By Ashley Grant, Times Correspondent
In Print: Monday, June 29, 2009
Steve McCabe is owner of the Xtreme Fun Center in Largo. The center is known for its laser tag arena. For more information, go to www.xtremefuncenter.com.
Starting a business requires making some difficult decisions, especially when leaving a secure corporate job to do so. Steve McCabe, 42, did both when he left a steady salary in 2004 to open the Xtreme Fun Center in Largo. That summer, immediately after construction began, he faced a big obstacle — Mother Nature — which jeopardized the center's opening. But McCabe pressed on.
When did you leave the corporate world to start your own business?
In July 2004, I gave my notice and then came here to begin construction on the Xtreme Fun Center. Three hurricanes later, we almost went belly up. Around September is when we officially opened. The hurricanes definitely delayed us. I used to work for Cox Target Media as a national sales rep for Valpak and worked for Marriott. The reason I left the corporate world is I was on a plane every day and my kids were about to start middle school. I didn't think it would be a good idea for me to be gone all the time. So, my wife and I cashed in our 401(k) and took a big gamble.
What made you choose this type of business?
We went to one of our competitors with two other couples on a Sunday night when a youth group was there. We started counting heads and realized it was pretty busy and thought it was a good idea to start a business like it. It took me about a year of research to find a place I could afford to be at. I chose Largo because it is centrally located and the rent is reasonable for us.
What is it like transitioning from the corporate world to being a business owner?
The stresses are different. When you are working in the corporate world you have a person to report to and you have numbers and a budget and a quota to maintain. It is very stressful in the advertising world. Now, owning a laser tag place I worry about whether we'll have enough birthday parties throughout the month to pay the rent. However, there are some cool parts. I usually come to work in shorts and a T-shirt. I'm not wearing a suit and tie anymore. That's nice.
If you could go back to the corporate world, would you?
That is a tough question. I wouldn't go back because I like the life I live now. It's totally different being able to be home when your kids are home vs. being in a different state every day and having to be a parent over the phone.
What is your typical day like?
I come in and make sure everything is working and I make sure my employees are going to show up. We have high school and college kids that work here so I have to make sure I always have a staff here. We do between 10 and 20 parties a weekend so I make sure everything is taken care of for those as well.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I still plan on having my business here in the same location. I'll be here at least until my kids get through high school and then who knows, maybe sell it in the future and move to North Carolina to live in a cabin.
What is your favorite thing about owning this business?
The kids. They come here and have a great time. When I worked at Marriott their biggest thing was customer service and that is our biggest thing, too. I also love the wow factor. When a kid walks in and says, "Wow!" that is what it's all about. We take care of the birthday mom and especially take care of the kids.
What advice would you give someone who wants to own their own business?
Do your research. I went to conferences and interviewed people in other states that have similar businesses. I asked them what they did that worked and what didn't. When people say have a six to 12 month cash reserve, do it. You could go through it very quickly. If you have a bad month, it's gone.
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