By Sheila Grant
Special to the Aroostook Republican
G-Force Laser Tag, based in Caribou, is the SBA’s Microenterprise of the Year. Like many small business owners, Brian and Kimberly Plavnick faced numerous challenges while struggling to launch and grow a new business. Perhaps what distinguishes the duo and their seven employees is the innovative ways in which those challenges were overcome, and the company’s commitment to giving back to the community via numerous in-kind donations and fund-raising events.
In 2006, the Plavnicks began exploring the possibility of opening a youth-based business.
“We didn’t have much of a nest egg,” said Brian Plavnick. The couple dreamed of opening a fixed-location facility that offered youths a variety of activities to do under one roof.
“I worked on a business plan and shopped that around, but it was very difficult to get a loan at that point, especially for a youth-based business, from a bank or any other source,” Brian Plavnick explained.
Eventually, one bank official suggested that the couple start off with a smaller idea.
“I took his advice after trying hard to do the thing that I wanted,” Plavnick said. But financing remained elusive, so the business plan was scaled back even further. The couple decided to focus solely on laser tag. When financing still could not be secured to buy the equipment necessary for startup, Plavnick, who has a technology background, decided to develop his own product.
By the summer of 2008, the company had built 16 taggers and was ready to offer mobile events, rather than owning a fixed-location business.
“The first year we definitely lost money,” he said. “The second year we started making a little bit, and each year after that we grew. We put all of the money back into the business. About two years ago, we were doing really well, so we decided to go back again and try to get additional funding to get more equipment.”
Plavnick returned to the Northern Maine Development Commission, one of the entities which had reviewed his original business plan.
“They really liked what I was doing and believed in it,” Plavnick said. An arrangement with the NMDC, using SBA funds, provided significant financial support, allowed the company to consolidate financing, and reduced its monthly payments.
The company has been able to add “inflatable city” to its laser tag course landscaping options. The number of taggers has increased to 80, with another 40 to be finished by summer. A six-person wrecking ball and a 150-foot-long “military style” obstacle course, a gaga ball, a bounce/jousting arena, and sumo wrestling have been added to the company’s portable venue options. Customers can also opt to have fog, a light show, and even food. The most recent expansion of services is the addition of music by DJ NoKlipz.
Both the financial support and the award have deep meaning for Plavnick.
“I have worked for myself since I was a little kid, and I’ve always had to do everything with a shoestring, or even a broken string, budget,” he said. “I’ve never had anybody believe in me before; never had a business loan before; and never been recognized for the hard work that I do.”
G-Force Laser Tag travels throughout New England and beyond to provide entertainment at a variety of events — from birthday parties to corporate events. For more information, call 227-5562 or visit g-forcelasertag.com.
Aroostook Republican photo/Theron Larkins
State Rep. Carol McElwee, right, awards Brian and Kim Plavnick with a sentiment from the Senate and House of Representatives honoring the owners of G-Force Laser Tag with the United States Small Business Administration’s Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award for Maine. The sentiment was originally awarded at the State House on June 9. The sentiment from the 126th Legislature states, “G-Force Laser Tag teaches those involved to work in a team environment, while also building self-confidence through interactive play.”
