Today we’d like to introduce you to Elijah McCall.
Hi Elijah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been someone who likes to be active and have fun. My wife, Marissa, and I enjoy having people over and hosting events at our home. I was always brainstorming ways that we could make money outside of our full time jobs. One day my wife mentioned starting a mobile Nerf war business. After pondering on the idea, I thought it was great. Our son enjoyed Nerf and I was sure there were even more kids and adults that enjoyed it too. We could provide people with affordable entertainment without the hassle and headache of them having to plan and keep people engaged.
The best part of it all is that we would be mobile and the customer does not have to leave the comfort of their home or event location; we worry about the entertainment and they can focus on having fun and enjoying themselves. After holding onto the idea and running it by a great friend of mine, Victory Phillips, Hot Shot Combat was born. We brainstormed different ways to bring Hot Shot Combat to life. Today we provide all the gear, protective equipment, barricades and all other necessities to set up a battlefield at our customer’s location of choice.
After hosting several events, we began to think of things we could add to attract and bring in more business. We are bringing laser tag as well as water battles for the summer months. We have also added equipment rentals such as popcorn machine, snow cone machine, and an inflatable screen + projector. We plan to add bounce houses and inflatables, as well as tables and chairs to our list of inventory. We want to be a one stop shop of fun for anyone planning to host an event. Victory and I do the physical work and our wives are working hard behind the scenes coming up with new ideas and ways for our business to be more marketable.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Since beginning our business, it has not been a smooth road the entire time. For our very first event, we collaborated with a private university in the downtown Atlanta area. The event was great, we had engagement from students, faculty, staff and children of the faculty and staff. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves. After that event, the COVID-19 Pandemic hit and the road became a little rocky for the business. We were still able to do a few small events here and there but not the amount that we wanted to do. We have since adapted and are attempting to get ramped back up and are ready to provide fun and entertainment for all of our clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Both Victory and I have worked together for a few years. We both began working in security and transitioned into law enforcement. Our wives, Marissa and Emerald, are both teachers and once taught at the same school. Me and my wife Marissa were actually able to connect the both of them. In our professional careers we have made personal achievements and have been able to make a positive impact on the people we have come in contact with. Law enforcement has not just been a job or something to make money but has been a career path that puts you in contact with people during the worst parts of their day, if not their lives. We have been able to wear many hats during our careers and have helped many people through troubled times.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our wives, Marissa and Emerald, deserve credit as they work hard in the background of operating the business and keeping us motivated. Whether they’re working on social media, brainstorming new ideas or cheering us on; they deserve a tremendous amount of credit.
Contact Info:
- Email: hotshotcombat@gmail.com
- Website: www.hotshotcombat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotshotcombat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotShotCombat
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotshot_combat?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1
Image Credits
Elijah McCall
