This Former Banker Opened a ‘Terrifying’ Haunted House in a Strip Mall as a Side Hustle. 24 Years Later, It’s a Multimillion-Dollar Empire.
Chris Stafford’s company, Thirteenth Floor, now pays 4,500 seasonal workers every Halloween and is branching into Christmas.
What a fascinating story of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Chris Stafford, a former banker, took a bold leap into the unknown by launching a haunted house in a strip mall as a side hustle. Fast forward 24 years, and his company, Thirteenth Floor, has evolved into a multimillion-dollar empire. This transformation is a testament to Stafford's vision, hard work, and ability to scale a unique business idea.
The success of Thirteenth Floor is particularly noteworthy in the context of the experiential entertainment industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The company's ability to create immersive experiences that attract large audiences has enabled it to build a loyal customer base and expand its offerings. The fact that Thirteenth Floor now employs 4,500 seasonal workers every Halloween is a staggering statistic, highlighting the company's significant impact on the job market.
As Thirteenth Floor branches into Christmas, it's clear that the company is looking to diversify its revenue streams and capitalize on the growing demand for experiential entertainment beyond the Halloween season. Talent professionals should take note of Thirteenth Floor's innovative approach to storytelling, customer engagement, and workforce management. To watch next: how Thirteenth Floor navigates the challenges of expanding its operations while maintaining its unique brand identity, and what other experiential entertainment companies might follow in its footsteps.
Originally reported by entrepreneur.com. TalentNews adds analysis for business & startups readers.