In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for a unique type of sport or hobby - axe-throwing. Local entrepreneurs Derek and Shayla Sharman have noticed this trend and have observed that axe-throwing locations have been sprouting up across Nebraska, including in Columbus.
After visiting axe-throwing venues in other cities, the couple decided to open their own business several months ago, called Axe in the Box. Derek and Shayla felt that a town the size of Columbus should have at least one axe-throwing location, especially since other towns in the area already had similar businesses.
They conducted research and realized that Columbus was the only community of its size without an axe-throwing facility. With Derek's educational background in business administration and accounting, they felt confident in their ability to successfully operate this type of business, despite it being their first venture in this field.
"I worked at an accounting firm, then BD for a few years and have been at NPPD (Nebraska Public Power District) for three and a half years. It’s something I’m looking forward to operating on the side, managing, employing people in the community for," Derek said.
Shayla's primary role is a stay-at-home mom for their four (soon to be five) children. She shared that the process of starting a unique business with multiple components has been an educational experience for them. Shayla explained that starting a business takes much longer than anticipated and requires more resources than expected. Despite the learning curve, they are doing a good job in figuring everything out.
Derek stated that their business idea is straightforward: customers pay for a time slot and throw axes at the targets. The facility has safety measures in place, including a tutorial before patrons start and anti-bounce back technology to ensure the axes stick to the targets. Instead of using rubber-gripped axes, they have constructed the facility with mats that absorb the shock of the axes hitting. Although the facility and website are still under construction, once completed, customers will be able to book time slots and fill out waivers online. Additionally, Derek and Shayla plan to serve beer in a limited capacity. They are thrilled to bring something new to the community and are eager to open their doors.
"We saw this as an area that no one else was providing this product, we wanted to kind of get it here, get it opened because it’s such a niche," Derek said. "We’re not the size of Omaha where you can have two, three, four of them, there’s only so many people, you need to find that one thing people enjoy here."
Derek and Shayla agree that it can serve as a stress-relieving outlet for some through friendly competition. Their slogan, "Feel the zing of the fling," encapsulates the essence of the experience. Derek draws a comparison between axe-throwing and other activities, such as golfing and visiting crash rooms, where people pay to break things. All these activities provide a sense of thrill and competition that people enjoy.
They anticipate opening their business location at 311 E 23rd St. during the summer months, depending on how quickly they can finish construction and complete all the necessary paperwork. Shayla expresses excitement about the potential for their business to bring something new to the town, providing entertainment for families, couples, and individuals. The venue will be ideal for date nights, corporate events, or even just chatting with other patrons.
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