Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Hollander.
Scott, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
On a trip to Canada, I came across an axe throwing location and was inspired. When I returned to Chicago, I started working on a concept for my own place, and opened Thunderbolt Chicago Axe Throwing in April, 2017.
During my time as Thunderbolt, I was in communication with BATL, who had created the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF). They allowed me to be an NATF member and we kept in touch.
Fast forward to Summer, 2017, BATL reached out to me to partner with them in expanding to the United States. I was very excited to work with BATL because I knew them as the originators of the entire industry, and they were the ones I looked up to when creating my own business model.
We struck a deal and now Thunderbolt is BATL Chicago! I’m continuing as their General Manager, working to make it a true, thriving, BATL location.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Starting Thunderbolt had plenty of its own unique challenges. Also, the process of partnering two businesses together can be very complicated and involves a lot of legal work and remediation. Ultimately, if you’re dedicated to making things work and communicate well, you’ll figure out a way to make it happen.
The process of rebranding and re-creating a business is also one that takes a lot of work and a lot of time, but it’s worth it in the end!
BATL – Backyard Axe Throwing League – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
BATL stands for Backyard Axe Throwing League. It has that name because it began in a backyard in Toronto, Canada. It began as a group of friendly axe throwers and developed into a full business. But, it holds on to its beginnings, with the same leadership that it had from day one.
Because of its history and authenticity, BATL is able to hold amazing events and leagues. We get people to engage in friendly competition, often with a little trash talking thrown in. And at the end of the day, our guests have a blast.
For more serious throwers, BATL’s leagues are a great way to throw a lot and compete. BATL hosts the NATC (National Axe Throwing Championship) every year, where people fly in from all places to compete and to attend Axe Prom.
Our service and history are definitely what sets us apart.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was opening day, where we were able to introduce hundreds of Chicagoans to axe throwing for the first time. It was the first time that the business operated and it was a success.
Pricing:
- Events are $40.95+tax per person and are available any time by booking on the website.
- Walk-ins are $19.95+tax per person and are available on Friday (6p-9p), Saturday (12p-3p) and Sunday (2p-5p).
- League membership is $119.95+tax for eight weeks of lots of throwing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4842 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL, 60641
- Website: http://batlgrounds.com/axe-throwing-chicago/
- Phone: (773) 245-4151
- Email: chicago@batlgrounds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batlground/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/batlgrounds/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/batlgroundsaxe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/batl-the-backyard-axe-throwing-league-chicago-6
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
