Episode Overview
Steven Eisenstein, owner of Classic Tents and Events, shares how he scaled Atlanta’s leading tent company from a small operation into a 96-person team serving clients like Porsche, Stranger Things, and the Secret Service. He explains why tent rental is really a logistics business, how culture drives performance, and the value of building custom tools and feedback systems to deliver standout events.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction to Classic Tents and Events and Steven’s background in catering and restaurants before moving into rental
- 03:36 – How Steven got started in event rental and the decision to purchase Classic Tents in 2010
- 06:16 – Why customer experience has always been the top priority and how it drives repeat business
- 09:09 – Building a strong company culture and the importance of training and developing employees
- 11:59 – The challenges of scaling operations and why hiring a general manager was key to growth
- 14:49 – How Classic Tents differentiates itself through customer service and consistent quality
- 17:43 – Serving high-profile clients like Porsche, Stranger Things, and the Secret Service
- 20:17 – Why focusing on customer service often matters more than competing on price
- 22:40 – Meeting rising customer expectations through technology and better processes
- 27:21 – The development of customer portals and how they streamline logistics for national clients
- 31:37 – Memorable experiences and unique challenges that come with large event rentals
- 35:09 – Steven’s involvement with the American Rental Association and its impact on the industry
- 37:27 – Career advice on prioritizing culture, service, and authenticity in leadership
