Highflying gear could come back to earth

Sorenson is enjoying his best year in a decade, with sales up 20%. One reason is that networks are scrambling to shoot extra episodes for TV series before a potential strike after Wednesday's contract expiration. That has improved the demand for the forklifts and various aerial equipment his company rents out.

But Sorenson worries that the boom could be followed by a bust if a strike happens and the television production spigot is turned off.

"I've already had some guys call me and ask if I've made arrangements to pick up my equipment if there's a strike," Sorenson said.

Sorenson, whose 43-person company specializes in servicing the film industry, is thinking of branching out by renting equipment to other sectors, including the construction industry. But that business is not in great shape, thanks to a real estate downturn. "I'm not going to just let my business die on the vine," he said. "I'd really have to change my vision."

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Richard Verrier