The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week United States of StageDrop features the Last Frontier, Alaska!
Zack Daniels has been performing for close to 20 years around Alaska. Based in Kenai, Alaska - a picturesque city world-renowned for its salmon fishing and located about 150 miles south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula - Daniels has made a name for himself in the Alaska music scene with his signature flavor of acoustic rock. He also provides live music, emcee and DJ services for weddings and special events across the state and provides lighting and equipment rental through his business, Zack Daniels Entertainment Rentals.
A Need for Affordable Outdoor Stage Rentals Emerges
In recent years, Daniels noticed a need for affordable outdoor staging rentals for the events he played. Many of his customers couldn't find or afford staging for their outdoor events. Daniels decided to invest in his own outdoor stage system to rent out as part of his live entertainment, lighting and tent rental packages and contacted StageDrop to request a quote.
Seeking a rugged and versatile outdoor stage solution, Daniels chose the All-Terrain 12'x16' Outdoor Stage System with water-resistant industrial finish. All-Terrain Staging is a completely modular outdoor stage system composed of 4'x4' stage platforms, aluminum side rails, and adjustable-height aluminum legs that can be set at 24", 32", 40" or 48" tall.
All-Terrain is uniquely suited for outdoor events with its water-resistant stage surface and the ability to be set up on sloped or uneven ground. The 12'x16' size allows ample room for a multi-piece band, and the stage can be configured into other shapes like a "T" or "L" for custom setups. And, the modular nature of the stage system allows for easy expansion down the road.
After finalizing the purchase and working out the shipping details for the stage's 4500-mile journey to Alaska, StageDrop got Daniels' stage system out the door the next day via freight truck, and Daniels received the stage a few weeks later.
The Rental Business Takes Off
Since purchasing the All-Terrain outdoor stage, Daniels' rental business has taken off. "I currently offer package deals with staging, stretch event tent for cover, and live entertainment that is considerably more affordable than customers having to outsource each individual thing," Daniels said. "A one-stop shop kind of deal makes things so much easier for events on a budget, as well as less stressful planning, like for weddings and nonprofit organizations.
"I currently offer package deals with staging, stretch event tent for cover, and live entertainment that is considerably more affordable than customers having to outsource each individual thing."
ZACK DANIELS
Most of his customers (outside of the bar scene) have been weddings, local nonprofit fundraisers, company parties and city chamber events. He also provided the tent and staging and helped coordinate a 2-day music fest, Rock'n the Ranch, with Rusty & Ravin Swan at the RustyRavin Plant Ranch. "While things have progressed, and with a lot of venues being shut down because of COVID-19," Daniels says, "I am now seeing a lot more interest for bigger events with big name acts."
Most recently Daniels provided his equipment for a Solstice Festival, coordinated with Lara McGinnis at the Diamond M Ranch Resort, that featured country music artist Aaron Tippin (best known for his single "You've Got to Stand for Something") performing on his staging. This opened the door for other bigger production companies around the state to see his stage setup. Since then, Daniels has booked a Tim Montana concert and is waiting on confirmation of a Parmalee show. Another large annual local event, the 3rd Annual Soldotna Backyard Country BBQ, will feature several national touring country music acts performing on Daniels' stage this August.
"I have had nothing but amazing feedback from my customers about the look and usability of my stage and tent set up, and my future customers are very excited to use it as well," Daniels affirms. "The tent and stage combination is very appealing to the eye, which has a huge impact on making the sale to anyone that sees it."
"I have had nothing but amazing feedback from my customers about the look and usability of my stage and tent set up!"
ZACK DANIELS
The future looks bright for small equipment company Zack Daniels Entertainment Rentals, and Daniels intends to continue growing the business by adding more staging and bigger tents in the near future.
StageDrop would like to thank Zack Daniels for his business and for allowing us to highlight his entertainment rental company, representing Alaska in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish him and his business continued success!
Looking to add portable staging to your rental company's offerings? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!
Based at the Jersey Shore in Forked River, NJ, StageDrop LLC is a leading provider of stock and custom portable stage systems, stage accessories, truss and event furniture to businesses and consumers nationwide. We specialize in delivering custom stage configurations for business, government, education, religious, fitness and nonprofit organizations. We offer free quotes with expert recommendations to fit our customers' specialized needs.