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Macaroni In Motion

Meet The Owners of RVA"s Bubble Soccer

February 20, 2015
I recently sat down with Sam Anderson, one of the owners of Bubble Soccer. Bubble Soccer is sure to be a big hit for kids of all ages ( adults too!) Read a little about both Sam and Kyle Taylor, his partner, here.
Be sure to check out their listing in our Birthday Party Guide along with a coupon for savings for you!

Tell us a little about both of you and how Bubble Soccer came about? 
SAM:Kyle and I both met at Longwood University and became close friends after joining the same fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau. Originally when I moved here, I worked in the mental health field as a community based counselor.   When we both saw this sport, we knew that it was our opportunity to do something exciting for the city.  We both had sports backgrounds so this was an easy choice for our first venture together.  Growing up I was a long distance runner for my school’s track and cross country team, and I also played soccer at the position of forward and outside midfield.  Bubble Soccer looked like such a fun sport, we immediately began doing our research.  When we finally decided that this was the right move for us, we put in our order for the equipment and we were on our way to starting the business.  Since our official conception in November 2014, we have taken our business as far south as Virginia Beach and as far north as The Alexandria area.  Entrepreneurship has always been in me and Richmond Bubble Soccer has provided a fun and exciting platform for me to bring a creative and fun new business to this great city.
KYLE:  We discovered the awesomeness of the sport bubble soccer from a friend of ours that plays bubble soccer in Charlotte, NC. Once we heard of the idea, we were determined to make it possible for the city of Richmond to be able to play bubble soccer as well!
This is not the only full time position you hold, what else do you do?
SAM:Entrepreneurship is my calling.  When you have the passion to create and develop, you are never satisfied remaining in the same place.  As I have continued to grow in my career and as a business man, others now refer to me as a Serial Entrepreneur.  A title which I am happy and grateful to accept.  
Along with Richmond Bubble Soccer, I am also the Co-Founder and Owner of a new business coming to Richmond called Cycul.  Cycul is an earth-friendly wash and fold laundry solution.  Our weekly laundry service includes free pick-up, organic washing professional folding, and a return delivery at a very affordable cost.  We provide service to students, families and local businesses.  I am very excited to bring this much needed service to the Richmond area.    
Currently I also work full time as a Project Manager for Civitas Health Services, a full service mental health agency.  After working as a community based counselor for seven years, it has always been important for me to give back to others.  Such a field has enabled me to not simply earn a pay check, but to assist others with their needs.  Being a project manager in this field allows me to still give back, but to feed my passion of business as well.  Civitas has allowed me to work with at risk youth, provide mentorship, and evolve the mental health field in a manner that many companies have not considered. 
KYLE: I am full time residential Realtor for RE/MAX Commonwealth.
What ages is it good for? Anything else you can share?
Richmond Bubble Soccer is five on five craziness.  It’s coed, safe and fun for all ages.  Once you strap on one of these giant bouncy hamster-balls, you’re pretty much guaranteed to start romping around like you’re a kid again.  Our spectators have just as much fun as those participating in the event.  We have recently added a videographer to our staff being able to supply our customers with even more options.  Customers can now choose to have their event professionally recorded and receive their choice of a 2-5 minute long video with graphics and music.  This way they will always remember the great event they participated in and to be able to share it with others.  
Bubble Soccer is a great sport for almost any age.  Our greatest customer base has been young professionals and college students.  The youngest we have been able to accommodate at this time has been 11 years of age.  We are currently making some major changes to incorporate more games for younger children.  Children’s events will have more options than Bubble Soccer.  Other games such as Capture the Flag are being incorporated.  Also, within the first quarter, we plan to purchase equipment for younger ages so that we can provide great events for ages 5 years of age and up.  
How do you juggle your schedules and find down time?
SAM:I juggle my schedule very carefully.  Each week and the conclusion of each day, I spend a dedicated amount of time focusing on my schedule.  I generally wake up at 5:00am each day.  This time is spent either getting in the day's workout, or completing tasks for one of my businesses.  The majority of my work week I am at my full time position from 8:30am to 5:30pm.  I have the flexibility to the come in and out of the office for brief periods throughout the day.  I generally book outside meetings near my office so that I can meet with these individuals for a full hour and be in close distance to my office.  Almost every day I have a meeting booked after I leave my office at 5:30pm.  When others are available, I will book a large amount of time on Saturdays and Sundays to make appointments.  With such a hectic schedule it is important that I make it to the gym at least 5 days a week so I typically have "gym dates" with my girlfriend and go to the gym after 8:00pm.  I enjoy going at this time because most people have cleared out and I have more space to focus on my workouts.
KYLE: It pays to have partners that work different hours of the day and week! Also, we are in the process of expanding our team!
Speaking of down time, what do you like to do?
SAM:This may sound really boring to most, but I relish in the time I get to educate myself.  I come from humble beginnings and I understand that I have been given great opportunities to continue to move forward.  My biggest fear is not being prepared for great opportunities that come my way.  Any chance I have, I am either reading or viewing discussions and lectures on various topics.  I think it is extremely important to always work on yourself.  Whether it be physically, mentally or socially.  
I have a great group of friends and a great girlfriend as well.  As busy as my schedule can get, I ALWAYS make time to nourish the relationships that I have been blessed with.  This city has so much to offer that I enjoy sitting down at a new restaurant, attending a concert or simply enjoying the sites.
KYLE:In the down time, I love going to the river!