It’s a widely recognized statistic that modern young professionals will hold a minimum of 7 careers in their lifetime.  As we see the 2013 college grads accepting their diplomas and searching for their ‘starter jobs’, it’s refreshing to recognize an RMI team member who’s love for the work she does has enabled her to celebrate her 25^th Anniversary at RMI.

The entire RMI team is proud to honor Lauren Dorman, RMI’s VP of Product Development, on her 25^th Anniversary with RMI Corporation.  Throughout her years with RMI, Lauren has held nearly every role.  Marketing, Sales, Support, Consultant, Project Manager, Director, and on to VP of Product Development Lauren has helped carry RMI through the evolution of both business management software/hardware and the equipment rental industry.  Her ongoing work at RMI plays a vital role in many facets of the company; most significantly, she helps to ensure that the RMI ADVANTAGE solution continues to exceed the ever-changing expectations of equipment rental, sales, and services industries.

Customer Portal – Learn how adding a dynamic customer portal to your website can drive new business and ensure customer satisfaction. May 29, 2013 @ 1pm ET

Mobile Ready – Explore the industry shift toward real time system updates from mobile phones and tablets. See how making your business mobile can drive productivity. May 15, 2013 @ 1pm ET

Not available for these sessions? Download the 5 Steps to Improve Cash Flow eBook or contact sales@rmiusa.com to schedule a personalized session.

This honor signifies that RMI, as a business management solution provider, was chosen by more businesses than any other Dynamics NAV Partner during the 2013 fiscal year.

RMI ADVANTAGE Role Center on a Microsoft Windows Surface tablet PC.

February 25, 2013 – Avon, CT – Today RMI Corporation is pleased to announce that the ADVANTAGE solution is available for use on Microsoft Windows Surface Pro and RT tablets.  This announcement comes in the wake of one of the most successful Rental Shows in recent history during which RMI raffled off one of these tablet computers.

During The Rental Show, RMI premiered ADVANTAGE on a Windows Surface.  In addition to the Surface, visitors to RMI’s booth were able to get hands on experience with the ADVANTAGE solution on MobileDemand^® Rugged Tablet PCs, iPad^® tablets, Laptops, Barcode Scanners, iPhones^®, Android^® phones and iPhones with the Linea Pro^® credit card and barcode scanning case to demonstrate the computing power, mobility, and diversity of RMI’s ADVANTAGE solution.

The announcement of RMI’s support for Microsoft Windows Surface serves to add the Surface to the list of devices compatible with ADVANTAGE and supported by RMI’s Help Desk Institute Certified Client Services team.  This tablet compatibility service takes effect this week for all ADVANTAGE customers, adding even more value and flexibility to the ADVANTAGE solution without additional cost for their customers.  Customers can log into their ADVANTAGE account from virtually any mobile device offering users the opportunity to work from anywhere with access to all the same resources they have at their desk.  The Surface, with its lightweight and space-optimized design, enables true mobility by eliminating the need to cart around a traditional laptop while enabling advanced ease of use with its touch cover keyboard.

Beginning February 25^nd all ADVANTAGE Cloud customers can login and access all features of the ADVANTAGE solution from any tablet, now including Windows Surface.

About RMI Corporation

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Avon, CT; RMI Corporation is the leader in enterprise Rental, Sales and Service Solutions for mid-market companies.  RMI is fully dedicated to the equipment rental, sales and service industries and offers an industry standard solution including software, implementation, training, consultation and support to help their clients maximize efficiencies and reach their full business potential.  RMI currently has thousands of users working with their ADVANTAGE Solution, representing various segments of the industry.  For more information on the ADVANTAGE Solution and RMI Corporation, please visit their website at www.rmiusa.com.

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For Additional Information, press only:

Brittany Tripp

Marketing Specialist,

RMI Corporation
Microsoft ISV Partner of the Year
Microsoft President’s Club
40 Darling Drive
Avon, CT 06001
Phone: 860.677.1005
Fax: 860.677.2454
Web: www.rmiusa.com

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Be sure to visit RMI Corporation in Booth 4612 at The Rental Show this February in Las Vegas.

Learn More www.rmiusa.com/TheRentalShow

2012 RMI Toy Collection begins

As the Holidays draw near, I find myself in a reflective mood and am thankful for the opportunity to work within an industry that continually demonstrates their commitment to providing high quality equipment and services to their customers.  For our part, the team at RMI appreciates and is honored by the trust and faith that all of our customers place in us.

This year, the team requested that RMI again sponsor a toy drive for a local charity. Each morning as I walk into the office, I walk by the growing toy collection and am proud of the generosity and thoughtfulness of those with whom I work each and every day.

From the team at RMI, I wish you a very happy and prosperous close to 2012 and best wishes for continued success in the New Year.

During a recent conversation with a customer, we talked about how their business has evolved. Five year ago, their business mix weighed heavily towards Service and Parts sales.  Today’s business mix includes a larger percentage of rentals than in years past, and they’ve experienced a growth in overall business and profitability as a result.   It’s safe to say that their experience is not unique.

As a fan of Rental Equipment Register magazine, I read it cover to cover each month.  It just so happens that the October edition included a great article by Larry Kaye titled Rental is the Cornerstone.  His experience is much like many of our customers.  Rentals shouldn’t be an afterthought; this line of business is an important pillar in a healthy mix to allow the business to thrive in all economic conditions.

Think about the evolution of your customers and your marketplace. Are Rentals no longer the “exception” to fill a short-term need? More companies are making equipment rental a natural part of their business because, in the long run, it makes a lot of sense economically. The “renter” doesn’t incur a large capital expense (possibly taking on new debt) and avoids paying for repairs and long-term equipment maintenance. The flip side of the cost savings are also in favor of the renter. They gain the use of equipment when they need it, they have access to the latest and greatest model that is more efficient that an older unit and they experience increased up-time since the rental company must keep their equipment well maintained otherwise they don’t make any money. These benefits all translate to a job well done, meaning the ‘renter” has happier customers too.

From your perspective, a rental line of business also reflects positively on your other business lines.  Good quality used equipment is always in demand and turning over your rental fleet leads to increased Parts and Service business.  Everyone wins.

If you haven’t already, check out Mr. Kaye’s article; especially the charts outlining how a rental strategy contributes to the bottom line of the business.

What’s your business mix?  Is your experience similar?  I’d love to hear from you on this topic.

http://rermag.com/business_technology/business_info_analysis/rental-is-cornerstone-20120901/index1.html

RMI is Recognized at the National Portable Storage Association conference, October 2012, for being a charter member of the organization and for exhibiting at the show all 10 years.

Lauren Dorman, VP-Product Development accepts certificates of appreciation from the National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) in Kansas City October 2012.

Certificates include Appreciation for participation in all NPSA Conference and Tradeshows and Appreciation for being a charter member of the association.

I love getting out of the office and visiting with customers.  It’s especially fun when you have a history with the people, the company and can see the vision they have for themselves and where they would like to go.  It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and see if there’s a better way.

I had one such visit recently that reminded me of the importance of stopping to smell the roses – or in this case, asking questions.   After our scheduled business meeting, a casual conversation occurred with Susie and Mary (names have been changed to protect the innocent), customer service reps for this local distribution company.  They spend their days talking to customers, processing orders and overall providing great service.  And since they know everything about their customers, they’re often the focal point for questions from their co-workers.   They mentioned that they’re constantly asked to check the delivery status of shipments with the big name shipping companies.

The discussion went something like this….

(Susie) “Boy I really wish I could just click a button and see what the delivery status is.  “

     (Me)  “You can – just click the Track Package function”

(Susie) “Where’s that???”

     (Me)   “Right here….”

(Susie)  “You mean I could do this all along and I didn’t know?  This is going to save us so much time!”

This is an example of just one small task that was being done manually and, when you add up the time and interruptions in the day, it really begins to add up; especially during busy season.

So, today’s lesson is “ask questions”.  Think about those things that slow you down and ask your business partner if there’s a better way.  You might just be surprised how often the answer is Yes.

June 28, 2012 – Avon, Connecticut –

Started as a computer rental business in 1983, RMI Corporation developed their business management solution, ADVANTAGE, to manage the rental, sales, service, inventory, and financials of their own business. Years later, a friend of RMI president Paul R. Chapdelaine C.P.A. noticed similarities between his trailer rental and sales business and Chapdelaine’s computer rental business. It quickly became clear that ADVANTAGE was capable of managing businesses that rent, sell, and service a wide variety of equipment types. The trailer rental business licensed ADVANTAGE in 1990 and they continue to be a customer today.

“Despite the obvious difference between computers and trailers, the business practices are strongly similar.” Said Chapdelaine “We monitored equipment utilization and rental rates; they monitored equipment utilization and rental rates. We rented by the day, week, or month and so did they. Businesses that rent equipment all manage by the same basic principles with minor differences. ADVANTAGE is a fully integrated, full featured business management solution equipped to handle it all. ”

“This milestone is an exciting precursor to the big three-oh.” Said Lauren Dorman, Vice President of Product Development (with RMI 24 years). “Our business, product and service offerings have evolved greatly over the years to take advantage of technology advances that best serve the needs of the equipment rental, sales, and service industry.”

While serving the equipment rental businesses for nearly 3 decades, RMI experienced the birth of the computer mouse, the World Wide Web, mobilization, the Cloud and more.

“The last five years have been especially exciting. RMI has always been recognized for delivering excellent service to our customers. With the move to the Cloud, we’re delivering implementation, help desk support, and quarterly updates to clients even faster.” Said David G. Richards, Vice President of Client Services. “Today, we’re finding that we are able to help more business users who need access to the system via our mobile user offering, full Microsoft Office support, and accessibility anytime from anywhere. The average time from purchase to go live is running at about 1 month and that includes access for more areas of the business than ever before.”

Leading the way in technology for the equipment rental, sales, and service industry, RMI brings the latest in business management software, technology and services to the equipment rental industry.

For more information on RMI Corporation visit http://www.rmiusa.com/AboutRMI or see the album from the 29th anniversary celebration at http://www.facebook.com/RMICorp.ADVANTAGE.