We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aleksei Kniazev. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aleksei below.

Aleksei, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When I moved to the US in 2013, I was working in internet marketing and mobile game development, running my own agency. But honestly? Making money online felt uninspiring to me. I always dreamed of creating a brick-and-mortar business—somewhere I could actually walk into, with a real presence and a real connection to people. The online work was just a step toward that bigger vision.

Then one day, MazeRooms from LA came to my agency. The moment I learned about their business, something clicked. This was it—an escape room business was exactly what I’d been looking for, blending my love of game design with a tangible, offline experience where people could dive into another world.

My brother, who’s also my business partner, was just as excited. Together, we immediately focused on Redmond, WA. This was a place full of potential: home to Microsoft, Amazon, and Nintendo’s offices, but in 2015, it had almost no entertainment options. And for a geek audience, what could be better than escape rooms? It was a perfect fit—where we could build something unique, immersive, and perfectly suited to the local crowd.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Aleksei Kniazev, co-founder of Conundroom Escape Rooms and Pacific Axes in Redmond, WA, and the author of How to Open an Escape Room Business, a book that has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners. I moved to the US in 2013, coming from a background in internet marketing and mobile game development, where I ran my own agency. However, I wanted something more hands-on, a business where people could experience something immersive and engaging in real life. In 2015, I discovered the escape room industry and immediately knew it was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for game design with a tangible, interactive experience.

Conundroom now offers a range of unique escape rooms that blend intricate puzzles, engaging storylines, and immersive settings. We design experiences that challenge players, promote teamwork, and let people escape from the everyday. Pacific Axes adds a twist to entertainment, offering axe throwing alongside arcade games and craft beer. We cater to families, friends, and corporate teams looking for innovative team-building events.

What sets us apart is our commitment to detail and quality. We work closely with local artists, integrate innovative technology, and ensure each room or event feels memorable and high-quality. I’m proud of our reputation as one of Washington’s most immersive escape room providers, and our loyal customer base reflects that.

Through my book, How to Open an Escape Room Business, I’ve been able to help aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs start their own ventures in the industry. It’s rewarding to share what I’ve learned and see others succeed. Ultimately, what I want clients and fans to know is that our experiences are crafted with passion and purpose. Our goal is for each guest to leave feeling challenged, connected, and thoroughly entertained, whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or a corporate event.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

How I met Bill Gates in my escape rooms.

As a kid, the first time I saw a computer, I asked my parents, “Who made this?” They answered, “Well, probably Bill Gates.” From that moment, Gates became a symbol of incredible technology, inspiring my own path to creating things. Nearly 15 years later, during the holiday season in 2017, that childhood memory resurfaced in the most unexpected way.

My brother and I were at a holiday breakfast with family when we got a message from one of our new employees, who’d only been working with us for a week: “I think someone who looks a lot like Bill Gates is playing in our escape room.” Naturally, we dropped everything and rushed to the escape room. And when we arrived—there he was, Bill Gates himself, playing with his family.

We didn’t want to disturb him; we weren’t even sure if it would be appropriate for us to walk in after the game. So, we asked our new employee to approach Gates after the game and ask if we can come in to meet. My brother and I waited, watching through the cameras, hoping for a signal to enter and introduce ourselves.

But instead, we saw the employee chatting with Gates—and just as we were ready to step out, we saw the Gates family gathering their things and leaving. When the employee returned, we asked, “What happened? Did he refused to meet us?” It turned out he’d only asked Gates if he could meet his “friends in the office” without mentioning that we were the creators of the experience! Melinda Gates kindly replied that they were very busy and needed to head out, and off they went.

In disbelief, my brother and I stood there, stunned, as this moment we’d dreamed of just slipped away. We went outside for air, and at that moment, we saw Bill’s car drive by. He looked over at us, probably thinking, “Oh, those must be the ‘friends’ the new guy mentioned.”

And that’s how we almost met Bill Gates—but not quite. This experience motivates me even more; it’s a lifelong lesson that sometimes opportunities require decisive action. If we had just stepped out of the office as he was leaving, we might have had a chance. But we were too stunned to react, and that moment taught me that sometimes, you have to seize the moment without hesitation.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation was built on a simple strategy: customers first, profits second. We’re deeply committed to the customer experience, and we go out of our way to make sure everyone leaves feeling satisfied. We often offer special discounts to make our experiences more accessible, and if there’s ever an issue, we provide gift cards or other means to make things right.

When it comes to negative reviews, we take a constructive approach. Instead of defending our position, we focus on how we can improve and make it up to the guest. This approach—putting customer satisfaction ahead of short-term profits—has been essential in building trust and loyalty within our market. People know that when they visit us, they’re valued, and that’s why they keep coming back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://howtoopenescaperoom.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/conundroom
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexey.knyazev.338/

Image Credits

@seattlepeoplephotography
https://www.instagram.com/seattlepeoplephotography