A Business Idea That Really... Bounced

By Jen Haley

When it comes to business ideas -- this one really stuck -- er, bounced.

House of Air is a trampoline park that spans over 22 thousand square feet in a former aircraft hanger in San Francisco's Crissy Fields.

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Founder Dave Schaeffer says that managing such a large -- and unusual -- business operation was daunting at first. "I took a bunch of business classes to make sure that we weren't crazy," says Schaeffer. "Some people would still argue that we are a little crazy."

Crazy or not, this local action/adventure park is clearly on to something -- business has been strong even in the down economy. "People are going to try to stay local and do fun things in and around the city," he says. You can come down and visit, have a picnic on the green, walk the bridge. Our business model weathers the recession."

House of Air has also had success positioning its trampoline park to an older demographic and not just kids. Goth and 80s nights are frequently on the schedule. The company has introduced adult dodge ball, early morning workout classes and late adult hours that keep young tykes off the trampolines. And Schaeffer says a lot of people have been interested in the skiing or snowboarding lessons that are offered at the park.

The goal now? "We need to remain as awesome as we are," says Schaeffer.