Jun 33 min read

"Bet on Yourself"

Updated: Jun 17

Like many other college students, Joe Hurt had a part-time job. Starting at Gorilla Games in Minot, Joe began to learn the business side of one of his long-time passions, MAGIC: The Gathering. Joe was given the freedom to explore and develop his knowledge of business management, including event logistics, customer relations, and the fundamentals of supply and demand. Joe eventually made the decision to branch out on his own to focus on the trading and online sales of MAGIC Cards.

Joe found his calling in the niche online market of trading cards, and with the help of loyal clientele, Chaos Games was born. A successful cycle of buy, resell, and reinvest led to Joe leasing the original store-front. Armed with a few metal folding chairs and a handful of plastic card tables, the business found resiliency within the walls of the simple brick-and-mortar building. It was in this barebones space that Joe learned the day-to-day purchasing needs of a start-up business. He also had to navigate a global pandemic that came with issues like staffing limitations, in-person event safety precautions, and a major shift in the economy.

"At the time, it seemed like such an astronomical number. We paid like four grand to invest in board games, and more accessories, and some shelves to put them on. And I was just like, 'Oh my god, this is crazy. Why are we doing this?' And you know, now we get bills that are $20-30,000 and we just pay them off and go about our business.”

Making the choice to not take a paycheck and instead reinvest in the business was often a financially and personally crippling decision. Joe said Chaos Games would not have survived its first two years in business if it was not for the unwavering support of his wife, Deidra, and her successful business, Imagination DayCare.

When the time came to transition from a rented space to purchasing his own location, Joe had two years of active business and banking local with Town and Country Credit Union under his belt.

This is not often the case for many start-ups looking to expand into their own space. He firmly believes that opening the beautiful, new Main Street location was only possible through his relationship with his local lenders and their knowledge of Souris Basin’s Business Financing Programs, the Small Business Development Center, and local grants. This was another pivotal choice that led to the long-term success and sustainability of Chaos Games.

"Anyone and everyone involved in this process made it as easy as possible. I was just told, 'Hey, you need to write a check for this'. And if I asked, 'Oh, what is that for?' , someone explained it."

Located in the heart of downtown Minot, Joe and Deidra rehabbed an old building in need of a dramatic facelift. The couple added modern amenities, but kept true to the original architecture by preserving the coffered ceiling and breathtaking archway. Joe and his family, in collaboration with another local business, Signs Today, created a beautifully branded and accessible space. The venue invites people of all ages to come together, play games, and find a little magic.

The space includes ample shelving for MAGIC and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, LEGOs, board games, and other novelty products. They also have an inventory of various ice cream, sodas, and snacks to enjoy during your visit. Additionally, there is an event space with wall-to-wall tables for live games and a private area in the basement for birthday parties and gatherings!

Joe’s best advice for other entrepreneurs and start-ups: