Pioneering the Future of Virtual Reality Entertainment

Robert Bruski stands at the forefront of innovation with the creation of the world’s first virtual reality arcade. This groundbreaking venture wasn’t just about building a business; it was about shaping the future of entertainment. “How many people can say, ‘I literally built the future—one headset at a time’?” he reflects. Despite the monumental achievement, Robert remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of humility and teamwork. For him, the success is not a personal triumph, but a collective accomplishment, a testament to the dedication and collaboration of his entire team.

Leading Through the COVID-19 Crisis

When the COVID-19 lockdowns hit, Robert Bruski faced a unique challenge—leading a business that relied on in-person customers while the world was forced indoors. With no revenue coming in, his focus shifted to maintaining team morale. “I made it my mission to keep everyone positive and focused on what was next,” Robert recalls. Through countless “Zoom pep talks,” tough decisions, and creative problem-solving, he not only helped his team survive the crisis but also reinforced the strength of their unity. For Robert, it wasn’t just about weathering the storm—it was about proving that together, they could overcome anything.

Robert Bruski: Redefining Leadership

When Robert Bruski first stepped into leadership, he thought it meant being the shining example everyone should follow. But over time, he realized leadership isn’t about him—it’s about empowering others. “My job became less about inspiring individuals and more about removing obstacles,” he reflects. By giving his team the tools they needed to succeed and stepping back, Robert fostered an environment where remarkable people could do remarkable things. This shift, he says, was liberating—not just for him, but for everyone involved.

Prioritizing the Customer in Virtual Reality

Robert Bruski’s success in the VR arcade industry came from a simple yet powerful shift in focus—prioritizing the customer over the technology. While many competitors were obsessed with tech specs and the latest gadgets, Robert and his team asked, “What does the customer actually want?” By focusing on creating unforgettable experiences rather than chasing every new update, they set themselves apart. It wasn’t always the easiest path, but it was the one that kept them ahead of the competition and ensured long-term success.

Leading with Grit, Fun, and Influence

For Robert Bruski, success was built on grit, moxie, and a relentless drive to improve. “Staying hungry meant never resting on our laurels,” he says, always striving for the next goal. He led by influence, not authority, believing that if you had to pull rank, you’d already lost. Keeping things fun was also key—”If you’re not having fun, why bother?” Above all, Robert focused on creating raving fans—customers, partners, and employees who genuinely loved what the company stood for. These principles, he notes, were his guiding light.

Smart Growth and Innovation

For Robert Bruski, growth isn’t about running faster—it’s about running smarter. He emphasized versatility by encouraging his team to learn new skills and explore different departments, keeping them ready for anything. Staying ahead of industry trends and global events was essential to avoid being blindsided. Most importantly, thinking outside the box wasn’t just encouraged—it was a job requirement. “If you weren’t pushing boundaries, what were you even doing?” Robert believes that continuous innovation and adaptability were key to their success.

Robert Bruski: Building a Winning Company Culture

When Robert Bruski started his company, there was no existing culture—he had to build it from scratch. In the beginning, the focus was on fun and celebrating every win. But soon, the team realized that success also required hard work and grit. “Someone still has to do the hard work,” Robert laughs. By blending fun with determination, they created a culture where working hard, playing hard, and celebrating success became the perfect balance. Today, that winning mindset is at the heart of everything they do.

The Power of Core Values in Company Culture

Robert Bruski knows that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to building great company culture. However, one rule stands firm: everyone must share the same core values. “No exceptions, no compromises,” he insists. From hiring to daily operations, these values were embedded in everything the company did. If someone didn’t align, they didn’t make the cut. For Robert, a strong, unified culture starts with a commitment to shared principles—ensuring success from the inside out.

The Importance of Cultural Fit in Building a Strong Team

For Robert Bruski, firing people who didn’t align with the company’s culture was one of the toughest yet most necessary decisions. “These were good, talented people, but they weren’t the right fit,” he says. Hiring only those who shared the company’s core values was equally critical. “We didn’t settle for anything less than A+ players,” Robert emphasizes. It wasn’t personal—it was about securing the company’s future. For him, the right people truly make or break a business, and he wasn’t willing to compromise.

Empowering Teams with Freedom and Accountability

Robert Bruski’s approach to leadership was simple: work whenever and however you like, as long as the job is done to an insanely high standard. “No micromanaging, no clock-watching,” he says. Once a task was complete, the next challenge awaited—keeping the team sharp and motivated. This mindset of empowerment, ownership, and continuous innovation fueled momentum and kept everyone forward-focused. For Robert, the key to success was giving his team the freedom to perform while holding them accountable to excellence.

The Pursuit of Excellence

For Robert Bruski, there’s no room for complacency. “They’ve got to always strive for better. No settling, no coasting,” he says. The moment someone thinks, “This is good enough,” is the moment they’re in the wrong job. Robert’s philosophy is simple: continuous improvement and the relentless pursuit of excellence are non-negotiable. For him, success isn’t about being satisfied with the status quo; it’s about pushing to be better every day.

Focused on the Future, Not Leadership Transition

For Robert Bruski, there’s no time to plan for a leadership transition—because the work is far from finished. “We’re focused on taking this baby to the moon,” he says, emphasizing that the task at hand is his primary focus. With so much still to accomplish, Robert believes there’s no need to think about the end while the journey is just getting started. For him, it’s all about the future and pushing forward, one step at a time.

Mastering Franchising to Stay Ahead of the Competition

Robert Bruski believes that if you can successfully build a franchise, competition becomes irrelevant. “Franchising is a beast—most people won’t tread that path and still have their sanity intact,” he says. For Robert, mastering the complexities of franchising puts you miles ahead in the business world, giving you a distinct advantage over others. It’s not just about growing a business—it’s about building a scalable, resilient model that stands the test of time.

A Legacy of Kindness and Impact

For Robert Bruski, the legacy he hopes to leave behind is simple yet powerful. “Kindness, impact, and leaving things better than I found them,” he says, reflecting on his values. He points to the song “A Good Man” by Emerson Drive as the perfect embodiment of his aspirations. For Robert, it’s not about fame or recognition—it’s about making a positive difference and being remembered for the good you do.

Aiming for Global VR Domination

Robert Bruski has no small ambitions—he’s set on global domination. “I want Ctrl V to be synonymous with VR everywhere, like Coke is with soda,” he declares. With bold dreams and an unwavering focus on growth, Robert’s vision is clear: to make Ctrl V the leading name in virtual reality, recognized worldwide as the go-to brand for VR experiences.

Retirement is Just a New Challenge

While Robert Bruski isn’t ready to retire yet, he’s already thinking ahead. “When the time comes, rest assured I won’t be stopping,” he says. For Robert, retirement isn’t the end—it’s simply the start of a new challenge. There will always be another mountain to climb, and he’s determined to keep pushing forward, no matter what stage of life he’s in.

Fearlessness Through Faith

For Robert Bruski, achieving anything requires fearlessness. “For me, that means focusing on the one true God, Jesus Christ,” he says. His faith serves as his center and guiding light, providing strength and direction. Robert believes that everyone needs to find that steadying force in their life—something that keeps them grounded and strong as they pursue their goals.

Staying Involved, Even After Stepping Down

Robert Bruski isn’t the type to step away completely. “I already do it all—mentoring, consulting, staying involved,” he says. Even when he steps down, he plans to remain a presence, just with a bit more free time. For Robert, being active and engaged in the business and with others is part of who he is, and he has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Talent

Robert Bruski believes in the value of being the “dumbest person in the room.” “Hire people who are smarter than you, listen to those who’ve achieved what you want to achieve, and surround yourself with people who inspire you,” he advises. For Robert, success comes from learning from others, building a team of exceptional talent, and constantly being inspired by those around you.

Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time

Looking back, Robert Bruski wishes he had started earlier. “There’s no need to wait for the ‘perfect time’—it doesn’t exist,” he says. His advice is simple: jump in and figure it out as you go. For Robert, waiting for ideal conditions only holds you back—taking action and learning along the way is the key to progress.

Elevating Lives and Experiences

For Robert Bruski, the mission is clear: “You’re elevating lives and elevating experiences.” This guiding principle drives everything the company does. “It’s more than just words—it’s the foundation of our work,” he says. By keeping this mission at the forefront, Robert believes you’ll always stay on the right track, focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.