Tailgate Kids was founded by Carlos Michael Padilla after attending a college football game. During the pre-game tailgate parties Carlos Michael observed several groups of children enjoying themselves with their parents. After some creative thinking and research, Carlos Michael came up with the idea of forming a children's entertainment company that would entertain and educate children while having fun. Based upon the tailgate model the new endeavor would come to be called the Tailgate Kids.
The idea behind Tailgate Kids' mission statement is education through entertainment: motivate, educate, empower, and entertain.
"Tailgate Kids is an education based entertainment company that brings education and entertainment together through party entertainment," (Carlos Michael).
Carlos Michael believes children learn best when they are having fun. "What better way is there to educate children when they don't realize that they are learning?" (Carlos Michael). "Much of the learning process is accomplished through the entertainment our Party Entertainers (PE's) provide to the children," (Carlos Michael).
The primary product of Tailgate Kids is service. Some argue that entertainment is the primary product. Carlos Michael begs to differ. "We are the consummate professionals when it comes to service," states Carlos Michael. "I want TGK to be recognized and respected as a true 'Concierge of service!'" This is what has come to be known as the Carlos Michael Philosophy; the cornerstone of Tailgate Kids.
The CM Philosophy is modeled after Carlos Michael's boyhood hero, Walt Disney, founder of the Walt Disney Company and the Disneyland theme parks. "Disney believed absolutely in visual imagery, imagination, and service. Visitors and employees alike who work at or visit Disneyland are viewed as equal parts of the same puzzle; each playing an important role that compliments the other," (Carlos Michael).
"Disney's philosophy is a perfect blend of entertainment and education through the magic of imagination," (Carlos Michael).
Tailgate Kids is a menagerie of cast members with a mandate to entertain and educate children through the magic that is Tailgate Kids. "That is the spirit of our mission statement and the motto by which we operate." (Carlos Michael).
Welcome to Tailgate Kids!
