Today we’d like to introduce you to Denni Barrett.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After owning several hi-tech and healthcare related businesses in Los Angeles and Orange County, I wanted to retire and do something romantic – make wine. I thought it would be easy but discovered I was better at making vinegar, unintentionally. Wine making in California is expensive, political, stressful and difficult. It was all the things I was trying to get away from doing with my life.
One day a hot air balloon with 12 people on board kept yelling down at me while I was working. It was early, hot and I had a lot of vines to prune. I tried to ignore the balloon riders but, after accidently cutting my finger with my pruning shears, I yelled up to the balloon to leave me alone. Two hours later, the pilot walked onto my property waving a champagne bottle, yelling “Friendly, Friendly”.
The pilot introduced himself and apologized for bothering me. He couldn’t find the winds to get away from my property. The pilot gave me the champagne bottle and invited me to a free hot air balloon ride. I drank the champagne, went for the free balloon ride and suddenly realized flying a hot air balloon is a lot more romantic than making wine. All other forms of aviation are designed to get you from point A to point B but the only thing you can do in a hot air balloon is to have fun.
I sold my property, took the money and paid for lessons, bought balloons, trailers, vans, trucks and started a hot air balloon ride business.
Our company was profiled in this award nominated documentary “Add Heat”:
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A hot air balloon ride business has its ups and downs, but I am still surprised I get paid to do it. We can only fly hot air balloons early in the morning at sunrise and late in the afternoon before sunset, so adjusting to the longer than average work days took time.
We are a weather dependent activity and having weather cancel a tour is very disappointing for all.
Growing our business has been difficult because finding the right mix of competent pilot and tour guide is tougher than I imagined. Every time there is a hot air balloon accident somewhere in the world, our business takes a hit. Fortunately, we are the go to company when the media wants an interview about a hot air ballooning issue.
Samples of media reaching out to us include:
http://www.cbs8.com/story/34643123/hot-air-balloon-vouchers-that-will-never-get-you-off-the-ground
Please tell us about Magical Adventure Balloon Rides & Aerial Tours.
Our company provides Hot Air Balloon Rides and Helicopter Tours in several locations throughout southern California. We have many different tour packages from shared basket rides, private flights, large group events, dark into daylight flights, theme based rides – even an ultra romantic “Mile High” flight.
We make magical memories for that special someone, whether it be a birthday, anniversary, graduation, engagement, bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Quinceanera or ash scattering. A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to celebrate your special occasion.
We’ve been able to stay profitable, grow steadily and maintain quality. Our equipment is all new with the latest technology. We have doors in our baskets so you don’t have to climb over a 4 1/2 foot wall to get in or out.
Although we may be the largest hot air balloon company in southern California (with 14 balloons and a large flight staff), we maintain our small business vibe and personal touch. We want each guest to know they are very special to us and we are maniacs about quality.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have started this career earlier and not wait until near retirement. I truly regret that I have waited so long to do something I enjoy so much.
Pricing:
- Voyage10 – special $10 off promo code when booking online at www.hotairfun.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hotairfun.com
- Phone: 866-ENJOY-US
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Facebook.com/MagicalAdventure
Image Credit:
Katya Gray
Mark McCune
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Janet Barrett
October 5, 2017 at 01:09
Love this post. Dennis is very safety conscience and a great guy. Thanks for sharing.