NORWICH – People often refer to Dave Westervelt as “the Balloon Guy,” but he doesn’t mind. It’s an occupational hazard when your business card bears the title of balloon artist.
Westervelt and his wife Jennifer are the owners of Balloon Decor of Central New York, a Norwich-based balloon decorating company which specializes in weddings, graduations, proms and other events.
What does Westervelt like most about the balloon business? The ability to take an ordinary space and make it extraordinary.
“It’s amazing how balloons can really transform a space,” he said.
There is just something about balloons, he explained, which make people happy. Perhaps it’s their ability to evoke childhood memories. But his creations are anything but child-like.
He points to the Chenango SPCA’s Fur Ball, which he provided decorations for this year, as an example of how balloons can be used for more upscale events.
“Balloons can be very elegant and customized to fit any occasion,” he explained. Indeed, his innovative designs include everything from arches, columns, tunnels, walls, sculptures and centerpieces to balloon drops, “exploding” balloons, and more. And he’s always looking for new ideas.
The Norwich native was first introduced to the balloon decorating business while in college, when he took a job with Balloon Bouquets of Long Island. When he and his wife decided to return home to Central New York to start their family, they brought the idea of starting their own business with them.
The young couple actually started the venture five years ago, in addition to their full-time teaching careers. Both currently work in the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District, where David is an eighth grade math teacher and Jennifer teaches sixth grade English.
“I considered it more of a hobby at that point,” he said, even though he did a number of proms, anniversaries, weddings and graduations during that time.
This fall, however, they decided they were ready to kick things up a notch. They chose the 2010 Pumpkin Festival to make their “debut” on the local festival scene.
While they volunteered their serves for the event, Westervelt said it helped them make valuable contacts and led to paying jobs, such as the Parade of Lights, Fur Ball and other events. Joining Commerce Chenango has also helped him make additional connections within the community, he added.
While he does most of the decorating himself, it is still very much a joint venture, he said. Someday they hope to make it a “family affair,” with their two young sons taking part as well.
Even as the balloon decorating business takes off, Westervelt said he and his wife have no intention of leaving their teaching careers.
“I consider myself bi-vocational,” he said with a smile. In fact, the two professions fit nicely around one another, as the balloon decorating business is busiest on nights and weekend.
“It works out perfectly,” he reported.
Having summers off will also be advantageous as they continue to grow the business, he explained, and allow them to take full advantage of the region’s festivals and events. He is also hoping a new business relationship with Celebrations Creations owner Kerri Green will lead to more wedding bookings.
Balloon Decor currently serves customers within roughly a 50-mile radius of Norwich, including the Binghamton, Cortland, Utica and Oneonta markets.
For more information, visit www.balloondecorofcny.com. Westervelt can also be contacted by phone at 316-3425 or via email at dave@balloondecoreofcny.com.