Madeline and Chris Bodoh are the owners of Axes & Armor, a local joint for people to partake in ax throwing, both competitively and recreationally, as well as other fun activities such as billiards, football, bowling and a rage room/splatter room. The space also has a bar with drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, as well as foods such as chips, pretzels, etc. 

The Bodohs acquired the first location of Axes & Armor on Raeford Road in 2018 and opened in January of 2019. They were inspired to start this business after visiting an ax throwing place while in New York one summer. 

“I think it’s something that we prayed about, and said, ‘does it make sense to do?’ Does it feel right? And our prayer sort of said, ‘Yep, this is what you need to be doing,’” shared Madeline.

Then two years later, Madeline and Chris felt like it was the right time to expand.

“The second location came in 2021…after COVID, we prayed about that and said, ‘Things seem to be going well, does it make sense for us to open another facility?’ And we prayed about that, and sure enough, it was the right thing to do. The building kind of just fell in our lap and the deal was, I mean, it was impeccable. So we were like, ‘Okay, this feels comfortable. We should just do it,’” shared Madeline.

Madeline expressed how she’d been encouraged by her mother to pray every night as a child, and the power of prayer has continued to help guide her throughout her whole life. Additionally, her mother helped shape her entrepreneurial spirit. Her mother owned a gym, and seeing her mother’s dedication to owning and operating her own business inspired Madeline.

“I remember she owned a gym, at least two or three locations, for about eight years. And the entrepreneurial side of me was like, wow, if she can do that…one day I’ll be able to own my own business too,” shared Madeline.

Madeline and Chris attend a nondenominational church with their children. The two are proud of their faith, but understand that not everyone comes from the same background. However, they do not make their faith smaller when working as it is a part of what guides them through every aspect of their life. 

“We don’t push our faith on anyone that works for us, but, the way we respond might be different for someone who didn’t necessarily believe in a higher being,” commented Madeline. 

When they were preparing to open their first location, Madeline shared that she and her husband found themselves researching “What do people get out of throwing axes anyway?”

“It’s something pretty exhilarating about it that allows you to focus on the craft that you’re actually engaging in. So whether it’s standing a certain way or it’s holding a certain weight of ax, there’s something that allows you to balance to some degree,” remarked Madeline. 

Between the two locations, they employ about 12 people. Madeline and Chris take pleasure in being able to provide jobs for the community. Madeline explained that it was a challenge at first to entrust someone else with the business, but once again, she relied on her faith to help her overcome the challenge.

“We also found the value, and it was really hard, but I think with prayer [we found] an understanding that you can trust people,” stated Madeline. 

By empowering their manager or assistant manager to operate things, Madeline shared that she and Chris are more available to tend to administrative duties. This also allows them to have more time to spend with their kids as they know their business is in good hands.

In addition to their two physical locations, Axes & Armor also offers a mobile ax throwing experience. Madeline shared that it provides another way for community members to enjoy the sport without having to come to one of the designated locations. The mobile ax throwing unit will be present at the Dogwood Festival coming up at the end of the April for guests to partake in. 

The sport of ax throwing has a wide appeal, with children as young as eight beginning to take a swing at it. Axes & Armor even host camps in the summer where kids can learn techniques for ax throwing and practice in a safe environment. 

When asked if she anticipates expanding to more locations in the future, Madeline shared that she does think there’s a good chance they’ll open another facility down the road, but when that may happen is still undetermined.

“My husband and I, we’re pretty ambitious people whenever it comes to owning the business. So we want to see the locations that we have do well, but I think at some point we would like to, if there’s a need,” said Madeline.

For the meantime, Madeline expressed she’s enjoying what they have built with their business so far and she and her husband are dedicated to seeing their current locations prosper. 

Madeline was happy to share with Greater Fayetteville Business Journal one of her favorite verses to share as she and her husband serve as small business owners which is 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 

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To read more about hours of operation, pricing and special events go to axesandarmor.com