Episode Summary: "This PE Teacher Started a $150k Side Hustle"

Podcast: The Side Hustle Show
Host: Nick Loper
Guest: Tim Carstensen of Foam Party All Stars
Episode: 676
Release Date: June 12, 2025

1. Introduction

Nick Loper welcomes Tim Carstensen, an elementary PE teacher who has successfully transformed his summer side hustle into a thriving business, Foam Party All Stars. Tim shares his journey from initial idea to generating a substantial income alongside his teaching career.

2. Origin of the Side Hustle

Why Foam Parties?

Tim explains that after 18 years of teaching, he sought a unique summer venture. Initially considering the saturated bounce house market with high insurance costs, Tim discovered the niche of foam parties through a Facebook group. Noticing limited competition in the Chicagoland area, Tim saw an opportunity to offer a fun, low-liability alternative.

Tim Carstensen [00:49]: "I found out that the floor for insurance in the bounce house business is pretty high when you're just starting... I thought, okay, this looks doable."

3. Initial Setup and Equipment

Starting the Business

Tim launched Foam Party All Stars by handling the basic setup himself, including creating the website and logo. He invested in professional-grade foam cannons priced around $2,500 each and essential equipment like barriers, tents, hoses, generators, and speakers to ensure smooth operations.

Tim Carstensen [07:20]: "The foam cannon itself... cost about $2,500 for the cannon."

Logistics

A typical setup requires a water source, electrical outlets, or generators for larger events. Tim emphasizes the importance of being prepared with backup equipment to handle any technical issues during parties.

4. Marketing Strategies

Postcard Campaign

In January, Tim initiated a direct mail campaign, sending out approximately 700 postcards to daycares, summer camps, park districts, churches, and schools within a 35-40 mile radius. The postcards highlighted services and directed recipients to the website for more information.

Tim Carstensen [09:33]: "It said, like, we bring a foam party to you... book now at our website."

Facebook Marketing

For birthday and block parties, Tim utilized Facebook ads and leveraged his wife’s account to post in local mom groups, enhancing reach and engagement. Targeting mothers, who are typically the decision-makers for children's parties, proved highly effective.

Tim Carstensen [18:19]: "I use my wife's Facebook account to go into the mom's pages... I run the ads to moms."

5. First Bookings and Execution

Securing Initial Clients

Postcard responses led to bookings even before Tim held his first foam party. Early inquiries frequently involved questions about logistics, pricing, and safety, which Tim addressed with honesty and professionalism.

Nick Loper [12:09]: "What kind of questions are they asking you?"

First Event Experience

Tim’s inaugural event involved a two-cannon glow foam party for several hundred kids. Despite initial setup challenges, including a faulty water source, the event was a success, teaching him valuable lessons for future parties.

Tim Carstensen [15:12]: "It went well. The kids loved it. It was definitely a learning experience."

6. Scaling the Business

Reinvesting Profits

Tim reinvested deposits from bookings into acquiring additional foam cannons, expanding his capacity to handle multiple events simultaneously. This strategic reinvestment fueled continuous growth.

Tim Carstensen [28:44]: "I need to go, you know, strike while the iron is hot... expand as quickly as I can."

Recurring Business

Building relationships with larger daycare chains resulted in recurring bookings, as satisfied clients referred Foam Party All Stars to other institutions, creating a snowball effect in demand.

Tim Carstensen [17:35]: "Once you do one or two and get your foot in the door... then it just kind of snowballed."

7. Team Building and Delegation

Hiring Strategy

As demand increased, Tim expanded his team by hiring teachers and college students available during summers. He emphasized the importance of "hiring slow, firing fast" to maintain quality and reliability.

Tim Carstensen [38:41]: "Hire slow, fire fast... if there's some pattern of something, you need to cut ties quickly."

Training and Management

Tim focused on training team members to ensure consistency in delivering high-quality foam parties. This allowed him to shift from being the sole operator to managing and expanding the business efficiently.

Tim Carstensen [26:09]: "Training the people that are running the foam parties and try to step back from doing as many myself."

8. Challenges and Solutions

Weather Dependencies

Operating in the Midwest, Tim faced weather-related challenges. He utilized lightning alert apps and adapted by continuing parties in light rain, ensuring minimal disruption while prioritizing safety.

Tim Carstensen [27:17]: "We have a lightning app... if there's no lightning, we do it even if it's raining."

Technical Issues

To mitigate equipment failures, Tim carried backup foam cannons. In instances of malfunction, he promptly addressed client concerns and offered complimentary services to maintain a stellar reputation.

Tim Carstensen [31:21]: "I usually bring a backup set in my own car... I will do it for free."

9. Revenue Goals and Future Plans

Financial Targets

Tim aims to reach $200,000 in revenue for the season (May-September), leveraging both recurring clients and new bookings from expanded marketing efforts.

Tim Carstensen [40:38]: "We're going to try to hit 200,000 this year which is cool."

Balancing Careers

While maintaining his teaching job, Tim envisions gradually shifting focus to Foam Party All Stars as it continues to grow, ensuring flexibility to spend more time with his young children.

Tim Carstensen [40:29]: "We have to make sure that I'm there to be able to see all of that."

10. Key Takeaways

Seize Opportunities

Tim advises aspiring entrepreneurs to act on opportunities without overanalyzing, utilizing available resources like podcasts, Facebook groups, and YouTube tutorials to guide their ventures.

Tim Carstensen [42:14]: "If you see an opportunity to open a business, go do it."

Effective Marketing

Targeted marketing, whether through direct mail or social media, is crucial for reaching the right audience and securing initial bookings. Tailoring messages to the specific needs of clients enhances engagement and conversion rates.

Quality and Reputation

Maintaining high standards and swiftly addressing any issues ensures customer satisfaction and fosters positive word-of-mouth referrals, essential for sustainable growth.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Carstensen [00:49]: "I thought, okay, this looks doable."
• Tim Carstensen [07:20]: "The foam cannon itself... cost about $2,500 for the cannon."
• Tim Carstensen [09:33]: "We bring a foam party to you... book now at our website."
• Tim Carstensen [18:19]: "I use my wife's Facebook account to go into the mom's pages... I run the ads to moms."
• Nick Loper [12:09]: "What kind of questions are they asking you?"
• Tim Carstensen [15:12]: "It went well. The kids loved it. It was definitely a learning experience."
• Nick Loper [42:14]: "If you see an opportunity to open a business, go do it."

Conclusion

Tim Carstensen’s journey with Foam Party All Stars exemplifies how a well-researched, niche side hustle can evolve into a substantial income stream. Through strategic marketing, effective scaling, and unwavering dedication to quality, Tim successfully balances his teaching career while growing his entrepreneurial venture. Aspiring side hustlers can draw inspiration from Tim’s proactive approach and commitment to seizing opportunities.

For more information or to book a foam party, visit foamallstars.com.