Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Bougie.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Cohen and I were first introduced to Inflate Twenty-Eight through an opportunity with members of East Side Community Church, where we worked under Sarah and Cole Howard for about a year. During that time, we gained hands-on experience and a strong understanding of the business. This February, we learned they were planning to sell, and we saw an opportunity. With the money we had saved and a shared entrepreneurial drive, we negotiated a deal and took ownership of the company at 17 years old. Since then, we’ve focused on growing the brand, improving operations, and building strong relationships within the Dallas area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of our struggles has been trying to run the business while still being 17 and still in high school. Since we’re still in high school, balancing school and daily responsibilities while also managing a business has definitely been a challenge. There have also been moments where we’ve had to learn things the hard way, whether it’s handling scheduling, communication, or making decisions under pressure. Being young, we’ve had to earn trust quickly and prove that we can operate at a high level. At the same time, those challenges have pushed us to become more disciplined, organized, and focused. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a valuable learning experience that has helped us grow both as business owners and as individuals.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Inflate Twenty-Eight is a bounce house rental company focused on creating a more modern and elevated experience than what people typically expect. We specialize in clean, aesthetic inflatables that are designed to look good at events and fit into the overall setup. We’ve built a reputation around being reliable, easy to work with, and consistent. A lot of what sets us apart is the level of detail we care about, from how our setups look to how we communicate with clients. We are not just dropping off equipment, we make sure everything feels intentional and put together. We are especially proud of the brand we’ve built. It feels both professional and personal, and it is something people trust. We have also been able to get involved with local schools and community events, which has helped us grow while staying connected to the people around us. At the end of the day, we want people to know that when they book with us, they are getting a higher quality experience that has been thought through from start to finish.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
The 4-Hour Work-Week by Timothy Ferriss
Pricing:
- The White Rock: $300 + Tax
- The Eastside: $275 + Tax
- The Royal Lane: $275 + Tax
- The Birdie: $225 + Tax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inflatetwentyeight.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inflatetwentyeight
Image Credits
-JK Pool
-Cierra Farrow
