Columbia Team

Chad Ruppenicker

General Manager

P: 803.978.9710 | Contact Chad by Email

Chad comes from Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously served as Operations Manager for Classic Tents & Events. With nearly two decades of experience in the event world, Chad first discovered his passion in the tradeshow industry before expanding into music festival operations, music/sport venue operations, and ultimately landing in the tent rental industry.

Over the years, Chad has built a reputation for his deep operational knowledge, steady leadership, and commitment to elevating event experiences. He thrives on the creative challenge of transforming concepts into reality—whether that means supporting large-scale festivals, coordinating complex venue logistics, or bringing clients’ visions to life through tenting and event rental solutions.

When he’s not at work, Chad enjoys spending time outdoors, catching live music, exploring new restaurants, and being with family and friends.

Chandler Sweat

Operations Manager

P: 803.978.9707 | Contact Chandler by Email

Born and raised in Columbia, Chandler Sweat brings over 10 years of experience in the event industry, with a strong focus on operations, logistics, and team leadership. His background includes everything from small-scale private events to large, week-long festival builds, giving him a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to execute events efficiently and at scale.

Chandler is known for his hands-on leadership style, strong work ethic, and ability to lead teams in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. He takes pride in building accountability, maintaining clear communication, and ensuring that every detail is handled from load-in to breakdown. Having attended the University of South Carolina, Chandler has built his career around operational excellence and follow-through.

Outside of work, Chandler enjoys playing golf and spending time with his two dogs, Chunky and Grizzy.

Kent Henderson

Senior Account Executive

P: 803.978.9720 | Contact Kent by Email

Born and raised in Columbia, SC, Kent spent the first 25 years of his life there before marrying his wonderful wife, Rachell. They’ve called Lexington, SC home for the past 21 years, where they’ve raised their three amazing children.

Community involvement has always been important Kent. He coached youth sports for more than 15 years and currently serves on the boards of his HOA, networking chapter, and the Columbia Bridal Associates. Building relationships, trust, and partnerships with both his community and clients is something Kent truly values.

Kent has been part of the Party Reflections team for 14 years where he is a Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP), and has enjoyed every moment of helping clients create memorable events.

Aimee Wicker

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

P: 803.467.1184 | Contact Aimee by email

Aimee Wicker joined our team in 2018, bringing with her nearly 10 years of experience working with Columbia’s top caterers, wedding and corporate planners. Well known throughout Columbia, for exceeding her client’s expectations, Aimee is focusing on our Business Development in South Carolina. Aimee has a creative, outgoing, and unforgettable personality, that she uses to bring the best out in everyone involved in the events she manages. Her passion to make her client’s event exactly as or better than anticipated, is based on her love of making it right.

As a graduate from the University of South Carolina Aimee currently resides in, a town she absolutely adores, Columbia with her husband and son. While the dogs Gus (previously most important) and Dot as well as Esther the cat provide endless entertainment, her son has quickly exceeded them therefore moving the animals to a much lower status in the family.

Heide Andrews

Internet Sales Consultant & Trainer Corporate

P: 336.279.7176

Heide was born in New Jersey and lived there until the age of 10 when she and her family moved to North Carolina.  Heide started her career in the special event industry in May 2016 after being a stay at home mom for 20 years.  Not knowing exactly what to expect entering back into the workforce, she quickly adapted and became very enthusiastic and excited about this new chapter in her life. She enjoys interacting with new and existing clients and helping them make their dream a reality.

In her spare time, Heide enjoys cooking, wine tasting, being outdoors, spending time with friends, and the three most important men in her life, her two sons Nicholas and Nathan and her grandson Zane. She considers being a mother and “Gigi” two of her most rewarding and greatest accomplishments in life.