Houston Tents & Events (HTE) is excited to announce that our Chief Operating Officer, Darren Randle, was featured on the Under the Vinyl Podcast! In this episode, he shares expert insights into the event industry, explores Houston’s dynamic event scene, and discusses the growth of HTE as a leading event rental company.
How One Tent Company Disrupted an Industry – And What It Means for Event Rentals
When Darren Randall started Houston Tents & Events in January 2020, he thought he was stepping into a booming market. Ten weeks later, the world shut down. But what could have been a disaster turned into an opportunity that would redefine his business—and maybe even the industry.
In this episode, recorded live from the ARA Show in Las Vegas, Darren shares his incredible journey from corporate burnout to event rental innovator. From his first deal with Chick-fil-A (which started with a drive-thru rainstorm and a frustrated customer) to scaling his company into a full-service event powerhouse, his story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and finding opportunity in unexpected places.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The power of pivoting – How Darren went from losing all his event bookings overnight to landing contracts with a national fast-food chain.
✅ Scaling smart – The unconventional ways he grew his business while balancing risks and maintaining quality.
✅ Industry insider secrets – The lessons from legacy tent companies and how new players can carve out space in a competitive market.
✅ Building a brand beyond the founder – How Houston Tents & Events is evolving to operate independently from Darren’s personal reputation.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build and scale an event rental business—or if you just love a good underdog story—this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen Now
Tune in to Under the Vinyl podcast and get ready to rethink everything you know about entrepreneurship in the event industry! Don’t forget to subscribe and share—this is one episode that could change how you approach business.
Houston’s Trusted Event Rental Partner
At Houston Tents & Events, we take pride in providing top-tier event rentals tailored to meet the needs of weddings, corporate functions, festivals, and private celebrations. Our commitment to excellence ensures every event is memorable and stress-free.
For more updates and industry insights, visit our website Houston Tents & Events. Follow Under the Vinyl on Instagram for the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes moments!
Nicole Huato, our Sales Operations Manager, is all about making your event planning experience smooth and enjoyable. With her exceptional organizational skills and customer-focused approach, Nicole ensures that every detail is perfect from your first call to the final farewell.
