Why We Changed Everything (And What It Means for You)

I'm Steve Arendt—entrepreneur, mentor, and believer that you shouldn't have to choose between business success and a life worth living.

Here's why we rebranded:

For years, you might have known me as "Teeco Steve"—the guy who invented tent washing machines. But here's the thing: this podcast was never about equipment. It was always about something bigger.

It was about entrepreneurs who refuse to believe that success requires sacrificing everything else that matters.

The name "Teeco Steve" created confusion. People thought this was about tent rental or washing machines. But when I almost lost my family chasing "business success," when I realized I was paying myself like a line cook despite running a nearly $1M company, when my own son ran from me because he didn't know who I was—that's when I discovered what this is really about.

Better business creates better life. Better life creates better business. It's a circular relationship that transforms everything once you understand it.

So we changed our name to match our true mission: proving you can build a thriving business AND have an amazing life. Not someday. Today.

What You'll Find Here

Each week, I share conversations with entrepreneurs who are navigating this delicate balance. We dig into the real questions:

What if you measured success by how well your business supports your life TODAY, rather than tomorrow?
How do you build systems that work without you micromanaging everything?
Where can you find joy in your business RIGHT NOW?
How do you do the "inner work" required to become a leader people actually want to follow?

This isn't about choosing between success and happiness—it's about redefining success to include both your profit margins AND your personal fulfillment.

Ready to join entrepreneurs who want it all? The latest episode features my conversation with Ramsey Duqum, who lost his life to his business before building systems that gave it back.

People who know me best:

My Wife

Becky

I've been by Steve's side for 33 wonderful years, witnessing firsthand his authentic passion for both family and business. The empathy and genuine care you see in him is exactly who he is at home too. His desire to connect with fellow entrepreneurs comes from a deep place—he truly wants to help others find that sweet spot where business success and personal fulfillment coexist. For years, I've encouraged him to share his journey and insights with others who could benefit from his experience. Seeing him finally take this step fills my heart with joy, knowing his message will impact so many entrepreneurs seeking balance in their lives.

Michelle & Scott Arendt

When I realized my tent rental business needed a more efficient cleaning process, I turned to the two people I trusted most: my brother Scott and his wife Michelle. Together, we built my very first tent washing machine from scratch—a game-changing innovation that solved one of our biggest operational headaches. When that single machine proved so effective that other tent rental companies started asking to buy their own, Scott and Michelle became the manufacturing backbone of my new business venture. For years, they've crafted every single tent washer we've sold, turning my crazy idea into a reality that now serves rental companies worldwide. More than business partners, they've been mentors, problem-solvers, and the steady hands that helped transform a barn-based startup into an industry-leading company. I couldn't have done any of this without their expertise, dedication, and unwavering support.

My Approach

I believe entrepreneurship shouldn't require sacrificing today's joy for tomorrow's success. While many entrepreneurs fixate solely on building equity and future rewards, I challenge them to find immediate meaning in their journey. By treating time as our most valuable currency and consciously investing it across both business and relationships, we create sustainability. I work with entrepreneurs to identify their "joy assets" and eliminate "joy sucks" so they can build purposeful businesses that enhance life now, not just someday. This balanced approach ultimately creates stronger companies precisely because they're built to support fulfilled lives.

Diving into the Podcast

#5: Ramsey Duqum. Professional vs. Provider: Why Knowing Your Worth...

Jul 23, 2025

#6: Hard Work vs. Deep Work

Aug 04, 2025

FREE DOWNLOAD

"MORE PROFIT, LESS CHAOS"

The Tent Rental Owner's Guide to Building a Business That Actually Pays You What You're Worth

Are you working 60+ hour weeks but barely paying yourself more than a line cook?

You're not alone. Most tent rental owners are trapped in the same cycle: chasing more sales, hiring more people, buying more equipment—but never seeing the profit they deserve.

What if the solution isn't working harder, but working smarter?

What's in this free 20-page guide:

✅ The "Dashboard Method" - How to track the ONE number that transforms your profitability overnight

✅ Why tent cleaning is your biggest hidden profit drain (and what to do about it)

✅ The Labor Efficiency Ratio formula that shows exactly where your money is disappearing

✅ How to find your "superpower" - The specific jobs that make you the most money with the least stress

✅ When to walk away from bids (this one decision alone can save you thousands)

✅ The fixed vs. variable cost breakdown that most rental owners completely miss

Stop building a business that owns you. Start building one that serves you.

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