Hans and Victoria met at Pizza Ranch in Willmar 12 years ago and eventually got married. Hans is the quiet one with all of the ideas and Victoria is the outgoing one that is very risk-averse. Together these Elevate graduates share their new entrepreneurial adventure...Rendezvous Axe Throwing!
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Sarah Swedberg, the Elevate program manager, celebrates three years of the program with Hans and Victoria, entrepreneurs from the second-ever class. They discuss their journey from meeting at Pizza Ranch to venturing into entrepreneurship, including real estate investing and the decision to start an axe-throwing business. Despite initial doubts, they explored the idea, did research, and adapted their business plan based on market trends and their target demographic.
Hans and Victoria share their experience of diving into the world of axe throwing, despite limited prior experience. They focused on catering to casual throwers rather than hardcore enthusiasts, which influenced their choice of location and the size of their lanes. Their journey also involved challenges in finding the right space, transitioning from renting to owning a building, and clarifying partnership agreements. They emphasize the importance of complementary skills, risk assessment, and flexibility in adapting their business plan to meet evolving needs.
The couple discusses their commitment to providing a positive work environment by offering competitive wages, drawing from Victoria's recruitment experience and recognizing the correlation between pay and company reputation. They believe that investing in their employees is essential for the success of their business and prioritizing work-life balance to avoid burnout. Their story reflects the journey of navigating challenges, making informed decisions, and staying true to their vision while catering to the needs of their community.