Today we’d like to introduce you to George Gilbert.
Hi George, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1986, and like most kids, I grew up fascinated by the feeling of wonder, the kind you get when you see something impossible right before your eyes. That sense of magic stuck with me, and by 2004 I found myself performing on the streets, juggling, making people laugh, and sharing moments of awe with total strangers.
Street performing taught me everything. It showed me how to connect with people, how to read a crowd, and how to make something from nothing. It also gave me the chance to travel the world. Over the years I have performed in more than 15 countries, bringing my blend of magic, comedy, and juggling to audiences of all ages and cultures.
In 2019 I decided to take everything I had learned and build something bigger. That is when I founded Southwest Florida Circus Company. What started as one performer with a dream has grown into a full-scale entertainment company serving all of Florida and beyond. We provide everything from specialty acts, photo booths, DJs, and foam parties to balloon twisting, face painting, and game zones.
Our mission is simple: to create unforgettable experiences. Whether it is a corporate event, a community festival, or a birthday party, we bring the energy, creativity, and passion that make people smile and memories last.
At the end of the day we love what we do, and we are grateful to keep spreading that same sense of joy and wonder that first inspired me on the streets of Baltimore.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a career in entertainment has never been a straight path. Starting out as a street performer meant learning everything the hard way. There were days when crowds didn’t stop, tips didn’t come, and it felt like the dream was slipping away. But those moments taught me resilience and creativity.
When I transitioned from performing to running a full entertainment company, I had to learn an entirely new skill set. It wasn’t just about putting on a show anymore. I had to understand business operations, marketing, logistics, contracts, and finances. I went from being the talent to being the person responsible for creating opportunities for other artists.
Like many small business owners, I faced challenges during the pandemic. Events were canceled, and the entire industry came to a standstill. It forced me to rethink how to serve clients safely and how to keep the company moving forward when live entertainment wasn’t possible.
Another big challenge has been scaling while keeping the quality and heart of what we do intact. Every event represents someone’s special day, so maintaining that personal touch as the business grows takes constant attention and care.
Even with all the ups and downs, I’ve learned that every challenge is part of the process. The lessons from the street, the struggles of entrepreneurship, and the responsibility of leadership have all shaped who I am and what Southwest Florida Circus Company stands for today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Southwest Florida Circus Company, we focus on creating experiences that bring people together. Our work is built around connection, energy, and joy. Whether it is a corporate event, a festival, or a backyard birthday party, our goal is always the same: to make people feel something they will remember.
What makes our work unique is the creativity and attention to detail that go into every event. We do not just provide entertainment. We design full experiences with foam parties, music, lighting, themed photo booths, DJs, and skilled performers who know how to engage a crowd. Every show and setup is customized to fit the atmosphere of the event.
We are proud to collaborate with talented entertainers from all over Southwest Florida. Many of them are artists, performers, and creatives who get to share their passion while helping clients celebrate life’s biggest moments.
Our clients often tell us that we make their events simple and enjoyable. They can relax and enjoy the moment while we take care of every entertainment detail. It is not just about having fun; it is about professionalism, reliability, and creating memories that last.
For me, this work is deeply personal. It is about giving people the same spark I felt when I first started performing on the streets. That small moment of wonder, the look of surprise, the sound of laughter — that is what keeps me inspired and drives everything we do.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important qualities in this line of work are creativity, persistence, and humility. Creativity keeps things fresh and exciting. Every event is different, and there is always a new way to surprise people or make a moment stand out.
Persistence matters just as much. Building a business in entertainment takes time, patience, and a lot of problem solving. There are long days, setbacks, and moments when things do not go as planned. The ability to stay calm, adapt, and keep moving forward makes all the difference.
Humility ties it all together. No matter how big the company grows, it always comes back to people. The clients, the performers, the families, and the audiences are what it is all about. Staying grounded and remembering that we are here to serve and to create joy keeps everything in perspective.
These three qualities guide every decision I make, from how I lead my team to how I interact with clients. They are the reason we have been able to grow while keeping the heart of what we do intact.
Pricing:
- Every event we do is unique, and so is the pricing. We customize our packages based on the type of event, location, number of guests, and the services requested. Some clients need a full production with multiple entertainers, music, and lighting, while others might want a single performer or a foam party setup.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swflcircus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swflcircus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swflcircus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SouthwestFloridaCircus
