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Episode 25: Joelyn Caprine's journey from hospitality to general manager of 24/7 Events
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The guys welcome Joelyn Caprine, General Manager of 24/7 Events. Joelyn shares her journey from the hospitality industry to the rental industry, discussing the challenges and rewards of her role. The conversation covers the dynamics of the event rental industry, the importance of hiring and training, and the unique challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field. Joelyn emphasizes the need for patience and adaptability in the fast-paced world of events, while also highlighting the significance of teamwork and communication.
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Transcript
00:00:01
Speaker
Well, I got up early, got a crew to lead, sitting up pulls and ropes, that's a lie for me. From a wedding to a fair, from the fields with the town, the one you call when you need a 10 up or down.
00:00:14
Speaker
I'm a 10 rental man, I'm working all the way.
Nate's Vacation Dilemma
00:00:18
Speaker
And we are back again with another episode of Under the Vinyl. As always, I got my co-host Kyle. Kyle, how are you doing? Good, Nate. How are you? Man, I'm good. I just came back from what I thought was going to be a little bit of a vacation, but as you know, in the event world, it just doesn't stop.
00:00:32
Speaker
It's only a vacation if you don't take your phone or your computer with you, and I don't think any of us know how to do that. I know, I know, and that's kind of how it worked for me. I had no service at the house I was at, so I was trying to take calls on FaceTime audio and and everywhere in between, but ah but we made it work.
00:00:48
Speaker
So we made it back to another Monday and getting ready to get a little crazy. What are you guys getting ready to do? Anything fun? No, we got a slow couple of weeks. Uh, I got a big job next week down in Virginia, but other than that, not much going on, which is nice.
00:01:02
Speaker
Nice slow August. I can't complain. It's hot out. The guys are hot. So, yeah, that's nice. We're, uh, we're starting to pick back up again, which is good. And, uh, I'm ready for it, I think. So we'll see how it goes. But I decided
New Partnership Announcement
00:01:16
Speaker
to get back to it. But think we've got a little bit of ah breaking news today on the podcast. We got um we have ah partnered with and um are now going to be running with rental management.
00:01:29
Speaker
and I would say not so could call it in-house, kind of in-house, but rental management will kind of be partnering with us now to be coming on to handle all of our all of our editing and and posting. And so you'll see a lot more as far as the social media side, the video side, things like that. And we're really looking forward to it.
00:01:53
Speaker
It's going a blast, I think. Excited. Lauren's been great to work with over at rental management. So I think it's going to good partnership. And I know people wanted live video and now they're talking to me live, but they'll get to at least see the video of the recordings now. Now we just got to watch we're doing.
00:02:08
Speaker
Yeah. Make sure everything goes smooth. So, but yeah, so we'll have fun. So we're excited about that and, and to launch that with you guys. And you know, we will be doing some live shows here and there too, as well.
00:02:19
Speaker
um So this will be a good way to really get us out there and really promote the industry more than what we're already doing. So we're thankful to rental management for taking the chance on us and and becoming good partners together.
Meet Jalynne Caprin
00:02:32
Speaker
But um yeah, so we our first guest on this this new platform today um is ah somebody that's been in the industry for a while now. um We're excited to welcome Jolene Pagliari.
00:02:46
Speaker
Jalynne Caprin, dynamic force behind the 24-7 events with a sharp eye for detail and deep passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Jalynne has played a key role in helping 24-7 deliver top-tier service in the world of events and rentals.
00:03:02
Speaker
From large-scale installations to fast-paced turnarounds, she's seen it all. And today she's here to share some of that knowledge and behind-the-scenes insight. Jalynne, welcome to the podcast. How are you? I'm good. how are you guys? Did I get that name right?
00:03:15
Speaker
Jolynn Capreen is close enough. I respond to it all. i tried I tried several times before I said it too, so I apologize for that. But thanks for coming on today. How are you? Good. 7.30 on the West Coast over here, so just starting on my may day off with you guys.
00:03:30
Speaker
Love it. Love it. Well, we thank you for being on today, and and we know it's early, but we're glad you're here. So if you just want to tell us a a little bit about your background and your journey and how you got started and in the industry and what led you to get to Yeah.
Jalynne's Industry Journey
00:03:44
Speaker
um So I've actually been in the rental industry for about six years now. um I've been with 24-7 my entire rental career.
00:03:52
Speaker
ah Prior to this, I was in the hotel and hospitality industry for about 10 years. um So it was ah there's a lot of overlap, but definitely a completely different beast.
00:04:04
Speaker
Um, I actually met Rob at a mutual friend's house. Um, when I was on maternity leave with my second kid and, we got to talking and he kind of saw some of the connections I had in our local community.
00:04:15
Speaker
And he's like, Hey, you want to come work for me? I need a salesperson. And, and there I went. So that was back in, uh, September of 2019. So right before COVID hit. Oh boy. So you came in right as everything, yeah, yeah came in everything kind of hit the fan.
00:04:32
Speaker
So what did. What kind of challenges did you face then coming in for that and how long was it before, i mean, did you ever feel really comfortable until, you know, all that stuff started to happen?
Adapting During COVID-19
00:04:42
Speaker
Well, right when I started in 2019, was, I mean, I was trying to get my feet wet, kind of just learning the industry. And one thing that Rob had always told me was, Hey, you know, it's going to take a while to actually understand and see what happens. I mean, there's no roadmap in the rental industry whatsoever.
00:04:58
Speaker
Um, so he's like, just kind of soak it all in. And then, um so I'm, you know, getting my feet wet, getting to know kind of what we do, kind of how the world works. Um, I actually got to go to the Aerie show in Orlando that February. so that was a really cool experience. And then I came back and everything shut down.
00:05:16
Speaker
Um, so it was quite the adventure we had. Um, we were actually just moving warehouses as well. So we were just moving into a 50,000 square foot warehouse. Um, right when he, ah Rob, I remember very clearly when Robin Stacy came in and we're like, Hey, all right guys, we're going to have to be shutting down, you know, with COVID we're not really knowing what's going on.
00:05:37
Speaker
Um, so we, it was kind of scary. or Everyone went home, obviously. um and kind of figured it out from there. I think I was, they basically put us all in unemployment for probably about three months. And then we started really getting into ah restaurant tenting. We did a lot of elevated deck, you know, building, you know, extended um outdoor dining into the streets.
00:05:59
Speaker
um So I really just jumped into the tent world real quick right there. So. Love it.
A Day at 24-7 Events
00:06:05
Speaker
Was there anything that you were not so familiar with? Was it the tending aspect that was kind of new for you being in the hospitality industry or did you have prior tent knowledge?
00:06:14
Speaker
I had zero tent knowledge at all. So I mean, yeah, well, and I really do believe like, you know, my knowledge that I've gained is I learn it. You learn it best when you're thrown into things. so um Just kind of being thrown into that, I really learned a lot and I kind of feel like normally you go into, especially do a lot of tabletop stuff as well.
00:06:34
Speaker
And that's kind of where I had a little bit more experience, especially being in the hotel industry and working on the event side there. um But coming into, you know, tents was like, I never paid attention to them. And then kind of jumping in like that, I i mean, I learned quite a bit.
00:06:49
Speaker
so And Rob's a very go easygoing guy too, as I've known Rob for 10 years. And and um I can imagine that it it was probably just kind of like, yeah, we'll figure it out. Come with us. You got this. Exactly. Yeah. It's exactly what and I was so nervous, but he he made it happen.
00:07:03
Speaker
By the way, he was super jealous that you guys invited me before you invited him on here. And I told him, was like, don't worry. we know, we know who wears the pants over there 24 seven. yeah so So what does a typical day look like for you over at 24 seven?
Jalynne's Career Progression
00:07:19
Speaker
Or is there typical such thing as a typical day? No, there's no such thing. um I mean, once I get here, i literally don't know what I'm walking into. I mean, it could, I, you know, all all of us have our emails and everything on our phones. So even before I'm in the office, I'm getting phone calls or right. You kind of have a snippet of what's going to be going on. But once you get in the door, I've got, you know, employees coming up, we've got situations arising. So it really, and that's, I think one of my favorite things about being here and in this industry is I never know what's going to be thrown my way.
00:07:50
Speaker
So, um, but yeah, I really, i mean, I always do a work, a warehouse walk. so I come and see my team and then, um, get back here and just get in my computer and see what my emails have for me.
00:08:01
Speaker
So you started in sales. What's your current position? Um, I am general manager here. So now I oversee operations sales, the whole, the whole shebang. So how did your role kind of evolve since you first started there then?
00:08:15
Speaker
um So I was obviously hid hired ah sorry it's hired as outside sales. um So when COVID hit, obviously that completely changed. um I kind of slowly evolved in taking over an operations role. We had one of our operations managers go out on a long-term leave and I kind of just started taking on a lot of that.
00:08:36
Speaker
And it kind of just snowballed from there. um You know, we needed someone to step up to take responsibility and somehow you'll, if you know me at all, I don't say no a lot. And I get myself into messes that I'm like, okay, what are we doing now? You know?
00:08:50
Speaker
Um, so I evolved into an operations manager role for a short period of time. And then, I kind of started overseeing everything. Um, and then Rob's like one day, he's like, you want to be general manager? I don't have one of those. Like i need one of those. I'm like, I i guess so. So, um, I've been in this role probably about, I think three or four years now, or maybe not. I have no idea for a little while now.
00:09:11
Speaker
I don't need to hear you say that because I think that's what we all do. We all kind of just take it on and and take on a lot. And eventually it just evolves into certain roles that we didn't expect. And it's for the best, obviously. But, um you know, it it sounds like that Rob saw a lot of potential in you to let you just kind of handle that type of stuff.
24-7 Events' Market Placement
00:09:29
Speaker
Definitely. I know. And it's say I know it's ah I always feel a little bit awkward, too, because I'm like, oh, this is the definitely the most unconventional tip. And it's not a typical way. Most people in the event industry get to their, you know, especially in rental.
00:09:41
Speaker
it's all family, you know, most of the time, not everybody, but like, it's, you know, you're generational, um, your parents had owned a company and I'm here like, Oh yeah, I've been here six years and here I am, you know?
00:09:52
Speaker
Um, so I always, I'm like, Oh, I'm like the one random person that doesn't make sense of like how you got here, but I'm here now. So love it. Love it. You're here to stay too. We call you the rental lifer, right? Yep, exactly.
00:10:06
Speaker
All right. Well, can you give us a little behind the scenes look at ah kind of what makes 24 seven stand out in the, in your competitive market? Yeah. Um, so we are right side of L right outside of LA. So we're in a little suburb called Santa Clarita.
00:10:20
Speaker
Um, so we're about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Um, so we do have some big fish in our market in terms of rent, the rental industry, um, that will do a lot of the 10 to do basically everything that we do, but just on a completely different scale.
00:10:35
Speaker
um in terms of how their operation runs. um The magnitude of the jobs that we do are very similar. um We are known as, ah primarily as a, ah for our tenting and our structures.
00:10:48
Speaker
um Elevated deck, we do everything from power, HVAC, you name it. So you guys do a lot of structures and raised level flooring is basically your your bread and butter, right?
00:11:00
Speaker
Correct. Yeah, probably 70% of our business is that. We're really working on trying to build the tabletop and event rental side um more and more now. Okay. where Are you guys kind of more centrally located there and kind of staying around that area? Do you guys travel more up and down the coast? what do you Where do you guys go to?
00:11:17
Speaker
We travel everywhere. um I mean, we've done, and we do a lot of subcontract work for a lot of other partners in the industry as well, so we will travel. I mean, i know we've been we've been in Hawaii, we've been um Colorado, we've been to New York. We've been all different sorts of places.
00:11:32
Speaker
um a lot that's A lot of our bigger jobs are where we travel out of state. um We do a lot of stuff locally. I mean, we'll go four or five hours up the coast. We'll do things 30, 20 minutes, five minutes away. So um we're a little bit of, we're everywhere.
00:11:47
Speaker
Good deal. Good deal. And is there a a certain manufacturer that you guys specialize in for, you know, structure or flooring that you guys, or do you guys have all different kinds of product? What is, what is your primary product?
00:11:58
Speaker
um our Most of our structure is Shelter. Shelter Structures America. So um that's a of our structures we use for our frame tents is Aztec. um So we primarily stay with the two of those.
00:12:10
Speaker
I mean, a lot of it's easy just because they're both manufactured here on the West Coast. So we've really developed those relationships. And Rob's been very much in that mindset, you know sticking with our our what we know and staying with that. So we've been primarily with those two brands.
00:12:25
Speaker
How many employees are you overseeing? ah We normally around 40 employees right now. I think we're at 38. But it's normally sticks around there and we're all year round. So I have 40 employees throughout the year. Is this a considered a slow season for you?
Engaging Staff During Slow Months
00:12:42
Speaker
Generally, yes, because of of the heat. um But this year has kind of been a little bit odd. um our ah Normally our July and August are super slow. This year, our August is ah probably one of the craziest August is augusts we've had. um And our September is looking a little bit slower than normal. So it's kind of just a little funky, the kind of month the months kind of swapped. um I'm sure once school is back in session next week, we're probably going to start picking up a lot for September.
00:13:09
Speaker
Um, but yeah, August is definitely a lot heavier than normal. What do you tend to do in those slower months with your, all your all's guys and girls? Is there something that you guys, do you lay people off? do you keep people on what kind of tasks do you guys got going on?
00:13:25
Speaker
We keep everybody on. um And that's one thing I think once we find our talent, once we you know invest in our people, we'll really keep them on. And you know we will figure it out in the slow months of how to keep everyone busy and how to keep everyone on payroll.
00:13:38
Speaker
um We really focus on just the organization of the warehouse, the cleanliness, inventory. um And then we are right now, we mean, we have our main structure team and then we'll have our our our tent, our party side. We'll be putting in the yard, we'll be putting up so structures and just kind of practicing um and teaching new skills to new our new teams.
00:13:59
Speaker
So yeah that was kind of my next question is how how are you guys separated? do you guys have individuals that do certain things? Does everybody do everything? how how do you how do your departments work? So we have I probably have six main people in our structure department. So we are we run to run a smaller structure department. But I mean, we're They're all incredible and talented. So we really kind of, again, though, once we find our, our, our people are fit, like we'll keep them. We're really close in it in that regard.
00:14:27
Speaker
Um, and then I, the rest of everybody else is on the party side. So we'll do most of our, um, tenting on that side, the tabletop stuff, chairs, all that. And then we have our linen and dish department, which we have about three people in right now.
00:14:40
Speaker
Um, and then we do do, we do have some overlap where some employees will jump around kind of as needed. um but primarily that's kind of how we're set up. And how many square foot are you guys working out of? 50,000 square feet right now. Okay. So real good. Plus some outside.
00:14:54
Speaker
Yeah. You got outside. yeah Yeah. And that building is absolutely beautiful from what I was seeing. ah i mean, they want to come out there. But every picture that I see, it looks immaculate. It's beautiful. But yeah we definitely take pride in that. We're in our warehouse and our, our, yeah our setup here. And every time we get someone that walks in here, they're pretty amazed. So we're very proud.
00:15:11
Speaker
So is this usually the time of the year that you kick Rob out to and get him out of your hair for a little while so that you can kind of take a breath? I try. I try. but That guy sticks around. Love it. Love it. ah So you would say most of your events that you kind of specialize in are are the structure side or just a little bit of everything? What do you, I mean, you got it sounds like you guys are very diverse a little bit of everything, but is there something that you specialize in and how do you approach each one differently?
00:15:39
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, we do. We're really a decent mix. I mean, we've got a lot, a lot of their, I feel like ah my time is more consumed with our structure projects. I mean, we do a lot of large scale prop projects projects to where we're focusing a lot of time on there and then kind of, and I don't want to dismiss the party side.
00:15:57
Speaker
Um, and the, you know, our regular frame tents, but, um, we do ah so many of those that it's just kind of like, that's our everyday kind of thing when we'd have our structured projects they're much larger capacity. Um, so we do everything from weddings, corporate, ah all different aspects of the industry. Okay.
00:16:16
Speaker
And then what what are some of the biggest challenges you feel like you've faced in this business so far and and just how have you overcome them?
00:16:24
Speaker
Um, I, I think one of the most difficult things is probably not
Challenges in Industry Training
00:16:28
Speaker
everything. There's no like straight answer for anything in our industry. It's kind of like you get a situation thrown at you and you, you know, you have to figure out how to make it, how to make it work.
00:16:37
Speaker
Um, and I think especially like when I'm, I think ah hiring is a huge topic for many of us right now in all positions. You can't training somebody is so hard to be like, Hey, this is how we do things. This is how you you can tell them how to install a tent, but you can't, you know, if there's obscure or, you know, you get to a job site and completely not what you expected, like, and how to kind of pivot and make decisions on that. So I think training is always a challenge. It's a fun challenge and it takes ah a certain personality to be able to do that. So I think finding talent is definitely a challenge that we have and kind of just learning how to um really train somebody and to deal with certain situations, if that makes sense.
00:17:18
Speaker
Yeah, that leads into my next, uh, kind of questions. What, you know, being out on the, uh, the West coast, you kind of, you're in your own different world out there. feels like, um, so talk about the hiring aspect of that. I know that it's all over the place with, you know, just all the laws and restrictions and unions and hours worked and overtime and just kind of hit on that a little bit. oh that Yeah. Yeah.
00:17:41
Speaker
Yeah. Um, it's completely different beast. I mean, i know Rob, We you talk about it constantly. um We are in our own little world out here. um It feels like sometimes. And so like, basically we have to, in an eight hour shift, which is our standard shift, we have to have two 15 or two 10 to 15 minute breaks.
00:18:02
Speaker
And then we have to have a mandated 30 minute lunch within five hours of clocking in. So we have major challenges with that. And it's a conversation we're having every single day. um And if you know Rob, Rob is always like, let's just do what we want to do. And I'm like, well, there's kind of a law in place. We can't just do what we want to do um so we like, i mean, if we have guys on a job site and we're in a time crunch, we have to make sure that no matter what they have to, everyone has to stop and not do anything to take that 30 minute lunch before that fifth hour hits, which can, you know, we have to get creative. Okay. Like we need to get this job done. Are we bringing in a a second team to kind of catch up on that 30 minutes? I mean, 30 minutes doesn't sound like a lot, but in certain situations it it absolutely is.
00:18:46
Speaker
We've got, you know, when we're driving on job sites, we have to pull over, you have to pull over to take your 30 minute break. Um, and so it has to be, and we have a system called connect team to where, the guys were clocking in and out on their phones and I like, we we have to go through and double check and make sure everyone's following following policy.
00:19:03
Speaker
Otherwise we could have a lawsuit on our hands. So um that can be fun and challenging um for sure. Is it true you have to provide shade for lunch? Did I hear that?
00:19:15
Speaker
I've never seen a written law for that. um But I mean, obviously we try to take care of that. We i mean we have easy ups on our trucks, so the guys will pop up an easy up and sit under there air if they need to. um But I don't know if it's a written law.
00:19:27
Speaker
So eight hours, anything over eight hours is considered overtime out there? Correct. Yeah. And then anything over, I think it's 12 is double time. And are you having to use union labor in a lot of spots out there or with the projects that you were doing, are you able to get around that? how' does that work?
00:19:44
Speaker
For the most part, we're able to get around it. There's certain, certain jobs that I would say probably maybe two i can think of right now that we do every year that we'll have to work with union, but, um, nine times out of 10, we're able to kind of work around that.
00:19:56
Speaker
Okay, okay. And on those union sites, are you still sending your guys and just using a few union employees? Yeah, exactly. Do they have to have certifications, certain certifications to meet those requirements to work?
00:20:10
Speaker
You know, if you send your guys, is your guy able to work? Or do they have to just kind of be there to project manage and not really do anything? How does that... It depends on the situation. most of the times we're able to make a case, you know, because we're it's a such a specialized thing that we're able to make a case that like these union guys don't know, like it it's not as straightforward as a lot of people, as people on the outside think. So and we do a really good job of educating our customer in those situations. And normally we're able to kind of get around that.
00:20:38
Speaker
Got it. Got it. It definitely creates challenges. Like I'm sure Nate, you've come across the union and they get all – That's kind of why hitting on this. They start bumping their chests. Yeah. We're getting ready to work through that right now with some stuff coming out there and it's just – it seems like it's just madness. Like you don't even – I mean Kyle, you go you go through it up up in New York. You have the same thing. You know you go through the union.
00:20:59
Speaker
Yeah. It's
Hiring Strategies
00:21:00
Speaker
all over the place. It's just – I don't think I've ever been able to get around it. I've been able to send like one project manager that has to literally stand there and keep his hands in his pockets and can't even touch a ladder and just kind of watch everybody, but just kind of coach everybody on what to do, which sounds nice. But at the end of the day, it creates longer timelines and everything else. um So that was that's kind of where I was going with that.
00:21:23
Speaker
Do you feel like you guys have had a lot of turnover lately or do you feel like you've had a lot of people coming in that you've hired or where are you guys kind of at right now with with where you're, are you comfortable with where you're at and the people that you got and everything like that?
00:21:37
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, we have a really, really good team and and most of the people who been here have been here for quite a while. um So we definitely take pride in, you know, i mean, i think that showcases the culture and the kind of company that we have here.
00:21:48
Speaker
um so we're very fortunate and you know we've always run really tight ship because how tight-knit we like to be um we are in this you know kind of phase growth phase where we're trying to we are we don't rob's always believed in a bottom heavy um type of company so we've never really invested or really had a lot of management or you know office people we were trying to you know focus on our talent on the outside And I think we're kind of in that pivotal, we're pivoting right now and kind of really trying to build the infrastructure in the office a little bit more. um So, you know, we are, we just hired a salesperson. I just hiled an ops manager at the beginning of this year. So about eight months ago, um so our business has all been really word of mouth since then. So,
00:22:32
Speaker
And the guy we hired in sales is newer to the industry as well. So it's we're still we're bringing in people and kind of building them the way and in our in our way. So i'm not we haven't brought on you know a lot of outside talent or that in the industry.
00:22:46
Speaker
um Most people have grown up with us. So let's talk about that. You kind of hit that. Yes. That's why we wanted to go with that too. Go ahead, Kyle. Like I struggle with this as well, hiring a salesperson who's coming in, who doesn't know anything. What is your kind of method of getting them to understand how tents work? Cause obviously there's needs to be some knowledge when you send them out somewhere to go meet a client of, Hey, this fits or this doesn't fit. This works. This doesn't work. So how are you kind of educating these people you're bringing in?
00:23:13
Speaker
um I mean, it's a, it's definitely a challenge. um I mean, i Rob was bringing originally bringing me in like that too, like completely come in totally blind to it and like, Hey, go sell this. um With the the guy we have right now, she came from the restaurant and hospitality industry. um And we're, you know, with her, it's really kind of been like, let's just really focus on the basics. So I've had her a lot more on the office, taking her on installs to kind of see like what it takes to be onsite at these jobs.
00:23:41
Speaker
um and kind of just kind of having her just really observe and soak it all in. um So it definitely is a challenge because I mean, every single day there's something but you know, I think personality means everything, especially in the sales world.
00:23:54
Speaker
um So if you got the personality and you know when to ask questions, no one to kind of defer and that's kind of where I we hired her based on personality, um rather than her her industry knowledge. So we've been really trying to focus um things on that.
00:24:07
Speaker
and I think that there's a lot of people going through that right now because I think there's a big shift in this industry on just kind of the older generation, newer generation, and just how...
00:24:19
Speaker
Everybody looks at the and their business as a whole, um you could say. And I think that everybody's kind of been so heavy for so many years on the bottom end, just as you're saying.
00:24:30
Speaker
yeah But now you're learning that you've got to start bringing in some more people. Now with that you know comes bigger salaries and figuring out what everybody's going to do and how you're going to afford them. So how have you guys been able to kind of weigh those options out? And and and when you bring somebody in like that, you know, you can say that somebody is going to account for this amount of sales or do this amount. But how do you make sure that they get there?
00:24:54
Speaker
This is a conversation we I mean, Rob and I have and like literally ah this weekend, you know, he called me and we we talked about the exact same things. And it's constantly something that we're having to pay attention to, especially on the payroll side.
00:25:05
Speaker
um Especially when we're slower, you know, im trying to figure out like, okay, we still we still have to make payroll, but we're trying to grow into these different aspects. So um it's definitely a balance. And I think we're kind of taking a little bit of a risk right now. um And, you know, I'm, again, this is our first real salesperson since he hired me, which I didn't even really get to sale sell anything um since COVID and all that hit. But we're kind of in that phase where I'm like, okay, it takes, and especially for us too, it takes in the sales world, we
00:25:37
Speaker
the effort you put in now, you're not going to really see for another year or so, especially with, you know, the the knowledge and understanding and learning the industry. So we're kind of in that growth phase. I mean, so far we've been able to kind of make things work. And I'm just hoping that it'll pay off. And I'm hoping to see that in the next couple of months.
00:25:53
Speaker
Yeah, I think that that's huge, especially, you know, how you started the podcast and you said that you've just kind of taken things on and just ran with it. and And now it's become to the point where it's probably a little bigger than you and that you need some people in those supporting roles.
00:26:06
Speaker
um When you figure that out, will you call Kyle and also tell him about that so that he can go to Brian and talk to him about that? You'll be my first call. love we tell Our new salesperson starts tomorrow, actually. So that's why i was asking. That's awesome.
00:26:19
Speaker
Yeah. think I think that it's bringing somebody in from the outside too, that doesn't know the industry is a little bit better in that aspect. I think that if you find somebody in this industry that's been here for a really long time, that's great. And they have the knowledge, um, bringing in new people is you tough for the moment, I feel like, but I feel like they're easier to train and more adaptable.
00:26:40
Speaker
um But you've got to – it's almost like you have to rework your mind, too, and how you set their goals. You know, you're bringing them in and and really got to put them, latch them on with somebody to take them, you know, to the job sites, to training calls, things like that, and then really setting the expectation of the the goals and the bar and where it's got to be, I guess. Yeah.
00:27:01
Speaker
So exactly. Yeah. It's, it's, it's tough upfront, I feel like, but it pays off in the long run for everybody just so that you can feel like you're not living inside the business 24 seven. See what it is. they Love that.
00:27:16
Speaker
So what's, what's one of the biggest challenges that you feel like you faced and how have you overcome
Balancing Work and Family
00:27:21
Speaker
it? Um, outside of just, you know, ah the, the cruise and everything else, just, just with you as an individual.
00:27:32
Speaker
in this industry? Um, just me as hopefully I'm answering your question. Right. Um, so I mean, challenge, I mean, my work life balance, I'm, I'm a mom of two. Um, yeah. Okay. Perfect. I'm like, it is the square we where are we going? yeah Um, yeah, so I'm a mom of two. Um, I've got a six year old and an eight year old.
00:27:52
Speaker
So, um, they definitely keep me busy. I've got, they're both super, super involved in sports and um I mean, every single day we're in something. So I've got my son, my six year old plays hockey. My daughter is cheering and softball. So um I, you know, this morning we're still on summer break, but it's like, okay, where are we going today? We've got cheer practice. I got to make sure I get off work when I get off, get off work.
00:28:16
Speaker
And that's in in quotes for those who are listening. um i you know I'm out the door and I'm okay figuring out when are we gonna get dinner done? gotta get laundry done, here i get you dressed, gotta get all your gear, you know who's going where. I'm very fortunate to have a husband who he works some crazy hours as well.
00:28:33
Speaker
um But between the two of us, we work really well as a team and kind of figure out how to make it all work. um So we've been pretty successful in trying to make that happen, but every day is a different challenge. So I think, you know coming in to work, you know, my, mate my brain tends generally in a million different places. Like I've got loads of laundry at home. I got to make sure payroll's done. And when I come here, got to make sure everyone's got food. but What are we having for dinner? Do we have groceries in the house? So I think that, um,
00:28:59
Speaker
is definitely a challenge. I also don't say no often. So like I'm in PTA at school. So, you know, I've got PTA meetings I got to log into. I've got to volunteer in the kids class, but then I've got to go to this job site and make sure everything's good here. I got a meeting with the client. So I definitely juggle quite a bit. um But I think I'm very fortunate, you know, we're Rob and I have a really good mutual understanding, like even though i'm physically not in the office all the time, everyone knows that they can, you know, pick up the phone and call me, text me, and I'm always available. So um I've just kind of gotten into that routine and kind of making it work.
00:29:33
Speaker
So basically what you're saying is your next hire needs to be an assistant. exactly And Rob always says that. He's like, we need to bring in an assistant for us. And I'm like, I know, but I also am a control freak a little bit. So it's it's learning for it to me to relinquish some of my you know things. And you know i kind of did that, bringing in one of our ops and i bring in our ops manager. I've kind of shifted some stuff to her and then, um, kind of my, but um yet my plate still gets full with something else. So, yeah, think we're all kind of like that where we, if you're in this industry, you're, you want to take it on because you feel like you can get it done the best way. Um, and I've had to learn just over time to trust people and delegate and they might screw it up and it's part of it, but at least they're going to learn from it and they're going to figure out how not to do it next time.
00:30:16
Speaker
Um, but, Yeah, the control thing is hard, especially when you start to take on all that stuff over time and you just let it build up that you continue to do it. um But coming from experience, delegate that stuff and let the people learn because it will take you far, I feel like.
00:30:30
Speaker
And I've only – don't quote me on that because I haven't learned that until just recently, ah having our third kid now. And I'm like, okay, now it's time to say this person can do this for their job and they can handle their job and let them handle it. That's what they're paid for, and especially when you're looking at the payroll.
00:30:46
Speaker
yeah You see that those people on the payroll that need to be handling those things, you got to let them handle it. I literally just had that conversation with literally the other day and I'm like, I'm still doing this and I'm like, why am I doing this? I've got someone who's completely capable and it's like, I need to be able to cut the cord and like pass on and there probably is going to be some stuff that comes up, but it's nothing that's, you know.
00:31:06
Speaker
um Rob's sister, Stacy, she's like, we're not running triage. This is like, we're putting up tents and throwing parties. And you know, so she's always, then I always have to remind myself of that. Well, it's hard to let it go. Cause you know, you're going to get the phone calls. You know that, you know that somebody is going to call, you know that somebody is going to complain, you know that it's not going done right. And then you're going think in your mind, well, if I was just there, it would have got done correctly.
00:31:27
Speaker
But at the same time, you got to know that if that person fails a couple of times, and if they're very, if they want to be in this business for the long haul, Then they're going to dive in and they're going to figure out how they screwed it up and you know just have those talks afterwards of, hey, this is what you did.
00:31:41
Speaker
Let's talk about it so it doesn't happen again. And you can feel a little bit more at ease, I feel like, at that point. But yeah, that work-life balance is rough. I understand that a lot. And you moms out there are freaking superheroes. I watch my wife do it every day and work a full-time job. And it is, yeah, y'all don't get enough credit. That's for damn sure. It's an adventure for sure.
00:32:02
Speaker
Oh, yeah. um So what let's move on to some kind of trends and some industry insights that you kind of see. What are kind of some trends going on in in the event world out there in California right now? And whether it be in design or logistics or just customer expectations as a whole. Is there anything that you're seeing coming your guys' way?
00:32:20
Speaker
Um, the first thing that comes to mind is they want it now. They want it yesterday. Um, I don't know if it's necessarily new. Um, but I just feel like more and more it's like, Hey, I'm getting married in a month and I want this insane, crazy, you know, set up and it's in the mountains and it's like, you know, the ground's completely on level and I want clear tops and a hundred degree weather, but I want to keep it cool.
00:32:45
Speaker
You know, just unrealistic, like things that are completely crazy. um I have a $5,000 budget. Yes, exactly. Exactly. um So kind of ah those those people are definitely out there right now. And I think, you know, I think actually get excited with those because i feel like sometimes it's more of a challenge and those are the ones that you, you know, put in so much time as much as you're like, these people are crazy. How am I going to do this?
00:33:08
Speaker
Pulling it off is really rewarding. In terms of design, think, I mean, I The atrium, we have the atrium, so that has been very, very popular. while we were, i think, and if I'm wrong, I'm so sorry, but think we were one of the first ones on the West Coast to have the atrium, especially in our area.
00:33:29
Speaker
So, um, we were, people were, that was really hot for a while and I think it's still hot, just kind of starting to slow down that, you know, it's been up a couple of times. So everyone's seen it. Um, and then we've seen some white frame requests lately too, which I think is fun. Um, but yeah.
00:33:47
Speaker
Do you guys feel like you're slower to get the stuff, to get more of the trends or do you feel like you kind of set the trends? I feel like you guys for the most part set the trends and it moves across the United States. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. I think so too. And I think that actually is like challenging for us, especially on the the party side, like trying to purchase and get ahead of the trend when we don't even know what the trend is and just trying to make sure we're making logical purchases, bringing on the right type of inventory that will still keep us people wanting to to book with us.
00:34:17
Speaker
um So I think there's a really big balance and for us to kind of stay on top of that is it's been really challenging. um But we try our best because we do know that most of the trends do start here on the West coast.
00:34:28
Speaker
And do you think that's because the clients are kind of changing 24 seven has to kind of adapt to meet those demands or. Yeah, absolutely. I think, I think we're just, we're constantly adopting and try.
00:34:39
Speaker
I was trying to be ahead of it rather than having to adapt, but, um, I mean, everyone i mean, I've got people asking for certain kinds of chairs now and you know those were actually really hot like like two years ago. So like I have some of those, but then I've got stuff that you know people are like, hey, we want this. And I'm like, I've never even seen that before. Let me figure out, like is this gonna be a thing? Is it just a weird request that you have?
00:35:00
Speaker
And kind of trying to you know think about things in that way. So is there any breaking news that we need to know about a trend out there that we're going to eventually see? Right? I'm like, I'm trying to think right now. No. Yeah. I love that.
00:35:13
Speaker
ah What about any kind of technology innovation that kind of changed the way you guys work as a whole and your company functions?
00:35:21
Speaker
That's a good question. Um, Nothing. i mean, in terms of technology stuff right now, nothing crazy. I mean, I think we were so, and I don't even know how people are, I've been, we've been doing this for about two, three years now. Um, but when I first started, we were all just paper paper, you know, they were writing schedules on paper. We were texting people their schedule changes.
00:35:41
Speaker
Um, we finally like about two, three years ago, we got into connect team, which I swear by. So I like got my schedules there. Everyone can text me through the text through their communicate with their coworkers. Digging on that little bit.
00:35:52
Speaker
I don't know. ah Tell me about that. I'm not familiar. So it's basically, um, a system, uh, software. And it's an app on everyone's phone so I can put everyone's schedules in there. i can make changes. So like if tomorrow we've got a change, I can go in there and make the change and it'll be live on their schedule. The person will get their alert on their phone.
00:36:10
Speaker
i can do company announcements on there. Everyone can communicate on there. So I kind of have my employees communication all in one area, which is really nice to have. um I do still get phone calls and texts directly onto my phone, not necessarily on the app, but I like to try to keep things as streamlined as possible.
00:36:27
Speaker
e um So, and then on there, I can also pull some reports on like how many hours am I putting in, you know, how how many hours have we done in, been out in the field, how many warehouse hours have I had? So I can have them categorize what they're doing that day.
00:36:40
Speaker
So I can kind of analyze what we're doing and where- And you can look at your labor costs, which seems really nice. Yeah. do what's What's that? She can calculate her labor costs based on how the guys are clocking in and out on the app.
00:36:53
Speaker
ah Yes. So what, what, um, what service do you guys use? Are you using point of rail still? Yes. Okay. And, and everything's been smooth with that as far as you guys growing and how, how you're adapting with that as well.
00:37:06
Speaker
Yeah. I mean, we definitely have our challenges. ah Every software has its challenges. Um, but we've been in with POR for as long as I've worked with Rob. I know before he was on alert, um But since then, um I mean, POR has been great for us and it's been a, we've been able to evolve with it. We have, we don't have the, I forgot the one, I think it's expert. We don't have the one that's on the cloud.
00:37:27
Speaker
We still have the, ah you know, old school server one. So I think we're going to probably transfer over to that one soon, but as of now, it's been working just fine. Okay, perfect.
00:37:39
Speaker
So what kind of motivates you to keep going in this high pressure and fast-paced industry? I know that it is, I mean, I know you've been in hospitality, so I'm sure it's comparable your whole life and everything, but just what keeps you going and what keeps you motivated?
00:37:52
Speaker
That's a good question. um I, I mean, obviously, supporting being there for my family, showing them, especially my kids, that, you know, especially being a female is in a male-dominated industry, i mean, we're evolving right now, but um showing that you put your mind to it, you can make things happen.
00:38:09
Speaker
um I am a very passionate person, so when I fall in love with something, and, you know, I put my all into it. um So I've really, like, yeah I don't own the company, but you would think I do.
00:38:21
Speaker
um i just, I feel like it's mine, the decisions that we're making every day. So I just think watching that the jobs get executed is so fulfilling. Watching the team that we have and watching them succeed and grow as you people is super rewarding to me.
00:38:35
Speaker
So you touched on it a little bit, but I was going to get to that. What has it been like for you to be a woman in this industry as a whole? I mean, i do feel like it has been a male dominated industry for so long. Um, and we've tried to bring light to that as, as well as just showing the different areas that women are coming into now and making this a whole better industry.
00:38:54
Speaker
um but just touch on how you feel like you've been accepted as an individual and a woman in this industry and, and kind of the impact you feel like you're making. um That's a good question. I feel like i I mean, I think I've been very fortunate. I've felt very welcomed in every aspect. I think from personally, I have like a confidence sometimes issue where I'm like, okay, like who's this girl who walks in here, especially when I've literally came from not even the rental industry. And it's like, what does she know about tents? And then there's conversations that happen and them and then like all kind of pipe in and them you know, don't say anything like let these guys talk. And so I think there's been a definitely a confidence thing for myself um that I've had to like overcome.
00:39:34
Speaker
um But I mean, all I think When I first started working here at twenty four seven it was, I think there was three females and the rest of them were all guys. And I've been very fortunate to have earn the respect from everybody.
00:39:49
Speaker
um i have always had a challenge, even in my hospitality role, i was um I had the challenge of being like, I was always supervising people that work. 10, 15 years older than I was. So I had the age situation there and then kind of coming in here as a, okay. In the male dominated industry, I still wanted to show them that I can still do everything that they can. So on job sites, I'd be going on the tent the canopy Jackson, I'd be helping them bring up the tent. I've put up purlins myself. So kind of being in there and kind of showing them that as a female, I'm just as worthy. I'm just as able to do anything you guys can do.
00:40:22
Speaker
um So I've kind of been able to develop and build a really great rapport with our team and kind of learned through there, just kind of made made myself one of them. also feel like women are just more respected by by guys when they come out to a job site and they say, hey, this is what you need to do. This is how you need to do it. And and they're more acceptable to you than they would be me.
00:40:44
Speaker
Well, and like some, exactly. then And I feel like lately or more and more, it's, I've been able to, the guys, the Rob comes out there and they're just like, oh my God, Rob, you know? And then I'll say something and they're like, oh, okay. You know? So, um ah but again, I think that has to do a lot with the the rapport that I've built, been able to build with them um since I've started, you know? I've not put myself at a different level and I've kind of just come in there and be like, okay, you guys are doing this. Like, going to do it with you. Like, I can do it just as much, so.
00:41:09
Speaker
I think there's a respect level there once I see what you can do and that you're you're there to help them succeed, but you also have a little bit of knowledge on what you're doing and you can give them some insight as well. I think then that trust factor comes in.
00:41:22
Speaker
Definitely. Yeah, I've got, there's a ah video out there of me on one of our biggest structure jobs with our, my structure the lead structure guy. He's like, you can't put this Perlin up. I'm like, watch me. I'll do it. So I got my hard hat on. I'm like, all right, let's go.
00:41:34
Speaker
And that video, every time he says something to me, I like show it to him. I'm like, remember this? Remember? Yep. And you wouldn't put them on anything that you wouldn't do. That's what I say, you know? Exactly. That's great.
Advice for Industry Newcomers
00:41:45
Speaker
um What advice would you give to someone then getting started in this industry, whether you know, it's, it's in the event industry as a whole or, you know, in in tents in general, or just anything, what would you give them?
00:41:56
Speaker
Um, be patient. Um, I think that it's one of those, it's not an industry. Like I mentioned earlier, you can't just walk in here and know everything and you won't know everything. i mean, several years into this, there's so many situations that arise that I'm like,
00:42:13
Speaker
I have no idea, but we're gonna figure this out. So I, and I tell one of my my new operations and my sales gal, like, you know, be patient, give yourself grace. um It comes with time and it always works out in the end.
00:42:27
Speaker
So I think be patient. That's it. That's good advice. So you came from hospitality and I believe you also kind of do some event planning on the side.
00:42:38
Speaker
I do. Yeah. So, um, I graduated with my bachelor's degree in hospitality management. So, um, I actually was going to school to be a physical therapist and decided I was, and then I was working while i was going to school and I, um, uh, started working at a front desk at a hotel and you know, I,
00:42:57
Speaker
quickly grew there. And then I moved into on the hotel industry and I was working more on the meeting and the event side of things. And then I went into the corporate room side of things. And once I was on the event side of things, I found that love that I had for organization,
00:43:12
Speaker
um just watching an event from start to finish. um And so I kind of started on the side. i had friends ask me like, hey, will you help me with this? Hey, will help me with that? And I'm like, okay, like, sure. And then kind of built into something. So yes, I do technically have my ah event planning business on the side that I do on occasion. I do not have a ton of time for ah lot of things.
00:43:32
Speaker
So um I do work just mostly on referral for that, but it's really helped as as know being on the event planner side in this industry like kind of understanding about what the the event planners go to and how i can help make their you know process work smoother when they're booking with us whether it was from the rental structure side as a rental company like what could companies do better to better work with planners now that you see both sides of it Um, I think just, I mean, ah really trying to put yourself in their shoes as best as you possibly can.
00:44:06
Speaker
Um, i think that, ah and i i don't want to knock planners either because I feel like I've become a better person. I'll be knowing the rental side of things, but like they also don't know, we expect them to know a lot more than they do um as a rental company and they don't. So we, it is our job and we do need to be patient enough to educate them on that stuff. So I think finding that balance of like, okay, like they're coming to us saying we need to put this, you know,
00:44:32
Speaker
20 meter up and they want to be on an elevated deck in eight hours and it's like okay well let me explain to you the process so i think you know being able to explain the processes um and really be straightforward with your planners not assuming that they know things um and kind of letting well they need to lead the way we can still help them lead the way so they still need us it's more of a team rather than you know a client
00:45:00
Speaker
Perfect. but Perfect. All right. i got a couple of rapid fire questions here before we, uh, before we close out, but, um, what's your must have item on an event site?
00:45:11
Speaker
Water.
00:45:15
Speaker
Um, honestly, just a great, I think you need, I'm talking about thing. I'm just a great team. I think it's the players, the right players you have on a job site is all you need. And then, ah what's your favorite type of event to plan?
00:45:30
Speaker
Um, weddings. Man, that makes one of us. Coffee or energy drink? Coffee. All right. Tent set up at sunrise or tear down at midnight?
00:45:42
Speaker
Sunrise. See, I'm a midnight guy. would rather work at night when it's nice and cool. I'm a sunrise guy too. Yeah, I'm a morning person. And I also like, especially on an event site, like you need everyone else to get out of your way. Like, and everyone else is there at night. I'm just like, okay, I'm going to start fresh, you know?
00:45:59
Speaker
Get in there. And it's beautiful. I'm a morning person too because I like to get up before my kids just so that I can have a moment for myself. But for some reason, I'd rather work at night. I don't know why I'm weird. Well, we knew that. but Yeah, I know.
00:46:11
Speaker
I think Kyle's got one more question for us and we'll wrap it up here. I do? yeah You asked question, Nate. Oh, I mean, I did in a way, but go ahead and ask it and we'll get a long, detailed answer here.
00:46:25
Speaker
I'm going to change a little bit. Best piece of advice you could give to a a young woman who's entering the industry today.
00:46:37
Speaker
Be confident. I struggle with that still myself, I think quite a bit. I mean, i feel coming in here with confidence, being open and willing to learn is that those would be my answers.
00:46:53
Speaker
Love it.
Closing and Promotion
00:46:54
Speaker
and Love it. well like Thanks so much for taking the time to join us today. It's been great hearing about your journey and just the incredible work you've done over there at 24-7. And we appreciate the stories and insight and energy that you bring to the industry. So I think we're we'll, I know that we'll be seeing a lot more of you in this industry for a long period of time. And um I'm glad that we were able to hopefully get you on here early and get people to know you because I think that you're going to be somebody that people are going to get to know over time. So Well, thank you. I was absolutely honored to be here. And I was like, are you sure you want me?
00:47:24
Speaker
Thank you. It was great. And to all of our listeners, thanks for tuning in. um Be sure to remember to follow along for more of our conversations with everybody. And always, as you know, like and subscribe, give reviews on Spotify and Apple.
00:47:38
Speaker
But also now we that we are partnered with Rental Management, you will find us on the Rental Management YouTube channel. Uh, we'll have our own playlist on there underneath the podcast. Um, but if you go to rental management on YouTube, it's at rental management three, five, nine.
00:47:53
Speaker
Um, and that is, uh, ARA rental rent management. So you can find the videos, shorts, um, all these episodes that will be coming to, you guys, but, um, there will also be in the same places that you found them now. So like, and subscribe but and, uh, Kyle, as always good see buddy. Sure.
00:48:09
Speaker
Yep. And this has been another episode of under the vinyl.