We were lucky to catch up with Alfred “Al” Fernandez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alfred “Al”, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I get asked a lot how I came up with the funhouse version of bubble parties! Originally, I would rent small bubble machines through my inflatable business, “Al’s Funhouses.” I loved seeing the kids’ reactions, especially my youngest son, who is on the autism spectrum (ASD).

Years ago, before I ventured into the party rental and entertainment industry, I took my son to a local bubble event at a park. I was disappointed; I had expected a lot more bubbles. I had a vision in my head of a party filled with bubbles—big bubbles, small bubbles, bubbles everywhere! But I wasn’t sure how to bring that vision to life. I felt that just having bubble machines wasn’t enough, and a traditional bubble performer didn’t fit my vision either. I wanted something more hands-on and interactive, a mix of both.

I locked into intense research on creating different bubble mixes and connected with other bubbleologists who perform at schools or have unique bubble experiences. After trying many different approaches and methods, I finally figured out what I wanted my bubble parties to be like. That’s when I decided to brand off my foam and bubble parties from my inflatable company and create Fun House Bubble Co.

My very first practice party didn’t reach my standards of what I had envisioned. I label it a disaster. My bubble mix wasn’t strong enough, and my bubble moat area was a mess. But I learned and adjusted as I went on. After tweaking my formula and setup, I got an huge opportunity to pitch my vision when Landa Gardens Conservancy requested bubble party services for their May event. They were open to the idea, and that’s when Fun House Bubble Co. was born. Since that day my vision became a success!

Alfred “Al”, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Alfred “Al” Fernandez. I am the owner of Al’s Funhouses and Funhouse Bubble Co., operating in the party rental and children’s entertainment industry. Our foam and bubble party experiences are something I absolutely LOVE to do! Creating our experiences involves a lot of preparation and bubble mix science. We take pride in offering various entertainment options for birthday parties and events.

I am proud of where Fun House Bubble Co. has reached and the milestones we’ve achieved, working with major companies and events such as United Way, Autism Speaks, San Antonio Public Libraries, Hemisfair Park, Centro San Antonio, and many more. From two-year-old birthday parties to major events, seeing the kiddos’ faces light up is my favorite part of all of this!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

With both my brands which I refer under the “Funhouse” brand, we stick to a couple of key roots: quality equipment/experience, great customer service, and communication. We don’t just rent bounce houses or set up tables and blow bubbles. The consumer is buying an experience! They are paying for a trusted company to show up on time, know what they are doing, and provide that wow factor that makes them feel they went with the right company to handle the party/event.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The type of services a company offers significantly influences where to market to increase followers and sales. Here are some tips for all aspects of business:

First, identify your target audience—the clients most likely to convert into bookings. For instance, with bubble parties, I target families with children aged 2-8. So I often pitch to daycares and elementary schools,etc..

Consistency in social media posts is crucial in our digital age. Quality photos, trendy content, and genuine engagement with your followers can build strong connections and drive future sales.

Having a presence on Google is also essential. Positive Google reviews can sway undecided customers in your favor. Many of my business events come through Google inquiries.

However, word-of-mouth marketing is the most effective growth strategy. Creating “raving fans” should be your goal with every service you provide. A happy customer shares their positive experience, spreading your reputation quickly. Every interaction matters, as you never know what future opportunities might arise from your connections.