Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Storm.
Brian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2016, friends of ours decided to open an escape room business in Florida. I followed their journey closely and served as a sounding board for them throughout the process.
In doing so, I learned a lot about the industry and fell in love with it! The escape room industry is only a few years old, just an infant in the world of business. We realized it is an amazing concept, as it is great for families, friends, parties, schools, teams, corporate team building and anyone who wants something more interactive, more fun, and more challenging than typical activities like bowling, movies or bars. So we decided to do more research, put together a business plan, and dive in! We incorporated in June 2016 and entered the Amazing Entrepreneur contest with Partnership Gwinnett. We were named finalists for the contest and had to present our business plan to a panel of judges.
In October 2016, while in the middle of our build out, we won the contest! We completed build out, including design and install of our room themes, games and puzzles by the end of the year. We opened our doors in January 2017. The first few months were a challenge as people didn’t know about us, but we definitely turned a corner in the spring!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any new business, there have been plenty of struggles! From finding a location and working through the build out process, to hiring and staffing, owning a small business is very challenging. In our business, because most of our bookings are done online and there is minimal walk-up business, we need staff we can count on to be available when last minute bookings come up. So they have to be reliable, nearby, and have great personalities so we can provide outstanding customer service. The other struggle is getting our name out there. We are located in an office park off Peachtree Industrial Blvd (Business Park Dr, near the NAPA Auto Parts), not on a main road. So we rely on word of mouth, social media, Google search, and great reviews to spread the word. It can be frustrating, because we have excellent rooms with outstanding puzzles and games, and our reviews are awesome. So we should be booked pretty solid on weekends with families and friends, and during the week with corporate team building events. It just takes time. We have definitely seen a boost in business the past few months, and we redesigned our website recently which has helped tremendously.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Brainstorm Escape Games is THE #1 destination for team building activities and events in Atlanta! We have real-life “escape” games where groups work together as a team to find hidden objects, solve puzzles, and crack codes to “escape” within one hour. We have four themed rooms, and each of them require all of the elements of good teamwork. P
roblem-solving skills, keen observation, leadership, creativity, and proper communication are essential to beat the clock and secure a victory. It is the perfect activity for groups to come together for a unique, entertaining, and engaging purpose.
We are known for having great puzzles and games that appeal to experienced escape room players and first-timers alike. In fact, our Game Masters are trained to customize the experience for each group based on their experience. Our customer service is unmatched, as we take a Disney approach to making sure everyone who comes through our doors leaves with a smile, whether they escape in time or not. We are so proud of the consistent comments about our staff, our dedication and our service. And we are equally proud of the fact that people love our themes and find our puzzles/games challenging, fun and memorable. One other thing that really sets us apart from every other escape room in the area and throughout Atlanta is our 1,000 square foot event space, dubbed the “Lightning Lounge”! We can accommodate large groups, provide catering from locally owned restaurants, and allow them to enjoy their activity/games as well as their celebratory meal all in one place. They don’t have to take over our lobby and hallways.
They get a dedicated event space that opens to the outside (weather permitting) and has the feel of being in town since it’s a converted warehouse. We expect this space will sell out late in the year as we approach the holidays. We are already getting calls for end-of-year holiday parties!
What were you like growing up?
I have always been creative. I’m a natural problem solver, I’ve always loved a challenge.
As a kid, it was solving the Rubik’s cube, and once I could solve it, it became a challenge to see how fast I could do it. I love puzzles and brainteasers, and any game that challenges the mind. In business, I became a certified facilitator for brainstorming sessions, so I can work with a company who needs ideas and help them unlock their potential (pun intended). That’s where our name comes from. I’m a big believer in the power of bringing minds together and brainstorming. We offer companies these brainstorming sessions if they need to build an idea bank. I also grew up as a musician, playing multiple instruments. So again, it’s always been about creativity.
Pricing:
- Area 51, Catacombs and Black & White rooms are $28 per person (60-minute experience)
- CSI Atlanta is $32 per person (70-minute experience)
Contact Info:
- Address: 3060 Business Park Dr., Suite A
- Website: www.brainstormescapegames.com
- Phone: 770-609-8738
- Email: info@brainstormescapegames.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainstormescapegames/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brainstormescapegames/
- Twitter: @BrainstormEsc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brainstorm-escape-games-norcross
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainstormescapegames/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
