The only constant in life is change…but once an entertainer – always an entertainer.
That is clearly the case for Mike Wieder, of Ultimate Sounds Entertainment, and most recently, NJ Bubble Parties. Over the last 3 years, Wieder has transitioned from wedding entertainer to a beloved local celebrity, known as “The Bubble Man”, and he’s loving every minute of it.
Pre-pandemic, Mike was supplementing his wedding entertainment business with mid-week bubble parties. Once the pandemic forced global lockdowns, and limitations on gatherings, weddings, etc., Mike saw an opportunity to shift his focus onto bubble-tainment.
The formula was simple – deliver a bubble party (which he was already doing), via a mobile show, with a safe approach. “I would pull up to a driveway, or safe parking space (as schools were closed at the time), perform various bubble tricks, including bubble snow and bubble foam, bubbles as big as a school bus, and the ever-popular finale, “kid in a bubble” (any age and ability is welcome), accompanied by a curated (age appropriate) soundtrack!” says Wieder.
During the early stages of the pandemic, it seemed like everyone was forced into their own bubble, and Mike popped into everyone’s bubble with his own, bringing joy and smiles, during a challenging time. Children were unable to attend school, people were uncomfortable with having anyone in their home, or even leaving their home, and that’s where the bubble drive-up was born.
From there, the performances evolved into bubble workshops, indoor shows, and sensory bubble blasts for seniors, and those with special needs. “Now we’re at the point where everyone is looking for fun, and safe, activities that can be done outdoors, while also keeping their children/guests entertained and involved” says Mike. “I’m having a blast – it’s been great business, but I also still get to put smiles on faces, and the bubbles are enjoyed by all!”
A key factor in Mike’s shift in business was his continual desire to make people happy. “I went from wedding couples hugging me at the end of the night to toddlers making their families very much aware of how much they don’t want my show to be over” jokes the now bubble expert. He continues, “although I’m going from 5-hour wedding receptions, to 30-60 minute performances, I’m still seeing smiles and appreciation, and the goal remains the same – everyone having fun”.
Performing for a children’s birthday party, or school event, has also led to adult birthday parties, baby showers, and even anniversary parties for The Bubble Man. Wieder now has his sights set on corporate events, and expanding the bubble shows! Part of the transition has also been on the marketing side. “I’ve had to create my own bar, and set a standard” Mike says. He also admits that he’s invested a limited amount into advertising, with most of his business coming from word of mouth. “I’ve gone from competing with DJs from all over the state, to now receiving referrals from them” he proclaims.
“As a wedding DJ, your marketing target is clearly wedding couples. Now, for me, my targets vary – and there are no DJ Life Magazine or DJX show-caliber events for the bubble community” Mike adds.
With much of the wedding industry on hold in 2020, Mike did over 300 bubble events. In 2021, he more than doubled his booking to 641 bubble events (including only 10 weddings), with an estimated increased trajectory for 2022. “The success and demand of the bubble parties has filled my schedule, so much so that I now limit how many weddings I’m able to book. As much as I love weddings, my body appreciates the bubble parties more” Mike says.
His tenacity has even led to a sponsorship deal. “One day, I was speaking to an owner of a Kia dealership, and the next thing I know, I’m in a 2022 Kia Telluride from Freehold Raceway Kia, and they wrapped the whole thing with my marketing imagery, and everyone’s dubbed it The Bubblemobile!” Mike says.
“If you don’t ask, you don’t know, and the only thing that beats a failure is a try is something that I live my life by. Without asking, I wouldn’t have my beautiful wife, nor a sponsorship deal from Freehold Raceway Kia – and I love them both” Wieder adds.
As author of “Be The Difference Maker”, Mike certainly has taken the mentality of being an outside-the-box thinker. By shifting his focus onto bubble parties, Wieder’s business, and revenue, has grown to new heights. “In reality, I’m still entertaining, I’m still creating moments and making memories.”
Like many in the industry who were focused on the proper pivoting strategies, Wieder was always a step ahead. A difference-maker, and entertainer at heart.
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