Rob Younghouse: The party line

New Year's Eve is just days away. For some, the holiday will mean setting a resolution to lose more pounds or keep a more organized office desk. And for many, Dec. 31 will mean a night of spending time with friends while they count the final seconds down to Jan. 1, 2009. One of the staples of a New Year's Eve get-together seems to be the right party decorations. Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell spoke with Rob Younghouse last week to get a glimpse of how he became involved in the party business and his thoughts behind the industry.

Q: Tell me about family, educational background

A: My wife, Laura, and I also own Midwest Energy, which is an oil business that includes Amerimart convenience stores, and All Star Transportation in Cape Girardeau.

We have been married for 19 years and have two daughters, Andrea, 12, and Ashlee, 10. Both of them were born and raised in Cape Girardeau. I spent a lot of time when I'm not at the office with my kids, who are active in dance, sports and piano. I also try to ride my stationary bike and road bike when I can. I golf a little bit, too, but not enough to really count.

As far as my community involvement, I'm a member of the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce and am active at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girareau, where I'm a past member of the parish council.

Q: How did you get started in the party business?

A: I worked for my dad right after college at Younghouse Distributing Wholesale, where I was a salesman for 16 years. In 2005 I bought the retail portion of the business from my mom while my brother purchased the wholesale portion. We've had the location for years at 1246 Meadowbrook Drive in Cape Girardeau but last spring opened Younghouse Party Central at 2005 N. Kingshighway. It's a more convenient location for our customers and is a great office space for our oil company.

While my wife is involved mainly in our oil business, which has 10 locations throughout Southeast Missouri, I spend most of my time in the two party businesses because that's what I know.

Q: If you could do anything else besides your current occupation, what would it be?

A: Running a business is what I love and know. I have an accounting degree but never had much of a desire to be an accountant. If I had the talent, I'd be a professional athlete. I have always enjoyed playing basketball and football but never was talented enough to pursue any type of career in that. But I enjoy it and admire people who can make a career out of something that they love so much. For them, it's not really a job and that's the same with me in my party business.

Q: How has the party business changed since you started?

A: The manufacturers have come out with a lot more than decorations, which is how it used to be mainly. We used to carry mostly wedding, luau and baby shower decorations. Now, it seems like events like Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo has really picked up. People tend to decorate more for events like that than they used to. And products are more available now, especially on the Internet. Over the years I've tried to keep up with the trends in the party business and listen to what people want. One of our biggest competitors is the Internet. I realize the Internet is easy to navigate and find just about anything, but we have the ability for a customer to touch their decorations on the spot, such as helium balloons that you can't get over the computer.

Q: What do you see as the future of the party business?

A: I believe people will always need party supplies. They may cut back on what they spend, but having a party is something people won't cut out. It's a time when people can relax and escape from their troubles.

Q: Holiday parties are being scaled down or even canceled in some areas of the country. How has the economy affected your business?

A: Thanksgiving coming later really affected us this year. A few weeks ago was tough. I don't know if people are holding onto their money or it's another reason. I was a little disappointed in Christmas party sales until this past week. I hope it's not an indication of how New Year's Eve sales will fare. It has tended to be in the past a case where they are very last minute. We usually sell a bulk of it in the last few days. People tend to hold onto their money as long as they can.

During Halloween most people held back because they didn't know what costume they would wear or which character they would be.

Q: What are some tips you'd give a person wanting to host a party?

A: Make sure you have plenty of plates and tableware for your guests. Employees at a party store should know how to help you pick out exactly what would make the party a success.

Q: What makes the party business so much fun?

A: Generally, you're dealing with people who are fun. It's fun to buy the stuff as an owner as well. I get to see all the newest items and unique merchandise. I have to book Halloween items by January so the manufacturer can get what I need for the customer. I'd say Halloween is the most fun event of the year that I sell merchandise and that's where you get the most outrageous costumes. But that's what makes this such a rewarding and fun profession — dealing with the customers and meeting their needs in whatever way possible.