Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Johnson.
Hi Deanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Deanna Johnson, and I live in Humble, Texas, with my long-time partner, Trevor, and our spoiled (but very loved) Goldendoodle, Macy Jane. I also have an amazing 26 year old daughter Bailey.
My entrepreneurial journey began in February 2003, when my husband and I launched All About Fun Moonwalk & Party Rental out of our home with just three used inflatables. What started as a small weekend venture quickly took off. By late 2005, I opened a children’s boutique on Main Street in downtown Dayton, Texas, where the back half of the store was dedicated to hosting little girls’ dress-up parties — complete with music, costumes, and birthday magic.
In 2007, after outgrowing the 1,000-square-foot space, I expanded into a 7,000-square-foot storefront next to the local grocery store. The new location offered plenty of room for a boutique up front and a full event space in back, complete with a runway for fashion shows, dress-up and nail stations, and areas for cake, presents, and pizza. To make the most of the extra space, I rented out portions to a cheer coach and a local photographer while still running the moonwalk rental business from the back.
During those years, I also poured myself into community service — serving as both a member and president of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and participating in several local organizations. In 2007, I was awarded a Dayton Community Development Grant for creating jobs in the area, and in 2009, I received the Lee College Small Business of the Year Award. A year later, I purchased the old feed store in town, downsized the boutique, and focused on the rental side of the business so I could spend more time with my daughter.
In 2012, everything changed during a conversation with my inflatable inspector. I mentioned that I was ready for something new and was interested in becoming an inspector myself. After a bit of “gentle persistence” on my part, he agreed to mentor and sponsor me in 2012. I officially became certified in 2014, inspecting inflatables, trackless trains, mechanical bulls, and other amusement devices. The inspection business grew rapidly—over 150 clients in the first year—so I sold my store and party rental business to focus solely on inspections.
By January 2016, I was ready to expand again. I took and passed the NAARSO Level I certification, allowing me to inspect larger amusement rides and attractions. This opened doors to subcontracting with major amusement parks, municipalities, and insurance providers for trampoline parks and water parks across the country.
Over the years, my work has taken me to some incredible places, from the City Museum in St. Louis to local Texas treasures like Hermann Park’s trains and carousel, the Houston Zoo Carousel, Splashway Waterpark, and countless HOA community slides and several well known church camp. Some of my favorite inspections are for long-term clients who’ve become close friends — and that sense of trust and shared commitment to safety is what keeps me inspired.
Today, I own and operate Amusement Industry & Recreation Consultants, LLC (AIR Consultants), where we proudly say: “We Inspect Fun!” My work is rooted in safety, compliance, and community — because behind every inflatable, train, or carousel is a family, a child, and a story that deserves to be protected.
(In Texas, all party rental equipment, HOA water slides, church and youth camp attractions, theme park rides, and many other amusement devices must be inspected annually by a certified inspector approved by the Texas Department of Insurance.)
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. I like to say if it was easy, everyone would do it”
The amusement ride inspection field is a very niche industry and the amount of working inspectors is small considering we cover the entire United States along with several other countries. In that very small niche group, there are only a handful of female inspectors. This can be a challenge when in certain situations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Amusement Industry & Recreation Consultants, LLC, where I specialize in safety inspections for amusement rides and inflatables across Texas and beyond. I help operators, HOAs, and parks stay compliant with state and ASTM safety standards while keeping the fun going safely.
I started out owning a party rental company, so I understand these attractions from the inside out. Now, I use that experience to help others operate responsibly and protect their guests. I’m proud that my work directly helps reduce the potential for injuries and helps businesses thrive through education and compliance. My motto is “We Inspect Fun,” because behind every ride I inspect is a family, a community, and a memory worth keeping
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Spending time with my daughter is most important. With both of my parents gone, I have learned that family means more than anything.
Other than that, I would have to say that helping to keep families safe when they are out enjoying life and making memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inflatableinspectorintexas.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16VtpWHdCi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-j-2568b0262?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://amusementrideinspections.com/
