FROM PARTY CITY MANAGER TO BUSINESS OWNER
How Gilbert Bet on Himself and Built Party Station with Mega Store Builders
After spending 18 years with Party City, Gilbert knew the party-supply business inside and out. He knew customers. He knew merchandising. He knew balloons, celebrations, seasonal sales and what it took to turn around a struggling retail location. What he hadn't done was build a store of his own. When Party City announced it was going out of business, Gilbert suddenly faced a major decision about the next chapter of his life.
He could retire. He could find another job and go back to working for someone else.
Or he could finally do something he'd thought about for years:
Bet on himself.
"I've always wanted my own business... I know who I am. I know what I am. I know what I'm capable of."
That decision ultimately led to Party Station, Gilbert's independently owned party-supply store—and to a partnership with Mega Store Builders that helped him transform years of retail experience into a business bearing a name his own family helped create.
He could retire. He could find another job and go back to working for someone else.
Or he could finally do something he'd thought about for years:
Bet on himself.
"I've always wanted my own business... I know who I am. I know what I am. I know what I'm capable of."
That decision ultimately led to Party Station, Gilbert's independently owned party-supply store—and to a partnership with Mega Store Builders that helped him transform years of retail experience into a business bearing a name his own family helped create.
HE ALREADY KNEW HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL STORE
Gilbert wasn't entering retail without experience. During his Party City career, he says he took over a location doing approximately $800,000 annually and helped grow it into a roughly $2 million store. According to Gilbert, the location went from being one of the lowest-volume Party City stores in Illinois to the second-highest-volume location in the state. He credits much of that success to something deceptively simple: Taking care of customers. That philosophy is now at the center of Party Station. During Gilbert's interview with Mega Store Builders, customers repeatedly walked through the door. Instead of interrupting the story, those moments demonstrated exactly what makes Gilbert's business special. He greeted customers personally, helped them find products, prepared balloon orders, answered questions and made sure customers knew how to properly transport their purchases. At one point, a customer simply told him:
"I'm so glad you're here."
That's the kind of statement every independent business owner wants to hear.
"I'm so glad you're here."
That's the kind of statement every independent business owner wants to hear.
FINDING MEGA STORE BUILDERS
Interestingly, Gilbert's relationship with the people behind Mega Store Builders actually began years before Party Station opened. While considering business ownership years earlier, Gilbert spoke with John LaFronz, who was working with another company at the time. Gilbert ultimately decided not to pursue ownership then. Life was comfortable, his career was going well, and starting a business was easy to postpone. But he remembered John. Years later, when circumstances changed and Gilbert began seriously investigating business ownership again, he came across John's name online. He immediately recognized it. Gilbert remembered the impression John had made years earlier—particularly the sense that he was dealing with someone he could trust.That became important because, as Gilbert explained:
"For me, trust is the most important thing."
That renewed conversation became the beginning of Gilbert's journey with Mega Store Builders.
"For me, trust is the most important thing."
That renewed conversation became the beginning of Gilbert's journey with Mega Store Builders.
TURNING AN IDEA INTO PARTY STATION
Once Gilbert decided to move forward, Mega Store Builders began helping him navigate the process. He recalls being told what to expect and being taken through the process step by step. The location search was handled with Frank, and, like many commercial real-estate searches, not every potential location worked out. But Gilbert kept moving forward. He knew he didn't need everything to be perfect on day one. He needed the opportunity to get the business planted. "If I can get this thing started, I think I have a really good chance of being successful." Eventually, the right opportunity came together. And one of the most important pieces of the deal was something that can make an enormous difference to a new retailer:
Free rent.
Gilbert recalls Mega Store Builders helping negotiate approximately three months for the build-out period followed by another three months of free rent after turnover.
For a new business working to establish customers and generate revenue, that breathing room mattered. Gilbert described it as "huge," explaining that it helped give Party Station time to begin producing revenue without immediately pulling additional money from savings.
Free rent.
Gilbert recalls Mega Store Builders helping negotiate approximately three months for the build-out period followed by another three months of free rent after turnover.
For a new business working to establish customers and generate revenue, that breathing room mattered. Gilbert described it as "huge," explaining that it helped give Party Station time to begin producing revenue without immediately pulling additional money from savings.
PARTY STATION
The name immediately suggested the image of a train station—a destination where people arrive and depart. Only this station would be a destination for celebrations. Gilbert's younger son even became involved in developing logo concepts. Those ideas eventually evolved into the final Party Station identity. For Gilbert, business ownership had become more than simply replacing his former job. His family had become part of creating something they could call their own.
EXPERIENCE MEETS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Opening Party Station also allowed Gilbert to bring something incredibly valuable into his new business: relationships. Several longtime associates who had worked with him at Party City joined him at Party Station. Gilbert says each had worked with him for more than ten years. That meant he wasn't beginning with an inexperienced staff requiring months of training. He had people he already trusted. That trust has even allowed Gilbert to take vacations—including two cruises since opening—knowing that experienced associates could operate Party Station while he was away.
For a new business owner, that's an accomplishment in itself.
THEN CAME A SATURDAY THAT FELT DIFFERENT
Building a new independent retail business takes time. Customers have to discover you. Word has to spread. People who visit once have to decide to return. Gilbert has watched that process gradually take hold. Then came a recent Saturday. Three people were working inside Party Station as customers came through the doors and balloon orders were being filled. For Gilbert, it suddenly reminded him of his busiest days at Party City. The difference was enormous:
This time, it was his store.
Party Station generated a little over $2,000 in sales that Saturday, according to Gilbert. Even more encouraging, he said August—normally a relatively quiet period for his type of party business—had already become one of his best months since opening.
"Everything is starting to work out really, really good. The sales are coming around. People are finding me."
And Gilbert is looking forward to what comes next.
FINDING OPPORTUNITY AROUND EVERY CORNER
An entrepreneur doesn't simply wait for opportunity.
He looks for it.
When a Spirit Halloween opened just two doors away in the former Party City location, Gilbert recognized another potential source of traffic.
Rather than viewing the neighboring retailer only as competition, he adjusted his inventory strategy and brought in selected Halloween essentials.
Customers shopping nearby could now discover Party Station as another local option.
It's an example of the retail instincts Gilbert developed over decades now being put to work for his own company.
A RELATIONSHIP THAT DIDN'T END WHEN THE STORE OPENED
Perhaps one of the most important things Gilbert shared during the interview was what happened after Party Station opened.
Mega Store Builders didn't simply disappear.
Nearly a year into the business, Gilbert says he still knows he can pick up the phone when he needs assistance.
He specifically mentioned Leslie and Paul and the responsiveness he's experienced from the Mega Store Builders team.
"Leslie and Paul, I give them a call and things happen."
Later, he explained what that continuing relationship means to him:
"Even though I've opened, it's a year gone by... I know that if I needed something, Leslie is a phone call away. Paul, you guys, all of you guys are always just one call away."
Gilbert described that continuing relationship with one important word:
Partnership.
WOULD HE RECOMMEND MEGA STORE BUILDERS?
Gilbert didn't hesitate.
"Oh, yeah. I've already done that."
In fact, Gilbert had already referred another prospective independent party-store owner to Mega Store Builders.
The prospect moved far enough through the process that Gilbert was told he would receive a referral bonus, although the deal eventually stalled when the landlord decided to sell the building rather than complete the lease.
Still, the referral itself says something important.
Gilbert wasn't simply saying he would recommend Mega Store Builders.
He already had.
He was also asked whether he would consider mentoring future party-store owners using the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career.
His response?
"Absolutely."
Gilbert will be the first person to say that entrepreneurship involves learning.
There are decisions he would make differently if he could go back to the beginning. There are technologies he would choose differently and areas where he'd invest his money differently.
That's part of building a real business.
But when Gilbert looks at the overall experience of building Party Station with Mega Store Builders, his assessment is clear:
"The team at Megastore Builders has been phenomenal."
Nearly a year after opening, Gilbert isn't wondering whether he should have taken the chance.
He's serving customers.
He's building repeat business.
He's seeing stronger sales.
He's preparing for important seasonal opportunities.
And people are walking into Party Station telling him they're glad he's there.
After 18 years helping build someone else's party-store business, Gilbert finally took all of that knowledge, experience and customer-service ability and put it behind something of his own.
He bet on himself.
Mega Store Builders helped him build the store.And today,
Party Station is open for business.
His store.
His customers.
His future.
The name immediately suggested the image of a train station—a destination where people arrive and depart. Only this station would be a destination for celebrations. Gilbert's younger son even became involved in developing logo concepts. Those ideas eventually evolved into the final Party Station identity. For Gilbert, business ownership had become more than simply replacing his former job. His family had become part of creating something they could call their own.
EXPERIENCE MEETS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Opening Party Station also allowed Gilbert to bring something incredibly valuable into his new business: relationships. Several longtime associates who had worked with him at Party City joined him at Party Station. Gilbert says each had worked with him for more than ten years. That meant he wasn't beginning with an inexperienced staff requiring months of training. He had people he already trusted. That trust has even allowed Gilbert to take vacations—including two cruises since opening—knowing that experienced associates could operate Party Station while he was away.
For a new business owner, that's an accomplishment in itself.
THEN CAME A SATURDAY THAT FELT DIFFERENT
Building a new independent retail business takes time. Customers have to discover you. Word has to spread. People who visit once have to decide to return. Gilbert has watched that process gradually take hold. Then came a recent Saturday. Three people were working inside Party Station as customers came through the doors and balloon orders were being filled. For Gilbert, it suddenly reminded him of his busiest days at Party City. The difference was enormous:
This time, it was his store.
Party Station generated a little over $2,000 in sales that Saturday, according to Gilbert. Even more encouraging, he said August—normally a relatively quiet period for his type of party business—had already become one of his best months since opening.
"Everything is starting to work out really, really good. The sales are coming around. People are finding me."
And Gilbert is looking forward to what comes next.
FINDING OPPORTUNITY AROUND EVERY CORNER
An entrepreneur doesn't simply wait for opportunity.
He looks for it.
When a Spirit Halloween opened just two doors away in the former Party City location, Gilbert recognized another potential source of traffic.
Rather than viewing the neighboring retailer only as competition, he adjusted his inventory strategy and brought in selected Halloween essentials.
Customers shopping nearby could now discover Party Station as another local option.
It's an example of the retail instincts Gilbert developed over decades now being put to work for his own company.
A RELATIONSHIP THAT DIDN'T END WHEN THE STORE OPENED
Perhaps one of the most important things Gilbert shared during the interview was what happened after Party Station opened.
Mega Store Builders didn't simply disappear.
Nearly a year into the business, Gilbert says he still knows he can pick up the phone when he needs assistance.
He specifically mentioned Leslie and Paul and the responsiveness he's experienced from the Mega Store Builders team.
"Leslie and Paul, I give them a call and things happen."
Later, he explained what that continuing relationship means to him:
"Even though I've opened, it's a year gone by... I know that if I needed something, Leslie is a phone call away. Paul, you guys, all of you guys are always just one call away."
Gilbert described that continuing relationship with one important word:
Partnership.
WOULD HE RECOMMEND MEGA STORE BUILDERS?
Gilbert didn't hesitate.
"Oh, yeah. I've already done that."
In fact, Gilbert had already referred another prospective independent party-store owner to Mega Store Builders.
The prospect moved far enough through the process that Gilbert was told he would receive a referral bonus, although the deal eventually stalled when the landlord decided to sell the building rather than complete the lease.
Still, the referral itself says something important.
Gilbert wasn't simply saying he would recommend Mega Store Builders.
He already had.
He was also asked whether he would consider mentoring future party-store owners using the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career.
His response?
"Absolutely."
Gilbert will be the first person to say that entrepreneurship involves learning.
There are decisions he would make differently if he could go back to the beginning. There are technologies he would choose differently and areas where he'd invest his money differently.
That's part of building a real business.
But when Gilbert looks at the overall experience of building Party Station with Mega Store Builders, his assessment is clear:
"The team at Megastore Builders has been phenomenal."
Nearly a year after opening, Gilbert isn't wondering whether he should have taken the chance.
He's serving customers.
He's building repeat business.
He's seeing stronger sales.
He's preparing for important seasonal opportunities.
And people are walking into Party Station telling him they're glad he's there.
After 18 years helping build someone else's party-store business, Gilbert finally took all of that knowledge, experience and customer-service ability and put it behind something of his own.
He bet on himself.
Mega Store Builders helped him build the store.And today,
Party Station is open for business.
His store.
His customers.
His future.
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