May 16, 2025 - Daily Recap

Kicking Off with a Full Crew
It was a 3-man crew today, with two new team members referred by my regular guy (who took the day off to be with family). First stop was a solid training ground: an 80-guest graduation package, featuring two 20x20 tents with blocks.

This was also the furthest job of the day, so we knocked it out first. Setup was clean — done in about an hour.

Back at HQ: Pull Sheets, Follow-Ups & Fee Frustration
We returned to the warehouse to reload for the next few stops, and I stuck to the pull sheets this time — didn’t forget a thing… well, almost.

Between loads, I caught up on emails and call-backs. I’ve been losing quotes lately, and the rush fee seems to be the sticking point. I still believe in charging for last-minute bookings, but I might need to rebrand or reposition it. Right now, it’s turning people off.

Cocktail Tables, Tent Quirks & Linen MacGyvering
Next stop was a cocktail table drop-off at a condo — quick and easy.

Then came a 20x15 tent install, which we completed in 30 minutes. But I did notice an issue:

• The corner bracket holes are misaligned, which means I couldn’t pin the legs properly. Not ideal — and definitely something I’ll be following up with the manufacturer about.

This job also included cocktail tables and spandex linens… and of course, one was missing the foot pads. Rather than drive all the way back, we zip-tied it down and hoped for the best.

Graduation Package With All the Extras
Last stop of the main route was a 40-guest package for another graduation party. This customer went big — nearly every add-on we offer was included.

There were multiple contract changes, so I’m curious to see how the numbers shake out. The install went great — almost a perfect ending…

…until I realized we forgot to install the tent lights 🤦🏽‍♂️

Fortunately, the client also asked about our new large fans, and rented two of them — so we were going back anyway. Perfect excuse to fix our oversight, and I’m excited to see how the fans perform on their first outing.

Bonus Round: 52 Chairs, a Steep Drop, and the VFW Circus
After a 10-hour day, I let the team go. But I still had one more drop-off: 52 chairs for a job 40 minutes away.

Big mistake? Maybe.

• Parked at a weird angle, and the entire stack of chairs toppled in the parking lot

• Entry to the venue was extra narrow, so I had to manually push the dolly inside

• This was at a VFW Post, packed with veterans, bikers, and lifted trucks

• I walked in looking for “Will,” trying to act like I belonged… and thankfully saw a few familiar faces to settle my nerves

• Still, the whole scene felt like something straight out of a movie

As I reflect on it, I definitely missed an opportunity to adjust the forks on my dolly and lift the chairs the long way. Dang. That’s exactly why these recaps are so valuable — hopefully I’ll remember that trick when it’s time for pickup.

Until next time
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