How I Rent It

Tony Ehrbar - American Tent
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to How I Rent It – hosted by Tony Ehrbar, owner of American Tent & former tent rental business operator. Tony started in the rental industry & now brings you inspiring stories from fellow tent rental owners. Discover how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, & their secrets to success. Whether you're looking to start your own rental business, grow your current one, or just love the tent industry, this podcast is your go-to for insights, inspiration, & behind-the-scenes stories. Tune in and join the conversation! https://support.americantent.com/tent-rental-guide-download

  1. APR 2

    Episode 20: How Nick Grew a Catering Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Rental Business

    Join us for Episode 20 of How I Rent It with Nick Thomas, Owner of Ashley’s Party Rentals in Oceanside, California. Nick had 10 years of experience running his catering business, Spinning Meats, as a side hustle before acquiring an existing rental company a year ago. He came to own the business by happenstance, when his local rental company decided to sell, and Nick was in the right place at the right time. Now, he’s owned the rental company for over a year and he’s got tons of advice for people getting started!  In this new episode, we cover the process of buying an established rental company, the advantages of combining catering and rentals, and how to modernize your operations to make the best decisions for you and your business.  Whether you’re brand new to the rental industry or are transitioning your side hustle business into full-time event rentals, don’t miss these great tips from rental professionals! 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide Check Out The Retyz Reusable Cable Ties

    1h 11m

  2. MAR 19

    Episode 19: How Tommy Nantz Started a Tent Rental Side Hustle While Working Full Time

    In Episode 19 of How I Rent It, we talk with Tommy Nantz, owner of T & A Tent and Party Rentals in Sandusky, Michigan. Tommy and his brother started their tent rental business with tents left over from their sister’s graduation party, and today they run a growing party rental and event rental company serving rural Michigan.Tommy shares how he got started in the tent and event rental industry, how he slowly expanded his rental inventory, and what it takes to run a profitable tent rental business while working a full-time job.In this episode you’ll learn: How to start a tent rental or party rental businessHow to grow your event rental companyChallenges rental businesses face when scalingHow to manage a rental side hustle while working full timeIf you’re thinking about starting a rental business, adding tents to your party rental company, or expanding your event rental inventory, this episode is for you.🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide #Americantent #rentalbusiness #tents #partyrental #entrepreneur #sidehustle #startyourownbusiness #tentrental #businessadvice

    42 min

  3. MAR 3

    Episode 18: 30 years of expanding UltraSound Special Events with Kevin Wieging + All About the Inflatable Operator Association Expo

    Join us for Episode 18 of How I Rent It with Kevin Wieging from UltraSound Special Events in Delphos, Ohio. He first started offering event services and entertainment in 1990, and over 30 years he’s expanded his company to include everything you need for a great event–including tents & inflatables! In this episode, Tony and Kevin talk about his decades of experience in the event rental industry and how he expanded his rental business to meet demand. Kevin is a great resource for advice when it comes to building and growing your rental business. As a member of the Inflatable Operators Association (IOA), Kevin provides insight on the educational resources and programs for those who want to learn more about the inflatables industry. Plus he gives his top reasons why rental professional might want to attend the IOA Expo - March 16th-19th in Lebanon, TN. Kevin has a wealth of knowledge he’s excited to share with you! Whether you're new to the event rental industry or looking to expand your inventory, you’ll want to hear Kevin’s perspective on event rentals! 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks ✅⁠Attend the IOA Expo⁠ 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide

    59 min

  4. FEB 19

    Episode 17: How Jared Nigro from Evo Tents Built a Profitable Rental Business at Just 21 Years Old

    Join us for Episode 17 of How I Rent It with Jared Nigro, owner of Evo Tents in Northbridge, Massachusetts. Jared always knew he wanted to own a business. He just didn’t know what it would be. That changed the day he saw the price tag on the tent rental for his brother’s graduation party. He realized there was real opportunity in the tent and event rental industry and decided to go after it. Starting with very little industry knowledge, Jared dove into research, found a mentor, and launched Evo Tents. What looked simple from the outside quickly proved to be much more complex. From navigating outdoor event challenges to learning the ins and outs of the rental business, Jared built his company step by step. Today, he not only runs a successful tent rental company, but he also serves as President of the ARA of Massachusetts, staying active in the American Rental Association and prioritizing networking and training within the rental industry. In this episode, we cover: • How to start a tent rental business from scratch• Lessons learned growing an event rental company• The realities of working outdoor events• The value of mentorship in the rental industry• Why networking matters If you’re thinking about starting a rental business, expanding your tent rental company, or getting more involved in the industry, this episode is packed with practical insight from someone who built it firsthand. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide #Americantent #rentalbusiness #tents #partyrental #entrepreneur #sidehustle #startyourownbusiness #businessadvice

    54 min

  5. FEB 5

    Episode 16: Growing Hess Tent Rental & Bringing the Stake Extractor to Market with Mike Hess

    Join us for Episode 16 of How I Rent It with Mike Hess, owner of Hess Tent Rental in Manheim, Pennsylvania, and the person who played a key role in bringing the Extractor Stake Puller to market. Mike was raised on a farm, so he’s no stranger to hard work. The one thing he loves more: efficiency. The Stake Extractor was originally invented by John from Discount Tent Rentals as a solution to a common pain point crews face during tent tear-downs. It made stake removal faster, safer, and far more efficient. Mike recognized its potential and helped bring the product to market, allowing crews to spend less time fighting stakes and more time focused on the work that matters. In this episode, we discuss Mike’s journey from employee to starting his own business, how he built Hess Tent Rental into an incredibly in-demand business, and the process Mike went through to make tent teardown loads more efficient.  Whether you’re wanting to start your own business, or want advice from rental business experts, this episode is one you don’t want to miss!  🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide 👀 Check out The Extractor Stake Puller #Americantent #rentalbusiness #tents #partyrental #entrepreneur #sidehustle #startyourownbusiness #eventrental #businessadvice

    1h 13m

  6. JAN 22

    Episode 15: Starting a Party Rental Business While Working Full Time w/ Ramon Rodriguez of Sunny Party Rentals

    Join us for Episode 15 of How I Rent It with Ramon Rodriguez, owner of Sunny Party Rentals in Englewood, Colorado. Ramon started his party rental company after another business almost ruined his daughter’s first birthday party. Ever since, Ramon and his wife have led their company with professionalism, reliability, and safety at the forefront of their business. With three years as being one of Englewood’s trusted party rental companies, Ramon shares advice about starting a rental company while working a full time job, as well as how to manage running a business with his spouse.  Throughout the episode, Tony and Ramon discuss how he got started in the party rental industry, how he manages working full time as an engineer and doing parties during the nights and weekends, and what advice he would give to new business owners.  If you’re interested in building a party rental business while keeping your full time job or wanting to grow your business, this episode is perfect for you! 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our Guide: 7 Steps to Start Your Own Tent Rental Business #americantent #tentmanufacturer #partyrentals #eventrentals #sidehustle #entrepeneur #tentrentals #startyourownbusiness

    1h 7m

  7. JAN 8

    Episode 14: How Justin Ferraraccio Built His Rental Business & Party Rental Knowledge Platform

    Join us for Episode 14 of How I Rent It with Justin Ferraraccio, owner of Just In Case Party Rentals in Buffalo, New York. Justin was introduced to the party rental industry at a young age, and eventually he started his own company. With the years of knowledge and experience he gained from building his own business, he decided to teach others who wanted to get into party rentals. His Facebook group, Party Rental Knowledge, has over 30,000 members who want to learn tips and tricks from Justin and other industry professionals.  In this podcast, Tony and Justin discuss how Justin got involved in the industry, advice to people who want to start their own rental business, and about the Party Rental Knowledge Facebook & SKOOL platform for educating others. Justin’s experience is a great resource for those who want to learn more about party rentals and setting up your business for success. If you’re thinking about starting your own tent rental business or are looking for ways to grow a rental company, this episode is for you! 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every other Thursday! 📱 Join Party Rental Knowledge on Facebook 🏫 Join SKOOL 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide #AmericanTent #PartyRentals #JustInCasePartyRentals #TentManufacturer

    57 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Episode 13: Ballasting Best Practices for Safe Rentals with Nick Deninno from Block & Roll

    Tune in to Episode 13 of How I Rent It with Nick Deninno, founder of Block and Roll and former owner of PTG Services in New York. Nick began his career with a couple of tables, chairs, and one bounce house and expanded his inventory to include tents in order to broaden his customer base. After decades of setting up tents, he realized that anchoring tents could be more efficient, which led him to create a ballasting system that revolutionized the commercial tent industry.  Tony and Nick discuss Nick’s entertainment rental company and why he invested in rental tents, his inspiration behind Block and Roll, and his involvement with the ATA Expo. Nick also gives advice to small business owners and those that want to branch out into the tent rental industry. His decades of being in the business is a great resource for people just starting out. Whether you’ve just started your own tent rental business or you’re looking to expand your entertainment company, this episode gives a look behind the scenes for how to stay safe and become successful in this industry.  🎧Subscribe for more episodes every two weeks 📺 Watch the video on YouTube 📘 Download our guide Attend ATA Expo Visit 811 - Call Before You Stake  #HowIRentItPodcast #HowIRentIt #EventRentals #BlockandRoll #BallastingSystems #SmallBusiness #TentRentals #PartyRentals

    1h 40m
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out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to How I Rent It – hosted by Tony Ehrbar, owner of American Tent & former tent rental business operator. Tony started in the rental industry & now brings you inspiring stories from fellow tent rental owners. Discover how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, & their secrets to success. Whether you're looking to start your own rental business, grow your current one, or just love the tent industry, this podcast is your go-to for insights, inspiration, & behind-the-scenes stories. Tune in and join the conversation! https://support.americantent.com/tent-rental-guide-download

Information

  • Creator
    Tony Ehrbar - American Tent
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tony Ehrbar - American Tent
  • Show Website
    How I Rent It

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