Compass Conversations: Puzzled Events
Blake Bryant is the dedicated founder of Puzzled Events and Car Show. Inspired by his own experiences and driven by a mission to foster acceptance for children with different abilities, including autism, Blake has created a remarkable organization that brings joy and support to countless families.
Through Puzzled Events, Blake funds programs that assist children and parents, ensuring that all activities are free for spectators and participants. The smiles and hugs from the children and their families are the true rewards for Blake and his all-volunteer team.
Each month, we'll take you on a journey through the unique stories, passions, and dreams that drive our local entrepreneurs. These are the stories behind the logos and social media posts, the spirited souls enriching our daily lives with their craft and dedication.
Here are some quick facts about Puzzled that you may not have known:
They were founded in 2013, and are a 100% all-volunteer non-profit.
They have since raised over $300,000 for autism awareness and programs, including the following organizations:
Rivermount schools
BRAAC
Katies Place
Centra Foundation
Centra Health
Amazement Square
VIA
Everyone is Special
Lynchburg City School
Rockbridge County and City schools
All kids' activities are free with no spectator fee, including:
Kids activities
Petting zoo
Bounce houses
Photo booths
20+ carnival games
Face painting
Bubbles
10 different characters
What inspired you to start your business?
To help bring acceptance for all children with different abilities including autism.
How does your business contribute to the local community?
By funding programs that help children and parents with different abilities
Can you share a memorable experience or success story related to your business?
Seeing the smiling faces of the children we help and also the hugs they give us; we also lots of times get the same from parents.
The thing I think is the best, is when the kids want to take pictures with me and they want to talk to me.
What challenges have you faced in building your business, and how have you overcome them?
This one was super hard to answer. No one outside my sister mom dad wife believing in me. Things always being mixed in my head and never being able to get people to understand me. No matter how hard I tried I could never win.
What makes your business unique?
We are 100 percent volunteer, we don't charge spectators, they are free, kids' stuff is free, other events charge for all of this, but for us, it's not about money it's about the smiles and love we get from children.
All the money raised goes to helping children.
How do you see your business evolving in the future?
All I ever wanted to do, is help as many children as I could. I just wanted for children to not have to go through what I did when I was a child. Lots of days if not for my family, I felt useless in the world.
What advice would you give to other small business owners who are just starting out?
Give it your best.
Don't judge what you don't understand.
Always put your hand out to help others.
Always show love and respect.
