New Crystal Lake business aims to get kids pumped

Jumping, bouncing, screaming children are business as usual for suburban fathers Storm Warner, Steve Butler and Mark Zatz.

After purchasing Pump It Up of Crystal Lake five months ago, the men swapped their corporate offices for a building full of inflatables and their mortgage and real estate customers for children of all ages. The playground of inflatable obstacle courses, jumping rooms, slides and more hosts any event that can be enhanced by bouncing off the walls.

"We purchased Pump It Up to be a part-time job," said Warner, of Hoffman Estates, who is the team's marketing specialist and frontman. "It's turned out to be more time consuming, but that doesn't matter when you see the smiles on kids' faces."

The dads have dedicated their business to giving back to the community through holding fundraisers for local nonprofits. In their first five months, Warner, Butler and Zatz have raised more than $5,000 for area nonprofits, including the Midwest Center for Child Development, the Center for Blindness and numerous elementary schools. The "Jump-N-Share" program gives 50 percent of proceeds back to participating organizations.

"These school fundraisers get our name out there, but more importantly they give back," said Butler, of Algonquin, the company's payroll and financial specialist.

"Any nonprofit can do it," Warner said. "These schools are strapped for cash. They really need something like this."

In addition to fundraising opportunities, Pump It Up offers special jumping programs. "Jump N' Jam" is a program geared toward "tweenagers," kids between adolescent and teen years. Kids ages 10 to 14 can jump, compete in RockBand competitions and joust and box with oversized, inflatable gear.

"Some of these older kids have nowhere to go," Butler said, "so they can come here. These activities are unique to us. Not every Pump It Up does them."

Pump It Up is open five days a week and offers party packages for groups of all sizes, as well as welcomes walk-ins during open jump sessions. The owners boast they do all of the work for parents and partygoers, with their ultimate package including invitations, party supplies, goody bags, balloons, pizza and ice cream cake.

"We're party pros," said Zatz, of Algonquin, who serves as the technology coordinator and franchise liaison. "We also employ local students and people, providing jobs in a tough economy."

The men continue to make improvements to the business by raising cleanliness standards and looking for ways to better entertain customers. Their newest addition is the Slippery Slope, where kids grab flags and attempt to reach the steep top without sliding down. Warner boasts it's the best inflatable in the country.

"The Slippery Slope is definitely my favorite," said 7-year-old Chloe Page of Carpentersville. "I got eight flags on my last turn. It was a really good party."

These dads are looking to grow their business and create an enjoyable outlet for their kids and the community's kids. Family is always first, though.

"It's great. We have the ability to bring our kids to work," Butler said. "It really helps you stay balanced."