Major Tom's Page

What is the name of your business?

Flightdeck Air Combat Center

What is your website URL?

http://www.flightdeck1.com

Where is your business based?

Anaheim

What is your name? (We prefer your full first and last name but you can use either, or even a nick-name.)

Tom Hubbard

Describe your business (product, service, quirky things you want to include, etc.)

Located in the shadows of Anaheim Stadium, Flightdeck Air Combat Center is Southern California’s most unique entertainment venue. Authentic F-16 jet fighter cockpit simulators allow individuals and groups to experience the thrill of airport take-offs, aerial maneuvers, air-to-air combat (aka dogfighting) with guns and missiles, and aircraft carrier landings. Enjoy the experience of being a Top Gun pilot without ever leaving the ground at Flightdeck!

Who is your customer?

Our customers are people who are looking for a truly fun and unique entertainment experience, whther they are locals, people visiting from out of town, or corporate owner/managers looking for something out of the ordinary to build team cohesiveness, communication, and morale.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My business partner was a patron of Fightertown USA in Lake Forrest in the 1990's. It was his idea to do something similar in a better location.

How long have you been in business?

As of this date (March 2009), we have been open to the public for 3.5 years.

What's been your greatest moment so far? (i.e. Signing your first client, getting the big order, some great PR?)

Everytime somebody goes out the front door with a big smile on his or her face, saying "That was fun!" is a great moment.

What was your biggest mistake?

Not having a more specific business plan in place when we opened.

What was your smartest move?

Hiring employees who have become passionate about our business and customer's experience.

What are your business plans? (i.e. Expansion, franchising, selling for a gazillion dollars?)

We would like to move into a larger facility in a higher traffic area in Anaheim. We are open to both franchising our business as well as opening other flight simulation centers in other high tourist/business rich cities (i.e. Vegas, Orlando, etc.). We also would be open to partnering with another entertainment related business.

Are you a member of any OC-based associations, networking groups, etc?

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.

Are you willing to answer questions about your business from other small business owners?

Yes