Meet DJ Jenkins | Inflatable business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I wanted to start a small company that would bring jubilation, happiness and fun memories to families and communities. I’ve never seen any African Americans that own an inflatable business when i was younger. I had the dream and ideas, but didn’t execute the plan. Once covid started I took a chance, bet on myself and purchased an inflatable bounce house. The pandemic helped me realize sometimes you/we have to make those impulsive decisions. I’m happy that I did because it gave me the push I needed. I also have a passion for wanting to enlighten the youth. I pride myself on having grit, so I make time to teach the next generation about having a dog mentality. I’m conscious of the youth and what it’s like to struggle or feel trapped in your community. If younger family members have seen where I came from to where I’m at now the chances of them creating something of their own is likely high. Always strive for greatness and never give up!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a product manager for a small hose service company. We build and recertify hose from over the world. We have a small staff of 24 people and I manage around 8 employees on the production side . I’ve been at continental for about 11 years and I really enjoy the day to day task that we face . I enjoy my workplace’s collaborative environment and the opportunity to work with talented and passionate people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first invite to my home and bbq for them texas style or order at polans Houston. Then we my catch a sports game or etc . Last but not least we would go to martin luther king on a Sunday and watch the car show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a lot of people that support me and most of them are women. Therefore, I would like to give a shoutout to my wife (aka my strength) my daughters, female cousins, mama/mother in law, sister and nana. To all the women in my life thank you for listening, for your words of encouragement, inspiration and for being apart of my journey.

Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKdqu-7M2lNfRuRegcci3CWEZ5MqPa8lu12HHldGufViT96Q/viewform

Instagram: @Mr.warbuckk

Image Credits
Darrell jenkins