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Meet Susie Tyler Alofs of Southwest Teepee Rental in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susie Tyler Alofs.

Susie Tyler, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like most entrepreneurs, this business started when opportunity met preparation. 20 years ago, I owned an eyewear distribution company. To save money, I planned my own corporate events rather than hiring an event planner. One year, I created a teepee-themed, dining experience and was attempting to avoid the typical, cheesy, cowboy-event. Because there were no teepees to rent, I made 14 of my own with tenting poles and burlap and people absolutely loved them. As the pictures traveled through the event community, event planners called me to rent these teepees that I, of course, post-event had thrown away. But what I did learn, was that there was a need for luxury, one-of-a-kind teepees and southwestern structures. Fast-forward 15 years and the entrepreneur in me decided to start my own business. Teepees turned into other southwest structures that didn’t need any staking. We’ve expanded into glamping tents, naked teepees, canvas teepees and so much more. The world wanted luxury teepees and unique structures, so here we are!

Has it been a smooth road?
There are always bumps in the road when starting your own business. My biggest struggle was finding good installers who were willing to learn and install the massive, 26-foot, luxury teepees. Not everyone knows how to do that.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Southwest Teepee Rental story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a modern style, event company who specializes in authentic, southwest structures that do not need to be staked. This is of such great value for the hotel and wedding industry who often don’t allow staking onsite. We can also install our structures on concrete which is a huge bonus in the event world; we can go anywhere! We offer traditional canvas teepees, naked teepees, a southwest teepee trademark and teepees with other customizable fabrics. These indigenous structures are embellished with breathtaking fabrics, feather trim, intricate dreamcatchers, and rope lighting all coordinated to match and included in the package. In addition to teepees, our inventory includes a wide range of custom, southwest inspired furniture, accessories and decor items to complement our structures for any vibe you’re creating.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Our plan is to expand to other Southwestern states like California, Texas, Utah, Vegas, and Colorado to share the same stake-free modern, tribal structures throughout the southwest!

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