La Crosse Tribune: Big Event Co. is all about fun

Paul and Debbie Hosch know how to have a good time.

They've hosted casino parties, hermit crab races and giant Twister. If you ask, the couple will even bring along their inflatable bungee run or joust, and a 28-foot trackless train.

As the owners of The Big Event Co. of La Crosse, the Hosches provide the fun at company events, picnics, festivals, birthday parties and church outings.

We stress that we are more than a bounce house," Debbie Hosch said. "We provide non-stop activities."

Customers, about 85 percent of which are corporate, typically call because of the company's inflatables, but quickly learn about the other services.

"The other services are what set us apart. We can go 10 times further," Paul Hosch said.

A variety of packages are available, and the Hosches can assist with selecting the proper one. A deejay service, which they subcontract out, also is available.

The staff is told to make sure everyone is having fun and a staff member is required to be with the equipment at all times.

The Hosches started the company five years ago after returning to the Coulee Region from Florida. They remain the company's only two full-time employees; everyone else is on a per-event basis.

Debbie Hosch graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in recreation management. She worked for a specialevents company in Florida and always said she would own one when they returned to Wisconsin.

Paul Hosch just chuckled.

Upon their return the couple purchased five inflatables and The Big Event Co. of La Crosse began.

Since then, they have added more than 25 casino tables, themed decor and more, all of which are housed in two warehouses.

"Friends say all we do is play and I just have to giggle. They don't know how much there is behind the scenes," Debbie Hosch said.

Enjoying the job also is important, she said, because her passion keeps the staff and clients excited.

"She talks to the clients and I get to handle the equipment maintenance," Paul Hosch said, mentioning his mass communications degree. "We make a good team."

This is the third summer the company has operated the concession stand and kiddie rides at Myrick Park Zoo. It has allowed the Hosches to promote their business and offer additional services, such as a location for birthday parties.