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Gary Feuerborn, vice president of All Seasons Event Rental, Kansas City, Kan., began working with the owners of the company in 1982 as a way to work his way through college. After graduation, he went into business with his cousin, but in 1997, he returned as general manager to All Seasons—which manufactures party tents, rental tents, clearspan tents and fabric structures. In 2010, he became vice president and has spent the last 18 years as a critical member of the All Seasons team. Here, Feuerborn shares his thoughts about the industry, challenges he faces in his work and a little about himself.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
It’s imperative to always make sure the tent material we receive has no flaws and has good adhesion to the scrim. We had one vendor that always had problems with the material. After we would start assembling and welding the seams, the material would peel. It wasn’t always that way, but if the quality of the material cannot be consistent or if the quality starts to falter,
we have to make a change because our customers expect only the best from us and we strive to make that happen.
What are the biggest rewards?
The biggest reward for me is connecting with the workers and just having a great feeling at the end of the day when everything clicks. You know the people working for you did the best job they could and they take pride in their work. We take the time to do things right and we put that philosophy into every tent we make.
What do you anticipate for the tent industry in the next five years?
I anticipate an increased need for semi-permanent structures (clearspan tents) to keep up with the changes in the local building codes.
What has been the most significant invention/technological advancement during your lifetime?
Of course—the smartphone. We’re able to send pictures and videos of job sites before we are scheduled to install.
Why did you join IFAI? Which services/benefits do you use the most?
I have been a member for close to 10 years. Joining IFAI gave me more knowledge about the fabric industry. The magazine provides great information to learn from with all the interesting and educational articles.
What was your first job?
I had a paper route when I was 14 years old and I also was a caddy at the local country club.
What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I received was from my father: Perfection is impossible; excellence is not. If you strive for perfection, you will reach excellence.
Who has been your biggest influence, personally or professionally?
Well, it would start with my father who raised me with good work ethic, and that allowed me to be molded by my current owners to have the management skills to run a business.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Golf. I’ve loved it ever since my mom got me started playing the game when I was about 10 years old. She used to play on a ladies’ league when I was growing up.
What is number one on your bucket list?
I would love to visit the Grand Canyon. I have seen pictures of it and I have flown over it, but everyone tells me it is unreal to see in person.