When the economy turned bad, Shawna Miller and her husband Al were both real estate agents and found they were unable to support themselves in that industry. The family sat down and realized they had to do something or they would lose everything they had worked for, so they decided to buy two inflatable bounce houses and their son bought an older diesel truck to deliver them. This was the beginning of HoppyKidz, which is now a successful company that rents bounce houses and obstacle courses for parties and other events as well as concessions, popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, pucker powder and more. We deliver, set up and take down our units and are available to talk with our customers about planning a party or event and help them make plans for events of all sizes.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to Al since 1997 and we have three sons, Tyson, Bryson and Prestyn and two daughters-in-law, Alyssa and Audrey. We now also have two perfect granddaughters, Emyra (6) and Abigayle (3). Al and I are originally from Southern California and moved here in 1999.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
When the economy dropped, we lost almost everything. It was then that we had to take control of our own destiny and go into survival mode.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to go to thrift stores and I enjoy building, painting and creating things. I have designed and helped to build most of our games for our business with the help of my husband and son.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I’m a pretty good poker player, I built my own website, I can lay tile, cement, paint, drywall and redesign a house…I really have too many interests to list.
What are you the most proud of?
My family and being able to start from nothing and grow a successful business.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
When opportunity knocks, grab it, tie it up, stick it in your purse and take it with you everywhere you go. Also, If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got! If it’s not working, change what you’re doing.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To serve our customers and make them hoppy while making a good living at the same time to give our children and grandchildren a better life.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
The power to go back in time…
What are your plans after retirement?
Travel. When I’m home, I’d like to play with the grandkids! And play poker!
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Art!
Which talent would you most like to have?
Being able to draw better.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Anything by Dr. Seuss or other stories I can read to my granddaughters.
What is your favorite movie?
Road House or Forrest Gump
What is your favorite TV show?
Ellen or Rachel Maddow
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Jason’s Deli or 11Worth Cafe
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Cher, Kathy Bates or Bill Gates
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
They can call (402) 917-2789 or visit our company’s website at www.HoppyKidz.com.