About Classic Party Rentals

Nina Whittleton co-founded Classic Party Rentals of Virginia alongside her former husband, Jimbo Whittleton, in 1997. What began as a small family business has grown into one of Central Virginia’s premier event rental companies, serving thousands of clients and events throughout the region.

Over the years, Nina helped shape the company’s reputation for exceptional service, professionalism, and community involvement. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she never hesitated to work alongside employees, support clients, or jump in wherever she was needed. Her commitment to building relationships and fostering a strong company culture played a significant role in the growth and success of the business.

Today, the company continues as a family legacy under the leadership of Nina and Jimbo’s son, Kurt Whittleton, who oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of Classic Party Rentals. While Nina has retired from the daily demands of the business, her influence and vision remain an important part of the company’s foundation.

Beyond her work with Classic Party Rentals, Nina has always been deeply committed to her community. She firmly believes that “your network is your net worth” and has served on numerous boards and committees throughout her career. Today, she continues that commitment through her involvement with several local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.

In retirement, Nina enjoys spending time with family, relaxing at her beach house, and making memories with her grandchildren. While she is proud of everything Classic Party Rentals has become, she considers her greatest accomplishment to be the family and relationships that have supported her throughout the journey.

Kurt Whittleton serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Classic Party Rentals of Virginia. As the second generation of family leadership, Kurt has helped guide the company through a period of significant growth, modernization, and expansion while maintaining the commitment to service and reliability that has defined the business since its founding in 1997.

Having grown up around the family business, Kurt developed an early appreciation for the event rental industry and the hard work required to deliver exceptional events. After graduating from college, he joined Classic Party Rentals full-time and gained experience throughout the organization, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up. That hands-on experience continues to shape his leadership style today.

As CEO and CFO, Kurt oversees the company’s strategic direction, financial management, operations, technology initiatives, inventory investments, and long-term growth planning. He is a strong believer in collaboration across departments and works closely with every team to ensure the company continues to evolve while delivering exceptional service to clients throughout Virginia.

Despite his executive responsibilities, Kurt remains actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the business. During the busiest times of the year, it is not uncommon to find him helping in the warehouse, assisting with logistics, or even driving a delivery truck to support the team and ensure events are executed successfully.

Outside of work, Kurt enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and making memories with his son.

Born and raised in South Carolina, Lorenza serves as Director of Operations for Classic Party Rentals of Virginia. He oversees the company’s daily operations, including warehouse management, logistics, inventory control, staffing, quality assurance, and operational systems, helping ensure every event is executed efficiently and professionally from preparation through delivery and pickup.

Lorenza’s journey with Classic Party Rentals is a testament to hard work, dedication, and leadership. Starting with the company washing dishes, he steadily advanced through the organization by learning every aspect of the operation and demonstrating a commitment to excellence at every level. Today, he leads the operations team and plays a critical role in maintaining the standards, processes, and culture that keep the company moving forward.

Known for his hands-on leadership style, Lorenza works closely with warehouse staff, drivers, installers, and management to ensure equipment is prepared accurately, delivered on time, and maintained to the highest standards. His focus on continuous improvement, accountability, and teamwork helps ensure clients receive the quality and service they have come to expect from Classic Party Rentals.

When he is not overseeing operations, Lorenza enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring graphic design, reading leadership and personal development literature, and serving in his local church.

Hey, I’m Mikey Fuller! I serve as Administrative Services Manager at Classic Party Rentals of Virginia, where I oversee many of the business systems and administrative functions that keep the company running smoothly. My responsibilities span accounts receivable, contract administration, information technology, business process development, reporting, website management, and operational support.

I work closely with company leadership on everything from credit decisions and collections strategies to software implementation, policy development, and long-term operational planning. I manage our IT infrastructure and provide technical support for our team, while also overseeing website content, digital communications, and various technology initiatives that improve efficiency across the organization. In addition, I handle contract compliance, customer account management, collections, and many of the day-to-day administrative processes that support our sales, operations, and executive teams.

While my role has become increasingly focused on administration, systems, and strategy, I still enjoy contributing to marketing and creative projects when needed—whether that’s developing website content, creating promotional materials, managing social media, or producing photos and videos that showcase our events and inventory.

Before joining Classic Party Rentals, I was the Operations Manager for an estate liquidation company, managed a 10,000-square-foot antiques mall, and worked with DTI Global supporting office services for several high-profile law firms throughout the Greater Richmond area.

Outside of work, I serve as Director of Music and Accompanist at a local church. For nearly 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of performing on piano and organ for weddings, worship services, fundraisers, concerts, and special events throughout Virginia.

Carrie’s connection to Classic Party Rentals of Virginia began long before she joined our team—as a client in 2013. After officially joining CPR in 2015, she quickly developed a passion for the events industry and helping clients bring their visions to life. She earned her CPCE (Certified Professional in Catering and Events) designation through the National Association for Catering and Events and her CERP (Certified Event Rental Professional) credential through the American Rental Association. A proud 2010 Virginia Tech graduate, Carrie is always looking for an excuse to visit Blacksburg—GO HOKIES!

Today, Carrie serves as Marketing Coordinator, where she oversees the company’s marketing efforts, social media presence, client communications, and brand development. She also plays a key role in CRM management and sales process accountability, working closely with the sales team to ensure client records, orders, follow-ups, and internal procedures are completed accurately and consistently. Her attention to detail and collaborative approach help keep projects moving smoothly from the first inquiry through event execution.

Carrie loves connecting with people, hearing new ideas, and working alongside clients, venues, and industry partners to create memorable events. She believes referrals are one of the highest compliments a client can give and is grateful for every recommendation and relationship built over the years.

When she’s away from the office, you’ll likely find her at Lake Gaston wakeboarding with her oldest son or enjoying the beach with her youngest. Whether it’s fresh water or salt water, she’s happy anywhere near the water. Carrie and her husband also enjoy exploring new breweries, restaurants, and local favorites in their Virginia Beach community—and she’s always happy to hear recommendations.

Better yet, send her your favorite local spot and meet her there to start planning your next event!

Kurt Whittleton serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Classic Party Rentals of Virginia. As the second generation of family leadership, Kurt has helped guide the company through a period of significant growth, modernization, and expansion while maintaining the commitment to service and reliability that has defined the business since its founding in 1997.

Having grown up around the family business, Kurt developed an early appreciation for the event rental industry and the hard work required to deliver exceptional events. After graduating from college, he joined Classic Party Rentals full-time and gained experience throughout the organization, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up. That hands-on experience continues to shape his leadership style today.

As CEO and CFO, Kurt oversees the company’s strategic direction, financial management, operations, technology initiatives, inventory investments, and long-term growth planning. He is a strong believer in collaboration across departments and works closely with every team to ensure the company continues to evolve while delivering exceptional service to clients throughout Virginia.

Despite his executive responsibilities, Kurt remains actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the business. During the busiest times of the year, it is not uncommon to find him helping in the warehouse, assisting with logistics, or even driving a delivery truck to support the team and ensure events are executed successfully.

Outside of work, Kurt enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and making memories with his son.

Martha Pearce, affectionately known as “MARBZ,” has been helping clients create memorable events since 1997. What began as a search for a job with health insurance and a love of celebrations quickly became a lifelong career in the special events industry.

Over the years, Martha has built extensive knowledge and experience through active involvement with numerous industry organizations, including the American Rental Association, Richmond Weddings, the National Association for Catering and Events, the International Live Events Association, the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, and the Richmond Retail Merchants Association. Her passion for the industry and commitment to professional development have made her a trusted resource for clients and event professionals alike.

Martha is widely recognized as one of Central Virginia’s leading event rental professionals and tent specialists. From elegant weddings and nonprofit galas to corporate functions and private celebrations, she has spent nearly three decades helping clients transform ideas into unforgettable events. Her experience, creativity, and attention to detail allow her to guide clients through every step of the planning process with confidence.

Known throughout the region for her relationships and industry knowledge, Martha has become the go-to event professional for many of Central Virginia’s most recognized families, businesses, venues, and organizations. Her reputation has been built on trust, responsiveness, and a genuine passion for helping clients bring their vision to life. If there’s a venue to know, a vendor to recommend, or a challenge to solve, chances are Martha already has a solution—or knows exactly who to call.

A proud Ashland native, Martha remains deeply involved in her community and enjoys supporting local businesses, organizations, and events throughout Hanover County and the greater Richmond region. Her strong local connections and commitment to service have helped make her one of the area’s most trusted event professionals.

When she’s not helping others plan their events, Martha can usually be found enjoying time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, planning a gathering of her own, or tending to the many animals at her family farm. One of the greatest blessings to come from her career was meeting her husband, Kevin, through the events industry. Together they share a busy and rewarding life with their children—Victoria, Nash, and Boyd—and a collection of beloved four-legged family members.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, or backyard celebration, Martha is always ready to help bring your next event to life.

Patrick Hagerich is a Tent & Event Rental Coordinator at Classic Party Rentals of Virginia and one of the company’s most experienced event professionals. With nearly four decades in the hospitality and events industry, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and practical experience to every event he helps plan.

Since graduating from college in 1986, Patrick has built a career focused on creating exceptional guest experiences. His professional background includes hotels, restaurants, private clubs, and entertainment venues in New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Richmond. Each stop along the way provided valuable insight into event planning, hospitality, operations, and customer service that continues to benefit his clients today.

While Patrick works with a wide variety of events, he is especially well known for his work with weddings and social celebrations. He enjoys helping couples navigate the planning process and transform their ideas into memorable events that reflect their personalities, priorities, and style. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand reception, Patrick believes every event should be as unique as the people hosting it.

With nearly forty years of experience, there’s very little Patrick hasn’t encountered. From weddings and galas to corporate functions and nonprofit events, he draws on decades of industry knowledge to help clients make informed decisions and create successful events. His practical advice, attention to detail, and extensive hospitality background make him a trusted resource throughout the planning process.

Patrick stays current on emerging trends in event design, décor, and rentals while focusing on what matters most—listening to his clients and helping bring their vision to life. He enjoys working closely with clients to develop rental plans that fit their venue, goals, and budget while creating an experience that guests will remember long after the event ends.

Based at our Richmond showroom and warehouse, Patrick welcomes clients to explore rental options, review design ideas, and discover new possibilities for their events. He looks forward to helping clients create celebrations that are both meaningful and memorable.

Sydney Colston is a Tent & Event Rental Coordinator with more than 15 years of experience in hospitality and special events. Having started her career with Classic Party Rentals of Virginia at just 18 years old, Sydney developed a passion for helping clients create memorable experiences and has built her career around making events come to life.

After returning to Classic Party Rentals in 2022, Sydney brought with her a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep appreciation for customer service. She works closely with clients throughout Williamsburg, the Middle Peninsula, the Northern Neck, and the Greater Richmond region, helping them select the rental items and event solutions that best fit their vision, venue, and budget.

Known for her approachable personality and attention to detail, Sydney enjoys building relationships with clients, venues, and fellow event professionals. She takes pride in helping guide clients through the planning process and believes that successful events are built on clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and exceptional service.

As an active member of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, Sydney enjoys connecting with local businesses and strengthening relationships within the hospitality and events community. Her local knowledge and industry experience make her a valuable resource for clients planning everything from weddings and private celebrations to corporate events and nonprofit galas.

Outside of work, Sydney enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing on the Piankatank River, cooking, baking, and spoiling any dog fortunate enough to cross her path. Whether she’s helping plan an event or gathering with family and friends, creating meaningful experiences remains at the heart of everything she does.

Corey Chambers has been an integral part of the Classic Party Rentals of Virginia team since 2002. A Richmond native, Corey has spent more than two decades helping ensure events throughout Virginia are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

As Fleet & Logistics Manager, Corey oversees the company’s transportation and logistics operations, coordinating delivery schedules, vehicle management, routing, and the countless moving parts required to support successful events. From intimate backyard gatherings to major festivals, galas, corporate functions, and community celebrations, Corey plays a critical role in ensuring equipment arrives where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.

One of Corey’s favorite aspects of the job is the opportunity to meet new people, visit a variety of venues, and be part of some of Central Virginia’s most memorable events. He takes pride in helping turn months of planning into successful event days and enjoys the challenge of coordinating the logistics behind events of every size and scale.

Known for his reliability, experience, and commitment to teamwork, Corey has become a trusted leader within the organization and an important part of the company’s continued success. After more than two decades with Classic Party Rentals, he remains excited about the future and proud to be part of a team dedicated to creating exceptional events throughout Virginia.

Outside of work, Corey enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and taking advantage of everything the Richmond region has to offer. Whether he’s on the golf course, playing video games, or relaxing with family and friends, he values the relationships and experiences that make life memorable.