Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Fonfara, Owner of Tactical Escape 101, located in Rice Lake, WI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business names: Tactical Escape 101 and EndGame Mini Golf.
My actual business? Joy, connectedness, and togetherness. Everything I do is centered around those things. Unless our bodies, families, and communities are joyful, connected, and together we suffer as a whole.

Tell us about yourself

I started the business because I was tired of working for employers who don't understand how essential it is to serve their people. In this motivation, I found my true love of servant leadership.

My, why is simple: Time.
I believe that time is there one unrenewable resource and that it is possible to work, play and live joyfully. Doing this makes mean better wife, mom, and grandma. (Because the sweetest word ever spoken is actually GRANDMA.)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In 2019 I was awarded the highest honor of my life. The awards for being a patriotic employer from the DOD. I was nominated by my employees, and it was an amazing honor.

Accomplishments are hard to gauge. Multiple successful escape room locations were built in an era in which no one even knew what escape rooms were, now adding mini golf and soon to expand into more entertainment areas...

My greatest accomplishments happen on the faces of my employees and guests as they smile and engage with one another.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For me, the most difficult parts involve communicating all the thoughts in my head with my team. I am consistently intentional about communication, and it's helping.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. This isn't easy. Be ready to fight for it or stay on the porch.
  2. Ask yourself one question, "Is my business going to fill a gap for my community?"
  3. You'll have more doubters than fans. That's ok. It's your dream, not theirs.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I Love my brands, our fans, and my organization. Let's be clear, not one piece of this happens without the people that hold me up every day, my teams. I am greatly blessed by strong people, and that's why we've been successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tacticalescape101.com/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Tacticalescape101/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tactical_escape_101_ricelake/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fonfara-a223a642/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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