Over 30-years ago, 18-yr old Randy was introduced to balloons and has been in the special event industry ever since. Randy has been certified twice as a master balloon artist: first certified in 1991 by the National Association of Balloon Artists and again in 2004 by the Qualatex Balloon Network. Today he is a leading expert in all facets of balloons and is a head instructor at the Balloon Academy.
Clients & Career
During Randy’s varied career he has provided balloons for corporations, individuals, and the media. His corporate clients included such companies such as Viacom, Goldman Sachs, Better Homes and Gardens, Home Depot, Scores, Merck, Pfizer, Symbol Technologies, and Northrop Grumman. He provided and executed the balloon decor for the 2002 romantic comedy film Two Weeks Notice, magazines such as Martha Stewart Living, TV shows such as Dina’s Party, and more.
Teaching
As the owner of J&R Wholesale Balloon Distributors from 2004-2013, Randy organized and presented numerous seminars throughout New York City. Additionally, he coached and incubated hundreds of decorators at a daily basis at New York’s largest walk-in warehouse for balloon professionals.
He regularly taught balloon techniques to individuals breaking into the industry, as well as group sessions. He made sure they first mastered the tools of the trade – learning the best practices for using equipment, staying safe, and sharing common mistakes and cautionary tales. Additionally, he shared his expertise in framing: building small frames for tabletop balloons; large 6-foot hearts for Valentine’s Day and wedding decor: giant letters and numbers; strong bases and poles for outdoor decor; and balloon drops.
Equipment
Randy has repaired and retrofitted thousands of regulators and air inflators for distraught decorators over the last few decades. Randy helped to design and manufacture products by Qualatex, WestWinds, Conver USA and Perfect Products such as latex & foil balloons (he designed a best-selling ‘Mazel Tov’ foil balloon) and a custom regulator for helium tanks (it was the fastest and most ergonomic dual regulator on the market). Randy also pushed several manufacturers to modify or release new colors that are popular to this day.
Community
Randy also served as the Vice President of the NY Chapter of Qualatex Balloon Network (NY QBN) for a many years, often hosting the QBN meetings at the store. He supported balloon jams with the NY Twisters, providing free balloons and promotion and fellowship (he even married two of them!). He organized a group of New York City balloon decorators in the early 90’s (sadly it folded). Additionally, he was the first balloon professional to host international instructors from Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, bringing them together with local talent for intensive workshops.