Avoid being sued with a well-written rental contract

October 1, 2018  |  Business, Management

How to keep from being sued by making yourself the least appealing target in the group. A client recently asked me what seemed like a simple question: “How can I keep from getting sued? Aside from the obvious answer (which necessarily involves either a fortune or a gravestone), my answer, with som…
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Is it a good time to sell your event rental business?

August 1, 2018  |  Business, Management

One of the most frequent questions I get is “Is now a good time to sell?” There are two things to consider when trying to answer this question. One is a “macro” question of how are the overall market conditions and two is a “micro” question of how your business is performing. I’ve been…
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Facebook’s changing algorithm and your business

June 1, 2018  |  Business, Management

How Facebook’s algorithm changes can affect tent and event renters’ social media marketing strategies—and what to do about it. The power of Facebook® is undeniable—and while its data privacy issues dominate the news at the moment, the algorithm update that launched earlier this year is stil…
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Saavy cash management can boost your bottom line

April 1, 2018  |  Business, Management

Learn the basics of savvy cash management to boost your bottom line. Cash flow—the amount of money flowing into and out of your shop—is an easy concept to understand, yet not always well managed. Not every owner is aware of the impact skillful cash management has on net income, probably because …
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Why millennials don’t want to work for your business, and how to change their minds

December 1, 2017  |  Management

The year was 2000. The start-up had outgrown the garage, relocating to a nondescript building in an office park. Outside that building, on an asphalt parking lot, employees played roller hockey. The games were full contact. Employees wore pads and would come back inside drenched in sweat and sometim…
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Attract and hire exceptional workers

October 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

In today’s improving job market, the very best job candidates—the ones who satisfy your strictest requirements—can afford to be picky when it comes to applying for a job. That’s why you need to be at your best when it comes to recruiting and screening candidates. There are a number of techni…
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Basics of job costing

August 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

Unlock your company’s growth potential by knowing the basics of job costing. The growth of the tent and event industry is truly inspiring. I’m in awe at some of the projects that get bigger and flashier as time has gone by. Not only is this a good thing—it’s a GREAT thing, as long as we &hel…
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Don’t skip background checks before hiring

June 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

These days every new employee brings a possible threat to your business. The threats include theft, sexual harassment, physical violence, identity theft, fraud and drug use. The potential for ruinous legal actions is clearly higher today than ever before. That’s why a background check before you h…
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Good people, bad choices

April 1, 2017  |  Business, Management

Even the most well-intentioned employees are vulnerable to slipping into unethical choices when their lives lack balance. Ask an average person, “Would you voluntarily do something that is unethical or illegal?” Generally, he or she will reply something like, “Heavens, no!” People naturally …
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When to say yes—and no—to new inventory

December 1, 2016  |  Management

The economy is improving, tented events are on the upswing, and customers are spending more on decor and accessories such as sidewalls, doors, liners and drapes. This is good news for tent rental companies, because these items can bring a very good return on investment, says Scott Sutherland, presid…
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