Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Speets.
Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After earning my MBA from Rice University and spending over 12 years climbing the corporate ladder, I finally took a leap of faith to pursue something I’ve always been passionate about—sports, especially golf.
My biggest inspiration is my hero and role model, my dad, Frans Speets. He built and ran his own successful business for more than 25 years. Even though he passed away in 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer, the company he founded continues to thrive—a lasting testament to his vision and determination.
That same spirit inspired me to create Crush It!—a place where people can come together to have fun, compete, and connect, whether it’s with friends, family, coworkers, or even just some solo time to unwind and play.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From Uncertainty to Celebration: 5+ Years of Crush It
I opened our doors in May 2020, right at the start of the global pandemic. I didn’t know what the future would hold and it was the biggest challenge of my professional career. Everything I had learned was put to the test, and I also had to learn a plethora of new things in order to survive. I spent late nights in the kitchen washing dishes, being a bartender when I needed one, etc. Like so many small businesses starting out during COVID, I faced challenges we could have never anticipated — customers scared to go out and have fun, limited capacity mandates, shifting guidelines, and the overwhelming uncertainty of whether we’d make it through our first year or not. I was losing tens of thousands of dollars a month and my emergency fund was quickly running out. Sleeping was hard for over a year for me.
But thanks to our incredible team, supportive community, and the guests who took a chance on us, we survived the terrible storm.
Looking back 5 years later, we’re proud to say that Crush It has become more than we ever imagined. We’ve expanded our entertainment offerings, continued to improve the guest experience, and built a space where people come to connect, celebrate, and have fun.
We’re grateful for every person who has walked through our doors, and we’re excited for what’s next. Here’s to the journey, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the new heights that Crush It will reach in the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Crush It Sports?
Crush It! Sports Lounge is where competitive gaming, world-class food, and unforgettable experiences collide under one roof. This isn’t your average bar or arcade — it’s a full-on entertainment destination, designed for guests of all ages. In addition to our full mixed beverage bar, seasonal cocktails, and scratch kitchen, Crush It offers the following fun activities:
Sport / Golf Simulators -Crush It! features state-of-the-art simulators used by actual PGA pros. From world-famous championship courses to fast-paced mini challenges like Showdown Golf, you can tee off in style — rain or shine.
Duckpin Social Bowling. If bowling is your thing, get in without the fuss. No special bowling shoes needed, smaller, easier-to-handle balls, and a fast, casual style that keeps the energy high.
Augmented Reality Social Darts Lanes: Players play with real, steel-tip darts and real bristle dartboards. The major difference is that the system will automatically keep score for you, eliminating the headache of doing math!
Arcades Golden Tee, Jet Pong, Pop Shot, Combo Boxer, Air Hockey, Lawn Darts
Patio: Fun swing chair table with lots of seating. Climate controlled with heaters and misters. Various patio games, free of charge including – Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Jumbo Connect 4, foosball
Crush It is an ideal spot to unwind after work, catch up with friends, or enjoy a low-key weekend with high-energy fun just steps away. Perfect for Parties and Private Events with spacious dining areas and flexible activity zones, Crush It! is the ultimate venue for private events. Whether you’re organizing a:
• Birthday party
• Corporate mixer
• Team-building session
• Holiday gathering
• Group celebration
…you’ll have everything you need for a successful (and memorable) event. Their team offers customizable packages, helpful coordination, and excellent service from start to finish.
Next time you’re searching for “things to do in Grapevine” or planning a group outing near Dallas, skip the ordinary — and experience the extraordinary.
Visit Crush It! Sports Lounge and find out why guests of all ages keep coming back for more.
📍 Location: Grapevine, Texas
🌐 Learn More or Book Your Visit: crushitsports.com
📞 Call to Inquire About Events: (817) 217 – 9600
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes, I grew up having mentors, and to this day, at the age of 42, I still have 2-3 mentors that I lean on when I have to make big decisions or to check in regularly with. Even the most successful people need them in my opinion, even if it is just to get a second opinion or different perspective on something. You just have to make sure that the mentors you have are much smarter than you. That is easy for me because I don’t think I am that smart! =)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crushitsports.com
- Instagram: Crush It! Sports Lounge (@crushitsportslounge_)
- Facebook: Crush It Sports Lounge | Grapevine TX |
