THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602200092
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: KATHRYN DARLING
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
David Berry's family has been in the rental business in Norfolk for more than 50 years.
His grandfather, George Tubbs, started United Rent-Alls on Colley Avenue in 1953. It was one of the first rental businesses on the East Coast.
Berry, who grew up working at the store, spent every summer of high school and college at United Rent-Alls, and after several years of college at Virginia Wesleyan, he went back to work there full time.
Tubbs died in 1984 and, not having any sons, left the business to his only grandson, Berry, 24 at the time.
Customers can rent a wide variety of items from Berry's store: lawn and garden equipment, generators, automobile tools, 20-ton house jacks, roll-away beds, baby equipment, party tents, silver punch bowls and even full place settings of china for 500.
He said the oddest request he has had was for a live camel for a birthday party. That was one request Berry said he wasn't able to fill.
His wife, Elena, manages the books, and his three children help out by polishing silver and cleaning dishes. Berry and his family live in the Bells Farm area.
Name: David P. Berry.
Nickname: ``Razz.''
What brought you to Norfolk: Lived here all my life.
Birthplace: Charlottesville.
Birthdate: Oct. 19, 1960.
Occupation: Owner of United Rent-Alls.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Three - David, 9; Brittany, 8; and Michael, 8.
Last book read: ``The Rainmaker'' by John Grisham.
Favorite movie: ``Citizen Kane.''
Favorite magazine: Reader's Digest.
Biggest accomplishment: Getting my wife to marry me.
Most embarrassing moment: At my rehearsal dinner, my sisters and cousin chased me into the men's room, took off my pants and left me with just my shirt and underwear.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Get in better shape.
Perfect way to spend the day: Pack a picnic and spend the day with my wife and children.
Favorite vacation spot: Disney World.
Pet peeve: None.
First job: I've always worked at United Rent-Alls.
Worst job: None.
Hobbies: Tennis and running.
Favorite restaurant: It is hard to pick just one. I've eaten at so many wonderful restaurants in Norfolk.
What do you like most about Norfolk? Being so close to the water and the ability to get fresh seafood on a regular basis.
What do you like least about Norfolk? Crime. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
by CNB