Today we’d like to introduce you to Lia McManaman.
Hi Lia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in New Mexico and moved to North Carolina to attend Duke University for graduate school. I was initially pursuing my Ph.D. in Chemistry, but 2.5 years in, I decided that the lab was not the place for me. Despite the pressures to stay and complete my degree, I left Duke.
I decided to get an MBA through East Carolina University instead. Once completing my degree, my wife and I started a house flipping business (McManaman Properties LLC). We both worked hands-on until I gave birth to our now 3-year-old son. While we still do real estate investment, I am now a stay-at-home mom with our little kiddos (ages 3 and 1).
This company was imagined as we were playing at a playground in a developing neighborhood. Our kids were enamored by the construction trucks working across the street. Many of the children could have cared less about the playground equipment because they just wanted to watch the trucks do “big work”.
I had an idea. What if we could create their own size construction sites where they could drive the equipment and let their imaginations go wild? With a little creativity and planning, Kidstruction Zone Rentals LLC was born.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a chaotic road. Any road involving babies, toddlers, and new businesses are never smooth. It has been a super fun journey though, and I really love this company.
It is such a joy to deliver the rentals to events and see the kids light up. I always look forward to days when we have parties booked because I know it will always be such an exciting day for someone.
We’ve been impressed with Kidstruction Zone Rentals LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kidstruction Zone Rentals LLC is the only construction-themed rental company in North Carolina. As far as I know, we are the only one in the country. We bring toddler and child-sized construction ride-on vehicles to the location of your choosing.
Customers can rent the trucks alone, or make it a party package with child-sized wheelbarrows, foam blocks/bricks/wood, and construction cones.
Our party packages also come with sets of hard hats and construction vests for the kids to keep as favors. Our trucks are perfect for toddlers to kids around age 7. We have 3 types of trucks to rent: electric, pedal-powered, and toddler push trucks.
I am most proud of the fact that business is inspired by my kids, and how much joy it brings to other kids. There is really nothing better than seeing a child smile, and I get to do that for a job!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned thus far is to follow my heart. Leaving Duke was a really hard decision to make, but I knew in my heart that I couldn’t stay.
That decision was the catalyst that allowed me to figure out what I really wanted to do and pushed me to make it happen.
Pricing:
- Mega Party Package $375
- Big Work Party Package $300
- Pedal Party Package $225
- Tot Party Package $225
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kidstructionzonerentals.com
- Facebook: @kidstructionzonerentals
