Meet Manuel Walker, owner of Nebraska Knockerball.
Tell us a little about your business. – Nebraska Knockerball (nebraskaknockerball.com) is an event equipment rental company that will help you bring a fun competitive element to your next party. Knockerballs are inflatable spheres that you can strap into and bounce around. With two or more Knockerballs, you can get a game of “bubble soccer” going that will result in laughter and exhilarating knocks and rolls. We also have Footdarts, which is a 12’ tall inflatable dartboard that you kick velcro soccer balls or throw velcro baseballs at. Human foosball is another great game Nebraska Knockerball offers. Imagine being the characters on a foosball table! This 20’ X 45’ field allows you to hold on to cables and play against your friends in a very friendly but competitive game of foosball. In addition, we have an assortment of smaller (yet, bigger than you remember) yard games such as giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, yard dice, cornhole, yard pong, and tug of war. Rent any of these games for a birthday celebration, family reunion, company cook-out, church fundraiser, and so much more.
How did you get started in the business? – A couple of years ago, I bought a couple of off-brand blow-up bubble balls. I was able to enjoy them with a few friends and we had a blast. This gave me the idea to start a wholesome business that would bring laughter and fun memories to others.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Jumping into being a business owner with no previous experience. This is also one of my greatest achievements, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Rawla is a nurse and we have three kids, ages 22, 12, and 9.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Losing my mom to COVID. It taught me that life is fragile and I have to prioritize my time wisely.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Relax and spend time with family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – When I was a child, I had a seizure as I was going down a slide into a lake. I was at the bottom of the lake for 11 minutes. After about an hour of CPR, I was given a tranquilizer at the ER to stop my heart because of the seizing. They restarted my heart and I spent three days in a coma before waking back up.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.” – George Carlin
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Genuine.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Teleportation.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’m pretty good at math.
What is your favorite TV show? – The Curse of Oak Island.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – John D. Rockefeller. He could give me some business tips.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 460-8724; manuel@nebraskaknockerball.com; nebraskaknockerball.com; www.facebook.com/NebraskaKnockerball.