Today we’d like to introduce you to Earl Link.
Hi Earl, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Atlanta GA @ Grady Memorial Hospital on June 17th. I’m the oldest of 3 siblings. I have a younger sister and brother. I have three kids, two sons and a daughter. I grew up in Summer Hill off of Grant St. I attended Momma Bakers daycare, Slayton Elementary, Holyfield Boys & Girl Club, P.A.L.S & Camp Best Friend. By the time I got to middle school, we moved to College Park and I went to Ronald E McNair Middle School. I attended Creekside high school in the 9th grade. Then we moved to Riverdale and I transferred to North Clayton which is where I graduated. In the Early 2000s, I started club & street team promoting for a few clubs in Atlanta. I also hosted one of the best community days on the SouthSide, DEUCE DEUCE DAY. It was a cookout where we gave back to the community. Around 2009 I opened up Capitol City studios and started managing local Atlanta artists and childhood friends Lil Hot, BMX Beesy, and a few others.
Around 2014 I had a dream where I walked into a modern-day version of a game room and that’s how I got the idea. I started buying equipment piece by piece and applied for my LLC. But of course, life happened. Unfortunately, I separated from my ex-fiancée of 12 years and the timing was bad. I lost my job at Coca-Cola, mentally frustrated bills and were behind. I had to return the equipment I previously bought to make ends meet. It was difficult every time I tried to get started, something always knocked me back. After about 6-7 months, I finally got another job at Pepsi. I was there for seven years and then the Pandemic hit. During the Pandemic the job became harder due to everyone getting sick and calling off. And on top of that, my little brother passed from Covid. I woke up one day and said F*#k this! I believe in me and I believe in my vision so I walked out having faith. I took majority of the money from my 401 K and got some help from my significant other and began the process over again.
After purchasing all the necessary equipment tvs, gaming consoles, extra controllers, gaming chairs, and retro arcade machines I was ready. Only thing I needed was a location. It took about a year to find a building in a good location that would allow a gaming arcade. In November I found a space by Southlake Mall. Finally on December 3rd, 2020 I signed the lease and started to make my dream a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is a challenge itself. It’s going to test you. I had a basic idea about business, but now I’m learning that the basic is not enough. So everything seems challenging because I’m learning as I go. Every day, every week there’s a new obstacle to jump over. I think the most challenging is building the brand & having access to information. For example grants, business credit, gaming programs, marketing, and promotion. The internet is full of information. Some that is useful and some not. So trying to find the right information has been a challenge. Nowadays everybody wants to sell it to you instead of actually helping and showing you the way. That’s where I want to come in. I want Gametime to also be a business center where you can come find the information and resources you need to succeed in starting & running a business, especially for the youth. Almost like tutoring for business owners.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The feedback and support I’ve been receiving for Gametime. I had a vision but I didn’t think it would come out this good. It’s a dope spot and I’m proud of it. It looks better then what I saw in my dream. You should come check it out!
Pricing:
- $20 per hour
- $35 per hour for 2
Contact Info:
- Instagram: gametime_gaming1
- Facebook: GameTime Gaming LLC
- Yelp: GameTime Gaming
