Tommie Fagan (left), Steve Sinden (right)
Meet Tommie Fagan and Steve Sinden, co-owners of the latest thing to do in Albion, axe throwing! Fagan lives just outside of Albion and his main work is at DTE Energy. Sinden lives in Concord, running his own business, Northwoods Plumbing.
Inspired by a conversation at his son’s graduation party, Fagan was motivated to pursue opening his own business. Knowing the fun and entertainment that comes from axe throwing after months of research, Fagan started looking for a business partner. That is where Steve Sinden comes in. It didn’t take long for Sinden to be on board with the business.
From there, they needed to figure out the location and the logistics.
The Location
Albion was a no brainer for both Fagan and Sinden. They wanted to bring a new activity to the community, especially for the college students. With bowling, movies, and gaming, it seemed the next step of axe throwing was the perfect route for Albion.
From there, Fagan found the physical location with the help of Joe Verbeke from ACE Real Estate Services, located on the corner of South Superior Street and Erie Street, across the street from the Foundry Bakehouse & Deli. They had their spot!
Late last spring, construction started to renovate the space to what we see today.
The Logistics
From their months of research, Fagan and Sinden made decisions on target type and game set up. The targets in Viking Warrior are engrained wood, allowing for the axe to stick in the target from any angle. When the grain is only straight up and down, the axe must enter the wood just the right way. As Fagan explained, the goal is to get something to stick, to get points, so the engrained wood has the best potential for that.
The target itself has a projected computer screen allow for numerous game options beyond bullseyes. Throwers can play in games like word puzzles and compete in zombie crushes.
The Details
For one hour of play on one lane, it is $20 a person; for two hours of play on one lane it is $35 a person.
From there, kids, veterans, and seniors (55+) are $15 an hour. Yes, this activity is older adult friendly! Beyond the axes, there are throwing stars to make the play accessible to all.
Viking Warrior also offers College Thursdays, students can get $5 off with a valid college ID.
Book in advance by calling 517-494-9746, walk-ins are also accepted.
As Siden and Fagan shared, axe throwing is great for team building, birthday parties, date nights, anyone who is looking to have some fun. As Fagan expressed “everyone that has come in has had a blast!”
The Future
Siden and Fagan’s goals are to grow the business as much as possible, keeping the college students engaged, and offering something different for community members. Their hopes are to start an axe throwing league, and a poker chip league to auction off some fun swag. The ideas are endless.
