Not every business starts with a big plan. Some begin as small experiments and grow into something more over time. That’s how this started.
The original version of gplann.com wasn’t a company. It was a side project I built to test ideas. At the time, I had eight years of experience in the event rental industry and had moved into digital marketing. I wanted a space where I could apply what I was learning to something of my own.
It was straightforward. A site to test SEO, messaging, and how people search for event rentals. There was no pressure to turn it into a business.
Over time, it started gaining traction. Not all at once, but enough to see that something was working. There were clicks coming in from different searches and industries, which showed there was already demand.
I shared it with my brother, Ervin Lavapie. He had spent 14 years in the event rental industry before stepping away for about a year. When he saw the site, he saw more than a test project. He saw potential and the right opportunity to return to the industry with a different approach.
That’s when things began to shift.
From a Website to a Business
What started as a personal project turned into a serious conversation. If the demand already existed and we had the experience, it made sense to consider building something real.
Not just another rental company, but one built with intention.
Between us, we bring 20 years of combined experience in event rentals. We understand how operations work behind the scenes, especially during busy seasons when things move quickly and expectations are high. That experience shaped how we think about building this company from the ground up.
What We’re Building Now
That’s what led to the creation of GPLANN Event Rentals.
We’re not trying to change everything about the industry. Our focus is on doing the fundamentals well and doing them consistently.
From the beginning, we’ve made training and process a priority. Every team member is trained before stepping onto a job. New staff work alongside experienced team members before handling setups on their own. Each setup follows a checklist that is reviewed and signed off by a lead, and equipment is handled based on clear, specific safety protocols.
These systems are there to create consistency. They support the team, protect the client, and help ensure that every setup is done properly.
Beyond operations, we’re focused on the full experience. Equipment should be clean and well-maintained, not just functional. Communication should be clear from the first inquiry to the final pickup. Pricing should be fair and transparent so clients know what to expect.
We know we’re entering a market where established companies have been serving Edmonton for a long time. We respect that. At the same time, we believe there is room for another option, one that is built on attention to detail, consistency, and care.
Built as a Family
GPLANN Event Rentals is a family effort.
- I focus on marketing and growth.
- Ervin leads operations.
- Pia Lavapie manages finance and administration.
- Melody Lavapie focuses on sales and customer relationships.
Each of us brings a different strength, and together it creates a more balanced foundation.
This is not a short-term project for us. We’re building something we want to sustain. Something that supports our families and creates opportunities for others who want to be part of a team that values accountability, consistency, and growth.
Why This Matters to Us
Starting from scratch comes with uncertainty, but it also gives us the ability to build things the way we believe they should be done.
There are no layers slowing down decisions or limiting improvements. If something needs to change, we can act on it. That flexibility allows us to stay focused on what matters and continue improving as we grow.
For us, success means building something stable and sustainable. Something that supports our families and grows over time without losing its standards.
Follow the Journey
We’re still early. There’s a lot we’re building and refining, and that’s part of the process.
We’ll be sharing more as we grow, including what we’re learning and how we’re building GPLANN Event Rentals over time.
If you’re planning an event, working in the industry, or simply interested in what we’re building, we’d be glad to have you follow along.