Customer Spotlight: Pete Willis, Big D's Party Rental
Big D’s Party Rental in Carrollton Texas opened their doors in 2006. Since then they have helped countless brides and organizations celebrate major milestones and provided critical solutions to temporary tenting needs. South-Central Regional Accounts Manager, Nick Budich, recently had an opportunity to sit down with the President and Founder, Pete Willis and learn a little more about the company.
You were in real estate before event rentals. How did you make that transition?
The transition from real estate to event rentals happened organically and somewhat unexpectedly. While working in real estate, I began hosting client appreciation events and purchased tables and chairs specifically for those occasions. I also invested in a 16-foot box truck that my clients could use free of charge when moving. Over time, I realized there was a strong market demand for renting out event equipment. What began as a way to simply recoup my initial investment quickly evolved into a business opportunity. As demand grew, I reinvested in the company, purchasing more tables and chairs to fulfill larger orders. Within six months, I acquired a second box truck and began hiring full-time staff. One of my first hires was a young man who was eager to move to Dallas but was concerned about the higher cost of living. Since I was self-funding the business and operating with limited capital, I offered him a position at a lower than market rate and invited him to stay in my guest room to help offset his housing costs. He accepted, and given the long hours we were putting in, the arrangement worked well. That early team effort laid the foundation for what would become a growing and successful event rental business. Over a three-year period, I gradually shifted my focus from real estate to event rentals. I streamlined my real estate operations by concentrating on seller listings and reducing time spent with buyers. This allowed me to dedicate more hours to the growing rental business.
How long after starting Big D did you buy your first tent?
When I first started Big D, I purchased a couple of pop-up tents to get things off the ground. I quickly realized they weren’t going to cut it for the type of events we were servicing, so I invested in an inexpensive 20’ x 20’ high-peak tent. At the time, I didn’t know much about tents and went with the most budget-friendly option I could find. Unfortunately, that decision ended up costing more in the long run. The soft metal poles quickly bent out of shape, making each setup a frustrating and time-consuming process. We even had to use WD-40 just to fit the pieces together. That experience taught me an important lesson early on: investing in quality equipment saves time, money, and a lot of headaches.
You recently won the fan favorite category of Aztecs annual photo contest, congrats! Can you tell us a little bit about that event and what equipment you installed?
Our team at Big D Party Rentals was thrilled to win the Fan Favorite category in Aztec Tents’ annual photo contest this year! With eight other companies submitting some truly impressive tent installs, it was an honor to be selected. What made it even more exciting was how invested our whole team was in the contest, it created a great sense of camaraderie and pride in our work. The featured installation was for Frisco’s annual Oktoberfest, held at The Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star in Frisco. This event is one we look forward to every year. The plaza, which sits at the heart of The Star campus and features the Dallas Cowboys’ 50-yard replica turf field, is an iconic venue. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and non-stop foot traffic, it’s a prime location that truly embodies the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.”
For this event, we installed a 50’ x 105’ Jumbotrac® tent to cover the beer garden and dance floor. In addition, we set up seventeen 10’ x 10’ High Peak Festival® Tents, along with several more positioned along Cowboys Way. The layout created a festive, high-energy atmosphere that guests absolutely loved. Winning Fan Favorite for this project was the icing on the cake, we’re grateful to Aztec Tents for the recognition and the continued partnership.
You have a really good team working with you and a great culture. What have you done over the years to foster and maintain that moral?
Thank you — I truly believe our team is the heart of our success. Building and maintaining a strong culture has been a priority from the very beginning. Over the years, we’ve focused on creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to grow. We make it a point to celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and support each other both personally and professionally. Open communication, mutual respect, and leading by example are key pillars for us. We also invest in training, team-building activities, and opportunities for advancement. At the end of the day, people want to be part of something they believe in, and we work hard to make sure Big D Party Rentals is a place where team members feel proud of the work they do and the impact they have. When your team feels connected to the mission and to each other, morale follows naturally.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the tenting industry in 2025? What is biggest opportunity?
One of the biggest challenges facing the tenting industry in 2025 is navigating rising costs—whether it’s materials, labor, transportation, or tariffs. Margins are tighter, and customers are more value-conscious than ever, so finding ways to maintain quality while staying competitive is a constant balancing act. Additionally, staffing remains a challenge across the event industry. It takes time and training to build a reliable crew that understands the technical and safety requirements of tent installations. On the flip side, one of the biggest opportunities is the continued demand for outdoor and hybrid events. Since the pandemic, there’s been a cultural shift toward open-air experiences, and that trend isn’t going away. Venues, municipalities, and corporate clients are increasingly looking for creative, flexible tent solutions. Companies that can offer innovation, fast turnaround, and a polished customer experience have a real opportunity to grow and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
I know you work closely with your dad. What is that like?
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work with my dad. He has always had my best interest at heart, and he brings decades of business experience along with a natural gift for connecting with people. If you’ve ever met Dr. Bob, you know he’s never met a stranger, he’s the kind of person who’s always willing to lend a hand and offer support. Our dynamic is a bit different from most father-son teams. I started the business, and he joined later as we experienced rapid growth and needed more structure. That background has given us a unique balance of perspectives. We have a strong mutual respect and communicate openly, we’re not afraid to challenge each other’s ideas, and we know how to laugh at ourselves when things don’t go as planned. What makes it work is that we’re both committed to improving the business and open to trying new things. Working together has been a rewarding experience, and I’m thankful we get to share this journey.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just getting into Tents?
One piece of advice I’d give to someone just getting into tents is: invest in relationships as much as you invest in equipment. This industry is all about problem-solving, and having the right people in your corner, whether it’s vendors, mentors, or your crew, makes all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn from your mistakes, and take the time to understand the technical side of installs. The tenting business isn’t always easy, but with the right support system, a willingness to learn, and a focus on doing things the right way, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
What drew you to Aztec Tents?
What drew me to Aztec Tents was the personalized service and genuine support I received from day one. I’m especially grateful that an Aztec representative took the time to visit my 400 sq. ft. warehouse to introduce me to their products. The first large tent I purchased was a 40’ x 40’ pole tent. When it arrived, I realized there were no setup instructions included. I called my Aztec rep, and while he initially thought I was joking, he quickly understood that I was new to installing pole tents. He patiently walked me through the entire process and followed up with detailed diagrams to ensure I was confident moving forward. What truly sets Aztec Tents apart is the exceptional level of support and training they provide. I’ve learned more about tenting from their representatives than from any other source. Whether it’s technical guidance or help finding the right solution, Aztec has always been responsive and incredibly helpful. That level of partnership has made a lasting impact on our business.
