While many people still struggle to make ends meet, or to move up the corporate ladder, two local young entrepreneurs are using innovative business ideas to earn their own income. Blair McDonald, owner of On The Run Mobile Oil Change Service, and Ty Worthington, owner of Tag 'Em Mobile Laser Tag are a pair of 20 year old friends who elected to roll up their sleeves in hopes of becoming successful in their respective fields. Ty decided to start his own business as he really liked the idea that how hard he worked would ultimately determine his success, while Blair got into business for himself as he wanted to work a 70 hour work week with the knowledge that he wouldn't be restricted to 40 hours a week at the same place.
On The Run Mobile Oil Change Services is Brandon's first mobile oil change service, where they come to your location and complete the work on the spot. They service all passenger vehicles or light trucks any time that suits your schedule, anywhere within 10k of Brandon. Blair tells bdnmb.ca that he first got the itch to go into business for himself after working as an apprentice mechanic with a dealership in Brandon for two years. He followed that job by working as a self contracting insurance salesman. Through that experience Blair says he gained his "entrepreneurial" mindset. One day Blair and his good buddy, Ty, were spit balling ideas and he mentioned on site oil changes. So, combining his mechanic, and self employment experience, he took the idea and got to work on starting his own mobile oil change business. A year and a half later and business is thriving.
Tag 'Em Mobile Laser Tag, owned by Ty Worthington, is Brandon's newest and hottest entertainment in mobile kids (and adult) parties. The concept is perfect for back yard parties as they bring the fun to you . Ty says he decided to get into the mobile laser tag business as he noticed growing up that every kid had the same birthday party every year. Nothing new or exciting had come to Brandon. So he started his research, found out about mobile laser tag and purchased his first set of guns! Now a year later he has expanded his inventory to embody10+ Inflatables, including a 85ft Long mobile zip-line. His success running his own business affords him time to pursue some other passions like selling real estate with Royal Lepage Martin Liberty.
Being a young business owner does come with its own set of unique challenges. Ty says “the biggest obstacle would be that some people don't take me as a young professional seriously and don't believe it is my company.” Blair adds “Uncertainty for sure, I've had tremendous ups and downs. It's hard enough trying to develop a thriving business as it is, but at the same time having people all around you shoving the "get a job and grow up" concept down your throat.”
As for the future they both have lofty goals for expanding their existing business footprint while maintaining the same level of customer service and support which has made them successful to date.
