Customer Spotlight: Tim Stamper, Special Event Services

Our southeastern Regional Account Manager, Phil Teer recently was able to sit down with Tim Stamper, the innovator and leader behind Special Event Services based in Port Orange, FL. His hope was to learn more about their organization and the "secret sauce" behind their success. Phil remarked after his conversation "There are not many people in this world with the compassion and attitude toward customer service, like Tim. His focus on his team and constant improvement process make him an obvious mentor to many in our industry."

 

When and how did you get started in the event rental business?

I began my journey in the event rental business in 1989, shortly after wrapping up five years on the road as a touring musician. At the time, I owned a truck, along with some audio, lighting, and basic staging equipment. One day, a friend of mine—who was a model for a traveling fashion troupe—reached out. Their team had just lost their sound technician and needed someone to fill in. He asked if I could help with an upcoming show.

I agreed, and while I only earned $75 for that first event, something clicked. I quickly recognized the growing need for reliable rental support across multiple aspects of live events—not just sound, but also staging, lighting, and infrastructure. That single experience opened the door to a new path, and I began building a business around supplying everything a venue might need to successfully execute a show.

As demand grew, so did my inventory. I reinvested in the business, adding pipe and drape, staging, and chairs to support more comprehensive event setups. Within a short time, I was providing full-service support for nearly 100 fashion shows a year. What started as a side gig leveraging my existing gear soon evolved into a full-time, purpose-driven career in the event industry—one built on creativity, reliability, and a passion for helping others bring their events to life.

 

How long after starting Special Event Services did you buy your first tent? 

I purchased my first tent in 2000, more than a decade after founding Special Event Services. At the time, the landscape of the event industry was shifting—particularly the fashion show circuit, which had been a major part of our business, began to slow due to changes in the economy. As our focus evolved, I began taking on a wider range of outdoor events, and for a while, I met tenting needs through cross-rentals with other vendors.

However, it quickly became clear that relying on third parties for such a critical element of an event came with challenges. Timelines were sometimes missed, and the quality of equipment varied. I realized that in order to maintain the standards of service and reliability that our clients expected—and that I expected of myself—we needed to bring tenting in-house. Some might say I was a bit of a perfectionist, but taking control of this part of our offering allowed us to better manage logistics, ensure consistent quality, and respond more flexibly to our clients’ needs.

That decision marked a key turning point for Special Event Services, allowing us to expand into larger-scale outdoor events and provide more comprehensive solutions under one roof. It was a strategic investment that strengthened our reputation and positioned us for long-term growth.

 

Labor always seems to be one of the biggest challenges facing rental companies.  What strategies/programs do you have in place to help attract employees to come work for you?

At Special Event Services, we recognize that our company is only as strong as the people who represent us in the field and behind the scenes. I learned early in my career that investing in our team is not just good business—it’s essential to delivering the level of service and professionalism our clients expect.

To attract and retain high-quality employees, we have implemented several strategies aimed at creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed. This starts with offering compensation that exceeds industry standards. We understand the physical demands and time-sensitive nature of event work, and we believe our team deserves to be fairly rewarded for their commitment and effort.

In addition to competitive wages, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, a retirement plan, and paid holidays. These benefits are designed to provide security and stability, helping employees build long-term careers with us rather than viewing the job as just a short-term position.

We also focus on cultivating a positive work environment where teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect are emphasized. By investing in our people and treating them like professionals, we have been able to build a dedicated crew that takes pride in their work and represents our brand with integrity.

Ultimately, our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients starts with taking care of our team—and that is a commitment we take very seriously.

 

Along those same lines, I have always admired what a great team you have and the culture you have built.  What have you done over the years to foster and maintain that work environment?

For me, everything begins with respect. The event rental industry is demanding—physically and mentally—and the schedules can be unpredictable. I have always believed that if someone is willing to dedicate their time, energy, and skill to our company, they deserve to be respected, supported, and treated like an integral part of the team. That belief has been the cornerstone of the culture we have built at Special Event Services.

We have worked hard over the years to create a work environment that values people first. One of the ways we do that is by actively listening to our employees. We make it clear that ideas are always welcome, and we encourage everyone—from the newest hire to the most seasoned crew chief—to speak up if they see a better way of doing something. If someone can clearly explain the “why” behind a suggestion and it makes sense operationally, we’ll implement it—and we make sure to give that person credit. That kind of open-door culture has fostered innovation and a strong sense of ownership throughout the team.

We have also prioritized benefits that contribute to quality of life, even when doing so means a tighter bottom line. Health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and other perks may not always be the norm in our industry, but they have been essential to our long-term employee retention. Our philosophy is simple: it’s better to invest in the people who uphold our standards and culture than to chase short-term profits at the expense of loyalty and morale.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our crew share a laugh or celebrate a job well done. Those moments are what define our company—not just the events we produce, but the camaraderie and pride that go into making them happen. Life is a one-lap race, and we choose to run ours with good people who feel valued and appreciated every step of the way.

 

Congrats, you recently won the best frame tent category of Aztecs annual photo contest!  Can you tell us a little bit about that event and what equipment you installed?

Thank you! We were honored to have our work recognized in Aztec’s annual photo contest. This event took place in a beautiful rural setting, where the client’s mother wanted to create a true statement piece that would make the expansive backyard feel both elegant and memorable. Since the event was scheduled for December—one of the few times in Florida when the weather allows—we took the opportunity to install a 40’ x 100’ Jumbotrac clear-top structure. The clear top allowed the natural beauty of the surroundings to shine through while creating a dramatic and open atmosphere under the evening sky.

To enhance the ambiance, we added market lighting throughout the tent, which complemented the rustic elegance of our smoked oak dance floor, cross back chairs, and 60” round tables. The overall effect was both inviting and sophisticated, and the final setup exceeded the family’s expectations.

We take great pride in designing spaces that not only meet the client’s vision but also elevate the event experience. This project was a perfect example of how the right tenting and decor elements can transform a private property into an unforgettable venue. Most importantly, we were thrilled to help create lasting memories for a wonderful family—who have since become valued clients.

 

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the tenting industry in 2025? In addition, what is biggest area of opportunity?

One of the biggest challenges facing the tenting industry in 2025—particularly in our region—is managing the intense seasonal demand. A significant portion of our events are concentrated within just a few peak months, which creates logistical pressure not only on installations but also on maintaining equipment at the high standards our clients expect. While we have the capacity to execute the installations, ensuring that every piece of inventory is cleaned, inspected, and event-ready within tight turnaround times can be a daunting task.

This is where our investment in a tent washer and the dedication of our experienced staff truly make a difference. Their efforts ensure that even with a fast-paced schedule, we never compromise on quality or presentation.

As for the biggest opportunity in 2025, we’re encouraged to see that the event industry is back in full swing. This resurgence allows us to strategically focus on identifying and serving our top 20% of clients—those who drive the greatest revenue and align with our full-service capabilities. By building stronger relationships with these key clients and pursuing similar high-value partnerships, we can concentrate our efforts on larger, more centralized events. This approach not only increases operational efficiency but also enhances the overall client experience, as we’re able to bring more resources and attention to each production.

 

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just getting into tents?

If you’re just getting started in the tenting business, one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is this: choose your equipment and vendor partners wisely. It might be tempting to go with whatever is cheapest or most available at the moment, but in the long run, working with a reputable tent manufacturer who offers strong customer support will make all the difference.

Look for systems that are well-designed and easy to install, and make sure the company stands behind their product. When you work with a vendor who’s responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in your success, you’ll have a huge advantage—especially when things don’t go as planned (which they often don’t in this business).

Clients frequently come to us with last-minute requests or changes and having a reliable vendor that you can call for advice or additional equipment on short notice is invaluable. This kind of teamwork and support helps you deliver a better product and builds your reputation quickly.

So, take the time up front to build strong relationships with your vendors. You’ll be glad you did.

 

What drew you to purchasing from Aztec Tents?

What initially drew us to Aztec Tents was the exceptional quality of their equipment, along with the ease of setup and ongoing maintenance. As we evaluated different manufacturers, it quickly became clear that Aztec stood out—not just for the design and durability of their products, but for their commitment to customer service.

A perfect example of this was when Phil Teer from Aztec flew down personally to assist with our team’s first Jumbotrac installation. His hands-on support and training were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful deployment. That level of dedication made a lasting impression and gave us the confidence that Aztec was more than just a supplier—they were a true partner in our success.