How to Talk to People – #26 – Matt Pool of RPG: How Focusing On Building Community Changed a Town

Intro

In this episode of the “How to Talk to People” podcast, Matt Pool, co-owner of RPG restaurant, shares how their mission to build community led to the creation of their business. Despite facing challenges, including opening just before the pandemic, RPG has succeeded in creating a space where people can come together over good food, drink, and games. Matt discusses the importance of physical connection, the impact of RPG on the community, and the need for cultural conversations and breaking down barriers.

Main Takeaways

Creating a Space for Community Building

• Matt Pool, co-owner of RPG restaurant, discusses how their mission to build community led to the creation of the business.
• The owners, who are all believers, wanted to seek the welfare of their city and create a space for community building.
• RPG started as a Dungeons & Dragons game night with friends, which evolved into a business model that expanded into board games.
• The goal was to create a space where people could feel safe and comfortable, regardless of their level of interest or experience in board games.

Overcoming Challenges

• Despite challenges, including opening six months before the pandemic, RPG has succeeded in its mission and will be closing in June to celebrate that success.
• RPG successfully opened in fall 2019 after hosting successful pop-up events with community support.
• RPG was on track to be fully profitable within 9 months, which is unheard of in the industry.
• RPG chose to close early before any formal announcement was made about COVID-19 closures.

Building Relationships and Community

• Bringing people together physically in the same space is important for building relationships and community.
• Community organizers helped RPG make logistical decisions to ensure safety during events like Dungeons and Dragons, including requiring proof of vaccination.
• RPG prioritized the safety and comfort of their community over personal opinions or beliefs.
• The restaurant created a culture where the community has built around it, and customers are supportive of the staff.

Cultural Conversations and Breaking Down Barriers

• Theater was used to influence culture and society.
• The Wrestling Season was a play that incorporated interactive elements for the audience.
• The interactive elements of the play aimed to encourage the audience to talk to each other and have cross-cultural conversations about societal issues.
• RPG was created to address the need for cultural conversations and breaking down barriers.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

• The speaker’s IT job was a hobby turned into a career, but still felt disconnected from personal motivation.
• Viewing IT through a development lens makes more sense than just focusing on technical skills.
• The Great Game of Business is a book that helps create a culture where staff cares about the success of the business and their own success as well.
• The restaurant owners fought hard to make sure that their staff had what they needed in terms of mental health breaks and other support.

Summary

Creating a Space for Community Building

Matt Pool, co-owner of RPG restaurant, shares how their mission to build community led to the creation of the business. Starting as a Dungeons & Dragons game night with friends, RPG expanded into a business model that incorporated board games. The goal was to create a space where people of all interests and experience levels could feel safe and comfortable.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite opening just before the pandemic, RPG succeeded in its mission and will be closing in June to celebrate its success. The restaurant opened successfully in fall 2019 after hosting pop-up events with community support. RPG was on track to be fully profitable within 9 months, which is remarkable in the industry. The decision to close early due to COVID-19 shows the owners’ commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of their community.

Building Relationships and Community

RPG believes that physical connection is crucial for building relationships and community. Community organizers helped RPG make logistical decisions to ensure safety during events, including requiring proof of vaccination. The restaurant created a culture where the community has built around it, and customers are supportive of the staff, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Cultural Conversations and Breaking Down Barriers

RPG uses theater as a tool to influence culture and society. The interactive elements of their plays aim to encourage the audience to engage in cross-cultural conversations about societal issues. RPG was created to address the need for cultural conversations and breaking down barriers, providing a space where people can connect and understand each other better.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

The speaker’s IT job, which started as a hobby, felt disconnected from personal motivation. Viewing IT through a development lens and focusing on creating a positive work culture made more sense. The Great Game of Business book helped create a culture where staff cares about the success of the business and their own success. The restaurant owners prioritized the mental health and well-being of their staff, fighting to provide necessary support.

Conclusion

RPG restaurant’s mission to build community and create a space where people can connect over good food, drink, and games has been a success. Despite challenges, including opening just before the pandemic, RPG has thrived and made a positive impact on individuals and the community. The owners’ dedication to prioritizing the safety and comfort of their community, along with their commitment to creating cultural conversations and breaking down barriers, sets RPG apart. As RPG closes its doors, it leaves behind a lasting legacy and a strong sense of community.