Our History
Our Party Rentals Legacy in LA Since 1941
Established in 1941 by Carl and Mary Ellen Dolphin, Dolphin Event Services began as a private ambulance and medical equipment rental service in Pasadena, California. In its early years, the company provided vital transportation for patients traveling to and from local hospitals and nursing homes, while also offering “sickroom supplies” for rent available on both short and long-term bases. As the company grew, it secured a contract with Los Angeles County to deliver emergency medical transportation services to residents in unincorporated areas. Soon after, Dolphin was entrusted with a back-up ambulance contract for the City of Pasadena, formally cementing its role as a trusted, community-based service provider.
Past
In the early years, as the demand for home medical care grew, doctors and nursing homes began turning to the company for essential equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, and walkers. Physical therapists regularly referred patients in need of orthopedic wheelchairs, crutches, and rehabilitation tools, while occupational therapists placed orders for bath safety products—grab bars, toilet frames, and other accessories to help patients prepare for discharge from the hospital.
Over the course of two decades, the company expanded into larger facilities twice, each time increasing both its inventory and service area to meet the growing needs of the community. By the mid-1960s, the business stood at a crossroads with the founders preparing for retirement, their two sons expressed interest in continuing the legacy, each with a vision to pursue a different branch of the service-based enterprise.
Changes
Later, Joseph Dolphin took charge of the ambulance division, spearheading the training of personnel as paramedics. With the introduction of the paramedic program in Los Angeles County, the service rapidly expanded—eventually becoming the largest contract paramedic provider in the nation.
Meanwhile, his brother Patrick Dolphin assumed leadership of the rental division. By the mid-1970s, he introduced party and special event rentals, fueling the company’s growth through strategic marketing and Medicare billing initiatives.
As the special events industry evolved, so did the company. Today, it stands as a pioneering force in the event rental industry, proudly serving Southern California & beyond. From fairs and festivals to golf tournaments, award shows, cultural celebrations, graduations, and weddings, Dolphin Event Services has become a trusted name in bringing people together.
Present
Today, Dolphin Event Services proudly provides professional rental solutions for special events of all sizes. From tables, chairs, and elegant furniture to umbrellas, dance floors, large-scale structures, canopies, and concession equipment, our inventory is designed to meet the diverse needs of any gathering.
Over the years, we’ve built lasting partnerships with cities, non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, and places of worship, many of whom return to us time and again for our dependable service and attention to detail. Our work spans a wide geographic footprint, including notable destinations such as Orange County, Santa Clarita, Anaheim, Palm Springs, Temecula, and Long Beach. As licensed contractors, we are also equipped to manage city permit requirements for both corporate and non-profit functions, ensuring all our customers a seamless execution from planning to event day.
3D CAD Diagramming System
Explore our latest 3D CAD Diagram showcasing just one of the hundreds of events and party rental projects we've successfully completed across the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
| On The Job Photos |
CAD Diagram Sample
We are perfectionists when it comes to creating layouts with our professional 3D CAD diagramming system and Google maps which gives us a distinct advantage over the competition. CAD drawings allow us to show clients the look of their event before it happens. We can even duplicate an event location, insert the requested rental equipment into the equation, and look at it in 3D to offer the client a remarkable to scale rendering of their event. CAD even allows us to present a clear and concise quotation detailing all the necessary rental equipment.
