In downtown Marshall, Minnesota, a garage door rolls open to reveal a clutter of axes hitting targets, laughter coming from birthday parties, and the smell of fresh, hot food. This is Wings Axe Company, where sharp axes meet small-town hospitality, and where a 20-year-old owner is proving that vision and hustle matter more than age.
Jett Wing, the founder and owner, opened Wings Axe Company in 2023, just months after graduating high school. Jett had taken an entrepreneurship course in high school that gave him the skillset he would need to run a business. But the concept of Wings wasn’t the result of a grand revelation or a lifelong dream – it started after a night of fun in Sioux Falls. He’d thrown some axes with some friends, came home to Marshall, and thought: why not bring that here?
“Sometimes it feels like there’s not a bunch to do in Marshall, especially during the winter months,” Jett says. “So, I saw an opportunity and I went for it.”
That instinct has served him well. Just two years after opening, Wings now offers nine axe-throwing lanes, a full bar, a food menu featuring wings, burgers, and charcuterie boards, and an outdoor patio for summer months. But what sets it apart isn’t just the mix of entertainment and dining, but the fun, inviting atmosphere.
From idea to impact
Getting Wings off the ground wasn’t easy. Jett faced challenges that would make even a seasoned entrepreneur hesitate. One of the biggest early hurdles? Financing.
“I had a longtime relationship with a different bank, but they kind of pushed me to the side,” Jett notes. “They’d say that they would get back to me, and I never heard anything.”
That changed when his father introduced him to Josh Onken and Neal Everson at Minnwest Bank. They didn’t just return his call – they came and visited him in person.
“We had a meeting, I shared my ideas, and they decided to take a chance on me,” Jett says.
And as soon as the paperwork was signed, the real work began. It wasn’t just the financing that tested him. A drawn-out permit process made renovations difficult, especially since the space, once a rough wedding venue, required major remodeling.
“It was pretty much a bare facility,” Jett says. “There wasn’t much to work with initially.”
But by November, after all the initial roadblocks, Wings Axe Company opened its doors – and was booked solid.
A space that hits the mark
Within weeks of opening, the space was booked Wednesday through Saturday, with visitors all the way from Mankato, The Cities, and beyond.
“That’s when I knew it would work,” Jett reflects. “People really like this, they enjoy coming out and doing it.”
The appeal isn’t just the axes – though those are central to the fun. Guests also come to throw anything from knives to throwing stars, even the occasional saw blade or playing card. There’s also a full food menu, drinks, board games for families, and a glowing community vibe that feels more welcoming than competitive.
A young team with strong roots
One of the most impressive aspects of Wings Axe is its team, and how Jett has built it from the ground up. At just 18 when he launched, many of the new hires were older than him.
“They’d show up for interviews and be surprised to see this 18-year-old kid,” Jett laughs.
Despite this, Jett quickly learned how to lead.
“Treat your team well, and they’ll treat you well,” Jett says. “We have a lot of fun here. We’ve got awesome guests, and the staff has built real relationships with them.”
Today, Wings Axe operates with a core crew of about six, a combination of college aged students and part-time professionals. Jett has even built in enough structure to be able to step away and take time for himself and his family.
“My wife and I went to Jamaica recently, and I didn’t even need to have my phone on me. Everything went smoothly while we were away,” Jett says.
He credits much of the success to hiring the right people and being willing to learn from his early mistakes.
“The first person I interviewed didn’t end up working out – but from that, I started to understand the type of person I wanted to have on the team,” Jett says.
More than a business – a community fixture
Wings Axe has quickly become a go-to spot for families, date nights, and corporate events in Marshall. The space balances excitement with safety, structure, and spontaneity.
“Even if the kids can’t throw axes, we’ve got board games for them to play,” Jett notes.
That inclusive energy hasn’t gone unnoticed. Within its first year, Wings was nominated for a hospitality award and voted #1 in Family Entertainment through the local Chamber of Commerce.
“[The recognition] really means a lot,” Jett says. “It’s an honor – I don’t even have the words for it.”
The recognition he’s already received reflects not just a fun experience, but a culture of service and reliability.
Looking ahead
Right now, Jett’s focus is on building systems, streamlining training, and becoming more efficient with his hands-on time in day-to-day operations, to help free up time to work on the bigger picture.
“This year, my biggest goal is to replace myself a little bit,” Jett says. “To still be present but working in a different capacity.”
Down the road, he hopes to expand – maybe one or two more locations. But for now, he’s grounded in gratitude.
“Sometimes I feel like I should be further ahead,” Jett reflects. “But then I remember – I’ve only just turned 20.”
His success is the product of a sharp mind, steady leadership, and a clear sense of what people in his community are looking for. Wings Axe Company isn’t just a place to throw sharp objects at a target – it’s a place to have fun, connect, and be welcomed in.