About Us
Who are the Berkowski's?
We are a small Midwestern family comprising of owner mom (Sarah), jack of all trades husband (Matt), and elementary aged product tester (Grace). You will often find our extended family - the aunties, uncles, and cousins - helping out; they put the family in our COmpany.
What is Berkowski & Co.?
Berkowski and Company (aka. Berkowski & Co or B&Co) is our small enterprise focused around family and fun, doing what we love and loving what we do. We specialize in unique party favors and painting parties.
In fact, we are one of a very few businesses in Northern Illinois that offer giant LED balloons AND eco-friendly balloon alternatives for most events or celebrations.
What is the history of Berkowski & Co.?
2020: Our founding year
In 2020, originally, Berkowski & Co. started as Berkowski Family Farm - a micro pastured poultry grower on the family's 5 acre farm. We offered our first birds for sale that summer.
2021: COV1D shut downs
2021 was the year of shut downs. Farmer markets closed. Restaurants struggled to stay open. People were order to shelter in place. We were dedicated to growing wholesome, local chicken, but our costs were beginning to rise.
2022: Changed family dynamic and recommitment
At the end of 2022, our then toddler was diagnosed with Epilepsy. COVID was rampant, and it was... a difficult diagnosis to understand. Although we know Epilepsy is not an "end all" condition, it holds a lot of uncertainty for the future. Because the future was so uncertain, we knew two things:
One, that if our daughter's Epilepsy progressed, managing it could be difficult. It can be silent and misunderstood. And two, we would provide a safe place for her to grow, learn, and feel connected to the local community.
We would continue our small business and build it up for our daughter's future.
2023: Post-COV1D pivot
By 2023, our feed prices had doubled. What was a $10 bag of chicken food was now almost $20. It quickly became unsustainable. The writing was on the wall. Small farming was just too small to stay in business in rural Midwest. The markets would never be the same again.
We made the hard decision to pivot our business to something else well loved in our community - small town festivals. We offered our first giant LED balloon and (to our great surprise and delight) it was a hit!
2024: New balloon alternative introduced
In 2024, we took our giant LED balloons on the road. They lit up the night sky like floating galaxies. We also introduced an eco-friendly balloon alternative: Japanese Paper Balloons and Paper Lanterns. Kids loved the shapes and parents loved their plastic-free design.
2025: New services and products introduced
Now, in 2025, we are expanding our selection to include:
- NEW! customizable LED handles
- NEW! handle colors for bubble balloon party favors
- NEW! paper balloon with matching greeting card gift set
- NEW! community-orientated service: Paint Parties
- NEW! booking form
Our goal is to make 2025 the best year so far, and it's shaping up to be a great one.
Are you really a farm?
Yes. Although we do not farm for retail anymore, we do raise some birds on our family 5 acre farm for personal consumption. We also use the old dairy barn for assembly and storage of some of our orders.
Ready to book your party?
Click the link below to fill out our form and get a FREE quote!