We were lucky to catch up with Nabeel Saghir and Alberto Ratti recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nabeel and Alberto, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
It all began with a passion for electronics and software, combined with a love for immersive storytelling. One evening, after experiencing an escape room that was fun but technically underwhelming, We found ourselves thinking, “What if we could elevate this experience using our background in technology?” This was the spark. Our background in electronics and software development gave us confidence that we could create something unique.
With a clear idea of the unique selling proposition—integrating advanced electronics and software for an immersive experiential experience—We began sketching out potential themes and puzzles that could be enhanced with technology. This phase was about dreaming big and then narrowing down to what was feasible. We decided our escape rooms would feature custom electronics, like RFID sensors, programmable logic controllers, and unique software interfaces that could control the environment based on players’ actions.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
The leap into starting my own business came from a realization during a rather lackluster escape room experience. We noticed that while the concept was intriguing, the execution, particularly in terms of technology and engagement, had much room for improvement. This sparked the idea to start an escape room business that leveraged our skills in technology to enhance the immersive experience.
What differentiates us in the crowded escape room market is our commitment to quality and uniqueness. Each room is a product of meticulous design, integrating technology not just for the sake of gadgets but to deepen the narrative and player engagement. We focus on the entire customer journey, ensuring that every touchpoint, from booking to game play, is smooth and enjoyable.
Our primary mission is to provide unique entertainment solutions that captivate and engage. We solve the problem of mundane and repetitive entertainment options by offering an innovative and interactive experience that challenges the mind and promotes team building. This makes our escape rooms ideal for families, friends, corporate teams, and enthusiasts looking for a challenging and fun activity.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
The genesis of our manufacturing process began with a vision to integrate advanced technology directly into the narrative fabric of escape room experiences. Coming from a software and electronics background, we had a solid understanding of what tech could do but less experience in the physical manufacturing of custom devices. The journey started with the need to develop bespoke hardware that could not only entertain but also withstand the rigors of intense, interactive use.
Our core technology revolves around microcontrollers, which are compact, programmable devices capable of controlling the interactive elements of our escape rooms. These include sensors, motors, lights, and sound systems—all orchestrated to create a seamless blend of physical and digital interaction. The decision to use microcontrollers was strategic; they allowed us to tailor each room’s technology to specific themes and puzzles, merging reality with tech in ways off-the-shelf products simply couldn’t.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
From the beginning, we recognized that exceptional customer service would be a cornerstone of our business. We ensured that every interaction, whether it was booking a session, greeting guests upon their arrival, or following up for feedback, was handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Our staff is trained not just to assist, but to enhance the customer experience, making guests feel valued and attended to at every step. This approach has led to high customer satisfaction, repeat visits, and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, which are invaluable in building a reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deadlockescape.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadlockescapestl/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/deadlockescapestl/