HomePublicationPasadenaSir Michael’s: A Gallant Quest for Party Perfection

Sir Michael’s: A Gallant Quest for Party Perfection

Michael Nogueira
Michael Nogueira

When you’re celebrating a wedding or family milestone, commemorating a loved one, hosting a commercial event or raising money for a cause, the last thing you want to be worrying about on that day is linens and cutlery. Fortunately, you can leave the details to Michael Nogueira, founder and proprietor of Sir Michael’s, a full-service limousine and event rental company that has been coming to hosts’ rescue for more than 30 years.
Sir Michael’s got its noble name from its owner and the two luxury British cars that were a hallmark of its early days: a Bentley and a 1965 Rolls Royce. Back in 1983, the company started by providing limousine and car service for funerals, weddings and awards shows, including the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys. With his wheeled fleet, Nogueira arranged transportation for everything from Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit to parties at the Playboy Mansion.
In the meantime, Nogueira often hosted large events at his own Eagle Rock home, and in the process, began to acquire a growing inventory of chairs, tables and linens. Spotting an opportunity for expansion, he decided to start renting out his party supplies and bought a small shopfront on Eagle Rock Boulevard for his wares. Before he knew it, Nogueira was buying snow cone machines, cotton candy machines and chocolate fountains, and soon had more equipment than he had room for. He bought a warehouse and some trucks in 1996, and Sir Michael’s found its new calling. Since then, Nogueira has never looked back.
“It just took off, and from then on it flourished,” said Nogueira on a recent morning at Sir Michael’s headquarters. “And it was from the bottom, from scratch.”
These days, Sir Michael’s provides transportation, planning and party rental services for hundreds of events throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles, from weddings and private parties to cultural festivals and community events. Among its repeat clients are JPL, Los Angeles Police Department, La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club and L.A. Metro, which recently used Sir Michael’s services on the opening day of the Gold Line light rail extension. Sir Michael’s also provides some 1,600 chairs and 300 tables each year for Union Station Homeless Services Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the homeless.
In addition to tables, chairs and linens, the company provides tents, umbrellas and space heaters to accommodate any size event. Sir Michael’s also offers staging and dance floors, sound systems and lighting and luxury portable restrooms — particularly convenient for large fundraisers and events held at private homes. Not only does Sir Michael’s provide china, cutlery, glassware and other bar and catering equipment, it also can provide the staff to manage serving, bussing and bartending — because even the most industrious hosts shouldn’t be clearing plates at their own party.
“Why don’t you enjoy it, entertain, talk to your family and friends and let us take care of serving and cleaning up?” said Nogueira. “We can bring everything to you, and we make it really convenient. We’re a one-stop shop.”
Sir Michael’s eclectic array of equipment doesn’t stop at chocolate fountains. In addition to warming ovens and hot food transport boxes, Nogueira’s warehouse has everything from hot dog and churro stands to margarita machines. There are props and décor for themed parties, karaoke and fog machines, moon bounces and even old-timey carnival games. Raffle drum? Check. Oversized scissors? You’ve got it. If your event requires a money-blowing machine, Sir Michael’s can help you with that.
A slave to detail, Nogueira approaches each event by asking clients a series of questions. What’s the occasion? Where is the event being held? What food will be served and how will it be kept warm? It’s his job to consider every element of an event to troubleshoot any potential problem before it arises. This includes making site visits and drawing up floor plans, working with venues and other vendors and anticipating clients’ every need. Sometimes, it means improvising when things don’t go as planned, and that’s why Nogueira is always a cellphone call away to deliver last-minute space heaters when the weather turns.
“It’s that personal touch,” Nogueira said. “We go that extra step to make things happen, and that’s what makes it a success. We offer a little more than the average rental company — we have a remedy for everything.”
Over the years, Nogueira has been a limousine driver, a party host, an entrepreneur and a community leader, but above all else, the man is a chronic problem solver. Even when asked where he finds the most passion in his work, Nogueira’s answer is rooted in pragmatism.
“When we complete a job from beginning to end, customize that event and everything comes out perfectly without a flaw, that’s the best,” said Nogueira confidently. “I know how to throw the perfect party. It’s something you pick up on, and you make sure you get every angle covered. We’re there to help — that’s our business.”
For more information on Sir Michael’s services, visit sirmichaelsrentals.com or call (323) 225-5466.

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