Entrepreneur: Feliciano (Chano) Zavala

Website: http://www.peninsulaparty.com

Start Up Graduation: May 2006

Story

Perhaps the first indication of Chano Zavala’s potential for entrepreneurial success was a rapid promotion from truck driver to general manager during his ten-year employment period with a party rental company.  In 2005, the business-minded Chano enrolled in Start Up courses, where he developed a business plan for his ideas and learned about legal and financial issues facing entrepreneurs. 

The next phase of the story unfolded quickly:  Chano acquired the lease rights for a storefront space and applied for a small business loan from Lenders for Community Development, which he used to purchase merchandise to begin building his inventory.  In 2005, this young father of four and his wife, Inez, opened the doors of their own business, Peninsula Party Rentals. Now, a little over a year later, the busy and successful party rental and supply company serves a clientele ranging from Yahoo! and Stanford University to local churches and schools.  

The business now employs three additional part-time staff members and keeps the Zavalas busy nearly seven days a week.  Peninsula Party Rentals offers free delivery and set up, a service that has provided an edge over local competitors.  Owning his own company has provided Chano and Inez increased financial security for their family, the ability to buy a house, and most important, a sense of confidence and independence. 

Chano is grateful to Start Up for the support he has received to reach his goals. “What everybody needs is a little push, and Start Up gives you that push,” he says.  “Now I’m my own boss and when mistakes are made, I answer only to myself.” 

Services and Products

Peninsula Party offers a wide range of party rentals and supplies, and specializes in: 

• Children's Birthday Parties
• School Fund Raising Events 
• Church Carnivals
• Corporate Events
• Weddings and Quinceaneras 

Peninsula Party has everything you need for your next professionally decorated event or party!  From custom designed balloon arches, drops, and bouquets to a wide variety of tables and chairs available for rent, including specially sized furniture for children, we are ready to serve all your party planning needs!

Please view our complete list of services and prices online at: http://www.peninsulaparty.com