Meet Jason Gayed, owner and operator of Lincoln Inflatables.
Tell us a little about your business. – Lincoln Inflatables (@lincolninflatables) is all about enhancing events and putting smiles of the faces of kids and adults alike. We have top-of-the-line inflatable bounce houses, boxing rings, waterslides, and a dunk tank.
How did you get started in the business? – When I was 22, my niece wanted a bounce house for her birthday. I ended up just buying one and then started renting it out. I really didn’t have any intention of making a business out of it, but I realized how much I enjoyed bringing fun and laughter into people’s lives.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – In this business, I’m at the whim of the weather. It’s always sad when a windy, stormy day causes a cancelation. My first priority is safety, but it’s never fun to let a kid down.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Running two successful businesses. I also own Jason’s Lawn & Landscaping. I started mowing lawns in high school. I’d bring my mower to school in the back of my truck and go mow after classes. I turned the business into an LLC after college.
Tell us a little about your family. – My family is very close-knit. My sister and her husband (who is also named Jason) have given me three amazing nieces. I have a son named Bentley (10) who lives in Denver and a daughter named Mia (9) who lives here in Lincoln. My beautiful wife Makaylee and I have been married for six years. We enjoy spending time with my kids and our nieces whenever we can.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Makaylee and I lost our daughter of 4 months old due to heart and lung complications. It was devastating, but it taught me how precious life is.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love taking my boat out on the lake. I also really enjoy smoking food!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I was punked on national television by Paula Abdul and Howie Mandel.
Who inspires you? – My grandpa. He came to America from Egypt, learned English in six months, and ended up being a very successful businessman. He owned Risk Gayed Insurance in Lincoln and also owned around 50 single-family properties in addition to a handful of apartment complexes.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “The rich become rich by acting poor, and the poor become poor by acting rich.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Serial connector. I love bringing people together!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Sports broadcasting.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Foster Care Closet because they make it easier for kids who are put in bad and uncomfortable situations by no fault of their own.
What is your favorite movie? – Shooter with Mark Wahlberg.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – The Oven and Blue Sushi.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Mark Cuban or LeBron James.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 416-5959 (call/text) or Facebook messenger (@lincolninflatables).