Ariel Herrera, co-owner of The Tailgate, said Sean works under very tight deadlines, often handling tasks at the last minute, such as painting the stage just before an event, but always manages to get it done, which contrasts with Herrera’s more planned-out approach. Herrera, along with Sean Elphick, co-owner of The Tailgate, was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.
“TSean did have a panic attack the first day we opened—first day one, full-on panic attack,” said Herrera in a recent edition of the Best of Midland Podcast. “Something about Sean: he operates under very close deadlines, very, very close deadlines. When we had our first concert, he was painting the stage black. He decided to start five minutes before the artist got there, but he got it done.”
“I'm obviously planned out,” said Herrera. “I have a vision, and I know how I'm going to get there. I have this whole thing laid out, while Sean operates under stress at the last minute. That's just something I've had to learn, I think. He gets it done.”
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.