Off the Ground: From the Brink of Bankruptcy to a Billion Dollar Trampoline Empire

Case Lawrence joins Joe Pardavila for a candid conversation about failure, risk, and building something durable when everything collapses. Case shares the real story behind Sky Zone, from staring down bankruptcy after the financial crisis to growing the world’s largest trampoline park company with more than 300 locations. He explains how desperation shaped his early decisions, why real estate cycles crush unprepared founders, and what banks, timing, and luck teach you about leadership. The discussion goes beyond business mechanics. Case talks openly about marriage, family, and the hidden toll entrepreneurship places on spouses and kids. He explains why he views a founder’s partner as a silent cofounder, how transparency matters during chaos, and why experiences beat products in today’s economy. You also hear how Sky Zone scaled, why membership models changed the industry, and what life looks like after stepping away as CEO.