Welcome to the One Day or Day One podcast! We're thrilled to have Robert Savona, the owner and founder of Big Top Inflatables, join us to share his journey as an entrepreneur. If you would like to listen to the full episode, you can find it here.
Robert began by explaining the origins of Big Top Inflatables, founded in 2007. Before starting the company, Robert worked in law enforcement and sought a way to supplement his income. With three children and the demands of his job consuming his time, he realized he needed a change. The idea for Big Top Inflatables came from a family event. His eldest son wanted a water slide for a graduation party, and after renting one for $300, Robert's curiosity was piqued. He and his wife saw potential in this business model and decided to give it a try. Inspired by the simplicity and profitability of the concept, they started their own inflatable rental business.
Starting the business wasn’t easy. Back in 2007, resources for new entrepreneurs were scarce. Robert described the challenges of navigating licensing, taxation, and other startup requirements without the abundance of apps and tools available today. Despite these hurdles, he adopted a "crawl, walk, run" approach, beginning small and conducting extensive research to mitigate risks. Robert emphasized that the key to starting a business is simply to begin, even with limited resources or knowledge.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Robert highlighted the importance of networking and community. Starting a business can be lonely, especially for small family-owned ventures. He recommended attending trade shows, joining local chambers of commerce, and connecting with others in the industry to gain insights and build relationships.
One critical moment in Robert’s journey was transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time business. He explained that once the business’s income consistently exceeded expenses, it became clear that Big Top Inflatables was viable. This realization allowed him to focus solely on the business, letting go of secondary jobs and fully committing to its growth. Robert emphasized the importance of calculated risks and maintaining financial discipline, cautioning against living beyond one’s means.
Robert shared an important lesson learned from his business: success lies in understanding and addressing customers' needs. He discovered that his role extended beyond selling inflatables; he was helping customers build confidence to start their own businesses. By actively listening to their concerns and offering solutions, he built lasting relationships and a loyal customer base. This approach, he noted, is what differentiates a business in a competitive market.
When asked whether anyone could start a business, Robert firmly believed that anyone with determination and willingness to learn could succeed. Failure, he explained, is merely an opportunity to learn and improve. He encouraged entrepreneurs to remain consistent and avoid complacency, as consistency is the key to long-term success.
Robert’s advice for entrepreneurs is to focus on "income-producing assets" and use time wisely. He recounted his father’s advice to prioritize productivity while maintaining a balanced life. Success, according to Robert, is not about avoiding challenges but navigating them with resilience and adaptability.
Robert’s journey with Big Top Inflatables highlights the value of perseverance, community, and customer focus in building a successful business. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
