Shaun Brown joins the ARA of Arizona board

Shaun Brown, vice president of sales and rentals, Road Machinery, based in Phoenix, recently joined the ARA of Arizona board.

For Brown, it is a natural fit. “I have always believed in being part of associations and have seen the value of being a participant and member,” he says.

Brown has plenty of board experience to draw from in his new role on the ARA of Arizona board. For 10 years, he was on the board of the Nevada Contractors Association. He sat on its Construction Leadership Committee, where he planned mixers for new members, golf tournaments and charitable activities. He also served on the association’s Ambassador Committee and brought on many new members. “Through my relationships with contractors, I was able to sign up more new members than the whole committee. It really motivated others to get more involved,” he says.

In addition to his board background, he brings a wealth of varied industry experience.

“I have managed every facet of the business,” Brown says. “I was a construction superintendent, then worked in general rental with Ahern Rentals and then became general manager of rentals for Komatsu Equipment Co. in Utah, Nevada and Wyoming before joining Road Machinery. I have sat on both sides of the desk and understand the challenges that contractors and equipment companies face — even event rentals because I have hired event rental people to take care of events. Now, with Road Machinery, I manage all the construction and mining rentals and sales for Arizona, including Tucson, Phoenix and Prescott, as well as all our branches in California,” he says.

Brown plans to use that knowledge and “understanding of what makes a good association for members” as he embarks on his new board role, he says. “I want to help the board create and sponsor events that mean the most to all members rather than just holding events or sponsoring something for the sake of having an event. It has to have a purpose and be something members can benefit from.”

Another goal is to increase membership and attendance at events by helping others see the benefit of becoming involved in their state association.

“I want to get out and visit with other general rental and event rental operators in person and invite them to join us for a mixer. The more participation we have, the stronger we will be. Having those relationships with competitors also is a plus because it allows you to benefit from that networking. Let’s say you don’t have the inventory to provide a customer. You still have the relationships and the network to provide a service or equipment to your customer by calling on your fellow ARA of Arizona members to assist. You are taking care of your customers and doing it by supporting your ARA members. There is real value in getting involved,” he says.

Brown is eager to get started. “I want to offer suggestions and create opportunities for all our members. I want to show the value of getting involved and demonstrate what they can get out of it,” he says.