The original Extreme Sandbox is a popular adventure attraction located in Hastings, Minnesota. It’s a 10-acre “sandbox” where adults learn how to operate and get to play with construction rigs, bulldozers and excavators, among other “toys.” It’s a big hit in the Twin Cities but will the business plan work in other cities? Extreme Sandbox CEO Randy Stenger is counting on it. He’s opening his second Extreme Sandbox this Spring in Pottsboro, Texas.
[Shark Tank Quiz — Think You Know Your Sharks?]
It’s not all fun and games at Extreme Sandbox. The attraction is also used for educational purposes. Extreme Sandbox hosts Heavy Equipment Camps for local high school students, guidance and career counselors. It’s a chance for young adults to learn about job opportunities in heavy equipment operations and to give them hands-on exposure to the trade. Stenger is looking to expand the business beyond Minnesota and Texas, but will folks outside of the Midwest be willing to pay $895 for the 7-hour experience? (Note: The most popular package is the Classic Sandbox, $295, which gets you 90 minutes with one of the machines.) Stenger will pitch Extreme Sandbox on Shark Tank on January 5 (9pm, ABC).
