Expedition Island Owner Seeking Principal Shareholder

Less than a year after opening his business, owner Ian Inman is seeking a majority shareholder to take over partial ownership of his indoor “adventure center,” that has become a popular spot for birthday parties and company team-building events.

This weekend, the 24-year-old entrepreneur sent out a message on Facebook announcing his plans.

“As the company continues to grow at a rapid pace, it has become clear to me that I can no longer operate this venture on my own,” Inman wrote. “Therefore I am seeking a person, or group of people, who are interested in purchasing majority ownership stock in Expedition Island. All reasonable offers will be considered.”

Expedition Island, located off North McDowell Boulevard, , a Casa Grande High School grad who learned the ropes working at other adventure centers before deciding to start one of his own. Using a loan from the Small Business Administration and with the help of family and friends, he launched his business in September of 2010.

In that time, says Inman, he has increasingly realized the challenge of day-to- day operations of a company that has 27 employees and pulled in roughly half a million in revenue in in the nine months it's been open.

“What I’ve discovered in the past four years is that I’m not much of a numbers guy,” Inman told Petaluma Patch on Monday. “I go out and get stuff done. I start programs, I’m an entrepreneur.” 

However, Inman said he intends to remain heavily involved in the company, focusing on developing new programs, marketing and management. He’s hoping the new co-owner will give Expedition Island not only an infusion of fresh leadership, but financial backing that will help grow it in the years to come. 

“This is going to be a move that will allow me to enjoy why I started this business in the first place, to interact with the community, the people we serve and continue to offer exceptional programs,” Inman said. “It was never about the money for me.”

Meanwhile, Inman is working on a new initiative that would allow local businesses to contribute to a fund nonprofits could tap for recreational, team-building activities at Expedition Island. For more information, contact Inman at ian.inman@gmail.com.