Meet Patrick McBride | Chief Battle Architect

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

Hi Patrick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m a dad who grew up on paintball fields, and I’ve always loved that kind of active, high-energy fun. After moving to Maricopa, I kept noticing all the beautiful green belts and open spaces in our neighborhoods that barely got used.
I started thinking — what if I could bring that same exciting, action-packed experience right into our own communities? Something families could enjoy together, where kids (and adults) could run around, laugh, and make memories without screens. That idea eventually turned into Blast Action Mobile.
I wanted to create something that gets families outside, active, and having real fun together. That’s really what drove me to start this business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I spent 15 years in the casino industry, where I learned how to deliver exceptional guest experiences, manage operations, and run a business at a high level. But I always carried with me a love for active, real-world fun — I grew up on paintball fields, and that passion never faded.

After moving to Maricopa, I noticed all the beautiful green belts and open spaces in our neighborhoods that went mostly unused. That’s when I decided to combine my operational experience with my passion for action and create Blast Action Mobile.

What sets us apart is that we don’t just rent equipment — we create memorable, high-energy experiences. Our fully enclosed inflatable arenas, professional bunkers, gel blaster battles, and new SpyraGO water blaster battles are designed to get entire families playing together, laughing, and making real memories away from screens.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Starting a business while transitioning out of a long career brought plenty of challenges — figuring out equipment, building systems, marketing in a new industry, and finding the right balance. But my background in casino operations gave me a strong foundation in customer service, logistics, and execution that has served me extremely well.

I’m most proud of creating something that brings communities together. Watching kids and parents battling side-by-side in our arenas is incredibly rewarding.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are:
-Execution beats perfection
-Exceptional customer experience is everything
-Consistency and attention to detail build lasting trust

What I want the world to know about Blast Action Mobile is simple: We’re a local, family-owned business that believes every neighborhood deserves its own battlefield. We exist to create active, joyful experiences that bring families and communities together.

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 was visiting for a week, I’d make sure he got the full Arizona experience — a mix of adventure, good food, cold drinks, and chill hangs. We’d start the week tubing the Salt River with a cooler full of beer, hit Piestewa Peak and Camelback for some solid hikes with killer views, and spend a couple days exploring Old Town Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix. Of course, I’d take him out for some epic battles with Blast Action Mobile — either a private glow session at night or a big daytime war.
We’d eat ridiculously well — Pizzeria Bianco pizza, Carolina’s Mexican food, massive burgers at The Farmhouse, and steaks at Roaring Fork. Evenings would be spent at Four Peaks Brewing, The Churchill, or just kicking back at the house with good whiskey and cigars. By the end of the week he’d leave exhausted, full, and probably asking when he can come back.

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?
My wife Kayleigh, who has been so supportive through this process. From inception to setting up fields in 100 degrees, she’s been with me every step of the way.

This business wouldn’t exist without the influence of two special people: Jim Tracy of JLT Paintball, who mentored me and shaped how I approach business, and my best friend Dustin Long, who was my biggest supporter while building Blast Action Mobile. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.

Website: https://blastactionmobile.com

Instagram: blastactionmobile

Facebook: Blastactionmobileaz

Image Credits
Michelle Hudson