I began working as a production manager for a busy sign company. This was a stressful and time demanding role, which involved up to 70 hours a week. As well as this, I was working as a subcontractor installing jumping castles on the weekends, which took up some of my Saturdays and Sundays. I did this, as I had to cement an income and future for my family. My combined earnings from both of these jobs was around $60k/annum.

Well, we financed everything to get on board. Since taking up the Windsor franchise in January 2003 I have seen a constant increase in the monthly bookings as the year has progressed and anticipate a turnover in my first 12 months of over $70,000. This earns us about $38k, for 2 days a week work.

"Remember it's hire, the castle goes out and comes back with little or no wear and tear."

I can see by the way that the area is developing for me, the projected turnover of $100,000 for next year is very attainable. This will earn us around $50-$55k. I look forward to the future!

I have now moved into the role of Operations Manager for the Jumping J-Jays group of companies. I have worked myself into the position by offering my loyalty, my dedication and best of all, love of the product.

"Even with all this combined, I have increased the time I have at home with Alison and my 5-year-old son, Leonard. The only question is why I never did it sooner!"

Alison has also got very involved with the franchise, looking after the administration side of things; this only takes about 3-4 hours a week. She also supervises our corporate bookings and even sets up the occasional mid week booking if I am tied up at work.

It feels good for both of us to be working on something together, which helps us to build a better future for Leonard. From his point of view he is the luckiest kid at his preschool as he has lots of "jumpy castles" at home. He often comments on how pleased he is that I am home in the evenings instead of stuck at work on the other side of the city.