Ever wondered what happens when martial arts meets paintball? This episode dives deep into the unexpected crossover as we welcome Kaleb Plank and his business partner Chris Hulsey, the minds behind Wild World Paintball in Northwest Arkansas. 

Prepare for a roller coaster ride through Kaleb's entrepreneurial adventures, including convincing an engineering graduate to abandon his career prospects for a martial arts school. Their story of transforming a neglected paintball facility into a thriving business reveals the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as Chris, an avid competitive paintball player, breaks down the different formats of the sport and explains how it has evolved from a recreational activity into a professional endeavor with top players earning up to $180,000 annually. We explore the technology behind the equipment, from basic rental guns to high-end markers costing thousands, and learn how the industry is experiencing a renaissance after nearly collapsing during the 2008 financial crisis.

What truly shines through is the passion and camaraderie that paintball fosters. Whether it's corporate team building, tactical training for law enforcement, or competitive tournaments, this sport creates unique bonds between participants. The connection to paintball legend Billy Ceranski (now CEO of Kore Outdoor) adds another layer to this fascinating glimpse into an industry many know little about.

Ready to experience the adrenaline rush of paintball? Check out Wild World Paintball in Tontitown, open weekends for regular play and weekdays by appointment for corporate events. Your next adventure might be just a trigger pull away!

More About this Episode

The Rise of Competitive Paintball in Northwest Arkansas: Business, Brotherhood, and a Whole Lot of Bruises

When you think of competitive paintball, your mind might flash back to a bachelor party or a birthday spent ducking behind trees and blindly firing paint-filled pellets. But what if I told you that paintball is not only alive and well in Northwest Arkansas, but evolving into a full-blown sport with national reach, pro players, and even turf battles worthy of a Netflix docuseries?

In this episode of the B-Team Podcast, we sat down with Kaleb Plank and Chris Hulsey – entrepreneurs, martial arts instructors, and now co-owners of Wild World Paintball – to talk about how they’re reinventing the business and sport of paintball in Bentonville and beyond.

From Martial Arts to Markers

Kaleb and Chris didn’t start in the paintball game. Their entrepreneurial journey kicked off in the martial arts world, where they co-own several schools across Northwest Arkansas. What began with scraping by – literally, Chris made $116 a week when they opened their first gym – evolved into a thriving business built on passion and community.

So how did they get into paintball? Simple: Chris is a lifelong paintball fanatic. When the opportunity came to acquire Wild World Paintball, a local field with a long but fading legacy, he brought the idea to Kaleb.

The pitch? Trade stability and engineering credentials for another passion-based venture. It was a full-circle moment – and this time, they were ready to scale it with lessons learned from their martial arts experience.

Paintball, Then and Now

For those whose last memory of paintball involves a foggy mask and a single-shot CO2 pump gun, the sport has evolved – dramatically. As Chris explains, the modern paintball landscape includes several distinct formats:

  • Recreational Paintball: Casual, open-play matches perfect for birthdays and corporate team-building.
  • Milsim (Military Simulation): Tactical, mag-fed paintball that mimics real combat scenarios.
  • 10-Man Woodsball: The original competitive format – slower-paced, played in wooded areas with large teams.
  • X-Ball: The crown jewel of the sport, X-Ball is a five-on-five, high-speed competition played on turf. Points are scored by eliminating the other team and hitting a buzzer – then reset and repeat for 15 minutes. Professional-level cardio required.

Chris, a seasoned player, practices multiple times a week and competes on a team called NWA United, which travels the country playing in tournaments. With events that attract dozens of local players and serious momentum behind the competitive format, Wild World is helping cement Arkansas’s place on the national paintball map.

Billy Ceranski: Paintball Royalty

Part of the reason this project has real momentum is thanks to industry legend Billy Ceranski. Known as the Michael Jordan of paintball, Ceranski is a world champion player and now the CEO of Kore Outdoor, the largest paintball company in the world. He’s also a black belt who used to train with Kaleb and Chris – talk about a small world.

Billy’s influence extends far beyond Arkansas. He’s the driving force behind paintball’s resurgence, pushing media deals, documentaries, and sponsorships with companies like Red Bull. The Wild World team credits him not only for inspiring their leap into the industry but also for fighting to keep the sport alive and growing.

Business Model: Accessible for All

Wild World’s pricing model is refreshingly simple and accessible. For around $50, players can rent gear and enjoy a full day of open play. Birthday parties and private events start around $400 for a 1.5- to 2-hour block. They even offer low-impact paintball for younger players and corporate events.

And if you’re a weekend warrior looking for something a little more tactical, they offer MagFed days – limited ammo, realistic gear, and a chance to play like it’s a Navy SEAL mission.

Gear Talk: From Entry-Level to Elite

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Wild World’s got you covered. Entry-level players use robust, mechanical markers – easy to handle and maintain. Chris walked us through everything from basic hoppers to his own $1,700 private-label gun with limited edition detailing. At the high end, guns can shoot 10.5 paintballs per second, and some players carry over 1,400 rounds in a single match.

The gear is not just cool – it’s strategic. From carbon fiber tanks to programmable electronic triggers, today’s paintballers are operating at the intersection of sport and tech.

Paintball as Team Building

We’ve done our fair share of bourbon tasting and boardroom brainstorms, but if you’re looking to shake up your next team event, paintball offers something unique. It’s physical, it’s strategic, and, yes, a little painful – but it brings people together in a way that nothing else does.

As Kaleb put it, there’s something transformative about being on a team, crawling in the mud, and executing a strategy under pressure. It’s more than just a game – it’s camaraderie, communication, and leadership, all in one chaotic package.

The Future of the Sport

After a major boom in the early 2000s, the 2008 financial crash nearly wiped out the sport’s sponsorship backbone. But post-COVID, paintball has seen a rebirth. It’s masked, it’s outdoors, and it’s adrenaline-pumping. Now, with ESPN coverage, new documentaries, and major sponsors like Red Bull, many believe we’re on the brink of a paintball renaissance.

And, thanks to guys like Chris and Kaleb, Wild World Paintball is at the forefront – offering everything from kids’ parties to corporate retreats to pro-level competitive play, right here in Bentonville.

Want to Play?

You can find all the details, book sessions, and even check out some seriously cool Instagram photos at WildWorldPB.com.

So whether you’re an old-school 10-man woodsball warrior or just looking to light up your coworkers in a team-building showdown, Wild World Paintball is where business, bourbon, and bruises meet.