Student gains work experience while owning business

Student gains work experience while owning business

Written by Michelle Davis Wednesday, 07 June 2006

Chris Shaffer began his business, Outlaw Paintball, at the age of 16, but has played the game for eight years.

“I like it because it’s an adrenaline rush,” Chris said. “The sport is popular because anyone can play paintball. We even have a boy in a wheel chair, and one that is deaf that plays out here.”

Five years ago, Chris’ dad agreed to let him play on the weekends as long as he kept his grades up. Chris traveled an hour away to play in Red Rock, TX, and spent several hundred dollars every weekend.

“Little did he know I would actually keep my grades up, or that it would cost as much as it did,” Chris said. “Finally he asked me to sit down and figure out how much it would cost to construct a field and start a paintball business ourselves.”

Chris’ parents, owners of Shaffer Construction and Shaffer Concrete in Pflugerville, had space on their property not being used and offered to let him start the business in that area.

“We couldn’t use the property for anything else, so really it’s a win-win for everyone,” Debra, Chris’ mom, said.

His dad provided the financial backing for supplies like paintball guns, paintballs, goggles, and nets for the fields. They found the materials for the courses such as empty cable barrels from places that were going out of business.

“The hardest thing about starting this business was insurance,” Chris said. “Finding someone willing to insure a business that has guns and teenagers was really difficult.”

Chris’ parents feel like the effort and the expense paid off.

“He has learned a lot from this experience that he probably wouldn’t have learned at a regular part-time job,” Debra said. “We’re just glad he has been successful. He’s a hard worker; he doesn’t ever complain, and he’s made the business what it is today.”

The money made from the business will be used towards Chris’ college education.

Chris graduated this year from Pflugerville High School and plans to attend Austin Community College in the fall and then plans to attend The University of Texas or Texas State.

“I want to be close, so that I can still run the business on the weekends,” Chris said. “I just really enjoy it, and I like being my own boss.”

Outlaw Paintball, 1436 Grand Avenue Pkwy, Pflugerville, TX 78660, 512-252-1664