March’s Small Business Saturday features VR Game Truck Nebraska. Last year after the Columbus Norfolk Moms website had been up and running for a few months, Michael reached out to learn more about us and what we were doing for moms in Northeast Nebraska. Norfolk is pretty small compared to Houston, so I had already seen the game truck in town a few different times, so I was thrilled when we finally connected.
I chatted with Michael about his inspiration to start this unique business and his passion for continuing to serve Northeast Nebraska.
Where are you from originally and where do you call home now?
I was born in Greeley, Co. I came out here to go to the Christian college when it was here, and Norfolk has been my home ever since.
Are you a parent? How old are your kiddos?
Yes, I have 3 kids. They are 15, 14, and 7 years old.
When did you start VR Game Truck in Norfolk and what was the inspiration behind starting?
I started the company in 2021. I have been looking at various businesses over the years because I have always wanted to run my own business. When I learned about this type of business it seemed a good fit not only to make money but to mix with my interests as well. I think Virtual Reality is a very awesome thing and will be used more and more as the years pass.
What services do you offer?
Party Services/Event Packages
We are basically a party service in which we “Bring the Party to You.” However, we go beyond gaming, and we offer an amazing Educational VR experience for schools and a Jesus VR Event for religious organizations. And of course, our Entertainment VR experience is good for birthday parties, family reunions, fairs, proms, corporate events, and just about any entertainment event you can think of. If you want to provide people with a fun and unique experience, we can do just that!
Game Club
New this spring, we are starting a Game Club. April 15th through October 15th VR Game Truck Nebraska Game Club will meet weekly at SkyView Park! This new club option will allow students to meet two hours each Wednesday from mid-April to mid-October (2:30pm-4:30pm). Play options will include: single player VR, multiplayer VR, couch co-op games, and even online games. There also will be opportunities for tournaments and prizes throughout the duration of the club. Participants must be 10 and older to register. The Wednesday slot is only open to kids. The plan is to grow with demand. As interest grows, more time slots will be scheduled for different age groups. Cost for this club is $75 a month.
What areas do you service in Nebraska?
We serve all of Northeast Nebraska and even South Dakota and Iowa. However, our best prices will be in locations within one hour of Norfolk.
What was the inspiration behind the name?
It is just a simple name a lot of VR Game Truck companies use. The person who builds these trailers for us would like to see a game truck in every state, and we would too. It only helps business if more people are aware of what we do from state to state.
What did you do before starting VR Game Truck Nebraska?
I have a degree in Physical Education (K-12) and History so I taught in various schools.
How else are you involved in the community?
I volunteer at First Christian Church from time to time.
How has the Norfolk community impacted business?
Norfolk, although it is growing, is still too small for us to survive on Norfolk alone, so we rely on neighboring places to give us enough business.
What’s your favorite thing about being a small business owner?
I love being able to develop the business the way I want and reaping the rewards of it. I like to be creative and try lots of things. Sometimes you cannot do that when you are working for someone else.
Best advice for someone wanting to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship or wanting to open their own business?
I recommend patience, and if you can set aside some money to live on beforehand, while business grows, because even with the best ideas it just takes time to develop a new business.
Future plans for your business?
We are still growing and have to do many things to get needed revenue. Eventually I would love to have enough bookings to get multiple trailers and hire people to service events. I would love someday to have VR trailers all across Nebraska servicing events.
Any special sales or deals Columbus Norfolk Moms mamas can take advantage of?
Mention you saw us on Columbus Norfolk Moms and get 5% off your next event.
To learn more about VR Game Truck NE:
Based Out Of: Norfolk, NE
Serves: All of Northeast Nebraska and parts of Iowa & South Dakota
Website: http://www.vrgametrucknebraska.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vrgametrucknebraska/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/vrgametrucknebraska
