Today we’d like to introduce you to John Duran.
John has been a top executive and highly regarded in the global business community. In the last 24 years, John has proven track-record in building and operating successful family entertainment facilities. His latest signature attraction is Gecko ParX Indoor Trampoline Park located in Weston, Florida. By establishing value, imagination and physical exercise, John creates an atmosphere where all ages can enjoy a weekly outing with the family.
He was the Co-founder of Riptide Entertainment which owned and operated several Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museums. He is on the advisory boards of several companies within the technology sector and the family entertainment sector. John’s ability to build relationships has continued with his interest in social concerns. He has been involved with a charity that has raised tens of millions of dollars for charitable work and has convened the highest caliber of global leaders on numerous social issues affecting our world such as poverty, global health, education, and environmental concerns.
John is currently working with numerous multi-national foundations, charities and non-government organizations. He is an active supporter of the Milken Institute, having attended the Milken Global Conference every year since the inaugural conference in 1998. He sits on the California Ronald McDonald Stanford Advisory Council and supports a number of charities both on a local level and internationally including Loden Foundation (Bhutan), the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation, American Lung Association, Organ Donor Foundation, Mariposa High School Technology Program, and The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. He also is a member of YPO-WPO International.
In recognition of his achievements, John has been honored by being awarded the 1998 Life Achievement Award, Mariposa High School from Congressman George Radanovich. John has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 40 business leaders under 40’ by the Pacific Coast Business Times as well as one of ‘Latin America’s Forty Under 40 Class of 2005’. He has been awarded the 2002 National Leadership Award. John graduated from California State University, Fresno with a degree in Business Management, and currently operates Gecko ParX Indoor Trampoline Park, in which he explains that his years of experience and passion for family entertainment motivated him to open a venue that appeals to all ages where the entire family can enjoy time together.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, every entrepreneur faces many challenges in any venture. This particular venture had more than its fair share of obstacles to overcome. Turning a warehouse to a general assembly building is no easy task. Also, getting the City inspectors to understand your business was a challenge. But with time and many change orders, I got through the process.
Please tell us about Gecko ParX.
The best indoor entertainment venue in South Florida, Gecko ParX has 40,000 square feet of exciting attractions and event spaces including trampolines, ropes courses, dodgeball courts, ninja courses, parkour, arcade, cafe, rock climbing, kids soft play area and much more where you can jump, play, practice, compete, and most importantly have fun. With 7 party room that is 180 degrees surrounded by water, it makes the experience unbelievable.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
It’s very simple for me. Less talk and more action.
Pricing:
- Ultimate Pass that is unlimited jump time $40.99-with Rope Course and Rockwall- is our top seller
- Birthday Packages starting at $350
- Corporate Events starting at $42 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: 3305 Corporate Ave
Weston, FL 33327 - Website: www.geckoparx.com
- Phone: 954-526-8180
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: geckoparx
- Facebook: geckoparx
- Twitter: geckoparx
- Yelp: geckoparx
Image Credit:
Gecko ParX Images
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