'No small job': The man behind the 10th RNC balloon drop

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As signs and structures go up and around Fiserv Forum, Treb Heining is inside, making sure one of the most important tasks is underway.

He’s responsible for the ceremonious moment that will close out the convention.

“Every time it’s like a show for me and I want to make it the best performance we can possibly do,” said Heining.

He’s known as the “Father of Balloon Decorating.” He got his start at 15-years-old, selling balloons at Disneyland. There, he learned to tie balloons quickly, experimenting with different ways to sell and display them. From there, he invented balloon columns, balloon arches, lettering in balloons and everything in between.

Now, he’s getting ready for another big job.

“At this point in the convention, we’re always kind of in the way. They’re always like ‘get those things out of the way,’” said Heining.

It’s Heining’s 10th RNC preparing for a balloon drop and second time in Milwaukee. His first event in town was a balloon display at the then-Grand Avenue Mall in 1982.

On Thursday night, 100,000 balloons will fall from the ceiling after former President Donald Trump accepts his nomination as the Republican party’s candidate.

“When I'm standing on the press platform, I have to cue the drop and make sure it all works right,” said Heining. “It’s both very exciting to be a part of the political process but it’s also very nerve-wracking on that final night to make sure everything goes perfect, you know. And it’s never a given."

This time, he has the help of some students from Milwaukee Public Schools.

“It was a little bit tiring, my fingers are sore, but it was very exciting because we get to watch the balloons drop so I get to know I was even a part of it,” said Farida Qatoun, an MPS student.

Roughly 15 MPS students got to take part in something that most people may not think twice about.

“I’’ve never been a part of something like this – even if it’s just blowing up balloons. Being a part of something like the RNC is very exciting as a student,” said Qatoun.

Heining says don’t brush off balloons as something small.

“If they say go balloons and nothing happens after President Trump gives his speech, that’s a real problem,” said Heining.

It's the biggest part of the final act.

“How do I feel being the man behind it? It's an honor. It's a huge honor and I never take it for granted,” said Heining.