Trade show strategies

December 1, 2012  |  Management

Get the most out of a trade show by strategizing before you leave home. By Sarah Lapping Industry manufacturers, suppliers and sponsors spend many hours preparing for trade shows. But if you are an attendee, do you prepare for a trade show or do you just show up? If you are planning to just show &he…
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Ensuring forklift stability

December 1, 2012  |  Management, Safety & Codes

Follow this checklist to ensure forklift safety. One of the most dangerous operations involving forklifts is the loading and unloading of trucks and trailers. The reason is the change from the stable floor of the loading dock to the unstable deck of the truck or trailer. Not only may the vehicle bei…
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Successful succession planning

October 1, 2012  |  Features, Management

An effective succession plan encourages a smooth management transition while minimizing transfer taxes. By Mark E. Battersby Sooner or later, everyone contemplates retirement. For those who own a closely-held or family tent and party rental or fabric structure business, retirement is more than just …
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Strategies for safe job sites

August 1, 2012  |  Features, Management, Safety & Codes

Avoid on-the-job injuries by preparing your staff. By Michael Tharpe Safety issues often go unnoticed when staff is under pressure to get the job done. While everyone is responsible for making safe decisions, it falls on owners and crew leaders to give installers the training they need, adequate bre…
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Encourage positive engagement with a social media policy

August 1, 2012  |  Management

Want engagement? Think policy. By Barry Hurd Social media…What is it? Who controls it? What is right or wrong? How does it affect my business? If you can’t spell out 30-second answers to each of these basic questions, how can you expect employees, vendors and business partners to unders…
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Invest in safety

August 1, 2012  |  Management, Safety & Codes

Invest 10 hours of training to ensure safety for your workers. It’s not mandatory … or legislated. That’s the first good news. The Outreach Training Program by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a voluntary program with a purpose of promoting workplace saf…
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Tent companies prepare for disaster response

June 1, 2012  |  Features, Management

When disaster strikes, is your company ready to respond? By Suzanne Wilson Natural disasters and emergencies demand immediate action. Among the first groups called to respond, tent rental companies install shelters and provide critical supplies within a few hours or days, often in devastated surroun…
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The best insurance policy

June 1, 2012  |  Management

Does your company have the right insurance coverage? By Matthew Davis Don’t automatically assume you’re protected—or that your insurance is right for your business. According to one national survey, nearly 60 percent of businesses are seriously underinsured. In the event of a major…
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What’s your best price?

April 1, 2012  |  Management

By Gary Stansberry Maybe you have a shot at providing equipment for a major sporting event or a large wedding. The job is complex: some equipment will be from your inventory, some subrented; subcontractor services will be required; temporary labor will be needed; you’ll incur transportation an…
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Reflecting on the tenting season

December 1, 2011  |  Management

A challenging season evokes reflections on tent rental past and future. By Kathy Schaefer The year 2011 is almost over and, like most rental business owners, I am planning for winter and the ensuing slow cash flow. It is also time to think ahead to next year’s tenting season, evaluate equipmen…
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