I'd say in the overall Parish there are about 100,000 residents. We'll deliver merchandise as far as 60 miles out.
Jean-Guy Poulin, Owner, Express Rentals; Treasurer, Louisiana Rental Dealers Association

Excerpted from the September How 2 issue of RTO Magazine

Watch the recent video podcast with Jean-Guy Poulin, owner of express Rentals and  Secretary/Treasurer of the Louisiana Rental Dealers' Association

With a single store in Hammond, Louisiana and a key role as Secretary/Treasurer of the Louisiana Rental Dealers' Association, Jean-Guy Poulin is making an impact far beyond his hometown.

Poulin's Express Rentals store operates in a town of about 20,000 residents, but services an area much larger.

"I'd say in the overall Parish there are about 100,000 residents. We'll deliver merchandise as far as 60 miles out," said Poulin.

Poulin is happy with the rent-to-own business he generates from Hammond, which amounts to about 60% from furniture, and another 20% from electronics.

"That electronics segment is growing, though. We put in a new high-definition display wall and that has really increased our television rentals. Our store has done well and business is really good now that kids are back in school."

Poulin is trying some new products this year including high efficiency Fisher & Paykel washer and dryer sets. He is also excited about adding high-definition television commercials available from RentDirect. "We could never afford to make commercials like these on our own."

Poulin says that while he is lucky to be situated on a busy thoroughfare in Hammond, marketing his store is still important. Poulin plans to buy some cable advertising time with the spots, which will be a first for his single-store operation.

Despite his true independent status, Poulin firmly believes in the benefits of multiple owners working together as a team. He feels it is very important that rental dealers get involved with their state trade associations.

"The legislative climate in Louisiana is pretty calm right now. We have favorable legislation and we plan to try and keep it that way. We're currently working to find as many rental dealers as we can in the state of Louisiana and make them aware of the tentative meeting we have planned for March, 2008. I'd really like to ask anyone doing business in the state of Louisiana to contact me (expressrentals@bellsouth.net) so that I can get you the information you need to become involved."

Poulin says there is no magic formula for the percentage of dealers necessary for an effective state association. "Let's just say I'd like to get every single Louisiana dealer involved."