Kristi and Robert Caretti moved to Mason, Mich., when Robert got a job with the Meridian Fire Department four years ago. Having lived in Detroit most of their lives, they immersed themselves in their new community, eager to make a connection.
Barely settled in, the two jumped on the idea of starting a family-owned and operated business. Kristi had some ideas, but Robert had others—one, she says, that was a little far out.
"He loved the idea of renting bounce houses for parties," Kristi says. "I thought he was crazy."
But Robert won out, convincing her that the party rental business was a sure-fire way to bring a worthwhile service to the community while having fun at the same time.
The Carettis launched
Tye-Dye Party Rentals in 2012, and have grown from servicing occasional parties to one to four events nearly every weekend. The home-based company provides a variety of party-related rentals, including moon bounces, slide-bounce house combos, tables and chairs, tents, and popcorn, snow cone and cotton candy machines. All rentals come with free delivery and setup as well as teardown once the party is over.
"Robert was right about this being a happy business," she says. "We get all happy phone calls, and then when you're there and the blower goes on the moon bounce goes up, it's just all smiles."
Kristi says Robert's work as a firefighter has helped them establish themselves as a community-oriented business. Charitable events regularly pop-up on their agendas, many related to the fire fighter community.
"We pride ourselves on our customer service," says Kristi. "It's part of my motivation as a mom. You want things taken care of. You want reasonable prices. We try to work with you to keep it fun."
While business is peak during the summer, Tye-Dye Party Rentals isn't limited by the season. Pole barns, gymnasiums and other large interior or public areas can be readily converted in party paradises during the spring, fall or winter. Tye-Dye Party Rental experienced double-digit growth in the past year, prompting the Carettis to add two staff to their team for the first time since opening.
Source: Kristi Caretti, Co-owner, Tye-Dye Party Rentals
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Capital Gains? Email Ann Kammerer here.
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