Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Knepper.
Hi Lee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In my teen years, like many kids, we would have Nerf gun fights in the yard, and as the group grew it expanded to the local neighborhood. This was a great way for me at the time to get outside, interact with people my age, and get moving. (though I am glad my parents didn’t word it that way to me at the time). The only slight aggravation to me was we kept losing the darts over time, and some Nerf guns were better than others.
In 2006, just into my freshman year at Kettering University, a very pivotal moment would occur. I found the Laser tag Team Ops brand laser tag gear in the clearance aisle at a local Walmart. Realizing that this tech might solve the lost darts cost, gun balance, and littering problem, I figured, why not try it for such a low cost?
Finding LTTO well-designed and effective, even outdoors during the daylight, I began running neighborhood and Dorm Room/College games using the laser guns. I continued and expanded the number devices in circulation in addition to starting to play in local parks, as well as letting the attendees invite whoever they wished for no cost. I came to a max equipment count around 2011 after scouring eBay for all traces of the LTTO gear for over a year. This allowed my friends and the community to share in my interests and the positive benefits of outdoor laser tag, where I began creating some of the missions we run today.
While running games with the LTTO gear, in 2007, I came across a YouTube video in my passion of searching the internet for all things laser tag. Eventually I stumbled upon Battlefield Sports: Australia, which had a few outdoor videos that showcased the style and capabilities of equipment I sought. Though affording the equipment in college seemed unlikely, in 2008, with a friend, I got a chance to try their equipment in Alpena at Laser Team Challenge for the first time, and it committed my interest in their product.
Then in 2014, there was an eBay listing with 16 used devices from a closed company using Battlefield Sports was for sale in New Jersey and they would ship it all. This was doable, as it was semi-local and cheaper given its used condition. This investment prompted a pivot in our club, bringing it into the Business realm through our LLC, branding, and significant improvements in our missions and technology.
Announcement Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M1LB4uOX_8
Mid-Michigan Laser Combat has been able to bring the fun workout and team-building opportunity to many more across the state. With the help of my team of young adults, our experience allows us to improvise in order to offer the best games and experience to our guests, no matter the location or age.
Our Showcase of advanced capabilities includes:
— Small Arms Combat Provider for the Worldwide Blockbuster LARP “Outbound Hope”
–Hosts games aboard the Museum Ship USS Edson
–Indoor-Outdoor hybrid private games
–Zombie Survival, Sci-fi, and historical genres of play
–Multi-purpose abilities, and escalating experiences from entertainment to tactical training
–Team-building opportunities for groups
Based out of Saginaw, MMLC hosts games primarily in the Mid-Michigan area, but have gone much further.
MMLC has been innovating and helping push the boundaries of outdoor and indoor laser tag for the past 12 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With all endeavors, there have always been ups and downs, though thankfully none have been significant so far, thanks in some parts to luck.
One of the biggest setbacks, as we market primarily through references, was the pandemic. Despite also being able to operate indoors and outdoors, the pandemic cut our demand significantly, and we had a 50% decline in events and 70% loss in player counts, upsetting the flow of referrals to learn about our offerings to the communities we are invited to.
We have also experienced some challenges regarding the experiences we offer as being negative, given the current culture around firearms and their frequent and inappropriate use nationwide.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work individually as an IT technician at Mott Children’s Health Center, in a team of 3, while specializing in Dentrix/Dexis EMR support. Most of the job entails offering a very wide range of support to the organization.
How do you define success?
The question is interesting, though my perspective on it seems.. unorthodox.
As a small business owner and an IT professional, it’s hard to say success exists. There is always a new technology, a new idea, and a task that can be done to improve future experiences for others. This generally makes success not seem relevant aside from generic ideas, like maybe when my hobby can financially support me on its own, you could consider it success, but I know there will always be improvements, tweaks, and experiences to push for the sake of players or co-workers, and therefore not really an endpoint.
Pricing:
- Private Games: 395+ (2 hours, 16 players)
- Public games: $25 for 3 hours ($20 for 2 hours battle)
- Joint Operations: depends on partner organization
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mmlcombat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmlcombat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidMichiganLaserCombat/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MMLCombat
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mid-michigan-laser-combat-saginaw
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mmlcombat
