Editor’s note: This month’s Business Beacon is a spotlight on The Ratchet Hatchet, an axe-throwing business located in Fort Walton Beach. Co-owners Miguelle and Victoria Corpuz talk to us about this unusual pastime and their unique entry into the axe-throwing market. Visit them on their website, Facebook or Instagram.
Do you have an interesting topic you think we should cover? Leave a comment below!
1. How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
A place for people to relieve stress in a different, unconventional and primitive way, but in a safe environment.
2. Let’s discuss numbers: What year did you open? How many locations do you have? How many people do you employ?
Opened in 2018. They have one location and currently have six people employed.
3. What do you sell or what service do you provide? What’s your best seller?
We sell company merchandise and hours of axe throwing, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for everyone to enjoy.
4. What’s unique about what you do or offer?
We were the first indoor axe range in the state of Florida. Not only do we throw axes, but other specialty items that other axe ranges may not have.
5. How would you describe your business to a potential customer?
A different kind of hobby that is both great at relieving stress and bringing out a skill people never thought they had.
6. What do you love most about your line of work?
A friendly, supportive and close-knit community that comes along with the business.
7. What sorts of trends are you seeing in your industry?
Trick shots, themed nights and different ways to bring exposure to the industry.
8. Tell me in just a sentence or two what you feel sets you apart from your competitors.
Our atmosphere. The vibe that you get here at the Ratchet Hatchet is unlike any other axe range that people might visit.
9. Who or what inspires you? This could be a family member or celebrity, a particular quote or even a book/movie/podcast. The sky’s the limit!
The quote, “When fear leads the way, the destination is never glorious,” has always been inspiring to us as owners of The Ratchet Hatchet. This applies to many aspects such as business, one’s interests and how someone can branch out from his/her comfort zone. Never be afraid to try new things, like throwing an axe.
10. What’s the best thing about being a part of the Emerald Coast, personally and/or professionally?
The best thing about being a part of the Emerald Coast would have to be the people, whether that be locals or tourists. It’s never the same people that walk through our doors. It’s always nice to see a new face — to get to know them and have them feel welcomed whenever it’s their first time experiencing our type of business.
11. Are you/your business involved in the community in any way? Volunteering or giving back? If so, how?
Yes, we love helping out the community with local events by being a part of the lists of sponsors they have and by donating merchandise and/or free hour cards for fundraising events for either charities or the local military bases.
12. What does a typical day in your business look like? (Pretend it’s Monday (or Friday!) and take me through the highlights of your day.)
A typical day includes opening up the shop at two in the afternoon and making sure everything, such as the bar and the axe throwing lanes, is up to our standards. From when the first customer comes in until the last customer leaves, we are consistently interacting with our customers. We coach them through their hour of throwing, we joke around and get to know them and even help serve drinks. We constantly maintain the upkeep of the shop during work hours. There are days that are extremely busy and there are days when it’s dead, but even on the slow days, we make sure that our shop is always ready for a surge of customers. It’s always a party at The Ratchet Hatchet and we try to maintain that vibe and excitement throughout the day. At the end, we clean up and make sure that everything is prepared for tomorrow.
13. What’s your best “insider tip?” (This could be a community tip for vacationers or homeowners or even a tip for customers related to your business.)
Don’t be afraid to try and make friends. Connections will get you far in life and can create lifelong friendships.
14. How do you recharge or relax when the day is done?
Days can be stressful, so we like to wind down by throwing a couple axes and drinking beer — to experience what we sell.
15. Just the deets, please! Where are you located? Business hours? Social media profiles and/or website links we need to know about? (Please feel free to add social media handles or direct links!)
The Ratchet Hatchet is located at 304 Perry Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, and is open from 2-10 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 2 p.m.-Midnight Wednesdays and Thursdays; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and, Noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Visit them on their website, Facebook or Instagram.
16. One final question: If there was just one thing you wish the public knew about your business, what would it be?
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of throwing axes. You might like it more than you think!
