A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Steve Jackson

After 30 years with the Valparaiso Police Department, Steve Jackson has pursued several significant career changes. Today, he’s an entrepreneur completely invested in his gaming business.

“I retired from the Valparaiso Police Department and went into a couple of security jobs to figure out what I wanted to do,” Jackson said. “I went back into the police force again through Porter County Sheriff’s department and I found myself getting worn down by the job. Even though the area is a small community, you really see a lot still because there’s crime everywhere.”

One day when he was still working with Porter County sheriff, Jackson was sitting on his porch with his family and the conversation led to his need to make a change in his career. That’s when Jackson’s oldest son suggested incorporating gaming into his next career stop.

“I’ve been gaming since I was 13, so I already had decades of experience,” said Jackson. “I figured why not use that experience as well as my interest to build a business.”

He established Fellowship Gaming, a business that brings gaming experiences to local groups. Jackson also acts as a game master — the narrator and story tailor of role playing games such as Dungeon and Dragons. Groups looking to play at Fellowship Gaming often include birthday parties, corporate team building, bachelorette parties, and more.

While he can take groups of any size within reason, the sweet spot is around seven or eight people, a size that allows for optimal engagement. The groups just need to supply tables and chairs for their party, and Jackson handles the rest.

“The group chooses a theme like ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Stranger Things,’ Dungeons and Dragons, etc. As the Game Master, I take the participants through the story and scenarios so they can play,” Jackson said.

All games are dice based and some can take hours if the group chooses. All games involve role playing, almost as if you were watching a movie and acting in it at the same time.

“It really depends on the group, but I’ve had some take a couple hours and others take all day,” said Jackson. “Some groups just want to keep going. It’s really a lot of fun.”

Games usually cost around $25 per person. Jackson has donated a portion of his revenue to charities throughout the area. It’s not only great marketing, but meaningful for Jackson.

“I just donated to 4H Shrine in Michigan City,” said Jackson. “Giving back through my business to the community that continues to support me in this endeavor is the least I can do to show my appreciation. It’s servant leadership and it’s very rewarding.”

To learn more about Jackson and his business visit fellowshipgamingllc.com.