Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Ling.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a recovering Mergers and Acquisitions leader, Strategy Consultant, and Fortune 500 General Manager, I was drawn to the brand, people an opportunity to bring the Plaster Fun Time experience to more people. After looking for a LONG time to find a small company to lead, I (and Plaster Fun Time) were in the right place at the right time.
Since joining the business in 2015, we have expanded our footprint, modernized stores and bought 100% of manufacturing in-house to Massachusetts!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Maintaining and improving the customer experience and our low-cost / Family friendly pricing with all of the day-to-day cost pressures of managing a business in this area (increasing wage cost, rent, healthcare, taxes, regulations, etc). Competing on this front with a public company or Private Equity backed national brands (*cough* Dancing Mouse and *cough* Bears kids can stuff*) with national advertising and support is always a challenge.
There are smaller day-to-day challenges, but the biggest is definitely staying affordable in our region where, for many people with kids, things have become simply unaffordable.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Plaster Fun Time – what should we know?
Plaster Fun Time, founded in 1995, is the largest Plaster Painting chain in the world (and maybe the intergalactic universe, but we can’t be sure). Our 9 Boston-area locations have been 100% family owned since our founding. We are proud to be a 100% made-in-the-USA company, with our Somerville production facility hand-crafting all of our figurines right here in Massachusetts.
Our kid-friendly stores, materials, and designs are created for creative FUN while allowing parents and kids alike to be creative in a non-structured environment without timelines, teachers or tablets.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our staff! Every day they bring the Plaster Fun Time experience to life for kids of all ages.
Pricing:
- Walk in prices start at $11.99
- Birthday Party prices start at $159.99
- Prices are all inclusive – No add on fees
Contact Info:
- Address: (Corporate HQ)
72 Joy St Somerville, MA 02143 - Website: plasterfuntime.com
- Phone: 617-262-1230
- Email: Askus@plasterfuntime.com
- Instagram: PlasterFunTime
- Facebook: facebook.com/PlasterFunTIme
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
