Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Leonard.
Marlene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My husband and I started the company in 1979. My father-in-law used to own Leonard Canvas Products and used to make and sew Awnings and yard party canopies. He passed away in 1973. We started sewing canvas tents and renting them and realized the market that was out there with only one other company around.
We divorced in 1988 and I kept the name. It was like starting over again with 50% of the inventory. Getting a new telephone and new location in Gurnee. My customers found me and we continued to grow into a company of over 200 tents today with 3 full time employees and 15 part time seasonal.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road is always bumpy along the way. It I didn’t have the struggles I wouldn’t be where I am today. Personally, I was divorced in 1988 and we were both owners so that was real hard. In 1995 our 16-year-old son, Kevin passed away from bone cancer and that was devastating. Luckily in this business you work 60-70 hours a week in the summer so I threw myself into my work to get through the pain of losing my son. The winters were long and cold and had to find another job sometimes because in Chicago no one is renting a tent in the winter. I am thankful for family, friends, employees, clients who were all there for me and especially God for putting all these Angels in my life. The only other struggle on a daily basis is the weather and finding workers who want to work long hours and do hard work.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Big Top Tent & Party Rentals established in 1979 rents frame tents and poles tents from 10×10 to 60×200 along with tables, chairs, dancefloors, stages, stage covers, lighting, heating, fans and full floors.
We specialize in your event experience a one stop shop.
A party planner meets with you and establishes where you want the tent, how many guests, what other items you will need. We then draw up a cad layout to fit everything under the tent and go over the itinerary. We are with you from start to finish of the event.
We are mostly known for our clean colorful tents at competitive prices with outstanding service of delivery, set up and take down of product.
We are proud of the client base we have established and maintained in 40 years.
We are set apart by our desire to create a ballroom atmosphere in the client’s backyard that gives them lifetime memories at competitive rates.
What were you like growing up?
Somewhat quiet and reserved at a private catholic school.
I was the oldest of 3 children.
I had neighborhood and school friends and got along with everybody.
I was interested in music.
I played the accordion.
I loved my dogs.
Pricing:
- Backyard party package for 40 guests 1 20 x 20 tent with 4 tables and 40 chairs for 499.00 installed
- Wedding package for 100 with tent, tables, chairs, dancerloor and head table 1500.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 3236 W Monroe St.,
Waukegan, IL 60085 - Website: www.bigtopparties.com
- Phone: 847-336-9199
- Email: mstent57@yahoo.com
- Facebook: fb.me/tent57
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
