Funworld February 2008

M & S Minute

KnA Games Puts a New Spin on Mini-Golf

by Marion Hixon

WITH THEIR LINES OF “RIPT” and “Mischief” products, Kevin and April Cox of KnA Games in Archdale, North Carolina, have spiced up the games of disc and miniature golf. In an innovative move, they’ve introduced a card deck into the games that instructs participants to alter their play during turns. Now one of their most popular items, “Mischief Spinners,” is being played in eight different states across the United States, and pleased course owners continue to invest in the sports accessories at multiple locations.

“We were playing a round of disc golf and had a thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting if you could force your opponents to try things they wouldn’t normally try, like throwing left-handed or putting with their eyes closed?’” Kevin remembers.

From that initial concept in 2004, and after the couple tested their idea on friends, KnA Games was born. With the help of investor Innova Discs, KnA quickly progressed to manufacturing 5,000 decks of “Ript Disc Golf Card Game,” which sold out in about a year. The popularity of the “Ript” series spawned “Ript Revenge,” and the Coxes soon expanded their game accessories to miniature golf with their “Mischief” line.

Taking the game beyond cards, the Cox-created “Mischief Spinners,” a freestanding wheel that can be installed at one or more holes on miniature golf courses. Players spin the wheel before each shot, and depending on where the wheel lands, they may find themselves shooting the ball behind their backs or with the wrong end of the club. The couple created 22 configurations of the spinners, each with unique text and customizable to fit themed courses. Similar in content and purpose, the “Mischief Mini Golf Card Game” is a more portable version of the spinners and meant for customers to travel with and use on any course.

When the Coxes come up with a new idea, they draw inspiration from the reaction of family and friends, using them as the ultimate guinea pigs in the experiment of crafting a new game. From simple and smart ideas to their courage in business, the couple’s decisions have definitely paid off. First tested on players at Molten Mountain Indoor Golf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, “Mischief Spinners” has been a resounding success. Stephen Lancaster, general manager of Molten Mountain, says the product has added much excitement to the golf course: “Within a very small amount of time, I have seen a huge, positive reaction from our guests. They are truly having a blast playing a game that puts such a unique twist on an old family pastime.”

“It seems so far that the course owners are happy and the fans and players are happy, so we feel we have done our job,” Kevin adds. “After all, that’s why we did this to begin with; we thought people would enjoy it, and they do.”

For more information on “Mischief Spinners,” card games, or the “Ript” line, visit www.knagames.com.

TIPS for Small-Business Owners
Kevin and April say it took a lot of courage for them to get started. “As small-business owners, we know how difficult it is to take that first step and put action behind your dreams,” April says. Here’s some advice to those thinking of doing the same:

• Pay attention to every detail.
  
• Research your market.
  
• Produce something as professionally as you possibly can.
  
• Never stop tweaking, testing, and adding to your ideas.
  
• Most important, be patient.