Resident Dennis Knapp is just a normal dude. He’s a husband and a father who enjoys giving back to the community. But Knapp’s new business is anything but the norm. He launched “The Medieval Dude” earlier this year and appeared at the City’s recent Readers’ Festival. The business provides a tactile learning experience to students of all ages through medieval replicas and genuine historical artifacts.
“We specialize in educational presentations, after-school programs and field days for schools, scouts, civic organizations and community groups, as well as birthday tournaments for children who want to celebrate their birthdays with unforgettable events that are as educational as they are fun,” he said.
Medieval history has always been a passion of Knapp’s and was the focus of his educational background. He serves as the company’s “talent” – while wife Rebecca handles the business side of things. The company also benefits from the curious input and assistance of the couple’s three young “squires.”
“After we had our daughter in April, I left my full-time job to be a stay-at-home dad while my wife worked (at Saddleback College),”Knapp said. “Quickly, I realized that I needed something to keep me busy, so it was natural to turn to my passion for history to devise a way to apply my experience and education to the benefit of others.”
Knapp says a society benefits when its citizens are informed and excited about learning, and educators yearn to find innovative ways to deliver quality supplemental education. The trick, he says, is to achieve this while also energizing young people to be passionate about education. It’s also important to receive support from the community.
“In our short lifespan here, the best part of doing business in Mission Viejo is the support we have received from the City of Mission Viejo,” he said. We had the honor of participating in the Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival on October 14, and received overwhelming support … The event was an overwhelmingly successful launch of our company and a true reflection of what Mission Viejo has to offer to its residents and small businesses.”
The business is also evolving into somewhat of a family project. By starting the company and watching the Knapps build it from the ground up, their young children are learning lessons in work ethic, business management, customer service, selling skills – and medieval history.
The couple is also big on giving back through programs such as The Medieval Dude’s “Parent Partners” and serving as scout leaders and active volunteers in the community.
“Giving back is the core of our mission and will forever be the ultimate purpose of The Medieval Dude, especially as we continue to grow,” he said.
For more information, visit http://www.medievaldude.com.
Hey! I know this dude! — Rebecca Knapp is one of my professor’s at Saddleback. Our class was lucky enough to have Medieval Dude present his new business venture before the official launch. He had us all interested. This business will absolutely be a BIG success!