We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Passanante and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is failure. I’ve experienced countless failures throughout my life, and I’ve faced numerous opportunities to give up. However, what I’ve learned is that failure is one of the most valuable teachers—it’s often more impactful than any formal education. Each failure has taught me lessons that have shaped my resilience, sharpened my skills, and ultimately fueled my growth.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the proud owner of two incredible companies: Mind Busting Escape Rooms ( https://mindbustingescaperooms.com ) and Customized Reach Marketing ( https://customizedreach.com ). Each business reflects my passion for creating unique experiences and delivering exceptional value. At Mind Busting Escape Rooms stands out in Atlanta because of our immersive and unforgettable room designs. We focus on creating an experience where participants truly feel like they’re escaping something. For example, in Cartel, everyone is chained to the floor; in Interrogation, players are handcuffed; in Narco, you’re trapped in a basement; and in Isolation, participants are placed in separate pods. These elements make our escape rooms not just games, but adrenaline-filled adventures that transport you into another world. With Customized Reach Marketing, we take a completely tailored approach to digital marketing. Unlike many other firms, we prioritize truly understanding who your customers are and the journey they take to find your business. This insight allows us to allocate your ad spend strategically, ensuring you get the maximum return on investment and reach the right audience effectively. Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. It’s taken hard work, persistence, and the ability to learn from challenges along the way. I’ve faced obstacles that required creative problem-solving and resilience, but each challenge taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, customer service, and adaptability. What I want the world to know about my journey and my brands is that I’m passionate about creating value whether it’s delivering unforgettable experiences through escape rooms or helping businesses thrive through strategic marketing. Both companies are built on innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience exploring some of my favorite spots. Here’s how I’d plan the itinerary: Day 1: Chill and Unwind. We’d start with a relaxed vibe at Planet Hookah. It’s one of my go-to places, perfect for pulling out a laptop to get some work done during the day or just kicking back at night to enjoy the atmosphere. Day 2: Drinks in the evening, we’d head to Eden Lounge. It’s a great spot for a well-crafted drink, with a laid-back ambiance that’s ideal for catching up and enjoying good music. Day 3: Food and Fun. Next up, we’d stop by Lions Lounge. This spot combines great food with a lively vibe is perfect for unwinding with a drink and savoring some amazing dishes. Day 4-7: Explore More For the rest of the trip, I’d mix in visits to some of the city’s other gems like maybe a few outdoor spots, live music venues, or local attractions. But the focus would always be on good vibes, great food, and memorable experiences. These spots reflect my personal favorites and guarantee a blend of relaxation, fun, and connection with the perfect way to show my best friend a great time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my life, I’ve read countless books that have shaped my mindset, guided my journey, and contributed to my growth. Some of the most impactful ones include Think and Grow Rich, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Hard Thing About Hard Things, 48 Laws of Power, The Lucifer Effect, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Art of War, Good to Great, The Richest Man in Babylon, Keys to Success, Too Big to Fail, Relentless, and even Accounting for Dummies. Each of these books has played a role in teaching me valuable lessons, offering different perspectives, and shaping my path toward success. They deserve immense credit for the insights they’ve provided along my journey.

Website: https://mindbustingescaperooms.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mind_busting_escape_rooms

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-passanante

Twitter: https://x.com/mind_busting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61567807542982

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mind-busting-escape-rooms-tucker-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEanNbtWAMN7vcieY81v9Q

Other: https://customizedreach.com
https://www.facebook.com/100090886892079

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