Today we’d like to introduce you to Davora Sides.
Davora, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally from New Jersey, I moved to Chicago to study theatrical lighting design at Northwestern University. After college, I spent some time working in theatre, but found it was not the right career path for me. While trying to decide my next move I applied my 14 years working with kids in camps and schools and began working the front desk for Pump It Up of Chicago. The owner would send me special projects that often involved creativity and graphic design to complete. It wasn’t long before I became the Assistant Marketing Director, then eventually the Marketing Director and finally the General Manager. Now, I oversee both Pump It Up and another local small business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Operating a customer service company always has challenges. One of the biggest struggles is recruiting and hiring the right team. It is so important and difficult to find quality candidates who are reliable and enthusiastic about their jobs. Then once we bring those people on board the challenge evolves into keeping the team happy on an ongoing basis and offering enough opportunities for career growth.
Please tell us about Pump It Up Chicago.
Pump It Up of Chicago is the premiere place to host a private kids’ birthday party in a venue filled with super fun inflatables. In addition to our classic bouncy houses and slides we have a 38′ obstacle course and several combination rides. Aside from the inflatables, we have motion mania (a digital interactive projection game), imagination blocks and a 20′ rock climbing wall. We offer tons of options to customize your party from a comprehensive catering menu, to balloons, themed paper products, themed cakes and goodie bags. It’s our goal to let party hosts relax and enjoy the festivities. Our Party Pros set up the party room, serve the food to the kids and handle all the clean up. Best of all, you don’t have to share your space because you have private use of each room you visit.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Learn to delegate earlier! If you surround yourself with smart and invested people, they have the greatest ideas. It’s so important to give everyone on the team a chance to contribute and brainstorm about how to improve your venue, service and staff.
Pricing:
- Weekend parties starting at $350
- Weekday parties starting at $245
- Public Open Jumps for $12/child
Contact Info:
- Address: 821 W Eastman, Chicago IL 60642
- Website: www.pumpitupchicago.com
- Phone: 312-664-7867
- Email: piu.chicago.reservations@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumpitupchicago
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/pumpitupchicago
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/pump-it-up-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
