A SHAILER Park business is a shining example of – dare we say it – the post-Covid “pivot”.
Nicole and Peter Lander invented Laser Skirmish in 2002 and was doing a decent export trade of up to 200 units per month.
But that stopped when China shut down and parts became unavailable for new stock. So they packed their laser shooting kits into a box, and shipped them out to anybody who wanted to hire them.
Laser Tag in a box was already operating as a successful arm of the business and had been so for 11 years.
But with export orders falling about 80%, they turned their focus to the part of the operation they could best control.
“We re-did our website, focused on expanding Laser Tag in a box, and we’ve managed to have our best November ever,” Ms Lander said.
The company packs a minimum of four kits for two-versus-two team play, but can cater for up to 550 people which they did at a Scouts Jamboree.
The company also has four sites where Laser Skirmish is played, at Mt Cotton, Mt Crosby, at Thunderbird Park Mt Tamborine, and Samford which is currently shut for renovations.
The Landers started the business in 1999 when Mr Lander felt there was a better experience than indoor laser tag and Paintball, both which were increasing in popularity.
“We kind of took the best of both worlds,” Mr Lander, a computer scientist, said.
Initially, the lasers wouldn’t work in sunlight, but modern technology has changed the game. Literally.
It can be played outside in daylight or at night, and the Landers have packaged the rules as a team game. It’s a common inclusion at school break-ups, and now vacation care.
“Some of the teachers have made it a bit of a tradition,” Ms Lander said.
A hiccup in export trade was frustrating as all the tech for kits was being assembled in their Shailer Park factory. There were only a couple of components being brought in from China.
Their main export markets were the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium and other parts of Europe.
Ms Lander’s business title is “chief fun officer” and all staff at the factory have code names – Hammer, Raven, Rabbit as examples.
They’re proud that they’ve been able to bring video games to life in an outdoor environment. And there is an option for people to theme their play, such as a zombie theme or Fortnite.
Despite the roller coaster year, Ms Lander is no stranger to adversity in business. She developed the company’s first website while in a hospital bed waiting to give birth to son Ben who is now working with the business.
“Over the next year, we’re looking to launch new brands to market,” she said.
Seems there’s no stopping determination.
