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

Hi Adam, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As a fifth-grade teacher passionate about science, I, Adam Maitland, always looked for creative ways to engage my students. The inspiration for Creative Arena struck during an exceptionally ordinary school year. I was tasked with teaching a unit on Force and Motion, a subject that, while fascinating, can sometimes be challenging to make relatable for young learners. My goal was to create an activity that met state standards and captured my students’ imaginations.
One afternoon, as I sat at my desk surrounded by lesson plans and educational tools, the idea hit me: What if the students could build robots? These wouldn’t be just any robots; they would be Create-O-Bots, designed to demonstrate principles of force and motion through friendly competition. The concept was simple yet innovative: Students would learn by doing, constructing their bots and testing them in battles that illustrated Newton’s laws in action.
I immediately felt a surge of excitement. This was something different, an idea that had the potential to transform the way science was taught. The next step was to test it out in the classroom.
The day I introduced the Create-O-Bot Challenge to my students was unforgettable. As I explained the project, their eyes widened with curiosity and enthusiasm. Each student was tasked with designing and building a Create-O-Bot using materials we had in class—cardboard, rubber bands, small motors, and whatever else we could find.
As the weeks passed, the classroom buzzed with energy. Students worked tirelessly, collaborating, problem-solving, and learning through trial and error. They were not just building robots but also building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
The culminating event of the unit was Create-O-Bot Battle Day. Students eagerly lined up their robots, each with unique designs and capabilities. As the battles commenced, the room filled with laughter, cheers, and an undeniable sense of accomplishment. The students were not just learning about force and motion; they were experiencing it firsthand.
Seeing their excitement, I knew I was onto something special. This was more than just an engaging classroom activity. It was a potential business venture that could bring this hands-on, interactive learning experience to more children.
Reflecting on the success of the Create-O-Bot Challenge, I realized that I was solving a problem many educators faced: making science education engaging and effective. Traditional methods often failed to spark genuine interest among students. My approach was unique because it combined creativity with competition, encouraging students to think like engineers and scientists.
The idea of turning this classroom success into a business was both thrilling and daunting. I envisioned Creative Arena as a platform that could provide kits and online resources for students and teachers worldwide. The logic was simple: If my students could learn and have fun simultaneously, why couldn’t others?
What excited me most about Creative Arena was the potential to revolutionize education by making learning an adventure. This venture was about building robots and creating a future where students are inspired to explore, innovate, and excel.
With a clear vision and proven concept, I embarked on this new journey, confident that Creative Arena would make a meaningful impact on education. Through persistence and passion, what began as a simple classroom experiment evolved into a full-fledged business, bringing the joy of learning to countless young minds.

Adam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Creative Arena is designed for customers to unleash their creativity, learn, and innovate! Creative Arena addresses several challenges prevalent today. Many children and adults need help finding engaging activities to explore their interests and talents. Creative Arena offers a physical space for individuals to unleash their creativity, experiment with engineering design, and build innovative creations. With the rise of screen-based entertainment, concerns about excessive screen time and its impact on physical and mental well-being have grown. Creative Arena provides an alternative interactive experience that encourages hands-on activities and social interaction, reducing screen dependency.

Quality STEAM education can be limited, particularly for underprivileged communities. Creative Arena democratizes STEAM learning by offering affordable workshops, events, and resources for individuals of all ages. Face-to-face interaction and socialization skills are declining due to the increasing use of digital devices. Creative Arena provides a physical space where participants can collaborate, communicate, and interact while working on innovative projects. It can be challenging to keep individuals motivated and engaged in learning.

Creative Arena’s dynamic environment, featuring activities like designing and battling Create-O-Bots, encourages participants to explore, learn, and create. Creative Arena provides a dynamic and immersive experience for individuals aged eight and above to explore, create, and learn through the engineering design process. Our primary offering involves creating and constructing Create-O-Bots, customizable robots for battling, completing challenges, and racing. By blending entertainment with education, Creative Arena offers an affordable interactive experience that fosters creativity and learning.

Creative Arena provides events to plan, build, and battle Create-O-Bots. You can purchase a kit for the event or a kit to take home with an R/C car. Create-O-Bots are geared towards all levels and abilities. Set events are scheduled at Bearden Elementary School each month from 6:00-7:30, with 10 available spots to reserve. Birthdays, professional developments, and other events can also be scheduled.

One customer already expressed how much he loves coming to each Creative Arena event because it is “Better than Fortnite!” This feedback gives me the motivation to keep working towards making Creative Arena a success!

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Turning Creative Arena from a classroom success into a thriving business required more than passion and a vision; it needed financial backing. I knew securing the initial capital would be crucial in bringing this dream to life. The journey was both challenging and enlightening, and it taught me the importance of taking calculated risks and seeking support from those around me.
The first step I took was to dip into my retirement savings. It was a decision that weighed heavily on me, as it meant putting my future security on the line. However, I sincerely believe in Creative Arena’s potential to transform education and ignite a passion for learning in students worldwide. This was more than just a financial investment; it was an investment in a future where education could be fun and impactful.
Understanding the importance of community, I reached out to friends who had already navigated the entrepreneurial landscape. These friends, who owned small businesses, offered invaluable insights and advice. They encouraged me to take the plunge and were instrumental in helping me refine my business strategy. Some even contributed financially, giving me the additional resources I needed to get Creative Arena off the ground.
Throughout this process, I was fortunate to have the guidance of a trusted financial advisor. This advisor helped me navigate the complexities of funding a startup and offered practical advice on managing risks and finances. With their support, I could take the necessary steps toward establishing a solid financial foundation for Creative Arena.
Through personal sacrifice, community support, and professional guidance, I secured the capital to launch Creative Arena. This endeavor brought my dream to fruition and underscored the power of collaboration and the importance of believing in one’s vision. As Creative Arena continues to grow, I remain grateful for the support that made it all possible and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am at a crossroads after dedicating 15 years to teaching students from kindergarten to 12th grade. My journey in education has been immensely fulfilling, allowing me to introduce young minds to the wonders of science and social studies. The classroom has always been my sanctuary, where I could inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. However, the shifting dynamics of politics and district leadership have made it increasingly challenging to thrive in this environment.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to the essence of teaching. The joy of crafting new and engaging lessons has been the highlight of my career. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by earning my doctorate in curriculum and instruction and instructional leadership. This accomplishment has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to innovate in my field, yet I still yearn for more—something that fuels my passion and reinvigorates my sense of purpose.
This yearning has led me to embark on a new venture: Creative Arena. This platform allows me to integrate my love for teaching with my passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. Creative Arena is more than just a business; it’s a space where I can share my enthusiasm and creativity with a broader audience beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
Balancing my full-time teaching position while launching Creative Arena is no small feat. It requires meticulous planning, time management, and a steadfast commitment to my vision. However, the prospect of building something that aligns with my values and aspirations is incredibly exhilarating. Through Creative Arena, I aim to provide innovative educational experiences that inspire students and educators alike.
The decision to pivot in my career was not taken lightly. Teaching has been my life’s work, and stepping into a new realm is daunting and thrilling. Yet, I am driven to remain faithful to what I love—educating and inspiring others. Creative Arena offers the perfect blend of my skills and passions, allowing me to continue doing what I love in a fresh, impactful way.
This journey reminds me that change is inevitable and necessary for growth. By embracing this pivot, I am not abandoning my roots but expanding them to reach new heights. As I work on this transition, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. Creative Arena is not just a new chapter; it is the culmination of years of dedication and a testament to my unwavering commitment to education.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mycreativearena.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycreativearena
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Creative-Arena/61559026290648/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-maitland-21235916/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mycreativearena
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mycreativearena
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/creative-arena-knoxville

Image Credits

Adam Maitland