87 years of balloons and big values: the Sempertex story
Most of us grab a bag of Sempertex balloons without thinking twice about where they come from. But sitting down with the CEO and VP of Sales and Marketing at the Sempertex International Balloon Convention in Orlando completely changed the way I see this brand.
Whether you're a solo balloon artist or running a growing team, understanding the companies behind the products you depend on matters. It shapes the way you talk about your materials with clients and helps you feel more connected to an industry that's bigger than any one of us.
From Gloves and Pacifiers to the Best Balloons in the World
Sempertex was founded in 1938 in Colombia by Leo's grandfather, an Austrian immigrant. The company originally made all kinds of latex products; gloves, pacifiers, toys and yes, balloons. But in the early 1980s, Leo's uncle Oswald made the bold decision to focus exclusively on natural latex balloons. That pivot, paired with a family-wide obsession with quality, is what built the brand we know today.
Leo told me something that stuck with me. His grandfather believed that if a Colombian family was going to spend their hard-earned money on a product, that product had to deliver real value. Quality was non-negotiable from day one.
Hiring for Values, Not Just Skills
Here's where it gets practical for every balloon business owner. Leo shared that when they bring someone onto the team, they always ask one clarifying question… "Do we see this person working with us in five years?" They've passed on talented people who just didn't fit the culture.
As someone who hears from listeners constantly about how hard hiring is, this hit home. You can teach skills, but you can't teach passion, values or personality. If you're thinking about hiring your first employee, don't miss checking for culture fit.
Women, Farmers and Giving Back
One of the most surprising things I learned is that 65 to 70 percent of Sempertex's workforce is women. Leo's grandfather started this intentionally because women in Colombia had very few employment opportunities at the time. That commitment has stayed for 87 years.
They also work with 250 small farming families who grow rubber trees as part of a crop substitution program, helping families move away from illicit crops. And the trees aren't chopped down; they produce latex for 25 to 30 years. That's a sustainability story worth sharing with your clients.
What's Next for Sempertex
Marcela shared that the company is focused on strengthening relationships with their direct distributors across more than 70 markets. They're also growing DUR, a new business unit that recycles balloons left over from manufacturing and even collects used balloons after events in Colombia. They're hoping to eventually bring that program to the US.
Listen to the Full Episode
This conversation left me feeling genuinely inspired and more connected to the brand so many of us depend on. Tune in to hear the full story, including Leo's take on delegation and why Marcela was the first to spot the COVID-era balloon boom.
