Student and graduate enterprise
Entrepreneurs cash in on gaming market
Company
CardShark Poker Products
Loughborough graduate
Jordan Fleary
Dominic Girdler
CardShark is the UK’s first brand to dedicate itself to making luxury poker products previously only available in casinos available to the home poker player.
Jordan was inspired to start his own business after seeing Dominic build his own successful company, Zest Promotions. “We always wanted to work together, so going into business made perfect sense,’’ he said.
Jordan said: “We began by thoroughly researching the market; including all our competitors and our target audiences. We then began our product R&D whilst simultaneously devising a strong business plan that would help us when applying for funding.’’
CardShark showed early promise when it won Third Prize and a £1,000 award from Gill Cooke in the 2009 Loughborough University Business Plan Competition. The company used the winnings to set up a hot desk at Loughborough Innovation Centre, where it received support from Connect Midlands. Within a year, the company had found the perfect investor with whom it continues to enjoy a good working relationship. Jordan and Dominic were soon working with suppliers based in China, Hong Kong, Brazil and the USA.
In 2010, the company started to offer CardShark Poker Parties - bringing the casino experience to the home, place of work, or private venue for anything from a serious home game, to a charity event or birthday party. Jordan and Dominic now supply live poker tours and clubs with customised poker products. In addition to a successful online business, CardShark is exclusively available at Harrods, and a limited edition Harrods Poker set is also available.
Jordan and Dominic enjoy being their own boss. “We make every decision about the direction CardShark takes, this can bring with it a lot of stress and sleepless nights, but when things work out, there is no more rewarding feeling,’’ said Jordan.
Wise words
“Go for it! Think big from day one as the possibilities are endless. Seek out as much advice as possible - most people are only too happy to help.’’