Houston Tents & Events (HTE) continues to grow. The company recently acquired 3 Phase Rentals, which will increase their capability to offer portable HVAC services as the heat of summer and the festival season draws nigh.

“With 3 Phase Rentals joining our family, we’re taking our power and HVAC services to the next level,” HTE Chief Operating Officer Darren Randle said. “Mike and his team have been the gold standard in event power for years, and we’re proud to bring their expertise under the HTE umbrella. Whether it’s a high-profile event, a corporate activation, or critical emergency response, we’re now better equipped than ever to provide seamless, reliable solutions.”

The "Mike" Randle refers to is Mike Rape, who along with his son, Carter, will both be joining HTE's power division as executives. When he founded 3 Phase Rentals in 2008 as a support arm for his production company Audio Visual Professional Group, Rape's team was just himself and one other employee. However, they quickly built a reputation as a solid provider of various outdoor and portable power solutions for different events. In addition to bringing always-appreciated air conditioning to celebrations in the muggy Bayou City, they have specialized in silent generators, technical consultants, power system logistics, and construction.

The acquisition continues an upward trajectory for Rape and his family. In 2021, the family opened a honey wine space in Conroe, The Farm Meadery. Rape's wife Cathy, who studied at the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, spearheaded the development of the tasting room during the time when the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the event business.

HTE is rising as well. Last year, they acquired A Finer Event following the death of founder Mike Little , making them one of the largest event coordinator firms in the city. Houston Business Journal ranked HTE as one of the 25 fastest growing businesses in the Southwest Region in 2024, and with the gain of 3 Phase Rentals that distinction is likely to continue.

However, HTE still has significant competition from Town and Country Party Rentals, which is also on an acquisition streak. Last year they grew spectacularly after re-absorbing Aztec Rentals, vastly increasing HTE's competitors' footprint in the city.

The addition of 3 Phase Rentals will be a potent tool for HTE, who regularly executes massive events for Space Center Houston, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Pride Houston, University of Houston, Rice University, Sam Houston State University, Houston Dynamo, and the Houston Botanic Garden. At least, these festivities should be a little bit cooler now thanks to Rape's position in HTE.

“3 Phase Rentals has always been about delivering rock-solid power solutions for Houston’s biggest events,” Rape said. “By joining Houston Tents & Events, we’re gaining the resources, reach and momentum to do even more. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”