Home-based Berlin business profitable but also charitable

While Santiago and Roberta Gil decided to take a leap of faith in 2003 and start a new business venture, they had no idea what was coming just around the bend.

The Gils founded Bounce Around Inflatables out of their home on Woodruff Circle and were successful pretty much right away.

"Initially We wanted to have a business with interaction with children," Santiago said. "We had a home day care for eight years prior to opening the business and it was successful. We wanted to have a business that gave children exercise and not be on the couch playing video games. We saw an opportunity and started doing it part-time but it quickly became a full-time job. We put a lot of money into it and there was a great demand."

Just three years later, 30 days would change the Gils life forever. Their daughter Serena was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It was a crushing blow for an otherwise healthy girl. Just thirty days later Santiago was diagnosed with leukemia.  

"I am now five years in remission and Serena just celebrated her quincinera this past Saturday," Santiago said. "I have been giving a clean bill of health and have just yearly check-ups now. Serena has also been given the clean bill of health and is very healthy."

The Gils do not want to forget the kindness of people and the support they have raised. So every time they have a job, they donate a proceeds of the profit to JDRF or St. Jude's.

"We usually ask the client which one they would like us to donate to and the pick," Santiago said. "We will continue to do that and hope we keep doing well enough as a business that it will always be part of our business plan." 

The next step for the Gils is to open an indoor location like a Bounce U or a Jump Zone. 

"We have looked all over the place but have not been able to find a place just yet but that's the next move," he said. "There is more competition for the outdoor party rental market so we want to be able to have something year-round. We're looking for a place between 7,000 and 10,000 square feet with high ceilings. And we don't want to spend a ton of money to rehab the space. It's been really hard to find." 

Whatever happens in the future, the Gils have proven they can overcome just about anything.