December 2025 – Monthly Recap

A Stress Test Month, Plain and Simple

Author

Ramon Luna
January 06, 2026

December did exactly what December tends to do in this business: it got quiet.
Not dead, but quiet enough to expose things that don’t show up when volume is high.

The calendar was as light as it looked on paper. Fewer events, more space between them, and just enough activity to keep me from fully unplugging. In hindsight, it felt like a classic low-volume stress test — not of demand, but of cost structure.

The Numbers (Zoomed Out, Not Zoomed In)

Revenue came in just shy of the low-teens, which is well below the goal but still ahead of where things stood this time last year. About 15 events carried the month, with a heavy concentration in the top three jobs, which made up the majority of revenue.

That concentration cuts both ways:

  • When the big jobs land, they really matter

  • When volume drops, every cost shows up louder

By most objective measures, December 2025 was better than December 2024, but it fell well short of the longer-term goal of continuing to double. That gap is real, and I’m not dressing it up.

Cost Structure Under a Microscope

This is where December got interesting.

  • Labor landed around the low-20% range, which is high for me. Fewer jobs and lower average revenue per event will do that fast.

  • Rent crossed north of 30% of revenue, which is painful but expected in months like this.

  • Software and subscriptions took a noticeable bite — another reminder that “fixed” costs don’t care how busy you are.

  • Legal and accounting hit this month as well, a necessary expense but one that distorts a single month if you don’t zoom out.

None of this feels reckless. But it does feel clarifying.

The “New Level” Moment

Somewhere in the middle of the month, I realized something quietly unsettling:

This just feels like work now.

Not in a bad way — just… normal.
Most setups felt routine. Most decisions felt familiar. I went several days without taking photos of jobs, which is new for me. Part of that is seasonality, part of it is repetition, and part of it is probably experience.

I don’t think I care less.
I think I care differently.

About 75% of what shows up now feels predictable. That’s progress, even if it doesn’t come with fireworks.

Paying Yourself (And Feeling It Immediately)

I gave myself a raise.

Nothing dramatic — about $3,500 per month — and honestly, it feels risky. In a slow month like this, it sticks out immediately. You feel every dollar that leaves the business when volume drops.

What’s uncomfortable is realizing this probably isn’t the final version.
I’ll likely need to increase my take again if this becomes sustainable — which makes the next few months even more important.

The A-Player Shuffle

Losing my main guy at the start of the month was stressful. No way around that.
I spent more mental energy than I’d like figuring out coverage before jobs.

Ironically, it worked itself out. Another regular became more available, which led to us working together far more consistently. It even pushed him to get a car, which changed the dynamic entirely.

I don’t think it lasts forever.
But it taught me something important: I can’t keep winging labor.

I’m officially starting the search for a full-time hire now, knowing it’ll take time to do it right.

What I’m Actively Saying “No” To

I’m no longer chasing small orders aggressively. Honestly, I’ve never really been a chaser. But now, I’m caring a lot less.

I’ll take them if they come in, but I’m not preemptively waiving fees or bending pricing just to land them. I don’t think I’ve “earned” the right to hard minimums yet — but I do have enough data now to know what hurts margins.

That clarity feels earned.

Inventory Clarity

I spent time reviewing inventory performance this month. No big surprises, but it’s helping to formalize a framework I didn’t have before:

  • When something’s been requested multiple times

  • When older gear is clearly being stretched

  • When buying beats limping along

Less impulse. More intention.

Looking Ahead (With Clear Eyes)

December reminded me why this business is seasonal — and why structure matters more than optimism.

I’m shifting focus toward quarterly goals, not just monthly ones. The target is $50K in Q1 revenue, with January penciled in around the high single digits. Right now, that looks ambitious. Only a handful of jobs are on the books.

That’s okay.

Slow months buy something valuable: mental bandwidth.
I’ll use it to analyze, plan, and make better decisions before volume returns.

Winter is here.
And this time, I’m paying attention.

Until next time
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🛠 Tools I Use (and Recommend)

These are the tools that keep Peachy Party ATL running smoothly — from quoting clients to managing logistics to staying organized.

  • Goodshuffle Pro (referral) – My go-to for inventory, scheduling, contracts, and payments. It keeps the rental chaos under control.

  • Gusto (referral) - I’m still learning about payroll, if Im being honest. But Gusto has an easy to use platform and give me the confidence I need t go to the next level.

  • Next Insurance (referral) - We all need insurance! This is a great platform to help you get started.

💳 My Credit Card Stack

These are the cards I actually use to manage cash flow, earn rewards, and soften the blow of big purchases.

US Bank - Triple Cash Card
Updated: November 2025
$500 cash back bonus, 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers

Amex Blue Business Plus (referral)
Updated: October 2025
12 months 0% APR + 15k Membership Rewards after qualifying spend.

🎪 Rental Industry Resources

If you’re in the rental world — or thinking about jumping in — these are the channels, tools, and communities I use to keep learning and leveling up:

📚 What I’m Learning From Right Now

A rotating list of the things feeding my brain so I can feed the business.