Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company.
Douglas Barrera: For over two decades Camelot Party Rentals has worked hard to become the most trusted event equipment supplier in Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada. We are an employee-owned company with local roots. Born in 1989, Camelot has grown by making customer service its top-most priority. From weddings and social affairs to corporate events, company picnics and backyard barbecues, we have the quality equipment and professional service to set the stage for almost any occasion imaginable. With the largest selection of tents, linen, tables, chairs and wedding items, we invite you to use our extensive Web site to help you plan and create your unique and perfect event!
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Barrera: At Camelot, as the president and general manager, it is my goal is to lay a solid foundation for your event by providing a quality product coupled with the knowledge and experience that gives you the confidence that the job will be done correctly. Reliability. Continuity. Carrying forward the best traditions of the past and uniting them with the newest and most innovative ideas of the present. I personally take pride in our reputation and we will continue to work hard to enhance it.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Barrera: I started at Camelot Party Rentals as a young entrepreneur ready to sink my teeth into the business world. To my surprise my first several months was to hand-wash chairs. Each chair is thoroughly washed after every rental. My first decision as the president was to purchase a automatic chair-washing machine.
NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
Barrera: Commitment to all our customers, their schedule and a passion for making every event a success.
NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been?
Barrera: I would be an owner/operator of an Apple store.
NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?
Barrera: We pay attention to consumer trends so we always stock the most popular and unique varieties of part equipment and supplies.
NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?
Barrera: I am rarely not working, but when I have a spare moment it is spent with my friends and family.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Barrera: Always ask all the right questions and get the answers to help you plan a flawless event. Keep the following in mind while working with your client: Parties are fun by definition so don't let the stress of planning one take away your fun.
NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?
Barrera: I am happy with myself because I am very fortunate to have an amazing family and successful company!
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Barrera: If you are not passionate about something then you should not be doing it as a career.
NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?
Barrera: My family, friends, co-workers, parties and my Mac.
NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?
Barrera: Instant travel relocator I am constantly required to be in 12 different places at a time. I guess the superpower of Genie's nose twitch would be nice when setting up for events.
NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?
Barrera: My wife loves me very much because all my favorite snacks are in there and that I have growing kids.
The basics:
Name: Douglas Barrera, president and general manager of Camelot Party Rentals
How long in the profession? 17 years
Best you've read? Diane Warner's "Big Book of Parties."
What's on your iPod? "Don't Stop the Party" Black Eyed Peas
The best movie ever? "Old School"
Spouse, kids or pets? My lovely wife of 11 years and my two wonderful children.
