Founders in Full
Founders in Full explores the future of family-focused solutions—from innovative tech startups to mission-driven services and products that help parents, caregivers, and families thrive.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders on what it really takes to start and scale: from customer research and product-market fit to brand positioning and marketing strategies that drive growth.
Whether you’re a family-focused founder, investor, or advocate, you’ll hear real stories and practical lessons on finding your ideal customer, crafting trust-building messaging, choosing the right channels, and prioritizing time and budget when every decision counts.
Hosted by Dan Ritzke—Fractional CMO and FamTech Marketing Consultant—Founders in Full shares the stories and insights of the people shaping the next generation of family-centered solutions.
Founders in Full
Tim Carstensen | Foam Party All Stars
Tim Carstensen, Founder of Foam Party All Stars, shares how a summer side hustle turned into a thriving entertainment business that brings joy to kids (and relief to parents) across the Chicago suburbs. A full-time elementary PE teacher by day, Tim started the business with one foam cannon, a DIY website, and a few postcards—and quickly grew it into a multi-location operation serving hundreds of daycares, schools, and families each year.
We explore:
✅ How Tim’s entrepreneurial streak—and a knack for working with kids—helped him build a fast-growing brand from scratch
✅ The marketing tactics that fueled early growth, including old-school postcards and parent referrals
✅ How he balances teaching full-time, running a seasonal business, and raising three kids
✅ The challenges of scaling—hiring the right people, automating marketing, and keeping up with demand
✅ What it means to build a brand that parents trust and kids absolutely love
Tim shares candid lessons on starting small, thinking creatively, and staying intentional about growth—even when your “side hustle” takes off faster than expected.
👉 Learn more about Foam Party All Stars: https://foampartyallstars.com
👉 Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-carstensen-b6a914a/
Connect with me (Dan Ritzke):
I’m a Fractional CMO who helps FamTech companies position their brand, sharpen their messaging, create marketing strategies that drive growth, and oversee execution to make sure those plans turn into results.
👉 Visit my website: https://danritzke.com/
👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ritzke/
Apply to be on the podcast or nominate a founder:
👉 Founders in Full: https://danritzke.com/podcast/