Home

Name: Central Jersey Tent Rentals

Type of business: Rents tents, chairs, tables, and lighting for events held outside

Address: 1302 Pheasant Run, Mountain Junction, South Brunswick

Telephone: (732) 355-0240

Web site: www.centraljerseytents.com

Founded: 2008

Number of employees: Two full-timers; part-timers as needed

Top officers: Darren Breese, manager; Casey Breese, owner

How would you describe your business?

"We rent tents and the tables and chairs needed for parties, weddings, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, a business-related outing -- any event that can be held outdoors," said Darren Breese, manager. "We have basic canopy tents with a center pole made for grass and backyard locations ranging in size from 15-by-15 to 20-by-40. Our Elite pole tents start at 20-by-20 to 30-by-60. Our frame tent is a better structural frame supporting the tent and it has no center pole. It's made for cement, deck, patios, and driveways. This is a seasonal business; most of the work is from mid-April through October."

What makes your business special?

"We help you decide where the best location is to set up the tent. We have top-notch equipment. We try to turn over our equipment every couple of years. If there is a rip or tear in a tent, we don't use it. We have the nicest chairs and tables."

What goals do you have for the business?

"To continue to grow and keep customers happy. We've only been in business for two years and we have had a lot of repeat customers."

How has your business changed?

"The business itself doesn't change, but it's gotten bigger. It's just maintaining the equipment and each year trying to purchase bigger tents."

What was your most important deal?

"Every tent we put up is our most important deal, whether it's in Rutgers Garden or at Point Pleasant Beach for a wedding or in a customer's backyard for a party."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"In the next 10 years, we plan to offer more equipment, including wedding arches and dance floors, which we contract for now."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"The tents are the most important things in our business. They must be made of 16-18-ounce vinyl. It is the standard for tent rental equipment."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"This is very hard work. You need a strong back. I spent eight years learning this business with a company in Florida. Now I've been teaching what I've learned to my brother. The best way to learn about the business is to work with a company doing this."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. I've been doing this for 18 years. Once you get into this business it's hard to get out. It's fulfilling -- you see people happy, but it's hard work."