RC Special Events keeps Really Cool

December 1, 2011  |  Industry News, Management

From Frozen Dead Guy Days to destination weddings, RC Special Events brings the ‘Really Cool’ to Northern Colorado. RC Special Events (RC stands for “Really Cool”) was created in 2008 from two existing businesses: A-Z Party Rentals in Fort Collins, Colo., and Rental City in B…
Finding and keeping top-notch employees

December 1, 2011  |  Features, Management

Author and people-skills expert Arnold Sanow answers questions about hiring—and keeping—top-notch employees. By Arnold Sanow The unemployment rate in the United States has hovered in the range of 9-10 percent for more than two years, and many experts estimate that the true rate is even h…
Smart warehouse spaces

December 1, 2011  |  Management

Use your current warehouse space creatively and efficiently and avoid the cost of expansion. By Steve Arendt Your warehouse is overflowing with tools and inventory, so you’ve obviously outgrown your current space. Are you sure? Buying a new building or adding on to an existing structure are ex…
Orion Software releases SiriusCRM

October 10, 2011  |  Management

Orion Software, Montreal, Canada, has launched SiriusCRM, an integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module. Developed specifically for the rental industry, SiriusCRM enables rental companies to quickly and easily access customer information, analyze sales forecasts and marketing campaigns…
How to get tent installation permits

October 1, 2011  |  Features, Management, On the Job

Work successfully with code officials to gain tent installation permits. By David A. MacArthur Pulling permits to erect tents can be like trying to hit a moving target because different code enforcement officers and fire department inspectors interpret codes differently. Understanding ahead of time …
Tent renters manage information with technology

October 1, 2011  |  Features, Management

Technology helps tent renters keep customers in the loop. By Jamie Swedberg What’s the first rule of communicating with tent rental customers? Answer the phone when it rings. “We have a rule that the phone has to be answered by the second ring or I’m off the wall, I’m up out …
Working in challenging environments

October 1, 2011  |  Management

Weather, economy challenge tent rental business decisions. By Kathy Schaefer The season is drawing to a close in the Midwest with yet more weather unpredictability. I’m sure all tent companies experience their own seasons no matter what climate they are in, but this year we have all, at one ti…
Red Hat Rentals expands for success

October 1, 2011  |  Industry News, Management

Red Hat Rentals offers big-city options to rural East Texas. In 2001, when the Jones family—Andy, Susan and Billy—decided to open the tent and event rental arm of their equipment rental company in rural East Texas, they didn’t let the fact that their small town lacked the populatio…
Know the signs of employee theft

October 1, 2011  |  Management

By William J. Lynott It’s only natural for you to place a great deal of trust in your employees. “We’re like one big family,” is a refrain often heard in entrepreneurial ranks. That’s as it should be—but it’s important to keep your guard up. The unfortunate …
Skilled employees are the most valuable asset

August 1, 2011  |  Management

A team of dedicated employees rises to the demands of an unprecedented season. By Kathy Schaefer Summer is here and the heat is literally on. Three storms in three weeks involving high winds and hail have changed our awning production schedule. Normally, we would be winding down at this time of year…