Sean Elphick, co-owner of The Tailgate, said the company's success depends on its staff, who manage the event details with minimal guidance, often exceeding expectations and showing genuine care and initiative. Elphick, along with Ariel Herrera, co-owner of The Tailgate, was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.
“I think the people in the company make all the difference because, in the event or concert business, there are a million little details and many different teams to interact with, including the bands and production,” said Elphick in a recent edition of the Best of Midland Podcast. “Having a staff that you don't have to tell every little thing to do all the time—they just go figure it out on their own—is hard to find, and it's irreplaceable. It's super important.”
“It's hard to find people that genuinely care,” said Herrera. “It's one thing, and I think that's what we've seen in our staff this past year: we've told them to do something, and they take it ten steps further. That phrase, 'it doesn't get done right unless you do it yourself,' is irrelevant to our team because it's almost the opposite of us telling them, 'Hey, can you help me with this?' or 'Can you do this?' They take it and do it so much better, and you can tell they genuinely cared and tried to do it."
The Tailgate is a 5,000-square-foot venue in Midland’s Permian Basin, offering family-friendly entertainment, local talent, and a variety of food options. With features like food trucks, a stage, a video wall, and a turf area, it hosts sporting events and private gatherings, making it a popular spot for unforgettable experiences.
Best of Midland Podcast is hosted by Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery. It is an extension of the broader Best of Midland program, which aims to support small, local businesses by showcasing them and the people behind them. Their website lists top businesses and upcoming live events happening in the area.
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.