Customer Spotlights

Name: Paul Hrdlicka

Company Name: Creative Photography by Paul

Company City/State: Bolingbrook, IL

Company Website: CPbyPaul.com

What industry are you in?
I own and operate a successful full-service photography company and also a photo booth/360 business.

How long have you been in business?
We celebrate 15 years for the photography business in 2023!

Tell us how your business/company started. We want the history of how you started and got to where you are today - whether you've been in business for 1 month or 30+ years!
The story of how I started my business is unique. My work experience prior to 2008 was in the financial industry - over the years I experienced layoffs due to corporate relocations, company buyouts and mergers. Then came the downturn of the economy in 2007-2008 - the company I worked for closed and I found myself looking for a job again. I began looking in the same industry - until my wife asked me what I really wanted to do, and if I would consider starting a photography business. Photography has always been a big part of my life- I got my first camera when I was 9 and basically carried it with me everywhere, I completed photography classes and took photos for friends and family, but obviously there was a lot to consider before ultimately making the decision to make this my career. I did a lot of research, invested in (more) equipment, and began Creative Photography by Paul, in September 2008. It was a learning experience to start up and manage all aspects of a new business...but I stayed focused and my business and success continued to grow.

After about 5 years of running the photography business, I felt a need to branch out - expand the business, offer something new and fresh to my clients. Photo Booths? Hmmmm. Again, I did some research and began purchasing equipment. I started to feel the same excitement (and nervousness) as when I started my photography business, but I knew this was a move in the right direction and something I'd enjoy. Learning new software, buying props and backdrops were all part of the setup process. As soon as we launched the photo booth business, it was an immediate success!

Let's fast forward a little bit: Attending Photo Booth Expos, PBPI Classes, participating in several other tradeshows, and being part of a network of like-minded business owners have all made a positive impact, and have helped to shape Creative Photography by Paul into the business it is today. We also purchased Photo Booths of Chicago and other books of business from companies that decided to close or switch industries. We strive to provide top-notch service and outstanding experiences to all our clients - new and existing, as well as various nationwide businesses who contact us to run their events as a white label. It's great knowing we have earned our client's trust. We pride ourselves on being a leader in the Chicagoland Area.

What drew you into the line of work you are currently in?
"The Experience"

Creative Photography by Paul has had the same motto since the beginning: "We offer quality images at an affordable price." Our clients enjoy our creativity and the energy of our staff. Once they see how much we enjoy what we're doing, they start to relax and really enjoy having their photos taken.

Photo Booths and 360 Booths are well over 50% of our business. My staff and I enjoy going to events, parties and wedding. It can be stressful at times, but it's not just a job to us; we enjoy interacting with people and make sure we're making the event a memorable experience.

How has PB Backdrops enhanced your business/events?
It is hard to think of a time when Brian Ginsberg wasn't around for me. Years ago I was searching for a company to order backdrops for the open concept backdrop. I had multiple enclosed booths but was looking for more. PB Backdrops was offering a sale on 1 backdrop and stand or 5 double sided backdrops with a stand. At the time they had a couple hundred different designs. It was hard to choose from so many great styles. Creative Photography by Paul uses the 8x8 backdrops for our photography business almost every day. From headshots to custom made backdrops for special events.

What products did you purchase?
Creative Photography by Paul has purchased over 100 different backdrops for our clients to choose from. They offer well over 1000 backdrop designs, which helps us stay fresh in offering new options to our clients. Our shopping list includes boas, props, social sharing stations, 360 rugs, blackout curtains and several backdrop frames. PB Backdrops is our go-to company...Brian and staff are top-notch!

What drew you to PB Backdrops?
I met Brian at the first PBX Expo - he was selling feather boas, props and backdrops at a 2-3 booth display. He had friendly staff there, including his wife Jillian. Over the last 6 years, his displays have grown larger and offers more products, but his outstanding service is what sets him apart. We are completely satisfied with the quality of products and service, and plan on continuing to purchase from them for a long time.

What do you recommend the most about PB Backdrops?
Quality of the backdrops we've received is great - they've all been perfect, no imperfections. I feel confident, though, if I ever did run into an issue, they'd make it right. No doubt, service and speed has made PB Backdrops the leader in the industry.

Anything else you would like to share with us that is unique to you, your company and/or line of work? We’d love to learn more about you!
I am lucky to be able to do what I love for a living. I work hard daily to earn people's business.

Name: Sarah G.

Company Name: Roc Your Event

Company City/State: Rochester NY, Buffalo NY, & Syracuse NY

Company Website: RocYourEvent.com

What industry are you in?
We are in the Entertainment Industry and we serve that industry with Photo booths, Marquee Letters, Audio Guestbooks, and customized event extras that can be added to our packages.

How long have you been in business?
Almost 2 yea rs in business with Roc Your Event. I have over 10 years of industry experience as well

Tell us how your business/company started. We want the history of how you started and got to where you are today - whether you've been in business for 1 month or 30+ years!
I have always loved the event business and knew I always wanted to be part of it. I worked part-time in every part of the event world to be able to travel as a professional athlete. For years, I have dedicated my time and many weekends traveling all over the country as a Professional Bowler on the PWBA(Professional Women's Bowling Association) tour. Ripht before Covid, I fell which caused me to break my lep and ankle. This made me rethink my day job and career as I was immobile for quite some time recovering. I have always LOVED photos and running events in my off-season. I thought to myself what better company to open than a photo booth business?! The long days I spent healing and beinp laid up on the couch turned into helpful business brainstorming sessions. There's that funny sayinp, "Go break a lep" we all know all too well. I quite literally did that before launching my business. That setback was my biggest setup to where I am today with Roc Your Event. I have various types of photo booths and have expanded into other rental markets to better serve all of our clients. It is truly my dream business, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of the industry.

What drew you into the line of work you are currently in?
I have always loved the event business and was always so scared to go off on my own. I was in one of the darkest periods of my life when I broke my leg and ankle. Launching this business brought so much joy to my life. also love seeing clients on their happiest of days and know I was a part of making such great memories!

How has PB Backdrops enhanced your business/events?
PB Backdrops has made us look more professional with the high-quality products you offer. Double-sided backdrops are a MUST have. Clients are so happy with the backdrops we currently offer, and I do not have to worry about a backdrop coming down on my clients or equipment. We had numerous other backdrops that always fell over whenever a little bit of wind was around outside or if someone knocked into it by accident. We now know that the backdrops we have from PB Backdrops are so much sturdier and better built for anything that comes our way.

What products did you purchase?
I have many backdrops and the sturdy frames that the backdrops go onto! We love all of them!

Did you use our financing option? If so, how was your experience?
I did not use your financing option. I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan and I believe in the debt free model!

What drew you to PB Backdrops?
The double-sided backdrops drew me in along with how many there were to choose from! I hated setting up the old ones I had, and we were always having to bungee cord them to something to prevent them from falling over during outdoor events. I hated seeing the single-sided back of my old unsteady frames. Now, I won't go anywhere else when I buy Backdrops!

What do you recommend the most about PB Backdrops?
We would recommend both the sturdy frame and double-sided backdrop from PB Backdrops. You can't go wrong with buying these. Fast shipping, good communication, and great products. The backdrops and stands are my favorites because they are built to last and are very durable! It's also possible that one person can set these up at events.

Anything else you would like to share with us that is unique to you, your company and/or line of work? We’d love to learn more about you!
We are very proud to say we are Women Owned Business and pride ourselves on being an inclusive company that loves to do every type of event and serve all communities. We treat all customers with the utmost respect! Our ability to customize our service to match your events theme, our customer service, and transparent pricing are three things that set us apart from our competition.

Name: Chris Fall

Company Name: Roc The Booth / Roc The Party

Company City/State: Rochester NY

Company Website: RocTheBooth.com | RocTheParty.com

What industry are you in?
Photo booths, DJ, Photography

How long have you been in business?
6 years

Tell us how your business/company started. We want the history of how you started and got to where you are today - whether you've been in business for 1 month or 30+ years!
Started when I was getting married. I wanted a photo booth for our wedding but saw the prices locally and went “DAMN!” I thought about it for a little while and after being in business as a wedding photographer part time for years I had a bunch of spare cameras. I also was a geek and had a ton of old laptops. Figured I could put something together cheaper than the rental. Short answer is I couldn't. And something like $100,000 later I've got two really good business with a ton of business!

What drew you into the line of work you are currently in?
I love seeing people happy and being entertained. I came from working as a paramedic and dealing with people on their worst days and it just took a toll on me. Now I can enjoy people on their best days instead!

How has PB Backdrops enhanced your business/events?
From the amazing backdrops and products that they offer to the awesome customer support I know I don't have to worry.

What products did you purchase?
A lot! Probably too much according to my wife lol. But I've got backdrops (like 30), stands, props, and who knows what else I've bought I don't even remember!

What drew you to PB Backdrops?
I kept seeing the reviews and the owner answering questions and helping people that weren't even his customer. Decided it was time to give them a try after my practically brand new backdrops from another vendor broke and were coming apart at the seams with barely any use.

What do you recommend the most about PB Backdrops?
Everything! Seriously, if they have it, just get it through them. You know you're going to get the best quality. You also know that you'll be well taken care of.

Anything else you would like to share with us that is unique to you, your company and/or line of work? We'd love to learn more about you!
Remember that there are cheap companies and cheap clients. You do not need to be the cheapest to get bookings. We make it known that we offer QUALITY and engagement and that gets us more bookings than when we were cheaper.

Name: Jamie Cobb

Company Name: PhotoVille

Company City/State: Edmond Oklahoma

Company Website: RentPhotoville.com/

What industry are you in?
Photo Booth, Full service photography and videography, outdoor game rental

How long have you been in business?
15 years

Tell us how your business/company started. We want the history of how you started and got to where you are today - whether you've been in business for 1 month or 30+ years!
I have always had a passion for photography and my dad bought me my first camera when I was 8 years old and have never put it down. I saw a photo booth at the Rose Bowl parade one year and I knew I had to have one. My dad made my first 10 photo booths and then I bought a Minh Booth at photo booth expo the first year and now I have 5 Minh booths, 5 mobi booths, 5 vintage photo booths, photo booth trailer, 3D slider booth, photo booth trailer, 5 mobile photos, 1 pix box dog photo booth and four 360 booths! I am a full-time photographer and I am super excited to be teaching this year at Texas School of Photography in Addison Texas in April.

What drew you into the line of work you are currently in?
I have always had a passion for events and photo booths!

How has PB Backdrops enhanced your business/events?
PB Backdrops feels like a partner! PB Backdrops always adds the professional look my clients love and expect from us!

What products did you purchase?
I have over 100 pillow backdrops, PB Backdrops props, inflatable for my 360, balloon pit enclosure, balloon frame, sequin backdrops, retractable banners, 2 pin base connectors, iPad stand and more!

What drew you to PB Backdrops?
Photo Booth Expo and the customer service and quality of their products S.

What do you recommend the most about PB Backdrops?
EVERYTHING! Mostly the pillow backdrops!

Name: Joe ( DJ MINi C ) Carter

Company Name: DJ MINi C Productions and Central Florida Photobooths

Company City/State: Lakeland Florida

Company Website: DJMINiC.com. And centralfloridaPhotobooths.com

How long have you been in business?
dj 15 years Photobooth about 4 years

How has PB Backdrops enhanced your business/events?
PB Backdrops has helped me stand out in my market along with looking professional. The quality is top knotch and my customers love it.

What products did you purchase?
Backdrops, tables skirts, props, mask, shimmer wall just to name a few.

What drew you to PB Backdrops?
Brian Ginsberg, customer service, friendliness, knowledgeable on products, Just to name a few. There are a million reasons why everyone should use PBBACKDROPS.

What do you recommend the most about PB Backdrops?
The selection of products and backdrops is by far the best in the industry!!!