Brandi Burmeister with Midwest Rentals, Lafayette, Ind., has been elected to the ARA of Indiana board.
She brings varied types of experience to her position. She is a veteran who served three years in the Army on active duty as an 89-Bravo ammunitions specialist. Her military service included driving and performing maintenance on 6K- and 10K-forklifts.
“When I came home to Lafayette in 2016, I saw a job posting for Midwest Rentals. I grew up and went to school with Amber [Caudill, manager at her family’s rental operation]. I applied and got the job,” Burmeister says.
When she started at Midwest Rentals, Burmeister began working in accounts receivable. Her aptitude in this area was quickly noticed. “I am now overseeing the entire in-house accounting duties and plan to attend Ivy Tech Community College for more training,” she says.
In addition, she also has become the assistant manager for the tools department and is the point person this year for the company’s Home and Garden Show, which will take place at the end of February.
“I feel I am like a jack of all trades. I have individual knowledge of a lot of different areas. Between my military experience and rental experience at Midwest Rentals, I have seen a lot of different ways things can and have been done and can see what works and what doesn’t. As a new board member, I hope to bring some of that knowledge and experience to help other people,” Burmeister says.
In addition to sharing knowledge, she hopes board service will offer her opportunities to gain expertise, too, particularly in the way of developing her leadership skills.
“I want to improve myself and receive more education. I know there are a lot of great leaders on the board. I would like to learn from them and see how I can help the ARA of Indiana grow and help more members become involved,” Burmeister says. “I also would love to help plan events for the board. I have experience after working on our Home and Garden Show these past years.”
When she started at Midwest Rentals, Burmeister was excited about moving into a new industry and career. It is a move she has never regretted.
“I really do love the rental industry, and I love working with our customers. Every day is wildly diverse, and there is always something new to learn. It is never boring. Plus, it has a pretty cool community. It is almost like an extended family. We can reach out to other rental operators and help each other as well as come together to have fun,” she says.
Burmeister is bringing that same sense of adventure and enthusiasm to her board service, adding that she can’t wait to get started.