Exploring Life & Business with Kayleigh Rogers of Grand Rapids Bounce Houses

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleigh Rogers

Hi Kayleigh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been driven by success. My journey began when I was 12 years old and got my first job as a babysitter. Growing up I was always very competitive and played sports as well as competitive dance. After high school I was searching for something where I could help people which led me to getting a master’s degree in occupational therapy. I worked at Mary Free Bed for many years and loved my job. However, when Covid hit, my full-time job was reduced to part-time, and I found myself paying more for daycare than I was earning.

This situation made me realize I needed to make a change. My family and I often hosted block parties for our neighborhood, and we bought our first bounce house for these events. Seeing the joy and excitement on the kids’ faces sparked an idea. I thought about becoming a party planner but was more interested in the bounce houses. I decided to start a rental business. With the support of my husband, who owns a marketing agency, we built a website, bought more bounce houses, and I put in the work to grow the business.

Balancing this new business with my job and raising three kids at the time, (we have four now) was incredibly challenging. Many neighbors thought I was taking on too much, and even I had doubts at times, but I was determined to make it work. Failure was not an option. Through hard work and perseverance, I managed to grow the business, turning a simple idea into a thriving enterprise.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was balancing my time. With a part-time job, three kids, and a new business, finding enough hours in the day was tough. There were many late nights and early mornings.

Another struggle was the financial risk. We had to invest in more bounce houses and other equipment, which was a big expense. There were times I worried if we would get enough rentals to cover our costs.

Additionally, learning the ropes of running a business was a challenge. From managing the website and marketing to handling customer service and logistics, there was a steep learning curve. There were moments of doubt and times when I felt overwhelmed, but I was determined to push through. With the support of my husband and the joy of seeing kids happy with our bounce houses, I stayed motivated and kept moving forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our business, Grand Rapids Bounce Houses, specializes in bringing joy and excitement to parties and events through our wide variety of inflatable rentals. We offer an extensive selection of bounce houses, ranging from classic designs to themed inflatables that cater to different interests and age groups. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart. We ensure all our bounce houses are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

At Grand Rapids Bounce Houses, we are known for our exceptional customer service. We go above and beyond to make sure every event is a success, from timely delivery and setup to providing guidance on safety and usage. Our flexibility and willingness to accommodate special requests have earned us a loyal customer base.

One of the things we are most proud of is our reputation for reliability and our 100% money back guarantee. Customers know they can count on us to deliver what we promise, making their events hassle-free and enjoyable. We also offer a 100% refund if customers want to cancel due to weather, which no one else in the industry does. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of creating memorable experiences for families and communities.

When you choose Grand Rapids Bounce Houses, you are choosing a company that genuinely cares about your event’s success. We offer a range of packages to fit different budgets and needs, and we are always ready to help plan the perfect setup for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a community event, or any celebration, we are here to add that extra layer of fun and excitement. For the Voyage Michigan Magazine members, get $10 off your next rental by using the coupon code: VoyageMich

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of resilience and perseverance. Starting and growing a business is never easy, and there have been many challenges and setbacks along the way. From balancing time between work, family, and the business to managing financial risks and learning the ins and outs of running a company, it has been a constant learning process.

I’ve learned that it’s crucial to stay determined and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. There were moments of doubt and times when I felt overwhelmed, but staying focused on my goals and believing in my vision helped me overcome those obstacles. Additionally, having a strong support system, like my husband and the joy of seeing happy customers, has been invaluable.

This journey has taught me that persistence and a positive attitude can turn challenges into opportunities. It has also reinforced the importance of staying adaptable and open to learning, as each experience contributes to personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bouncehouserentals.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandrapidseventrentals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Grand-Rapids-Bounce-Houses/100082884894758/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrandRapidsBounceHouses/videos