Our Story
Our parent company, Tailgate Guys, started with a pickup truck and two trailers in a backyard. That was the spring of 2009 in Auburn, Alabama. Through hard work, determination, and attention to detail, we’ve seen Tailgate Guys expand across the country. From Austin to Atlanta to Gainesville to the northeast, we’ve learned that where you find sports fans you also find plenty of room for quality service and old fashioned hospitality.
The Event Group was introduced in the winter of 2014 to support your year-round tent, party and event rental needs. By applying the same principles and attention to detail that has made Tailgate Guys a regional brand, we offer the same premiere services in the event and rental industry across the country. In 2017, the Event Group received a new name and a new look, PRE Event Resources. This re brand symbolized a new way of doing business. Honestly, as a company founded by a couple of guys, we never expected to get into weddings. However, we have never accepted anything less than perfection in the execution of any event. We’ve always loved creating a unique experience and that has only grown for each event we’ve been a part of.
PRE now focuses on athletic, corporate and social events, and works to keep its clients relaxed and ready for the big day – whatever that entails. The PRE team stays up late, gets up early and finishes on time to ensure every event is perfectly tailored to each client.
PHILOSOPHY
We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the occasion.
We are on your team. We see your event as our own, and our vision is to see yours come to life, smoothly and flawlessly, executed to perfection. We prepare settings with an inherent understanding of hospitality, and we take pride while you take credit for a perfect event.
We show up. We set up. We provide. We lighten your load. We make things come together. We prepare. From the time the first cork is popped until the last couple, tired and laughing, leaves the dance floor, you’re free to simply enjoy.
We are PRE.
We are prepared for perfection.
Our Team
William Adams
GENERAL MANAGER, COLLEGE STATION
William comes to Tailgate Guys with experience and expertise in customer service and operations through senior housing and office space management. He and his wife, Allison, are a couple of former Texas A&M students who just couldn’t leave Aggie land after graduation. William can be found on the weekends grilling, golfing or playing the guitar.
Brent Bonner
GENERAL MANAGER, TUSCALOOSA
Brent is keeping it real in our Tuscaloosa office. Born in Toxey, Alabama, Brent is a sports fanatic and dog lover. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Soxs with his dog, Finn.
William Adams
GENERAL MANAGER, COLLEGE STATION
William comes to Tailgate Guys with experience and expertise in customer service and operations through senior housing and office space management. He and his wife, Allison, are a couple of former Texas A&M students who just couldn’t leave Aggie land after graduation. William can be found on the weekends grilling, golfing or playing the guitar.
William Adams
GENERAL MANAGER, COLLEGE STATION
William comes to Tailgate Guys with experience and expertise in customer service and operations through senior housing and office space management. He and his wife, Allison, are a couple of former Texas A&M students who just couldn’t leave Aggie land after graduation. William can be found on the weekends grilling, golfing or playing the guitar.
Brent Bonner
GENERAL MANAGER, TUSCALOOSA
Brent is keeping it real in our Tuscaloosa office. Born in Toxey, Alabama, Brent is a sports fanatic and dog lover. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Soxs with his dog, Finn.
BRENT BONNER
GENERAL MANAGER, TUSCALOOSA
Brent is keeping it real in our Tuscaloosa office. Born in Toxey, Alabama, Brent is a sports fanatic and dog lover. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Soxs with his dog, Finn.
Parker Duffey
PRESIDENT/CEO
Parker has successfully led Tailgate Guys and PRE to substantial growth year after year while establishing successful partnerships with The University of Florida, Georgia Tech, Auburn University, Texas A&M University and the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Parker and his wife Melanie, a professor at Auburn University, and daughter, Elizabeth James, reside in Auburn.
Lauren Fuller
PROJECT MANAGER, BIRMINGHAM
Lauren keeps us all in shape – both in the office and out of it. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her dog, Hank, Lauren is pushing toward her goal of becoming a certified personal trainer. A self-proclaimed Star Wars fanatic, Lauren finds inspiration to work harder when she thinks of Yoda and Luke in the forest on Dagobah. With her dedication and discipline, our team is better because of her.
Parker Duffey
PRESIDENT/CEO
Parker has successfully led Tailgate Guys and The Event Group to substantial growth year after year while establishing successful partnerships with The University of Florida, Georgia Tech, Auburn University, Texas A&M University and the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Parker and his wife Melanie, a professor at Auburn University, and daughter, Elizabeth James, reside in Auburn.
PARKER DUFFEY
PRESIDENT/CEO
Parker has successfully led Tailgate Guys and PRE to substantial growth year after year while establishing successful partnerships with The University of Florida, Georgia Tech, Auburn University, Texas A&M University and the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Parker and his wife Melanie, a professor at Auburn University, and daughter, Elizabeth James, reside in Auburn.
Lauren Fuller
PROJECT MANAGER, BIRMINGHAM
Lauren keeps us all in shape – both in the office and out of it. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her dog, Hank, Lauren is pushing toward her goal of becoming a certified personal trainer. A self-proclaimed Star Wars fanatic, Lauren finds inspiration to work harder when she thinks of Yoda and Luke in the forest on Dagobah. With her dedication and discipline, our team is better because of her.
LAUREN FULLER
PROJECT MANAGER, BIRMINGHAM
Lauren keeps us all in shape – both in the office and out of it. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her dog, Hank, Lauren is pushing toward her goal of becoming a certified personal trainer. A self-proclaimed Star Wars fanatic, Lauren finds inspiration to work harder when she thinks of Yoda and Luke in the forest on Dagobah. With her dedication and discipline, our team is better because of her.
Justin Acierno
DIRECTOR, PITTSBURGH
Justin Acierno
Chip Howard
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Chip Howard joined the team coming from Florida Athletics where he served as the Executive Associate Athletics Director. Chip brings significant experience from internal and external operations also managing several key capital projects, while managing a $150M budget. Chip managed the partnership between Tailgate Guys and Florida for the past four years and has developed a depth of understanding of the Tailgate Guys model. Chip and his wife, Phoebe, have two sons, Cole and Beckett.
Justin Acierno
DIRECTOR, PITTSBURGH
Justin Acierno
JUSTIN ACIERNO
DIRECTOR, PITTSBURGH
Chip Howard
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Chip Howard joined the team coming from Florida Athletics where he served as the Executive Associate Athletics Director. Chip brings significant experience from internal and external operations also managing several key capital projects, while managing a $150M budget. Chip managed the partnership between Tailgate Guys and Florida for the past four years and has developed a depth of understanding of the Tailgate Guys model. Chip and his wife, Phoebe, have two sons, Cole and Beckett.
CHIP HOWARD
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Chip Howard joined the team coming from Florida Athletics where he served as the Executive Associate Athletics Director. Chip brings significant experience from internal and external operations also managing several key capital projects, while managing a $150M budget. Chip managed the partnership between Tailgate Guys and Florida for the past four years and has developed a depth of understanding of the Tailgate Guys model. Chip and his wife, Phoebe, have two sons, Cole and Beckett.
Clay Jones
CHEIF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Originally from Acworth, GA, Clay is a two-time graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting. Clay brings his expertise to Tailgate Guys with an impressive past career as an external auditor for PwC, and serving as a CFO for a private company. Clay met his wife, Ely at PwC and they call Auburn home with their twin children, Presley and Walker. When Clay’s not crunching numbers, he’s on to the latest DIY project and enjoys fixing things… as you can see, we all know we are in good hands with Clay on board!
Mary Louise Kennedy
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, AUBURN
When she’s not completing a calligraphy order or creating seamless event plans, ML likes to run and spend time with her husband, Michael, and daughter Hattie, and their three bird dogs. Born and raised in Opelika, AL, ML knows the value of close-knit community and Southern hospitality- the perfect combination for PRE Events.
Clay Jones
CHEIF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Originally from Acworth, GA, Clay is a two-time graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting. Clay brings his expertise to Tailgate Guys with an impressive past career as an external auditor for PwC, and serving as a CFO for a private company. Clay met his wife, Ely at PwC and they call Auburn home with their twin children, Presley and Walker. When Clay’s not crunching numbers, he’s on to the latest DIY project and enjoys fixing things… as you can see, we all know we are in good hands with Clay on board!
CLAY JONES
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Originally from Acworth, GA, Clay is a two-time graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting. Clay brings his expertise to Tailgate Guys with an impressive past career as an external auditor for PwC, and serving as a CFO for a private company. Clay met his wife, Ely at PwC and they call Auburn home with their twin children, Presley and Walker. When Clay’s not crunching numbers, he’s on to the latest DIY project and enjoys fixing things… as you can see, we all know we are in good hands with Clay on board!
Mary Louise Kennedy
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, AUBURN
When she’s not completing a calligraphy order or creating seamless event plans, ML likes to run and spend time with her husband, Michael, and daughter Hattie, and their four bird dogs. Born and raised in Opelika, AL, ML knows the value of close-knit community and Southern hospitality- the perfect combination for PRE Events.
MARY LOUISE KENNEDY
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, AUBURN
When she’s not completing a calligraphy order or creating seamless event plans, ML likes to run and spend time with her husband, Michael, and daughter Hattie, and their three bird dogs. Born and raised in Opelika, AL, ML knows the value of close-knit community and Southern hospitality- the perfect combination for PRE Events.
Mike Pozowicz
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BIRMINGHAM
Coming to us from Toms River, New Jersey is Mike Pozowicz. We love him for his work hard, play hard attitude and his passion for hospitality. Mike is an avid soccer player and likes to spend time bird hunting.
Brendan Reilly
GENERAL MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
Born in Philly but a Florida native, Brendan has a passion for sports. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and not one, but two masters degree (MS and MBA) in Sports and Entertainment management from USF. He has worked in sports events management and sales with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the University of Texas before joining our team. If that’s not impressive, he also scoped out his future wife, Julia in middle school. Brendan is based in our Gainesville office, and can be found trying the latest food spots in town.
Mike Pozowicz
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BIRMINGHAM
Coming to us from Toms River, New Jersey is Mike Pozowicz. We love him for his work hard, play hard attitude and his passion for hospitality. Mike is an avid soccer player and likes to spend time bird hunting.
MIKE POZOWICZ
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BIRMINGHAM
Coming to us from Toms River, New Jersey is Mike Pozowicz. We love him for his work hard, play hard attitude and his passion for hospitality. Mike is an avid soccer player and likes to spend time bird hunting.
Brendan Reilly
GENERAL MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
Born in Philly but a Florida native, Brendan has a passion for sports. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and not one, but two masters degree (MS and MBA) in Sports and Entertainment management from USF. He has worked in sports events management and sales with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the University of Texas before joining our team. If that’s not impressive, he also scoped out his future wife, Julia in middle school. Brendan is based in our Gainesville office, and can be found trying the latest food spots in town.
BRENDAN REILLY
GENERAL MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
Born in Philly but a Florida native, Brendan has a passion for sports. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and not one, but two masters degree (MS and MBA) in Sports and Entertainment management from USF. He has worked in sports events management and sales with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the University of Texas before joining our team. If that’s not impressive, he also scoped out his future wife, Julia in middle school. Brendan is based in our Gainesville office, and can be found trying the latest food spots in town.
Ryan Silverman
PROJECT MANAGER, WINSTON-SALEM
A Florida boy at heart and boasting impressive negotiating powers by working both sides of a fierce Florida rivalry, Ryan is going to keep our eye on the prize. He loves his Labradoodle, Ellie, and watching college football with his buddies.
David Teixeria
PROJECT MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
David hails from Danbury, Connecticut. New to our team, he brings a passion for sports, Shark Tank and Disney World. David is engaged and is racking his brain about how to tell his cat Iverson about the new roommate coming soon. We’re keeping David around for many reasons, but foremost is his ability to get out of a tough spot- 3 for 3 in escape rooms across the country!
Ryan Silverman
PROJECT MANAGER, WINSTON-SALEM
A Florida boy at heart and boasting impressive negotiating powers by working both sides of a fierce Florida rivalry, Ryan is going to keep our eye on the prize. He loves his Labradoodle, Ellie, and watching college football with his buddies.
RYAN SILVERMAN
PROJECT MANAGER, WINSTON-SALEM
A Florida boy at heart and boasting impressive negotiating powers by working both sides of a fierce Florida rivalry, Ryan is going to keep our eye on the prize. He loves his Labradoodle, Ellie, and watching college football with his buddies.
David Teixeria
PROJECT MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
David hails from Danbury, Connecticut. New to our team, he brings a passion for sports, Shark Tank and Disney World. David is engaged and is racking his brain about how to tell his cat Iverson about the new roommate coming soon. We’re keeping David around for many reasons, but foremost is his ability to get out of a tough spot- 3 for 3 in escape rooms across the country!
DAVID TEIXERIA
PROJECT MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
David hails from Danbury, Connecticut. New to our team, he brings a passion for sports, Shark Tank and Disney World. David is engaged and is racking his brain about how to tell his cat Iverson about the new roommate coming soon. We’re keeping David around for many reasons, but foremost is his ability to get out of a tough spot- 3 for 3 in escape rooms across the country!
Eli Wilkerson
GENERAL MANAGER, WINSTON-SALEM
Joining us from his home state of North Carolina, Eli is a welcome addition. With athletic experience from Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma, Eli brings top skills and expertise to the team. He and his wife, Kelby, enjoy spending time with their lovable boxer-mix named Happy.
Paul Willis
VICE PRESIDENT, AUBURN
Paul has valuable experience and a passion for hospitality. Prior to joining Tailgate Guys, Paul had several years of valuable experience in restaurant management. Paul manages all of the day to day in the Auburn office while also keeping his thumb on the pulse of all other Tailgate Guys locations and PRE’s operations. He, his wife Stephanie and daughter Emma also call Auburn their home. No, that’s not “E” from the show Entourage. That’s just Paul.
Eli Wilkerson
GENERAL MANAGER, WINSTON-SALEM
Joining us from his home state of North Carolina, Eli is a welcome addition. With athletic experience from Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma, Eli brings top skills and expertise to the team. He and his wife, Kelby, enjoy spending time with their lovable boxer-mix named Happy.
ELI WILKERSON
GENERAL MANAGER, WINSTON-SALEM
Joining us from his home state of North Carolina, Eli is a welcome addition. With athletic experience from Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma, Eli brings top skills and expertise to the team. He and his wife, Kelby, enjoy spending time with their lovable boxer-mix named Happy.
Paul Willis
VICE PRESIDENT, AUBURN
Paul has valuable experience and a passion for hospitality. Prior to joining Tailgate Guys, Paul had several years of valuable experience in restaurant management. Paul manages all of the day to day in the Auburn office while also keeping his thumb on the pulse of all other Tailgate Guys locations and PRE’s operations. He, his wife Stephanie and daughter Emma also call Auburn their home. No, that’s not “E” from the show Entourage. That’s just Paul.
PAUL WILLIS
VICE PRESIDENT, AUBURN
Paul has valuable experience and a passion for hospitality. Prior to joining Tailgate Guys, Paul had several years of valuable experience in restaurant management. Paul manages all of the day to day in the Auburn office while also keeping his thumb on the pulse of all other Tailgate Guys locations and PRE’s operations. He, his wife Stephanie and daughter Emma also call Auburn their home. No, that’s not “E” from the show Entourage. That’s just Paul.
Will Grimes
GENERAL MANAGER, TEXAS
The true outdoorsman. Will is a native of Austin, TX and a graduate of the University of Texas Austin with a bachelors degree in Journalism. Will comes to Tailgate Guys with a diverse set of experience that includes state legislation and even sports radio commentary. Will is the ultimate family man living the American dream in Austin, TX with his wife, Ashley, daughter, Caroline, with his dog Kia and two cats Izzy and Jynx.
Matt Margeson
OPERATIONS MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
A native son of Albany, GA – Matt (Marge) brings an enthusiastic leadership attitude to Tailgate Guys/PRE team. Well-versed in the event industry – since his time at Auburn University, Matt has enjoyed success as a small business owner, as well as several years in corporate management. In his spare time, Matt fancies himself a golfer, gardener and pug breeder. Yep, pugs.
Will Grimes
GENERAL MANAGER, TEXAS
The true outdoorsman. Will is a native of Austin, TX and a graduate of the University of Texas Austin with a bachelors degree in Journalism. Will comes to Tailgate Guys with a diverse set of experience that includes state legislation and even sports radio commentary. Will is the ultimate family man living the American dream in Austin, TX with his wife, Ashley, daughter, Caroline, with his dog Kia and two cats Izzy and Jynx.
WILL GRIMES
GENERAL MANAGER, TEXAS
The true outdoorsman. Will is a native of Austin, TX and a graduate of the University of Texas Austin with a bachelors degree in Journalism. Will comes to Tailgate Guys with a diverse set of experience that includes state legislation and even sports radio commentary. Will is the ultimate family man living the American dream in Austin, TX with his wife, Ashley, daughter, Caroline, with his dog Kia and two cats Izzy and Jynx.
Matt Margeson
OPERATIONS MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
A native son of Albany, GA – Matt (Marge) brings an enthusiastic leadership attitude to Tailgate Guys/PRE team. Well-versed in the event industry – since his time at Auburn University, Matt has enjoyed success as a small business owner, as well as several years in corporate management. In his spare time, Matt fancies himself a golfer, gardener and pug breeder. Yep, pugs.
MATT MARGESON
OPERATIONS MANAGER, GAINESVILLE
A native son of Albany, GA – Matt (Marge) brings an enthusiastic leadership attitude to Tailgate Guys/PRE team. Well-versed in the event industry – since his time at Auburn University, Matt has enjoyed success as a small business owner, as well as several years in corporate management. In his spare time, Matt fancies himself a golfer, gardener and pug breeder. Yep, pugs.
Will McLain
VICE PRESIDENT, TEXAS
Man, myth, legend. We are excited to welcome this guy to the team. Will brings extensive sales and business development skills to Tailgate Guys from his time in various senior business development roles. Will’s addition will reinforce the rapid growth Tailgate Guys is experiencing in Texas. Will is passionate about discipleship which stems from his time equipping young leaders at DownLine in Memphis, Tennessee. A graduate of Auburn University, Will and his wife, Lauren, daughter, Maggie, along with their black lab, Hank, make Austin their home. Keep Austin weird, Will.
Will McLain
VICE PRESIDENT, TEXAS
Man, myth, legend. We are excited to welcome this guy to the team. Will brings extensive sales and business development skills to Tailgate Guys from his time in various senior business development roles. Will’s addition will reinforce the rapid growth Tailgate Guys is experiencing in Texas. Will is passionate about discipleship which stems from his time equipping young leaders at DownLine in Memphis, Tennessee. A graduate of Auburn University, Will and his wife, Lauren, daughter, Maggie, along with their black lab, Hank, make Austin their home. Keep Austin weird, Will.
WILL MCLAIN
VICE PRESIDENT, TEXAS
Man, myth, legend. We are excited to welcome this guy to the team. Will brings extensive sales and business development skills to Tailgate Guys from his time in various senior business development roles. Will’s addition will reinforce the rapid growth Tailgate Guys is experiencing in Texas. Will is passionate about discipleship which stems from his time equipping young leaders at DownLine in Memphis, Tennessee. A graduate of Auburn University, Will and his wife, Lauren, daughter, Maggie, along with their black lab, Hank, make Austin their home. Keep Austin weird, Will.
Julia Phifer
PROJECT MANAGER, TUSCALOOSA
Coming to us from Tuscaloosa, Julia is a fun and dedicated addition to our PRE team. In her spare time, Julia likes to decorate sugar cookies and can be caught sneaking her leftovers to her Golden Retrievers Bear and Doc.
Julia Phifer
PROJECT MANAGER, TUSCALOOSA
Coming to us from Tuscaloosa, Julia is a fun and dedicated addition to our PRE team. In her spare time, Julia likes to decorate sugar cookies and can be caught sneaking her leftovers to her Golden Retrievers Bear and Doc.
JULIA PHIFER
PROJECT MANAGER, TUSCALOOSA
Coming to us from Tuscaloosa, Julia is a fun and dedicated addition to our PRE team. In her spare time, Julia likes to decorate sugar cookies and can be caught sneaking her leftovers to her Golden Retrievers Bear and Doc.
Careers
Interested in joining the PRE team?
Email us at careers@pre-events.com to get started.