Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Shover.
Hi Ron, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am originally from Indianapolis Indiana. I actually fell into my career by accident. I always thought I was going to be a cop. I started out as a magician in 1992 when I was 18 years old. Balloons were one thing that go with that career. For many many years, I worked thru agents and my personal bookings to build a career. But that all changed in 2013 when I set the first of 3 Guinness World Records. I was raised in the foster system. I was taken away when I was 6 and shuffled around most of my childhood. The records I set were to bring awareness and to raise money for the organizations that provide services and take care of those children today. Still to this day, I am active with my orphanages and organizations that provide services to foster children. I also am involved with the Facial Cranial foundation, 1 Tribe foundation, and Blue Help. My background growing up was not an easy one, but I chose to do all I can to take a negative and turn it into a positive. Rather than use it as an excuse I used it as a motivator to show these kids it doesn’t matter what is going on now. You have the ability to make your life into anything you want. One of the most heartbreaking things to see is to go into an orphanage during the holidays and see these kids alone in a strange place. Not able to share Christmas with a family. Every year, I go to 3 locations and make balloons as an elf. I have Santa there providing the presents I had prepared, and we take their minds off of the situation they are currently in. I know this is long and winded, but it’s hard to tell my story without a little context. During the course of the year, I make arrangements and take these children out on field trips to indoor party play facilities, Reunion Tower, Gaylord Texan, etc. My accomplishments over the years include 31 and a half years full time at my profession, 3 Guinness World Records, and I’m a current entertainer in Las Vegas. My next set of show are October of 2023.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle I faced early on was making a name for myself. Demographics definitely played a part in that. Once I relocated to a new market the career started moving in a new direction. But not without hard work. When I arrived in the Dallas market, I quickly found out that everything I did was not good enough. To make it here, you MUST be world class. It has always been an uphill climb. The secret to success is putting in the work. It’s that simple. Long days, long nights, very few days off.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional balloon artist and owner of Balloon Insanity. I have 31 and a half years professional experience, 3 Guinness World Records, and I’m an entertainer in Las Vegas. I think the defining part of my job is not the shows where I make money but the shows where I volunteer. To impact these kids who would not normally get to experience the simple things we all take for granted. I got where I am today by being consistent, persistent, dedicated, and I worked hard. There are no days off. When you are self-employed, you always have to keep moving forward. It was never easy. Sometime you feel like you have to work twice as hard as the guy next to you. But what’s important is you stay true to yourself, your goals and never give up. I’ve learned so much over the years. Especially that it’s not just a job. It’s an experience. Not just for you but for the people you have all around you. You have to always be ready to shine because you’re going to inspire someone’s day by the energy you put out. My mission is to give my clients an experience that lasts a lifetime.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
My industry is growing too fast for my tastes. New competition pops up every day. That’s why it’s very important to me to never be satisfied with where I’m at but to always keep improving. It took many many years to be one of the top performers in my market, and I’m not going to let go of that easily. As I get older, I find myself doing more decor work than twisting work. It’s a growing industry and is very much in high demand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ballooninsanity.net
- Instagram: Balloon_insanity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075563005753&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @BIEGTexas
- Youtube: @ballooninsanity5810
