Paul Armstrong

PACCS’ principal, Paul, is a prominent leader in the engineering industry as he is a Professional Engineer and a Certified Building Official. He has earned countless certifications and licenses to further his knowledge from residential and building codes to now include a remarkable understanding of fire codes. His more than fourteen years with ICBO and ICC as a staff Engineer/Technical Services Manager for ICBO and ICC Vice President of Architectural & Engineering Services has provided him a unique knowledge and expertise about the code that is more in depth than any other code consultant. Furthermore, his engineering style combined with his unequalled knowledge has gained him industry-wide recognition. He has taught countless seminars domestically and internationally, and he is also the recipient of CALBO’s prestigious Instructor of the Year for 2010.

Erin Curley

Erin Curley joined the Churchill Downs Racetrack team in 2015 and is currently the Senior Director of Venue and Derby Operations. In her role, she oversees every aspect of Derby Week and live racing throughout the year. In 2024, Churchill Downs welcomed over 350,000 guests through the gates for the seven days leading up to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Before returning to Louisville, Erin spent 16 years planning major events for global corporations and the City of Chicago.

Luke Eggebraaten

Luke is a serial Dirt Entrepreneur who currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona. Luke is the founder of Phaser Marketing which focuses on digital marketing programs for construction companies. They specialize in working with 6-figure, 7-figure, and 8-figure construction companies that need help taking their online presence up a notch. Luke is also the co-host of the Dirt Bags Podcast, and is a partner in the drag racing company Turf Wars Racing. He is also the author of the book, ”The Digital Dirt World” which can be found on Amazon!

Joe Langehaug

Joe Langehaug brings over 20 years of experience in the Tent & Event Industry, beginning his journey as a co-owner of a tent and party rental business in the Midwest. Today, he works with Losberger De Boer, a global leader in premium, German-engineered clearspan tent structures and rapid deployment systems. In 2020, Joe joined the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Tent Rental Division Steering Committee, where he advocates for industry standards in products, safety, and services.

Recognized for his effective communication and deep industry commitment, Joe focuses on delivering outstanding customer experiences, prioritizing strong relationships and a client-first approach.

Rachal McCarthy

Rachal McCarthy is the President of NTI Global, an American company established in 1983. Graduating with a BA at 20, she co-filed her first patent at 18 and holds four patents in three countries. Appointed President at 25, she modernized processes and built an exceptional leadership team.

Rachal is a captivating speaker, sharing insights on succession planning, multi-generational workforces, and servicing multi-billion-dollar customers as a small business. Her candid approach makes her an excellent speaker, panel leader, and strategic communicator. In her leisure time, Rachal enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, two dogs, and extended family. Her favorite quote is, “The measure of a (wo)man is determined by the size of the problem that alters their course.”

Nate Niespodziany

Nate Niespodziany currently serves as the General Manager of CTC Nashville and National Sales and Project Manager for Chattanooga Tent. A dedicated professional in the event rental industry with over 20 years of experience, Nate brings a strong background in logistics, operations, project management and customer service. He has successfully managed a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals.

Niespodziany is known for his keen attention to detail and commitment to exceeding client expectations. He combines a solid educational foundation with hands-on experience in project management and product knowledge. Nate is passionate about creating memorable experiences and is dedicated to providing high-quality products, including tents, temporary structures and raised level flooring.

Kyle Richardson

Kyle Richardson is Director of Operations and senior project manager at L&A Tent Rentals and Owner of NJ Event Services in Hamilton, New Jersey. Kyle has a degree in Landscape Design and Horticulture from Penn College. After graduation, he dabbled in his field only to realize he wanted to join L&A with his father to help grow the business. In the past 5+ years, Kyle has become very involved in the Advanced Textiles Association serving on the board of directors. He is also involved in ARA of NJ, attends Leadership Classes, leads fork-lift and Aerial lift certification classes throughout the US, and attends various trade shows. Kyle has become a “go to” person for his peers for ideas and suggestions as well as a proven problem solver on the job sites. He is continually hunting for the next generation of tent installers to work in the industry as well as educate them on the latest equipment. He is always looking for new and innovative ways to make jobs more efficient while maintaining the safety of the employee and integrity of the job.

Brandon Sayre

Brandon Sayre, President of ACC Rental, has deep roots in the tent and event rental industry. Brandon’s grandparents started a small party rental business out of their home in 1998. At a young age he worked during the summers, helping with everything from loading to deliveries. As he got older, so did his responsibilities at the family business. His grandfather had a very hands-off teaching style, giving Brandon the freedom to have success and make mistakes as he learned the various aspects of the event rental business. This gave Brandon invaluable hands-on experience helping operate the business. In January 2022, Brandon and his two cousins, Joey Jewell and Briar Sayre, had the opportunity to purchase ACC Party Rental. Viewing this as an opportunity to make their own mark, they jumped at the opportunity. Just a few years later ACC Party Rental is a fast-growing company, with a bright future ahead. Brandon believes in the endless opportunities for improvement and strives to drive continuous innovation, ensuring that the company not only meets but exceeds their clients’ expectations. Brandon has recently become a board member for the ARA of Ohio and hopes to continue becoming more involved in the industry.

Kevin Vasquez

Kevin was born into the Tent Rental business. In 1990, Kevin’s parents bought a handful of tents and a trailer from a local promotor and created Made in the Shade Tent Rentals. In the early years tents were stored and cleaned at his family’s suburban home, as time went on the company grew until it landed in a warehouse in a new market for the business, Sacramento. In 2008, Kevin headed to college, during which he helped his brother start a party rental business in their local town and later a welding job came about. In 2011 Kevin realized he wanted to do something else, so he joined Made in the Shade full time as an Installer and Driver. As time went on Kevin learned the tricks of the trade with employees that had seen him grow up and were ready to teach him the ways of tent rental. In 2013, Kevin took on his first project managing it from the install to the takedown. From 2013 to 2019 Kevin was seen in the field, tightening cables, running logistics and enjoying some time on the Tent Ox. Once 2020 came around Kevin stepped into the Chief Operating Officer role and now oversees all operations for the company. Since 2018 Kevin has sat on the Manufactures and Tent Renters Association Education Committee and recently, he has joined ATA sitting on the Code Committee.