Marketing sophomore Damon Grace has more on his plate than just passing classes and attending chapter meetings for his fraternity, Sigma Pi.
At 19, Grace is responsible for running the company Bubble Detroit, believed to be Michigan’s first and only bubble soccer league and rental company based in Pontiac, Michigan.
Bubble Detroit uses balls made of high-quality plastic, which the player puts over his shoulders in order to make hard contact with other players.
Soccer becomes a contact sport where players can collide with each other as they race around the field in the protective balls.
Tom Dulmage, a Western Michigan University sophomore, rented the service before its official launch this past December.
“It’s a new way to make (soccer) a lot more physical and it doesn’t hurt,” Dulmage said.
Grace thought about starting the company when he saw a Youtube video of people playing the game.
“I just thought it was awesome and looked into it and just did it,” Grace said.
Before the bubble soccer company, Grace had a business of selling phone chargers, which he said was not successful.
Ensuring success with this second company, Grace contacted Spartan Innovations for help and support in launching Bubble Detroit. Spartan Innovations is an MSU foundation that financially assists student entrepreneurs and researchers.
“(Spartan Innovations) was all for it and funded all the money,” Grace said.
So far, he said the company has had a successful first month.
“We get 100 plus emails a week, and we’re booked for the next three months,” Grace said.
The company caters to events like birthday parties, youth groups, work events, graduation parties and more.
Western Michigan University sophomore Luke Andrews was one of Grace’s first clients.
“Everyone just had a great time,” Andrews said. “From the adults to the little kids, everyone had a lot of fun and I think this might even become a family tradition.”
Andrews said Damon takes pride in his company and its service.
“When Damon comes, it’s not just renting the bubbles,” Andrews said. “It’s having him referee and having him teach you how to play.”
Bubble Detroit is booked to host philanthropy events for Sigma Pi and Alpha Tau Omega fraternities at MSU this semester, and the company hopes to start a league in Lansing.
Grace said starting the company gave him an interest in studying business and has recently changed his major.
“He’s an innovator,” Dalmage said. “Honestly, going to school and having his own business — I’m impressed.”
