Rental business computerization in the American tool, equipment, party an specialty rental industries (called the hire industry in Great Britain and Europe) had its early start in the 1970s with the development of software and systems by Taylor Rental Corporation (TRC), a large rental business franchisor at the time under the guidance of one of its senior executives, Jack Shea. In 1987 he was awarded the Special Service Award by the American Rental Association for contributing to advancements in an industry which previously had little experience with automation.