Off the Ground: From the Brink of Bankruptcy to a Billion-Dollar Trampoline Empire

Summary

In 2011, Case Lawrence was facing financial ruin. His real estate business had collapsed in the wake of the Great Recession, and bankruptcy seemed inevitable. With a wife, six kids, and no clear path forward, he resigned himself to finding a traditional job–until a spontaneous trip to a California trampoline park changed everything.What started as a simple curiosity turned into an obsession. Could he turn trampoline parks into a profitable business? Could he scale an industry that didn’t even exist yet? Armed with nothing but a lawyer’s skepticism, a failed entrepreneur’s hunger, and a family’s unwavering belief, Lawrence decided to take the leap.The result? Sky Zone–a global entertainment empire with 300+ locations, millions of customers, and a billion-dollar valuation.But success wasn’t instant. No investors. No blueprint. No proven market. Instead, there were lawsuits, a pandemic, and countless moments of doubt. In Off the Ground, Lawrence shares the raw, unfiltered truth about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship–the setbacks, the pivots, and the victories that only come when you refuse to quit.This book is more than a business memoir. It’s a blueprint for resilience, creativity, and surviving when the odds are stacked against you. Whether you’re a startup founder, a small business owner, or just someone looking for inspiration, Off the Ground will challenge you to think differently about courage, risk, and the unexpected opportunities that can change everything.Key takeaways Trends and principles driving the rapidly growing “experience economy” Why failure is often the best setup for success The key strategies behind scaling an unproven business model How to innovate and lead in a new industry What it really takes to survive as an entrepreneur For fans of Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger, Off the Ground delivers an honest and gripping look at what it really takes to retain your values, your nerve, and your perspective as you build something from nothing.Because success isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about learning how to bounce back.