Long Islands Children's Entertainment

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Kids parties, assisted living, Grand opening, picnics, camps. I love being any where kids are going to be.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Be comfortable with the person you are hiring. Try to make sure they are a reputable company. I have heard of nightmares from people who hire entertainers and it just makes me angry, it ruins it for those of us who strive to do a good job. One stop shopping is great but when hiring someone to come into your home to entertain, it’s important to be able talk to that person and feel comfortable with them. Think about the quality you are getting from that entertainer not the quantity.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. when you find an entertainer that loves what they do and is great with kids and adults it's a gift for them. Like everything else in life it can be a job but not a gift.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. When hiring any entertainer make sure that they can do an age appropriate show. Saving a few dollars when hiring an entertainer is not as important as feeling comfortable with the person you hire while talking to them. I try to explain to my clients that most entertainers will say I will do this, this and this in the hour or even an hour and a half for 20 kids. They probably can but they are only giving you about 20 minutes of each thing. I like to give my clients more quality rather then quantity. I spend more time with the kids doing the things they will enjoy more of rather then rushing through everything.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Meeting a clown group in Levittown in 1984 was the beginning of my new career. It was great fun and I learned so much. 7 years later I went professionally. My son Garrett started working with me at the age of 10 he now works full time and entertains when possibly. My son Cody started working with me a few years ago. We are a family company that prides themselves in doing there best at bringing everyone fun entertainmet. Through the years we have extended our entertainmet to helping others with our community projects.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love working with my sons, meeting new people. Learning new things. I have met so many wonderful, talented people that have become good friends. I am most proud of the fact that clowning has brought me full circle and I do lots of things for my community through it.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. If we can do face painting, balloons and a magic show in an hour. I always try to explain yes I can but not very well. We pride ourselves in doing what we do best magic, balloons,dancing, games, and circus skits. If we did all of the above in a hour they would be getting quantity and not quality. We have friends we work with that do amazing face painting. They can be hired to do a great job for an extra fee.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. when kids or adults come up to me and say thanks for being here. I love when I show someone how to make balloons or do a simple magic trick and they get it and want to learn more.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. That I may not be the best but I love what I do. Clowning has brought me full circle and I do a lot of community service through it. Since Garrett is working full time now and Cody lives in Fl. I just love working with them whenever possibly.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I brought my kids to the Levittown library in 1984 to watch a clown show. I had more fun then they did. I started talking to one of the clowns and found out about the volunteer group they had. A month later I was entertaining with them.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I am proud of most of them. If I connect with the kids and adults it's great. I had one party where a one of the guest was just sitting by herself, I stopped making my balloons for a minute and asked her to come learn how to make ballons. she didn't want to at first but when she finally did it was great to see how fast she learned and was making simply 3 twist dogs for the other guest.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I love going to the magic clubs I belong to, balloon jams,magic and balloon conventions and talking to fellow entertainers. Once in awhile I will call entertainers living in a different area to say hi and share ideas with them.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Sometimes the old magic tricks become new with a differnt twist to it.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. There is a routine that is called the disappearing bananna , bandanna. It is done with a audio recording of someone telling you how to do the trick. and you follow along. I liked the idea but the routine did not fit me. With the help of my sons and their friends I made my own version. I wrote the script, one of Cody's friends recorded it for me and another friend did a great job with the speaking part. It was a great Experience and accomplishment for me, plus it was so much fun doing this project with everyone.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. my pricing is simple I take cash or checks. I don't ask for a deposit. I trust that you would want me to be at your party or event just as much as you trust that we will be there. Things do happen and if it's something un foreseen then that is what was meant to be.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Learn as much as you can, be the best you can, and love what you do.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Do you love what you do? yes I do. Are you the best? No but I am always growing and trying my best.