When Waite organized the Waite Challenge in 1990 as part of his 10th-year high school reunion, he realized he could use those skills in other ways. The Challenge, a combination of running, cycling, swimming and golf competitions for his classmates, resulted in numerous requests for repeat competitions. The 12th annual Waite Challenge was in October.

One participant, a lawyer specializing in business start-ups, regularly pushed Waite to consider coordinating activities for a living. In June 2001, Waite started meeting with business owners and managers; they told him people would pay for his services. About two months later, Waite gave notice to his employer. Using referrals and contacts he gained in those earlier meetings, he booked his first quarter of activities before his business opened, he said.

EXPANDS SERVICES
Waite now offers activities to businesses, churches, organizations, youth groups, families and individuals. He plans competitions, adventure travel, outings, corporate team-building exercises, sales meetings, seminars, fund-raisers and outdoor family or youth trips.
Among other things, Waite has entertained Japanese English teachers participating in UNC Charlotte's Intercultural Outreach Program with games, chicken-chasing, food and horseback riding at a local farm; set up inner-tubing expeditions down the New River; coordinated Grand Canyon excursions for Duke Power employees attending a conference in Phoenix; and arranged whitewater rafting adventures in West Virginia.

He even planned an Italian rail tour for one couple and subsequently planned a trip to the Caribbean for their wedding and honeymoon. Maximum Adventures also plans trips that are open to the public. Some events planned during early 2003 include skiing in Colorado, a golf tournament in Myrtle Beach, a trip to Costa Rica, a major league baseball spring training tour to Florida, and Carolina Cup horse racing in Camden, S.C.

LIFE LESSONS
Waite and his wife always have tried to teach their children life lessons through outdoor activities, he said. "I'm not anti technology, but I like to teach the kids real things, so they have some pretty decent survival skills," he said. Five of the six Waite children, ages 2 months to 15 years, take part in outings, especially those involving youth groups. "I have five built-in assistants and five more people who can make it more fun," he said.

NETWORKING VITAL
In his first year of business, Waite has had plenty of clients and has learned a few things.He's learned the value of networking, and that everybody's a prospect, he said. He makes phone calls two days each week and meets with prospects two more days.The one problem Waite has encountered is his feeling that he must be present at every event to make sure everything goes as planned. So he has not been able to do more than one project per week or weekend. He uses part-time, contract help, but has plans to find the right person to split duties with him.

You can view the article on line at www.charlotteobserver.com

TWO NEW ACTIVITIES– Maximum Adventures is aligning itself with two new service, activity providers in yet another effort to offer something “out-of-the-ordinary”. These activities will offer a unique adrenaline rush not found in standard team-building exercises:

ROCK FISHING - First, the unique sport of Rock Fishing, sometimes called “tickling”, “graveling”, or “hand fishing”, explained as follows: During the months May, June and July the southern catfish population nest and lay their eggs like most other fish do. The difference is catfish find a protective barrier such as old hollow logs, under rocks, muskrat or beaver holes to help protect their eggs from other predatory fish. Routinely, the male catfish will go into these protective barriers, for instance an old hollow log, prepares it for Mrs. Catfish by fanning out debris and virtually cleaning house. His scrapes, cuts and bruises clearly shows signs of significant struggle and effort to please his lady friend. Once this task is finished, the female enters the log and lays her eggs. At this point Mr. Catfish re-enters the log and fertilizes the eggs. Once this happens, she immediately leaves the log, while the male is left to guard the eggs until they hatch. This is a job he takes verrrry seriously! Some techniques have changed over time, although the sport is virtually unchanged, but this is where we’ll reach in the whole and physically remove the catfish. We’ll use our guide’s man-made boxes, which resemble the hollow logs etc. It is very challenging, very exciting and again not for the meek and humble. We offer fish outings during May, June and July. A catch is not guaranteed, however we seldom go emptied handed. It is not uncommon to catch a 25 lb. plus Cat especially when the flat heads are nesting.

For the weary, my associates and I provide gloves and will gladly inspect the boxes to ensure the contents is indeed a Catfish. Tackle consists simply of a pair of expandable shoes, pants and shirt. License is very reasonable and details discussed upon interest. Boat and equipment is furnished. Video taping available if desired! Immediately after the trip, we weight the fish and provide a fish-cleaning clinic utilizing an electric knife. It takes approximately 3 minutes to clean and skin a 20 lb. Cat. We also have some excellent advice on cooking Catfish. In summary, I guarantee this will be a fishing experience you will always remember.

VICTORY LANE KARTING – A new activity provider for Maximum Adventures is Victory Lane Karting, Carolina’s most unique corporate events facility. This is a 54,000 square foot indoor European-style karting center, complete with the following: 12-turn ¼-mile in length demanding road racing track, lightning fast NASCAR-style 1/16th-mile oval track, competition race karts capable of running up to 35 mph, sophisticated timing system and computer printout of performance, 2,300 square foot meeting facility (200 person capacity), 5,000 square foot Fun & Games plus snack center. This is a unique way to entertain clients and vendors, hold business meetings, throw organizational, company parties, promote team-building exercises, or enjoy simple recreational fun. Choose from several format choices, depending on the group size or competitive nature that you’re shooting for.

Want to know more about MEG - Matthews Executive Group. Visit their web site at http://www.megsite.org