Jeff Wright, Cleveland’s Balloon Guy….it has a nice ring to it.
I’ve been spending this week with some amazing balloon artists from all over the country and many from right here in Cleveland. We are working on a huge balloon project for the 3rd year in a row up in Kirtland, Ohio. If balloon twisting was Rock and Roll, a lot of these people would be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That’s not an exaggeration either. They are at the top of their games and are very well respected in the balloon art community.
As I talk business with them about their markets, I realize, that they all have it totally figured out. Many of them are the balloon artist for their area. That’s where I want to be. The Cleveland market is fairly saturated (with many of the great artists that are on this project) but I strive to make my name synonymous with quality family entertainment in Cleveland. I want to be Cleveland’s Balloon Guy! After recently winning the 2010 Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks Award for Best Party Entertainer in Cleveland (with my awesome partner, Suzan) I think I am well on my way.
I do put out a great product. Time and time again Cleveland people mention how good I am with the guests, and especially the kids. I try to connect to people and I have been complimented before about how I can know every child’s name before I leave a party. To be honest, I have trouble remembering them much longer after that, as the data banks are always on overflow with new kids, but I think it’s important to make that moment special for the person in front of me. I may make balloon sculptures 1,000 times a day, but those few minutes are very unique and special to that person. It also helps to be able to call out a 4 year old’s name when I see them pop his/her balloon from across the room. I’m stopped more than one crying fit before it’s started.
I do great balloons, but I also go beyond that. I try to entertain and engage the people in front of me while I do it. I think Cleveland’s Balloon Guy should be a guy that you want because of his quality of work and because of his quality of character. I hope I meet that standard. I am truly grateful to be doing what I do and I enjoy it very much. I believe that enjoyment comes through when I am in my element, entertaining at corporate, private, or public events all around Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Life is Good!
Grace and Peace
