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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Hosting a showcase during the slow season

December 1, 2016  |  Management

Everyone appreciates the time of year when things start to slow down. But after a recuperation stage, tent rental companies may find themselves twiddling their thumbs, waiting for clients to call. What do you do to drive business at these times? Many facilities host a showcase or an open house. This…
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A succession solution in employee stock ownership

October 1, 2016  |  Management

How to determine if an employee stock ownership plan is right for your company. An exit plan is generally not at the forefront of a company owner’s mind, especially at the height of career success, but it’s no less important than any other business strategy. When the time comes to step down, a c…
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Case study: Expanding from one location to two

July 13, 2016  |  Management, Markets

Expanding a party and event rental business from one location to two ideally results in higher revenue, a bigger market share and more opportunities for the business and its employees. But every so often, the unexpected happens. Consider Jill Redmon, president of Montana Party Rentals in Bozeman and…
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What to add to your tent rental inventory

July 1, 2016  |  Management, Products

Knowing your customer base is always critical to success, but this becomes even more important for tent rental companies considering expanding their offerings of non-tent event rental items. After all, taking on new products can represent a sometimes sizable financial investment; a major considerati…
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Payroll perils

June 1, 2016  |  Management

Mistakes in withholding and paying payroll taxes to the IRS can spell real trouble for small business owners. Every employer faces countless rules and regulations involving the payments it makes to its employees. There are rules that dictate when (and which) workers must be paid overtime, the amount…
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Tempted to subrent?

April 1, 2016  |  Management, Products

Subrentals help tent rental companies keep inventories active and jobs coming in, but getting the most from this strategy requires playing it smart and being cautious. Subrenting equipment—whether to or from another rental company—can offer tent rental businesses some important, and tempting, be…
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Brand new brand

December 1, 2015  |  Features, Management, Markets

A strong brand identity can drive sales, while a weak one can hold a business back. Is it time for your company to rebrand? Your special events business may be keeping up with economic and market changes, but is your brand keeping pace? There’s no denying that 21st-century business culture is fast…
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Managing cyber security

December 1, 2015  |  Management, On the Job

Don’t fall asleep at the computer. Today, even with almost every specialty fabrics business involved with some form of Internet connection or data storage (customer lists, employee information, books, records, job estimates, receipts and tax documents, for example), nearly 83 percent of small busi…
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