Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/815055
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2017 5 E S C A P E : T H E F I N A L C O U N T D O W N HWY 1 W. ELIE, MB (877) 665-8537 YOUR WEEKEND LUUUUKE'S GOOD! WWW.LUKESTOWNSERVICE.COM Covering all of Manitoba and the rest of North America. Less than Truckload/Truckload Flatbed Temperature-controlled Rail Intermodal Guaranteed Service Transborder Pri Private Fleet Dangerous Goods services: North American Coverage 77 Canadian Terminals & 200 U.S. Service Centres Over 3,000 Pieces of Transportation Equipment 24/7 On-line Customer Service Assistance Real Time Shipment Tracing special features: Shipping Your World TM 1.800.265.1485 www.manitoulintransport.com BY DAVID SQUARE A Westman management consultant and entrepreneur recently discovered that puzzles and mysteries are a treasure map to success. Michelle Budiwski unearthed the business secret when she launched Escape: The Final Countdown in Brandon last August. Budiwski's concept was an immediate winner with people from all walks of life who are intrigued by problem solving. Located in the city's downtown, her business consists of three separate rooms, each with a different scenario and range of difficulty to accommodate a variety of players and age groups. For example, Budiwski says The Game Master's Revenge is designed for groups of six to 10 players, which is "perfect for parties and recommended for ages 12 and up." The object of the game is to outwit "that kid you teased in school for being so smart … She wants revenge. The only way to escape her judgment day is to prove you are smarter than she is by playing her games and winning." Participants must escape the game room or solve the mystery in 60 minutes or less, says Budiwski, who writes scripts, designs rooms and creates props with her 23-year-old son, Jesse Gilbert. "Our Game Master monitors every room with video and audio and is available to provide additional clues upon request," she says. The first clue is free; additional ones can be purchased for $5 each at the discretion of game participants. Clue proceeds go to local charities, with a new organization chosen as a recipient every three months. "Players are very generous about paying for clues," says Budiwski. "Since we opened, we have donated $7,500 to charities in the Westman area." There is also a collection box for non-perishable items for local food banks in the waiting room, and Budiwski offers special rates for non- profit organizations. Moreover, she is currently working with Youth for Christ in Brandon to host a fundraising tournament for groups of four players, who must rescue the inhabitants of a building that is about to be demolished by solving an escape problem in one hour. The success of Escape: The Final Countdown has led to a growth plan that now includes portable, pop- up tents for use at community events or for parties at private residences. The price is $650 daily or $350 for four hours, plus a room takedown cost of $100. Included are custom game designs, props and on-site staff. This summer, Budiwski will expand to a permanent indoor site at Clear Lake. She expects Riding Mountain's large summer population of cottage owners, tourists and their children will enjoy the challenge of unravelling a puzzle as part of their vacation plans. Kids under 10 are admitted free with two paying players, and many games are designed to appeal to players of all ages. One example is The Great Granny Rescue, based on the Grimms' fairytale Little Red Riding Hood. This popular puzzle has a success rate of 50 per cent, compared to 24 per cent for The Code Breaker's Legacy, a more complex game recommended for ages 16 and up. When The Great Granny Rescue is closed in April it will be replaced with another family-friendly room, Through the Looking Glass. "Whether players solve the mystery or not, the main point is for everyone to have a whole lot of fun!" says Budiwski. The Clear Lake location will open on the May long weekend and close at the end of the Labour Day weekend. For corporate clients interested in team building opportunities, the Brandon facility includes a board room for training at the end of a game. Budiwski, who operates Butterfly Consultations from her office building in Rivers, is available to facilitate training sessions by providing "guidance and assistance to help clients plan and implement business strategies to develop and grow … personal and financial goals." As director of Butterfly Consultations and Escape: The Final Countdown, she has used her business acumen to promote charities, encourage tourism and create jobs. For example, Escape has a full-time manager and assistant manager as well as several part- time employees. BRANDON BUSINESS ATTRACTS PUZZLE LOVERS OF ALL AGES ESCAPE GREAT ROOMS Participants must escape the game room or solve the mystery in 60 minutes or less, says Budiwski, who writes scripts, designs rooms and creates props with her 23-year-old son, Jesse Gilbert.