Fun Biz Concessions Credits Staff for Successful Year N
by Mary Weber Published February 3, 2023
carnivalwarehouse.com
ate Janousek, owner of Fun Biz Concessions, cred- its the success of his company to the strength of his team. “What do I want people to know about my company? I want to talk about the people who make my company great. They are what makes us stand apart from other concessionaires,” says Janousek. With a core group of about 35 people fluctuating up to 55-60 employees at the biggest events, Janousek relies heavily on his staff to keep his operation running smooth- ly. “The people I have around me are like family and oftentimes they don't get the recognition they deserve. We have many people who have been with us for a decade or more and very few employees who are first timers this season,” says Janousek. Most of the Fun Biz labor force comes from the H2B Visa program, and Janousek finds his staff asking to return year after year and often bringing their family members along.
In an effort to keep morale strong, Janousek spends considerable time and money to create a comfortable liv- ing and working environment for his team. “We recently invested in two nice employee vans. They're Ford transit vans and the staff are really enjoying the new equip- ment,” he says. Janousek is also constantly updating housing units for his staff. “Recently, for a few of our managers who are traveling with kids, we've purchased brand new trailers for them to show our appreciation,” he says.
Keeping support equipment as new as possible both boosts morale and gives Fun Biz Concessions a leg up in the eyes of event com- mittees. “Having clean, new equipment makes us look better, too. We don't have questionable units and that helps us stay away from the negative carnival stereotypes,” says Janousek.
While most of his route is independently booked, Janousek finds himself around Ray Cammack Shows (RCS) frequently. This allows one of his staff members, Tatiana, to send her daughter to the RCS traveling school. “It's been such a fulfilling experience,” says Janousek. “The school is accredited, and the teacher is amaz- ing and attentive. Tatiana's daughter is able to attend classes when we're around RCS and then complete her studies virtually otherwise.”
In addition to providing comfortable accommodations and amenities to his employees, Janousek has introduced reward systems at each of his events so that staff members are invested
12 OABA ShowTime Magazine | MARCH 2023
in the success of the company. “I am of the belief that if everyone around me is prosperous then we can create a culture of prosperity in the company,” he says. Bonuses for employees are based on increased sales and customer service reports.
When he has a great spot or season, Janousek spreads the wealth rather than keeping it to himself. “We also raffle off
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