Author: Kevin Wieging
Established as a small family business November 1, 2001 with three bounce houses and a dunk tank, Orlando Fun Crew is a small business success story that began as a Spacewalk franchise and continues to grow. During our conversation taking a few minutes to talk, Tony and Katwyn Liberti were busy managing events going in different directions, and when I say family business, you’ll find 5 kids and 8 grandkids surrounding it’s successful operations. In sharing Katwyn’s favorite memory from over the years in building the business, it may surprise you!
Let’s define busy- logistics in routing trucks to produce events for a Wedding in Maryland, Corp fashion gig for client in Texas, and a movie set in Georgia. Orlando Fun Crew has the resources to deliver big results with an impressive inventory of mechanical rides- 3 rock walls, 6 game trailers, 3 trains, 11+ mechanical amusement rides, plus from a small investment in three inflatables, their inventory is now 60+ inflatables. Bigger events are definitely attracted with the larger amusement attractions!
Take the Risk!
In fact, growth was inspired and Orlando Fun Crew started to see their success after taking a risk and investing in something different! In 2012, the business purchased a mobile Zipline from Spectrum Sports to compete with the “Big Guys” and attract larger events. At the time investing $120k was a bit scary but the Liberti’s had a full-time commitment to their business success! Katwyn does credit her husband Tony’s background in accounting to smartly being able to calculate the growth. Tony also has a strong commitment to safety which is important when considering mechanical amusements.
I had the opportunity to tour the Fun Crew warehouse after attending a NAARSO seminar for safety in January. Involvement in NAARSO, AIMS, and IOA is also a family affair as Tony achieved his NAARSO Level 2 certification early this year and two son’s Level 1. OFC didn’t immediately join IOA and became a member at the 2026 IOA Inflatable Safety Conference and Amusement Expo. Why? I appreciated Katwyn’s reply that “I agree that a professional standard for safety and training is needed in the inflatable industry” and “having that type of association to network with outside of formal classroom training creates unbelievable opportunity!”
Sharing the company decisions that assisted in growth of the business, Katwyn remembers getting involved with college campus events and attending their first campus events conference in 2016. The Orlando Fun Crew maintains an impressive FLEET of vehicles to route corporate and college events across the US. Although their residential rental business is significantly less than in the beginning due to a conscious shift to larger events, OFC is still a Spacewalk franchise. Mechanical attractions lead the way for corporate events and inflatable amusements are more relatable to the mid-size and small private rentals.
BUCKET LIST!
Finally in 2024, OFC received delivery of their Ferris Wheel. Finally, due to delays during the time we reference COVID and that slowed business, even challenged the ability for businesses to survive. OFC continued to run small events with trackless trains in Kissimmee with plexiglass dividers and social distancing in effect. A hotel chain also contracted OFC at Marco Island to operate a large inflatable water slide on the beach, again, with social distancing in place.
A bucket list because most event rental companies in the amusement space would agree that a FERRIS WHEEL is a trophy. Bucket list for survival in that opportunity to take delivery finally occurred after a very tough time for the amusement rental and hospitality industry. Surviving covid was accomplished with PPP loans and OFC had to lay off over 17 staff members.
Favorite Biz Memory!
What was that favorite memory from Orlando Fun Crew? A list of big accomplishments in business, movie sets, traveling for national events and the favorite memory Katwyn shared with me is at the heart of providing FUN! OFC continued a small annual birthday party rental for an autistic family and it’s not a six-figure memory from an event somewhere in the USA, but maybe why we all got into the amusement business, for the joy it brings those we have a chance to entertain!
OFC also hosts a small carnival at a special needs home where they can slow down the rides and meet those patrons at a level they are comfortable with participating. This is a pretty AWESOME gift they provide and can share with others from the success of their business. The more you know about Orlando Fun Crew, the more you appreciate everything they provide to clients and how their business has grown successfully.
Check out OFC website or follow them on facebook.
