When Anthony Claire and his wife, Lorenza, bought his two young children battery operated Jeeps, he had no idea that it would be the start an expanding local business. The Jeeps were such a large hit that family and friends began to rent the Jeeps from Claire for their own parties. This was the beginning of Time 4 Fun, an event company that has been expanding for 15 years.
“It started in 1994 with basic mascots, but for the past 10 years we mainly supply carnival games and inflatables,” Claire said of his business.
Claire received help from the Center for the Acceleration of African American Business, an organization that helps local African American-owned businesses expand. The center’s Eddie Davis acts as a mentor to Claire, helping foster relationships with clients, providing direction and most recently, helping Claire move the company to overall event management.
“He is a dynamic businessman,” said Davis. “He is very dedicated and focused. He receives constructive criticism well and uses it well. One thing that I am really impressed with is that he is not only a great businessman, but a devoted family man.”
In May, Claire started the All-Star Family Entertainment Network, which is a group of local businesses that deal with event management. Other items offered for events include go-carts, mascots, clowns, ponies/horses and party decorations.
“This makes it easier so customers can get all they need for a party in one place,” Claire said, adding that most of his business is from repeat customers and referrals.
Along with the inflatable attractions and entertainment services, Time 4 Fun also sells large coloring books that cover topics such as economics for children, African-American leaders, child safety and more. Time 4 Fun acts as an independent distributor for Really Big Coloring Books, Inc. In addition, Claire makes customized coloring books that are published through the same company. Claire has made large coloring books for 2008 Olympic 100 meter hurdle gold medal winner, Dawn Harper and for state Sen. Rodney R. Hubbard.
As a member of Believer’s Temple World Fellowship, Claire is a part of the church’s Kingdom Business Ministry. Another of Claire’s mentors is Arthur Porter, who taught Claire for 10 years under the church’s business program. Now Claire is using his business experience to contribute to the church. “We will be the first church that I know of that will have a functioning party center,” Claire said. Believer’s Temple celebrated the opening of their party center August 2.
Some of Claire’s customers include organizations such as Better Family Life, Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys and Girls Club, 100 Black Men, and Girl Scouts Inc. In the fall, Claire wants to begin teaching entrepreneurial classes to young people. “Three keys that I try to live by are empower others, stay spiritually grounded and create your own opportunities,” Claire said.
Claire is now marking Time 4 Fun’s 15th year in business. They will hold a celebration on November 28 as a way of saying thank you to their customers. The event will include games, inflatable attractions, clowns and giveaways.
For more information about Time 4 Fun, call 314-995-8625 or visit
