A Remarkable 40-Year Career: Jose Zuniga Retires

In 1984, after selling his woodcraft factory, Jose Zuniga joined the Aztec Tents and Events team as a truck driver/installer for its growing event rental division. At that time, Aztec was a smaller regional company focused on event rentals but also provided services in the medical rental space and tent manufacturing. Shortly after, Jose was promoted to assistant manager and later transitioned to operations manager. As Aztec Tents continued to grow, Jose proved to be up for the challenge. By 2004 he was promoted to Director of Operations, supporting clients nationwide within the company’s rental division. Jose stayed on with the rental division when it was sold to Classic Party Rentals in 2005 where he continued to strive for success. In 2014 Aztec Tents was lucky to have him rejoin our team as our Frame Department Manager. This year was bittersweet for Jose and Aztec Tents, as 2024 marked 40 years of shared history and successes, it also marked the beginning of his retirement this past June.
 

Jose remembers, “I had an undeniably good feeling about Aztec. One of my very first memories was that of my 2nd paycheck. I noticed a BIG mistake. I was overpaid by about 30%.  As soon as noticed, I reported it back to my manager. Then owner, Chuck Miller, came out from his office and clarified it was not a mistake.  He told me, ‘We like the way you work, and we want to pay you that’.   That was MUCH more than just money to me.”
 

Alex Kouzmanoff, President of Aztec Tents recalls, “Jose taught me the ropes when I arrived at Aztec back in 1997. His efforts, professionalism, and dedication to this company just can’t be described in words. As you look at Aztec today, it’s because of leaders like Jose that have built a foundation and pathway for our success.”
 

When asked about his experiences with Zuniga, Christian Lopez, current Metal Fabrication Department Manger explains “Jose was not so easy to work with when he first arrived back at Aztec Tents. I had to learn new ways of doing things and fuse them together with my 14 years of experience to yield better outcomes for our products. It was tough but we managed to bring great success to our department.” Lopez further explains, “He gave me the “little push” I needed to get to where I am today, and for that I thank him!”.
 

Claudia Garza, Office Manager tells “I met Jose in 1990 when I started working for Aztec, he had started with the company a few years prior. We were a party rental store and had manufacturing business as well. We soon formed an instant bond both professionally and personally with our families. His amazing work ethic was what truly stood out. To me, he was a “jack of all trades” – knew the business well and was respected by all! Right before he retired, we had an opportunity to sit down privately for quite a while and reminisce, go over all the years’ worth of “stuff”. He always said to me…. “Claudia, you’re a part of my family, always will be.””
 

When asked to comment on his time with Aztec, Jose summed it up nicely, “Whole-heartedly, I am proud of the accomplishments that we have achieved.”
 

Please join us in congratulating Jose Zuniga on 40 remarkable years and wishing him the very best in his well-earned retirement. THANK YOU JOSE!!