ESCAPINATOR - ESCAPING THE WORST OF COVID

Formerly known as the Escape Masters, the business is just three years old but has overcome two Covid lockdowns and once again is flourishing.

It didn’t happen by accident either. Owner-operators Dana and Lance are proof that hard work, enthusiasm and ingenuity are a perfect antidote to being forced to close – twice - because of a pandemic. Along with Dana’s daughter Jillian, the three combined their talents – and energy - to ensure they did more than survive Covid.

Dana joined the Business Network International (BNI) group, Success Like No Other and the organisation marketed and promoted Escapinator endlessly on social media.

Escapinator also got some business from playing McDonald’s Monopoly game. They did pamphlet drops. They visited every school in Taranaki.

Escapinator are unique escape rooms in New Plymouth, ideal for groups of students, workmates and clubs and when it re-opened the response was amazing, says Dana.

“After both closures it was as if New Plymouth opened up its heart to us. I think it also had something to do with the fact that we offered something totally different.”

IF THERE WAS A BUSINESS RESILIENCE AWARD, NEW PLYMOUTH BUSINESS ESCAPINATOR WOULD BE RIGHT UP THERE.

“Having the BNI promotion on Facebook and other social media really helped and we also found word-of-mouth recommendation was really strong.’’

Lance points out there also seemed to be much more awareness of Escapinator in the local business community, which also helped.

That neatly leads us to the highlight of 2022 for Dana and Lance.

They entered the TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards and in the New and Emerging Business category pulled off a major coup when they were awarded Highly Commended by the panel of judges.

At the gala dinner the two ended up on the stage receiving their certificate in front of nearly 400 businesspeople. The judges’ comments included:

“You clearly understand the business you are in and target your market. We felt your enthusiasm and passion for your business. You have strong commitment to the business, each having different strengths, which complement each other well.

“You both show strong commitment to the business for growth and development. You have a clear vision for your business in terms of mission, objectives and strategies. This is greatly assisted due to you having a very strong combination of skills which provide for innovation and entertainment of customers.’’

‘’It also helps that you have a passion for escape rooms and willingness to put a lot of extra hard work and effort, and this clearly came across.’’

If you and some workmates want a great team-building exercise and a lot of fun in their Zombie, Pirate and Train rooms, contact Lance or Dana on:

44 Currie Street, Level 1 New Plymouth 4310 +64 6 757 3640 enquiry@escapinator.co.nz