Pitchin’ Tents

Jeff Holloway joins Ray and Davis to talk about going from dairyman and cowboy to running successful tent rental operations in Georgia and Texas. They cover Macon Tent Rentals, high-end weddings, working with planners, building reliable crews, structured and sailcloth tents, trade shows, and what it takes to stay persistent in the event rental industry.

Greg Casciato of Snyder Events joins Ray and Davis to talk Charleston’s fast-growing event rental scene, high-end weddings, coastal tent installs, labor, crew training, tent trends, and the controlled chaos that keeps rental teams coming back.

In this episode of Pitchin’ Tents, Ray and Davis sit down with Matt Smith of Special Events Virginia and MATRA for a conversation about building a career in the tent industry from the ground up. Matt shares how a summer job at 19 turned into a lifelong career, the mentors who helped shape him, and how MATRA became a major part of his growth in the industry. The conversation covers hands-on educati...

Hosts Ray and Davis welcome industry veteran Bryan Bolt to Pitchin' Tents to discuss his new role at the ARA and the Safe Tenting initiative. They cover upcoming nationwide in-person trainings, certification programs, the ground-testing tool for stake holding power, and how ARA is engaging with codes and regulators to improve tent safety. The episode highlights efforts to professionalize tent inst...

Davis & Ray sit down with industry legend Brian Richardson, President of L & A Rentals Inc. and ARA President, for a conversation filled with stories, humor, and hard-earned insight. From on-the-job mishaps to leadership and mentorship, Brian shares practical lessons on safety, employee culture, and building lasting relationships in the tent and event industry.

Live from the ARA Show in Orlando, hosts Ray and Davis sit down with Ben from NexTech to talk about his patent-pending Keder Clamp and how 3D printing is changing the way tent professionals approach installs. From replacing zip ties to improving efficiency on job sites, Ben shares the story behind the product and the real-world feedback that shaped its development. The conversation also dives into...

Davis and Ray relaunch Pitchin’ Tents for Season 2 with a candid conversation about the tent industry. Davis shares his journey from installer to TopTec Technical Solutions Manager, along with updates on Tent School and a preview of new 2026 product lines. They also dive into key industry trends from labor challenges and mentorship to innovative accessories, shaping the future of events. Plus, a l...

In this episode Davis West and Bryan Bolt sit down with Andy Mattrick to talk all things operational efficiency in the tent rental business. Focusing on TenOx equipment, warehouse layout, racking and site logistics, Andy shares practical insights that can help companies save time, cut costs, and keep crews safe.  They cover labor-saving tools and attachments, safety practices, palletization and si...

In this special episode of Pitchin' Tents, hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West share some big news. Bryan announces his transition from Technical Solutions Manager at TopTec to Senior Director of Tenting Solutions with ARA. In his new role, Bryan will lead the Safe Tenting Standard training program, bringing training and consistent safety standards to the entire industry. Davis West will step into lea...

Hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West sit down with Nick Deninno of B&R Innovations (Block & Roll) to trace the evolution of tent ballasting, from water barrels and concrete failures to engineered, attachable block solutions. The episode covers ballast studies, practical rules of thumb (10–15 lbs/sq ft), why tying ballast to legs matters, transportation and site logistics, and how proper ballast...

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Pitchin’ Tents Podcast! Hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West are joined by Kevin Gern of the American Rental Association (ARA) to kick off a two-part series focused on one of the most critical aspects of tenting: anchoring. In this episode, the trio explores best practices for tent stability, the science behind stake holding power, and how soil conditions impact your install...

In this episode of Pitchin’ Tents, hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West sit down with Keith Eismann to talk all things Keder tents. From his early days as a tent installer to becoming a leader in Keder technology, Keith shares how this system is changing the game. They dive into what makes Keder tents different, from faster, safer installations to better long-term value. With fewer labor demands, great...

In this episode of the Pitching Tents podcast, hosted by Bryan Bolt and Davis West, we delve into the world of frame tents. The discussion covers the fundamental differences between frame tents and pole tents, highlighting the unique aspects of frame tents such as their structure, design, and versatility with a focus on educational insights. The episode also explores the ease of installation and l...

Welcome to this special episode of "Pitchin' Tents", hosted by Bryan Bolt and Davis West, where we welcome our first guest, the legendary tent expert, Pete McVey. With over 40 years of experience in the tent rental industry, Pete shares invaluable insights, from the evolution of tent technologies to the art of pole tent installation. Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of squaring stake line...

In this episode of "Pitchin' Tent's", hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West dive deep into pole tents and frame tents - breaking down the fundamental differences and the pros and cons between the two tent types. With an emphasis on starting from the basics, Bryan and Davis define each tent type and provide practical advice on optimal tent installation, discuss structural distinctions, practical applicat...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Pitchin' Tents podcast, where hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West delve into the crucial theme of safety within the tent industry.  The core of the discussion centers around establishing a robust culture of safety, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures, thorough site surveys, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The hosts stress the significan...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the 'Pitchin' Tents' podcast, brought to you by TopTec Event Tents. Join hosts Bryan Bolt and Davis West as they introduce exciting discussions centered on the tent industry from a manufacturer's perspective. This episode sets the stage for future topics focusing on education and safety, providing listeners with insights into TopTec's renowned Tent School, indus...