Fun Runs in the Family
I met Kyle Allison a few years ago, and was immediately fascinated by his entrepreneurial approach and his love for running a family business. The pandemic affected so many companies, with the hospitality industry hit especially hard. Allison and his father opened Altitude 1291 just as the world was shutting down, but their business-savvy and employee-first culture helped ensure the doors remained open. Now, Altitude 1291 is a thriving entertainment spot filled with laughter and fun, with Kyle Allison’s leadership philosophies fueling his family’s business.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I was fortunate to grow up in the family business and watch my family build a corporate events company. I worked with my dad for years, and knew that was what I wanted to do when I grew up. I tried working in the corporate world during college, and it just was not for me. I love family businesses—and when you can mix it with the hospitality business, it doesn’t get better than that.
What was the best piece of advice you were given when you were first starting out? Watch every penny that is spent in the business. I graduated college during the 9/11 recession and thought if we could survive that, then we could survive anything. Fast forward to last year and the COVID pandemic; our industry was one of the hardest impacted, and that advice of watching the financials was very important during the last year.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have made in starting or running your business? The biggest sacrifice I believe I have experienced is spending time with my family. The long hours can be tough. In this industry, we work nights and weekends while everyone else is not working. While I get to work with my dad, I do miss time with my kids. On the flip side of that, the flexibility of being a business owner is getting to leave work for those special moments with your kids like a recital, graduation, performance etc.
Tell us how you came up with the idea to build Altitude 1291, and what does the name mean? Altitude 1291 was a combination of many years of deciding what was next for our family. We had operated another entertainment center and also produced off-site events for years. We knew that eastern Oklahoma County needed a facility like ours, and Midwest City was an excellent partner to help get this project completed. The altitude of Tinker Air Force Base is 1,291 [feet], so incorporating that into our name was only fitting.
What have you enjoyed the most since opening your doors? We are in the business of fun. People come to us to escape what is happening in the world. I love being able to provide an environment where you can sit back, relax and play. Especially over the last year, our guests have craved the opportunity to get out and have a fun time.
I know that your business involves more than Altitude 1291; can you tell us more about your family business? My dad started Allison’s Fun Incorporated over 25 years ago. We produce corporate events across the South Central United States. We have an inventory of over 150 inflatables, games, carnival rides, arcade games etc. We specialize in turn-key company picnics. We also have arcade games and game rooms placed in other entertainment facilities and restaurants.
What are you most proud of with your business? I’m proud that Altitude 1291 is a meaningful member of our community providing entertainment, jobs and community service. Giving back to the community is important to me, and I can’t wait to give more as we recover from the pandemic. Over the years, our businesses have been the first job for many young adults. I started working at a young age, and I believe that your first job helps to build responsibility and work ethic while helping you prepare for school, post-secondary education and a successful career.
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build your-self back up? I have never believed in failure. When you put your mind to something, you can do it. It may take extra work and long hours, but I am confident that all things come together—or don’t come together—for a reason.
What do you love in life? My family. Business owners sacrifice a lot of things, so when I get to spend time with my family, I love it. I enjoy going on quick trips with my wife and kids; we enjoy exploring Oklahoma and all the great things we have in our state.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not at work? Travel. While travel and work often happen together for me, I love exploring. Travel for me is an escape into exploring another city or destination. My wife and I love food tours and connecting with local culture to experience new things on all our trips.
What is your favorite “luxury” in life? My favorite luxury is my laptop. I love to be connected, so pretty much everywhere I go, I have my computer with me. I can work, watch a fun video, connect with friends and do pretty much anything, anywhere!