10 Years of Puzzles, Panic, and Pure Joy: Why Running an Escape Room is So Special

When I first joined the escape room industry, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into. I just knew I wanted to help create something fun for the Hampton Roads area , that made people light up, and I wanted to be really clever about it. I loved the idea of building immersive stories that people didn’t just watch, but actually lived through. What I didn’t expect was just how deeply this work would impact me, and how much joy it would bring to so many lives.

Running an escape room isn’t just a job; it’s a backstage pass to people’s happiest memories. I’ve watched couples on first dates turn into proposals. I’ve seen awkward coworkers become actual teammates, that touch each other. (OK, I mean high-five each other.) I’ve witnessed shy kids step up and become puzzle-solving heroes in the eyes of their parents. And I’ve been lucky enough to be part of all of it.

The Joy Is in the Details

Every switch, sound cue, hidden drawer, and secret passage exists for one reason: to delight someone. To create that moment of “Oh my gosh, it opened!” or “I never would’ve guessed that!” Designing escape rooms is part theater, part engineering, part psychology, and part magic trick. The best ones are built with love and an eye for the tiny details.

Behind the scenes, there’s sawdust in your hair, paint on your jeans, and a Google Doc full of wild ideas titled “IT WOULD BE COOL IF...” But there’s also laughter, collaboration, and the quiet satisfaction of building something that brings people joy.

It’s a People Business Disguised as a Puzzle Business

Don’t let the locks and lasers fool you. This industry is about people. The team members who give hints with just the right timing. The guests who shout “I KNEW IT!” with absolute delight. The families who make escape rooms their go-to tradition. The birthday groups, the nervous dates, the tourists, the locals, and even the skeptics who walk out as enthusiasts.

Every group brings its own energy, and every game is a chance to make someone’s day. That’s a powerful thing. And after a decade of doing this, it still feels just as special.

Ten Years Later and Still Escaping

Reaching ten years in business feels like something definitely worth celebrating. It hasn’t always been easy. There have been slow seasons, pandemics, unexpected repairs, tech meltdowns, and plenty of late nights spent wondering if we were on the right path.

But we’ve grown. We’ve adapted. We’ve stayed true to what matters. And that persistence, that creativity, that determination to keep going even when things got tough, is exactly what escape rooms are all about.

I’m incredibly grateful to still be here, creating new experiences, watching groups beat the clock, and celebrating their wins. I’m thankful for the team members who’ve helped build this alongside me, and for every player who’s stepped into one of our rooms ready for adventure.

Here’s to ten more years of mystery, laughter, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for being part of this story.

And remember — you should always check the coat pockets.