Justin Clairmont is a local entrepreneur and founder of Get Out Mindgames, an escape room entertainment venture in Pittsfield. Justin grew up in Cheshire, went to school at MCLA, and founded his business in 2016 with the goal of providing a service for Berkshire County that nobody else had to offer. What he has created is truly unique to our region and is a great team building experience. Take it from us at 1Berkshire, we know first hand since our team had the chance to experience and escape the room.
We caught up with Justin to learn about how it all began:
1B: Talk to us about how you came up with Get Out Mindgames. What was your inspiration?
JC: I saw a few physical escape the room venues cropping up and I tried out several before I committed to creating my own brand. Similar businesses have succeeded in cities of similar size to Pittsfield. For me, it came down to adapting a successful model to a unique area. I actually planned on starting my business elsewhere, but due to unforeseen events, I came home to the Berkshires. Once I was back here, I realized that there was a huge lack of inexpensive entertainment options for adults in the Berkshires. It just made sense to go for it.
1B: A common misconception about entrepreneurs is the amount of time they put into the work week. As your own boss, how many hours do you work a week?
JC: About 35 hours running games or in the office, 5 or 10 shopping/building, and every minute of every day managing the rest from my phone. Even when I’m at dinner, or with my friends, or lying in bed, I find there is always still more to be done. I’m lucky there are smartphones – otherwise, I think I’d have to live at my desk.
1B: Do you see any big opportunities in the area?
JC: Huge opportunities are all around us, all the time. Anything that excites a person can be molded into a business opportunity in one way or another. The hard part is risking everything and diving headfirst into a project that may never pay off. It’s terrifying, really, because all the risk and responsibility inevitably lands on you.
1B: What was the biggest challenge of starting a small business in the Berkshires?
JC: The biggest challenge for me was finding an affordable location in Pittsfield. However, the city and the people of Pittsfield have been very friendly and helpful throughout the process.
1B: What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting a business?
JC: It’s easier than you think to get help. Many people out there want to help answer your questions, help you along, and offer advice. Don’t be shy. Don’t try to do it alone. Go out and ask for what you need. I started my business all alone and looking back, I feel a bit dumb. So many obstacles could have been avoided had I just gone online, or to the town, or to 1Berkshire or to a competitor, and just said “HELP!”
1B: Why should people start their businesses in the Berkshires?
JC: The way that people make their money here is changing. Certain fields are on the rise, more-so than others. It’s a time of rapid and profound change in our local economy. All change is an opportunity, and in a place like the Berkshires, anything can happen. The future of this area will be decided by the clever businesses that find a way to build long-lasting footholds.
1B: Any advice for the budding entrepreneur?
JC: Don’t chase the easy dollar. Invest in your community, invest in your brand, invest in your customers, and try to build something that lasts.
