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Not far from Rocky Mountain National Park in Big Sky Country, the Big Thompson River runs through Loveland, Colo., a place rich with the stories of the people who have called the place home. And Robin Event Rental has built a business by listening to its clients’ stories—creating events that reflect what’s important to them. “With our company being primarily located in Loveland, we find that our local and surrounding communities are very close knit,” says CEO and owner Chad Ayres. “We have the amazing fortune to live in a large suburban city, while still maintaining a small-town vibe. Whether we are working in downtown Loveland, where the buildings hold so much history, or driving west toward the mountains—we live in the sweetheart city and find its name to be true.”
Ayres has been installing and working with event rentals since he was 15 years old. He purchased Robin Event Rental in 2016, and branded the company with a new look, including a remodeled showroom with an interactive design studio. “The studio gives clients a hands-on opportunity to design their special event,” Ayres says. “We’re able to handle both intimate and large events while keeping the ‘you are family’ feeling.”
Trending today and tomorrow
From backyard parties and corporate retreats to fundraisers and weddings, Robin Event Rental staff is passionate about staying on top of trends so they can turn clients’ dreams into reality. “Over the past couple of years we have noticed that people are holding onto the rustic vibe for weddings and special events,” Ayres says. “However, more recently, they have upgraded that style to a rustic chic or glam, but adding more swag and decor into their tented events.”
Anticipating what may come next is also part of their strategy to meet clients’ needs. “We believe that the next big trend will be a lot more mixing and matching within events,” Ayres continues. “Whether it’s mismatched china, or varying table styles for the reception, we think this is a trend that is going to explode in the next year.”
Behind the scenes
Tenting in a mountainous region brings specific challenges, particularly high and gusty winds, and Ayres’ team prepares accordingly. “Weather is always a factor, during temperature changes the winds get a little high along the foothills,” he says. “Making sure we have enough weight and properly stake is always being stressed to our installations crews.”
Ayres believes having a good relationship with the local fire marshal is key to staying on top of code changes and managing safe installations. “Our local fire marshal is a common face in our showroom,” he says. “Constantly asking how they can help us and letting us know what we can do to make their lives a little easier. Each year they will send out any changes in the code for us to address and change the way we prepare for the fire inspection.”
Finding and retaining skilled and reliable workers is an industry challenge, and it’s no different for Robin Event Rental. “We are constantly having to raise our wages to be able to get people hired on,” Ayres says. “Our off-season this year is focused on exploring incentives and implementing the structure to keep more employees on. Our current incentives are paid vacation, discounted rentals, dental and vision, as well as a national discount program.”