Rental Hall of Fame to Induct Snorkel Founder | Construction News

Rental Hall of Fame to Induct Snorkel Founder | Construction News

The aerial-work-platform pioneer who founded Snorkel Equipment will be one of two industry veterans inducted into the Rental Hall of Fame in February.

The American Rental Association (ARA) has announced that Snorkel founder Art Moore will be inducted into the hall of fame on Feb. 27, 2017, during The Rental Show in Orlando, Fla.

In 1959, Art Moore founded Snorkel Fire Equipment Co. in Grandview, Mo., with a revolutionary platform used for firefighting and rescue.

In 1971, the company was sold to ATO, which later became Figgie International, and the company name was changed to Snorkel.

Today, Snorkel has an expansive product line of aerial work platform (AWP) equipment.

Moore is regarded as a key pioneer of today’s AWP industry. Snorkel entered the construction and industrial market with the introduction of the Snorkelift telescopic boom AWP in 1977, changing the company’s focus from firefighting platforms. Moore’s emphasis on innovation, safety, and simplicity drove the development of rental-friendly products and made an impact on the overall equipment rental industry.

He helped many independent rental businesses explore new opportunities with their rental fleet by focusing on products that could be made available easily. To further assist rental companies, Moore also introduced a financing program in which Snorkel guaranteed all loans the company provided to customers.

Under his leadership, Snorkel grew to become a Fortune 500 company. He expanded the company internationally, first entering into a license agreement with a fire pump company in Japan to manufacture the Squrt brand of products. That opened the door to an even wider international market, and Moore developed business relationships around the world.

A longtime supporter of ARA, Moore has participated in many meetings and events, and exhibited at The Rental Show. He also believes in giving back and sharing his knowledge and experience with others in the industry. Although he retired in 1991, Moore is still active in Snorkel and remains on its board of directors.

The other inductee will be Spencer Etzel, a visionary in tent rental now with Rainier.

The American Rental Association (ARA) created the Rental Hall of Fame in 2000 to foster an appreciation of the historical development of the rental industry and the leaders who helped the industry grow and expand.

Each year, nominations are accepted to recognize individuals who have made a substantial impact on the industry at the national or international level. The induction ceremony is held annually during The Rental Show keynote session.

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