Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janie Dea . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Janie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

I have a great support system all the way around, so I’m not shy when asking for support or help. Splashdown has multiple events a year if they can help, they always do and if not its fine! I have a small circle of family and friends, so communication is key. In the event of them purchasing an item I honestly don’t weight their support from a purchase. Not everyone is going to want the game or can afford the game, I understand.

We held Splashdowns first event in the middle of summer with some serious heat, everyone showed up and enjoyed their time playing the game, eating some food and providing feedback. We picked a great park and had lots of fun! I will always be so grateful for that day!

I’m so thankful for those who support me I’m lucky to have them.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Splashdown was created from an amazing family memory! It was played at a family reunion with bedsheets and a volleyball Net! That day was so full of fun, laughter and bonding, it created a lasting impression on me. It’s one of my core memories I have with the WHOLE FAMILY. It was such a great day. I tend to go back to that day often and that’s exactly why Splashdown was born! I want everyone to have days like I did. I want everyone to play this game and walk away with magical memories to last a lifetime! This game was created with family, love, laughter and competition in mind. Competition is one of the best parts of this game as I’m a very competitive person. I love the idea that you have to work as a team and communicate in order to do good and win! This game is for everyone but you will only do good if you work together!

I’m most proud of myself actually designing the game, getting it manufactured and getting it delivered. Boy was that a doozy for someone who went in blind on how the industry works. It took years to plan and complete the project. And we are not done yet! Splashdown still has a lot to offer and new products to announce in the near future. Splashdown is set apart from others because there isn’t a lot of actual water games our there that are available. The majority of the products on the shelves are blow up items or water balloons themselves. We bring variety to the industry. Its an actual game that can be played almost anywhere!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

I haven’t had any near death moments for the business BUT I do have a story on a big fail on my part.
After waiting for my product to clear customs I thought I was in the clear for delivery. I called on my support group and had EVERYONE show up in the morning to help unload this container. We all show up early to prepare to put some work in and the truck doesn’t show up for delivery. Obviously when he wasn’t on time, I went into panic mode and started the calls.. Come to find out I missed my final invoice for delivery. I was SO embarrassed and upset because I had the whole crew with me.. I cried and apologized to everyone, some of them took work off to help so I wasn’t happy about it. I’ll never do that again!

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

Yes! I studied Nutrition for years and always wanted to be in the food industry. A good friend of mine owned a snack company with simple clean ingredients and had the cutest name. Gorilla Grub and Monkey Munchies. A delicious banana based chip. He was selling the business and I couldn’t resist! I bought it and worked on it for years. Unfortunately it didn’t prosper and thrive like I imagined so that project was over.. The acquisition process was simple and easy. We agreed on the terms and moved forward. It was a small business purchase so it honestly doesn’t have a cool back story haha. But I still have everything for that business, I haven’t given up on it 100% yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.splashdowgame.com
• Instagram: @splashdowngame
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560766315989

Image Credits

Keith Brough
@keefbruf