Q: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A: We are a family owned Event Rental Company in San Diego, CA and we service all of San Diego County, Imperial Valley, and the Desert Cities. We pride ourselves on our customer service, and our vast inventory. We are a one stop shop for all of your event rental needs.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A: Husband and Wife Team Jake and Cristin Hopkins are the owners of Platinum Event rentals. Jake has a long background in the Restaurant and Bar industry, and Cristin has a background in Catering. After Culinary School Cristin was the chef at a local Catering company, and purchased tables and chairs to rent to the catering company. We started off renting items out of our garage, and ended up buying “l[platinum” a small existing rental company.
Q: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A: We took over Platinum in 2010, it was a small rental company in a 4,000 square foot warehouse with 3 employees. We grew the business by continuing to offer more items at a great price- we now have over 20 employees, and 20,000 square feet of space.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A: First- Learn every aspect of your trade- and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. In the beginning Jake and I were doing deliveries, setting up events, and working non-stop. So we understand what our crew and drivers do on a daily basis, and we are able to navigate every aspect of the business. Second- be patient- the first 5 years are the hardest and seem to never turn a profit, but hold on, keep going, and you will see a return soon! 3rd- Do everything you can to hold on to good employees.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: Being driven- you have to be able to motivate yourself, because nobody else is going to. Being able to handle stress- It is extremely stressful, and it is easy to want to bury your head in the sand sometimes- but you have to learn to deal with the ups and downs, and keep going no matter what. Never stop learning- and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
A: 6-8
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
A: Having an amazing team around me, and the best employees.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A: We use SEO and word of mouth. We are also members of several events organizations
Q: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A: My father gave us the initial investment, and now we just use our own funds to grow.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A: Have a great reputation- and have great relationships with other people in your industry.
Q: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A: Hopefully the business will be running itself, and we can fully or partially retire!
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A: To Be Designed is another rental company in San Diego that has really paved her their own way, and done an amazing job at finding a Niche market.
Q: How important have good employees been to your success?
A: The most important. I have about 10 employees that have been with us for over 10 years, and without them we would not be as successful as we are!
Q: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A: I do not think we have actually given up on any ideas-
Q: What motivates you?
A: Seeing the end result of our events, and hearing our name when people recommend us.
Q: What are your ideals?
A: I focus a lot on keeping the customer happy- even if it means reaching into my own pocket to make it happen
Q: How do you generate new ideas?
A: We try to stay up to date on trends, and I talk to to other people in my industry to keep up on it
Q: How do you define success?
A: As an enterprenuer and a Mother, I define my success as being able to keep a roof over my families head, while also never missing a single event for my children. I drop them off at school, I pick them up from school, and I never miss a sporting event. I made a promise to myself that chasing a dollar would not get in the way of my time with my family.
Q: How do you build a successful customer base?
A: By putting customer service at the top of the priority list. We never let a customer walk away u happy, and that will give you a good word of mouth reputation. It is the best feeling to do multiple events for the same family!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A: Having the flexibility to use my time as I wish
Q: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A: We purchased a building in 2021, and that felt like a he win!
Q: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A: It takes a good amount of insanity to be an entrepreneur, and it is not for the faint of heart!
Q: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A: We are very laid back, and we try to foster a “fun” work environment. I know this industry does not pay super well, so we try to make up for it with a good work place vibe. We have season tickets to the Padres, and we give the tickets to he employees- and we also do a group Padres game every year
Q: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A: Chaotic
