Kim Cunha needed something to do. More importantly, she needed something for her kids to do.
Life in Chambersburg, Pa., was not quite as diverting as she was used to after living in Chandler, AZ., Philadelphia, Fresno, Calif., central New Jersey, and Louisville, Ky.
"I was accustomed to living in densely populated areas with lots of shopping and especially a lot of activities for children," she says.
On top of that, she was eager to get back into the working world after being a stay - at - home mom. She wanted to find a way to bring her management experience from The Limited, Inc., Bath and Body Works, and GAP to her own business.
"I set my sights on long - term financial goals and knew that opening my own business would help me to achieve these goals," she says. "Owning my own business has also given me flexibility with having two young boys."
Kim fondly remembered going to Pump It Up in Louisville when her boys - Greg now 8 and Jason now 6 - were younger.
"I loved going there on play dates with neighbors. I loved that I could get on the inflatables with the kids," she says.
Kim looked around at the scant family - oriented businesses in her new town. "I told my husband (Kevin) that the area needs something clean and safe for the kids, and he let me run with it."
Now Kim owns and singlehandedly operates a multi - state Pump It Up. Because of its location in Hagerstown, Md., -- about 30 minutes from where she lives -- it draws customers from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
After nearly three years as a franchise owner, she says her best tip for other owners is "to be engaged in your location."
She recently was awarded Best Staff and Service, and Best Experience honors at the Pump It Up Convention in Scottsdale.
"Knowing that it was because of my guests that I received these awards tells me that I am doing it right."
Kim still works some of the parties herself and tries to familiarize herself with all customers. "People like it when you remember them and I feel it shows I truly appreciate their business."
The parking lot has two guest - of - honor parking spots in front of the building.
"I really focus on curb to curb service. We are there to assist the party hosts from the moment they pull up with unloading their car to when they leave," Kim says.
Kim's staff packs the presents, extra food, and party favors into a cart and helps the guests load their car when they are leaving.
"Guests are pleasantly surprised at that", Kim says.
Kim says she's proud that four of her original 10 employees are still with her. "Our attendants are truly engaged in each party experience. They interact with the kids and adults. We take pride that each party is catered to each individual party host. Our party attendants will play as many games with the kids as they want. The most popular has become hide - and - seek in the inflatables."
Kim cautions others that the most frustrating part of the business is getting the financing.
"The application process was grueling and frustrating. I always tell others looking to open their own business that the period of time before opening your doors is the hardest."
Enjoying the "small town feel to my life," Kim says she doesn't feel as if she has a job: "I do everything around my kids' schedules."
She spends about 20 hours in the store, but otherwise does the other 20 hours of the store's work from her home office.
Another perk is that 17 - foot slide, her personal favorite.
"It just brings you back to being a little kid. It's so high and looks so dramatic - can you imagine what it looks like to a little kid?"
