Aqua Ballz, LLC

The anchor of the business is a large, oxygen-inflated clear ball that allows patrons to climb inside and float, walk, run, and roll on water. The balls are housed in an inflatable pool. The ingenuity of Aqua Ballz allows patrons to experience a wildly fun and safe experience without getting wet. The business will allow locals and visitors in Ocean City, Maryland to enjoy a seasonal experience tha

t is completely unique to the area. The company was founded by a young, yet experienced entrepreneur named Trevor Hardman. Hardman has owned his own lawn and landscaping business, and has come from a line of family entrepreneurs in the construction and restaurant businesses. Hardman’s six year old son has inspired him to start Aqua Ballz, a business that aims to provide the ultimate experience for local residents and visitors to Ocean City, Maryland. During a visit to a shopping mall in the Washington, D.C. area Hardman came across Euro Bobbles. Euro Bobbles is a similar business concept that operates in the malls’ common area. On this particular Saturday afternoon Euro Bobbles was surrounded by over 30 observers and nearly 40 people stood in line waiting for their turn to climb inside the big clear ball. Hardman’s son looked up at him and said “Daddy, can we do this together?” So often families are limited by what they can do together while on vacation, whether its age restrictions, height requirements, or other barriers. It was at this pivotal moment that Hardman began planning Aqua Ballz. Growing up as a vacationer in Ocean City and recently moving to the area, Hardman knew that this concept was just what Ocean City needed for children, youth, and adults. After talking with many locals about their interest in the idea, the need that it could fill for the area and the importance of a new, family-friendly activity, Hardman pursued innovation in creating the right business for Ocean City. By researching the manufacturing companies of the balls and the infrastructure of the amusement, Hardman created a framework for Aqua Ballz that is different from any other attraction using the balls as a local amusement.