ads and see what was new. Bruce helped All American Do it Center in Wisconsin get their rental business up and running. Thereafter and still today, All American emulates some of Bruce’s most well-known TV ads when promoting their own successful rental business. “In the 20+ years I’ve been working with Bruce, one thing that has never waivered is the passion for the rental industry. As a consultant for more than 400 Do it Best Rental members, Bruce has been an invaluable resource to all of us. He’s provided extensive knowledge of equipment, procedures, the latest trends, and most importantly, a sounding board to help owners get through any day-to-day setbacks. Successful as an owner/operator himself, Bruce transitioned to helping others be profitable and successful, too. It’s how Bruce has continually and selflessly given back to our industry. As one of the many who Bruce has helped along the way, I strongly support his consideration into the Rental Hall of Fame.” Tim Post T & M Hardware & Rental Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination
Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Industry Stability Bruce can be credited for developing the rental industry in the home improvement retailing channel, something not seen much just 30 years ago. Bruce’s experience, wisdom, and guidance are what make his presence in the rental industry so profound. Bruce reinforces rental’s image by instilling high standards in the businesses he mentors. He ensures each owner is equipped with strong financial knowledge and understands the importance of product quality, inventory, and customer service. The industry grows and becomes stronger with each person Bruce puts through his school. He spreads a positive reputation about rental by bringing quality service programs to business owners and their markets. Further, many of the initial operators Bruce mentored are now entering their second generation of rental management at their locations, thereby increasing and expanding the overall stability of the industry as a whole. “Electric Eel has been a Do it Best Rental vendor for 20 years, so I’ve worked closely with Bruce and assisted him with various training programs on many occasions. As a trainer/consultant, Bruce has positively impacted hundreds of hardware store owners, and he’s been instrumental in promoting the rental concept in the hardware market. Initially an owner/operator of his own rental store, Bruce’s unique perspective is influential to those new to the concept. I’ve witnessed firsthand Bruce’s passion for the rental industry—it’s quite evident when you attend his training sessions. For a prestigious award like the ARA Hall of Fame, you’d look for someone who’s consistently exhibited honor, integrity, dedication, and a genuine love for the industry. Bruce Campbell is an excellent example of this. He is that person. I highly recommend considering Bruce for membership in the ARA Hall of Fame.” Mark Speranza, VP of Sales Electric Eel “I’ve known Bruce for about 30 years, as a rental employee, a rental store owner, and then retired to become a rental consultant. He’s trained hundreds of new rental operators and employees on everything from paperwork to equipment use and maintenance. He has always stressed safety, educating members, and making sure their customers have a great rental experience. Bruce is sincerely a dedicated rental advocate.” Dennis Kelly A & G Wholesale “Before his long tenure as a Rental consultant, Bruce did some work for rental software provider and ARA associate member JK Data Systems. He helped develop and enhance their features implemented in a rental software enhancement project. “Bruce is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and innovative people we have had the pleasure of working with in any capacity,” says Kalki Joisher. “He’s also compassionate and kind, and he never misses the opportunity to help others. Bruce is the type of person you can count on to keep a cool head in a stressful situation, and his positive attitude is contagious.” Kalki Joisher JK Data Systems
Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Personal Commitment While operating his own business and writing a magazine column throughout the 1980s, Bruce was a strong supporter of industry organizations. As previously mentioned, he was a committed member of the American Rental Association, and as such, a big proponent of the ARA show. He also served as president of the Greater Cincinnati Tool Rental Association, an organization that even predates the ARA. Plus, he served as vice president of one of its chapters, the Ohio Rental Association. In addition, Bruce has volunteered his time in several different ways, including spending much of it directed toward charity programs, such as food kitchens and church committees. Bruce has served as president of his school board and president of his parish council. He held a seat on the board of the city of Harrison, OH, where he helped select the chief of police. But his biggest contribution may be in his volunteering of information—he’s a self-described open book. Bruce believes that sharing faults so that others don’t repeat mistakes also means sharing successes so that others may prosper. Having experienced a fulfilling career of his own making, Bruce is more than willing to share his ideas with other rental owners. He’s offered up every detail of his personal successes and missteps at the Rental School so other owners are equipped to run a profitable rental business. As a rental vendor and longtime dear friend, Bob Mertz knows Bruce as an unassuming and unpretentious business leader, family man, and civic leader. “Bruce learned early on to work hard to outwit and outperform his competitors in order to succeed,” Bob says, “and that translates to every facet of his life.” Bob adds, “When he began collaborating with Do it Best, Bruce entered another prolific chapter of being a great teacher, guidance counselor, and coach—these are his secondary strengths. His greatest strength is his love and devotion to his family. Bruce is a great man who deserves every accolade bestowed upon him.” “I grew up working in my dad’s tool rental business until I was 15. He taught me that people count on you for service, so the store should be open and ready before the actual opening time. If you knew all the tillers were dirty, you stayed late to get them ready for the next day so customers wouldn’t have to wait. The work ethic and knowledge I gained from him led to higher earning potential in other jobs through school. It’s what’s made me successful today managing nine-figure commercial construction projects, and it’s driven me to become who I am today. Brian Campbell
Bruce Campbell - Hall of Fame Nomination Personal Commitment (continued) In addition to his business instruction, Bruce also advises owners to get involved with their communities and others in the industry. He’s always wanted his students to share in both his passion for rental and his passion for volunteerism, and to offer their time to those in need. Bruce strongly advocates for his students to become active with the ARA as well, locally and nationally. As far as Bruce is concerned, anything that’s brought him prosperity and happiness is worth passing on to another. For him, nothing is more fulfilling than sharing his story so others can be successful, too. After owning his own rental business and sharing his knowledge with customers, and later members, Bruce achieved another dream of his—to share his love of rental with his family. His and Laura’s four children worked in the family business from childhood. Laura Campbell recalls, “The combination of Bruce’s two loves—family and rental— meant we could be involved in our children’s lives and they in ours. Working together gave us great insight into each other’s wants, needs, and personalities. I was so blessed to be able to watch this process unfold each and every day— what a gift!” she says. When the sale of their rental center in 1992 led to Bruce becoming a consultant, Laura believes it may have been destined. She adds, “It was a dream come true that he could share his knowledge and passion with others around the US and the world. To this day, I believe Rental has given my husband the opportunity to do what he loves, just as much as Bruce has given the rental industry what it needed. Both he and the industry have been blessed by each other’s existence.” “Working for my dad’s rental business at an early age taught me many valuable life lessons. From a work standpoint, I learned about responsibility, problem solving, time management, business finances, and of course, how to develop a great work ethic. Interpersonal skills and direction in personal finances were big benefits that crossed over into my personal life. I learned more from working part-time for him than I would have anywhere else. Learning all aspects of the business from him has also greatly enhanced my education and professional career. ” John Campbell “My dad instilled in us that if you want something, you have to work for it. When I was turning 16 and wanted a car, he offered me a job cleaning his store a few nights per week. He took great pride in the fact that he didn’t operate the typical dusty and dirtied equipment kind of rental center. It’s what set him apart from his competitors. When my socializing on the office phone started to get in the way of my work, he definitely noticed! It was then that he kindly encouraged me to take a job at a nearby restaurant instead. That work ethic he instilled in me at a young age stuck with me, and it’s a big reason for the success I’ve had owning my own business today.” Jennifer Campbell “One of my greatest memories was sitting on my dad’s lap when he drove the Bobcat, and then one day learning to drive it myself. I remember watching him instruct renters on the proper use of equipment. I couldn’t wait until I’d have that same confidence with customers. My dad always said, ‘You’re a Campbell, you can do anything.’ I knew how to change the oil on most equipment and on my own car by age 16. His instruction on power tools helped me later when I bought my own house. His strength, dedication to the business, and tremendous work ethic are why I always give 110% to anything I do. My dad is a man of strength, and I’m honored to be his daughter. Melissa Campbell Wood First as an operator, then as a columnist, and finally as a mentor and counselor, Bruce Campbell has made a long-lasting and national impact on the rental industry. Bruce’s comprehensive approach to the rental business has helped establish and continue to grow a national network of more than 600 successful operators.