CREST Technologies

This is one VERY atrociously run business. If you’re considering a company for Apple computer rentals or Apple computer services, CREST Technologies, Inc. should NOT even be on your radar for consideration.
Needing an $ 11,000 Apple Xserve RAID, CREST contacted me and requested to rent my unit. This device is NOT an iPod or a laptop. This is a large, 120 lb. storage device requiring special handling and care. I assumed that CREST knew what they were doing since they describe themselves this way on their website:
«CREST was established as a provider of tradeshow logistics services to the high tech industry. Over the years, and through multiple acquisitions, CREST has evolved from its humble roots into a national leader of technology-​focused services and corporate event management in the education and enterprise markets. Our breadth and depth of experience represents a very unique intersection of logistical and technological expertise that is unparalleled in the industry, and we have earned a reputation as a proven leader in all of our services. Whether our clients require high-​level program management, event planning, deployment solutions, or implementation services… CREST clients range from internationally-​recognized Fortune 100 companies to major regional corporate and educational institutions…»
A company of that kind of caliber should have no problem shipping and receiving large quantities of expensive equipment with ZERO problems. And if there is a problem, they should step up and handle the problem IMMEDIATELY. Not only was that not done in this case, IT HAS STILL NOT BEEN HANDLED…
The unit had to be packaged by CREST and sent to one of our clients for use very closely after CREST’s rental. There was no margin for error – the other client desperately needed this unit for a project they were working on. This was the condition that CREST packaged and delivered our Apple RAID to the client:
Our other client was devastated. I immediately contacted CREST and supplied them with the photos. I received an email back from CREST president Bart Mecum:
«From the pictures I can understand why you are upset. I will be working with my staff on the west coast to find out what happend and will be back into contact with you early next week. Bart Mecum President CREST Tecnologies Inc»
This was pushed over onto west coast rep for further action. Ms. Miloslavich went back and forth before sending this final message:
«I would like to re-​schedule our meeting until Thursday or Friday — something has come up for tomorrow morning. Please let me know if you are available at 4:00 PM Thursday or 9:30 AM Friday. Will either of those work for you? And, what address do you wish me to meet you? Jaede Miloslavich CREST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.»
Neither Ms. Miloslavich or Mr. Mecum ever wrote again…
In their OWN rental paperwork, CREST states the following:
«Rentee shall bear all risk of loss, damage or destruction of equipment leased pursuant to this contract, from whatever cause or source. Rentee shall bear all risk of theft and/​or missing items regardless if Rentee or Rentee’s customer’s fault. It is required that Rentee provide insurance to insure against damage, destruction or theft of the equipment and software provided under this contract to cover the value of the equipment being rented… Rentee will be charged the purchase price noted for any lost, missing or damaged equipment in the event the insurance fails to pay for the same…»
CREST can’t even abide by the terms they DEMAND from their own customers!
I have made multiple current attempts (August 2014) to contact current president Matt Mecum, Director of Business Development Paul Burke, and Director of Account Management & Operations Judy Young. All contact has gone unreturned.
The ongoing damage to my company was considerable. That item was the «crown jewel» in our rental fleet and it took a very long time to invest in that equipment. CREST destroyed it overnight. Money from that unit helped pay for our employees salaries, our lease, and other business expenses. This was the beginning of the end for my company and CREST could apparently care less about what they did to contribute to its demise.
If you have a vital trade show which requires Apple equipment being professionally packaged, shipped and received DAMAGE FREE, can you even chance it with these guys? If you have a mission critical Apple need that requires communication returned promptly, this is obviously not the company to trust.
Just look at the photographs and the lack of communication in my situation.
Do you want that happening to you?