Meet Michele Cogan
Michele Cogan, Inventory Manager at All Access, has spent over 14 years in the live events industry, witnessing the evolution from handwritten quotes on napkins to sophisticated inventory systems. Her job? Ensuring every piece of equipment—from massive stage structures to the smallest cables—is exactly where it needs to be.
And as she puts it, Flex Rental Solutions is the tool that makes it all possible.
A Day in the Life of an Inventory Manager (and Mom)
Michele’s day starts early, juggling two roles: Inventory Manager and mom to two boys, ages 9 and 5. Just like in the warehouse, her home life requires constant pivoting—one minute she’s making sure trucks are loaded, the next she’s negotiating about putting on shoes.
At work, the warehouse floor is her second home, where she splits time between tracking inventory at her desk and troubleshooting issues in real-time. The live events industry runs 24/7, meaning plans can change in an instant. “You have to be able to pivot,” Michele explains. “It’s a constant game of detours. If you get frazzled and take things personally, you won’t last.”
That ability to adapt carries over to parenting. “I wish I could say it makes me more patient at home,” she jokes, “but kids are a whole different challenge.”
Why Inventory Managers Swear by Flex
Michele has seen it all—manual spreadsheets, clunky software, and workarounds that never quite worked. But Flex changed everything.
- Everything in One Place – Before Flex, inventory tracking was a mess. Now, it’s all in one system.
- Intuitive & Easy to Use – “I’ve taught old dogs new tricks, and new dogs pick it up instantly.”
- Real-Time Visibility – Michele can quickly check schedules, track returns, and ensure everything is where it needs to be.
- Accuracy That Saves Time – “We can look back at 14 years of jobs and find everything we need. Most companies don’t have that.”
She also loves the flexibility that Flex provides. The custom calendars, sorting tools, and live updates have become essential. But like any power user, she still has a wish list—like a return manifest feature that shows a percentage of items returned instead of just “prep” or “returned.”
The Right Tools Make the Difference
Michele’s job is part logistics, part problem-solving, and part crisis management. With tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and gear moving between continents, Flex gives her the control she needs.
Some of her favorite moments? Being part of live TV filming like The Voice, historic events like the Super Bowl, major music festivals like Coachella, and even seeing legendary bands like The Eagles still hitting the stage. But for her, the real satisfaction comes from solving the day-to-day puzzle—tracking what’s coming, what’s going, and ensuring everything is in its right place.
Advice for Future Inventory Managers
According to Michele, success in warehouse management comes down to three things:
- Thick Skin – “You can’t take things personally. Just get the job done.”
- Adaptability – “Expect the unexpected. And be ready to change plans—constantly.”
- A Good Team – “You can be the best at what you do, but without a solid team, it won’t matter.”
And when it comes to inventory management? Having the right tools—like Flex—makes all the difference.
