Suraj “Surge” Gill (with scissors) gathers family to celebrate his new Carmichael business, Surge VR Arena and Golf Lounge. Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members join the party.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A nickname can be prophetic. Suraj Gill’s moniker “Surge” might have foreseen a flair for the fast lane. Aged 28, the Rio Americano graduate has more than 40 vans on the road delivering Amazon purchases.

“Even at high school, I was always looking for businesses opportunities,” Gill recalled. “I did my homework the last minute before school. At home, I preferred to play video games. My family provided business mentors but I always had my own vision. I sold gadgets at the flea market when I was 16. I had a carpet-cleaning business at 21. Then I noticed that Amazon was getting huge. People wanted everything at their doorstep. Even before COVID, home delivery was the thing. Convenience was the way to go.”

His newly-opened games store, Surge VR (Virtual Reality) Arena and Golf Lounge, further accommodates customers. Virtual reality allows game fans to score big without leaving their neighborhoods. Renting booths for $45 per hour, golfers can drive on almost any golf course in the world. In goggles and headsets, youth get physical at Gorilla Tag. Teens can be quarterbacks or soccer stars. To the cheers of thousands, wannabe baseballers can score epic home runs.

No surprise: most customers are game-savvy kids. 

“They’re like me at their age,” observed Gill. “But they’re even more into it. They teach me stuff I don’t know. This store’s an investment in high-tech. In this business, you’ve got to stay up to date with technology and kids.”

Approving his mission, Gill’s nephews and nieces sparred in a carpeted zone during recent opening ceremonies. Also on hand were mom, dad, sari-clad grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins.

“It’s a big, supportive family and I couldn’t have begun my companies without them,” said the entrepreneur.

Business owner Suraj “Surge” Gill (center) is congratulated by Carmichael community members and elected officials. Resolution presenters are, from left, Kendra Johnson (for Supervisor Rich Desmond); Tim Morrison and Natalya Sachuk (for Assemblyman Josh Hoover); Rosie Buck (Carmichael Chamber of Commerce president); Kosim Latipov (for state Sen. Roger Niello) and Josh Gumacal (for Congressman Ami Bera).

Business is in his blood. His grandparents were Punjabi merchants who emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. With their English-born children and grandchildren, the Gills made a 1995 leap to the United States. Here, they established grocery and convenience stores and founded an American business generation.

Family is understandably huge in the grandson’s game plan. Occupying former restaurant space, Gill’s new business welcomes birthday parties and baby showers. Snacks and beverages are available and a liquor license is in the works. Gill also plans to take his virtual golf booths to senior homes.

“That way, older golfers don’t have to drive to a club or walk the course,” Gill said. “They’ll have everything at their door. Virtual reality is for all ages.”

Surge VR has booked its first in-store wedding.  

“We’re cheaper than big venues,” conceded the host.  “But you get the same result and guests can even play golf during the reception.” 

All the same, Gill probably wouldn’t plan his own wedding there.

“My family is huge,” explained the 28-year-old. “They’d come from India, England, Canada and all over the U.S.A. But when the time comes, I’ll definitely bring VR entertainment to my wedding. You’ve gotta keep the kids busy.”

For more information, go online to surgeVRarena.com. Surge VR is located at 4794 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael.