bowling industry 07/11
DESCRIPTION
The World's Only Magazine Devoted Exclusively to the Business of Bowling.TRANSCRIPT
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6ISSUE AT HANDAre you serious?
By Scott Frager
8SHORTS
� An 8-year-old’s“Strikes for Cancer”� 13th Punk Rock
Bowling andMusic Festival
� The Air Force’sremote controlled
bowling balls� Bowling and hair
salon partner up
14CENTER STAGE
UW- MadisonUnion South’s new lanes
By Lydia Rypcinski
17INTERNATIONAL
PROFILEAustralia’s
Sugarbowl LanesE-J Starkey makes his
dream come trueBy Paul Lane
24COVER STORY
ShenaniganzA barrel of fun in
Rockwall, TexasBy Joan Taylor
36
CONTENTS
32OPERATIONSEbonite’s New VentureCrafting pins inHopkinsville, KentuckyBy Michael Goldman
36OFF THE CLOCKLarry LinderHis driving passionBy Bree Gutierrez
41WHAT BOWLINGMEANS TO MEFrom Alaska toSan Diego, Chris Leftwichbowls with his heart
54REMEMBER WHEN1960Bowling’s heyday
44 Datebook
45 Showcase
46 Classifieds
VOL 19.7THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
IBI July 2011
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PUBLISHER & EDITORScott Frager
[email protected]: scottfrager
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISINGChris Holmes
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTGregory Keer
OFFICE MANAGERPatty Heath
CONTRIBUTORSMichael Goldman
Bree GutierrezPatty HeathPaul Lane
Lydia RypcinskiJoan Taylor
SPECIAL PROJECTSJackie Fisher
ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTIONDesignworks
www.dzynwrx.com(818) 735-9424
FOUNDERAllen Crown (1933-2002)
13245 Riverside Dr., Suite 501Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 789-2695(BOWL)Fax (818) 789-2812
www.BowlingIndustry.com
HOTLINE: 888-424-2695SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy ofInternational Bowling Industry is sent free toevery bowling center, independently ownedpro shop and collegiate bowling center inthe U.S., and every military bowling centerand pro shop worldwide. Publisher reservesthe right to provide free subscriptions tothose individuals who meet publicationqualifications. Additional subscriptions maybe purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50per year. Subscriptions for Canada andMexico are $65 per year, all other foreignsubscriptions are $80 per year. All foreignsubscriptions should be paid in U.S. fundsusing International Money Orders.POSTMASTER: Please send new as well asold address to International Bowling Industry,13245 Riverside Drive, Suite 501, ShermanOaks, CA 91423 USA. If possible, pleasefurnish address mailing label.Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2010, B2B Media,Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprintedwithout the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
6 IBI July 2011
THE ISSUE AT HAND
Seriously. Are we just too serious?Days at the magazine and the
Bowling Centers of Southern Californiatend to get very serious, quite quickly.
In a small office environment withdeadlines constantly looming andeveryone buzzing around accomplishingthe impossible, we often lose sight ofhow truly fun our business can be.
Those who knowme, work with me,and even those wholove me know thatone of my deficits isthat I skew a littlecloser to the seriousside of life. Sure, Ilike to have fun andenjoy myself, but in aquiet kind of way.
You won’t find any funny titles listedon my, or my teammates’ businesscards. It’s just not how I roll. Thankgoodness for my creative staff whokeeps the magazine brimming withcolor, creativity and life. They also helpto keep the process of putting themagazine together and managing abowling trade association FUN!
What about the culture of businessversus the culture of fun at your
business? Are these two concepts symbiotic or antithetical by nature?For at least two bowling centers the culture of fun begins in their names. Last month, IBI had the pleasure of featuring a bowling center
named “Knuckleheads.” It is an amazing facility with an equallyamazing history and story, but it also has an untraditional name. Youcan just tell from its logo that this center’s management is both seriousabout business and has the self-confidence needed to call itself aknucklehead.
This month, we move from “Knuckleheads” to “Shenaniganz.”Shenaniganz has a special story to tell.Anytime a guest calls the bowling center ordrives up to the inviting, almost glowing,entrance and steps inside the building,they are treated to a special sort ofhospitality– a hospitality worthy of a coverstory within the pages of IBI.
There was no master plan to featuretwo centers with self-deprecating names,it just ended up that way. I’m glad that itdid too.
Doing so gave me a chance to reflect on how I can inject a little morefun in my own business and customer service. It’s given me theconfidence to find my own sense of humor andcelebrate the fact that I am a part of a businessthat is nothing if not fun!
.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHERAND [email protected]
Are you serious?
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what would an album be worth? Find out by posting anew album with your pictures of your center, a remodel project, an event at your center, or a productthat your company would like to show off. If IBI picks yours, it will be highlighted for all to see onIBI’s Homepage.
IBI online is growing by leaps and bounds with thousands of photos and dozens of albums!! Photosare a great way to “show what ya got” and inspire or be inspired.
First, find someone handy with a camera and shoot some fun shots of your facility, inside and out.Then, go to www.bowlingindustry.com and sign in.
Third, click the “photos” button on the top banner; last but not least, click the “+ADD” button.The rest is a piece of cake. Looking forward to “seeing” you on IBI Online!
�THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com
10 IBI July 2011
SHORTS
River City Lanes owned by John Hohensee in Iron River,Michigan, a small town of approximately 1900, wasdestroyed by fire early Friday morning, May 20. Theadjacent building of the Veterans of Foreign Wars receivedminor heat and smoke damage as reported by the IronCounty Reporter. The cause of the fire as of May 24 wasstill undetermined and under investigation.
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Both Strasburg and its neighbor Columbia, Pennsylvanialost their fifty-plus year old centers to fire. Garden SpotBowling Center, a fixture in Strasburg for 55 years, burnedto the ground. According to a state police fire marshal, thefire was possibly due to an electrical system or heatingoutlet. Loss was estimated at approximately $1.5 million.There were a dozen bowlers and employees still in thecenter when the fire began. Columbia’s fire at 50-year-oldColumbia Bowl was not suspicious and occurred a monthprior to the Strasburg blaze.
Photo compliments of Iron County Reprter, Iron River, MI.
No matter the cause, be it hunger, cancer, kids, or rare diseases,there is a bowling center donating time and space to organizationsand fundraising. Centers are more than businesses; they are neighbors.
The month of May saw many events held to raise awareness andmoney for a variety of causes.
The Men’s Auxiliary to Chautauqua Lake Memorial Post 8647Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States held its sixth annual“Don’t Know Your bowling Partner Tournament” at Fountain BowlLanes in Jamestown, New York. More than 60 bowlers participated.The$6,100 raised went to support Hospice Chautauqua County. Thehospice provides care for patients and families during the endstages of a loved one’s life.
Strike Zone in Franklin, Ohio was the venue for a benefit heldfor Eli Nardi, a fifth-grader suffering from Stage 4 clear cellsarcoma of the kidney, organized by friends to help support thefamily. Bowling and sand volleyball plus raffles and door prizes werethe entertainment.
Aiming to raise awareness of and funds for Fanconi Anemia, arare genetic blood disease that leads to bone marrow failure andcertain cancers, a Cosmic Bowl-a-Thon was held at Cave SpringsBowling Lanes in St. Peters, Missouri in honor of 15-year-oldAustin Jaros-Riley who suffers from the disease.
The goal was $10,000, all of which will go towards Parkinson’sResources of Oregon and the Parkinson Center of Oregon. RogerAnderson has been battling Parkinson’s disease for more than adecade. He and his wife Karen turned their love for bowling into afundraiser. Beaverton, Oregon’s Sunset Lanes was the location andevery lane was packed and every raffle ticket was sold.
“Strike out Hunger,” a bowling fundraiser, was held at Park Lanesin Loves Park, Illinois. All the proceeds were designated for theRockford Pantry Coalition and its fight against hunger in thecommunity.
Ann Van Wagner of Southern Florida in conjunction with the JohnsHopkins Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory in Baltimore, Marylandheld a bowling fundraiser, “Bowling for Brains,” at Strikes in BocaRaton, Florida.
72 high students sponsored an event at Thunderbird Lanes inTroy, Michigan to aid the Red Cross Japanese Relief Fund.
Laraway Lanes in New Lenox, Illinois held a candlelight bowlfundraiser to promote awareness of suicide and depression. Studentsvolunteered to sell raffle tickets with the proceeds going towardbuilding a website to provide resources and education.
Bowling brings people together; people do the rest! Let usknow with what charity your center is involved. Contact us [email protected].
CHARITY BEGINS
ON THE LANES
owling is a VarsityLetter Sport!
Florida’s Lee Country School Board has voted tomake high school bowling a varsity letter sport whenschool resumes this August.
Bill Hanson, owner of All Star Lanes in North FortMyers and current president of the Southwest FloridaBowling Proprietors Group, backed the idea andcommitted the Proprietors Group to fund the sport.Hanson cited Mike Cannington, Director of Operationsfor Bowland centers of Southwest Florida as one of theprime movers in accomplishing the goal.
Six bowling centers will be participating, includingNorth Fort Myers All Star Lanes, Bowland Cape Coraland Friendship Lanes.
FIRE TAKES ITS TOLLFIRE TAKES ITS TOLL
B
12 IBI July 2011
SHORTS
Mohawks, piercings and studded leather jackets were the dress for theMemorial Day weekend at Sam’s Town, Las Vegas. The accessories werebowling balls and shoes. These two divergent categories merged again for the13th Annual Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival. The event was organizedby the record label BYO, which stands for “Better Youth Organization.”
Approximately 50 bands signed up to bowl and play with over 3,000spectator tickets sold. A temporaryoutdoor concert hall hosted some of thesold-out events.
While the music took placedowntown Las Vegas, the bowling wasset at Sam’s Town. The bowling was freefor spectators and there was a grip-loadof colorful characters to watch. Thebowling teams are made up of punk rockmusicians and a few members of thepublic. Some of the groups includedBouncing Souls, Me First and the GimmeGimmes, Descendants, Stiff LittleFingers and Dropkick Murphys.
Northeast Records, capturing 10th Place, and Septic Breath, 5th Place, joined forces to chronicle theirbowling at Sam’s Town.
HOSTS THE PUNKS
Photos by Tyson Zoltan Heder
Cut Your Hair; Throw a SpareWestgate Bowling Center in Alpine Township, Michigan is no longer just a great place to hang
out and have fun: it’s also home to a row of salon suites. Allison Hanks, pictured, will be openingher salon business, Conniptions Studio Salon, in June. There are 14 spa suites, 13 devoted tohair and 1 to a nail studio. Each 12-foot square suite is furnished with a styling chair, cabinet andsink, storage unite, drying chair and floor mat. Subletting extra space in a bowling center is nota new idea. Westgate Bowling Center manager Jennifer Kehoe said, “We were just looking forways to diversify our business.” The suites will rent for a special, $100 a month for the first year.The licensed stylists were targeted with a direct mailer.
Former owner of AMF, Beverley Armstrong haspassed away. Armstrong and his business partner,William Goodwin, Jr., purchased AMF BowlingCompanies, Inc. in 1986. In 1996 a new entity, AMFGroup, Inc., was formed with Goldman, Sachs & Co.which owned AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., AMFBowling, Inc., and related businesses. Goldman,Sachs held 65 percent of the company. AMFBowling’s former owners, William Goodwin, Jr. andBeverley Armstrong, caused a sensation when theydistributed $50 million of their profits to 3,400company employees, giving each the equivalent of10 percent of his or her salary for every year they hadbeen with the firm.
Fifteen-year marketing veteranMatthew J. Durbin has beennamed vice president ofmarketing for Brunswick Bowling– Retail, effective June 13. Durbincomes to Brunswick with anextensive background in thehospitality industry, most recentlyserving as vice president of
marketing for Fox and Hound Restaurant Group. Heis also an avid league bowler, former managing editorof Bowling Center Management magazine and theson of Hall of Fame bowler, Mike Durbin.
“Matt’s unique combination of outstandingmarketing successes and passion for bowling makehim the perfect choice for Brunswick,” said Jim Fox,president, Brunswick Bowling – Retail.
Durbin has an undergraduate degree from JohnCarroll University, Cleveland and an M.B.A. from theUniversity of Notre Dame.
PEOPLEWATCHING
Matthew J. Durbin
8 IBI July 2011
SHORTS
LETTER TO THE EDITORHelping to raise money for Marines, Sailors and their families who may need
financial support, Star N’Strikes Bowling Center was the host venue for theNMCRS’(National Marine Corps Relief Services) fund drive. Through golf andbowling tournaments, $4,000 in total donations had been raised through the monthof April. Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Richards, a motor transport mechanic with MAC-2was quoted, “With everything we do for the nation, it is nice to see there arepeople out there giving back to an organization that helps us as service members.…”
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Air Force Services Agency officials recently purchased and distributed 85remote-controlled bowling balls and ramps for installations worldwide. Thispurchase makes the Air Force the single largest purchaser of the bowling ballsand the first service to distribute them. Erin Tindell of the Air Force Personnel,Service and Manpower Public Affairs in San Antonio, Texas wrote that “woundedwarriors and those with special needs, including civilians and dependents, havepriority to use the balls at bowlingcenters at no charge. All others canuse the ball for a fee.”
The remote-controlled bowling balllooks like a traditional ball but isequipped with a computer chip andmotor inside that allows the ball to selfpropel. A battery-operated remoteallows the user to sync control theball’s speed and direction ofmovement. It also lights up as it travelsdown the lane.
BOWLING HELPS BUILD SUPPORT FUNDS
FOR THE MILITARY
Photos by Erin Tindell
Tim Pope, Randolph Bowling Center head mechanicdemonstrates how to use the center’s new remote-controlled bowling balls.
A close-up shot of the new remote-controlledbowling ball and wireless remote.
Enjoy your magazine and stories. However, Iwould like to correct the information regardingOklahoma. Oklahoma was one of the very firststates to clear the air in bowling centers.Restaurants and bars were given an additionalthree years to comply. We have been smoke freefor approximately 10 years. We lost a fewcustomers but found more new ones. I truly enjoybeing able to go home from the center odor free.
Wayne BolinSahoma Lanes, Sapulpa, Okla
“59 years young!” could be the way Co-OwnerErnie Sawyer, Jr. looks at Sawyer’s Bowladrome inNorthborough, Massachusetts. It started with poolin 1946 and in 1953 Ernie Jr. and his father Ernie Sr.opened Bowladrome, a candlepin center. Asquoted in NorthboroughPatch’s article by FaithMayer, Ernie Jr. said, “When we first found the spot,it was a crawl space. We came with wheelbarrowsand shovels and for five months we moved dirt.”Many of their bowlers have been bowling theresince day one. Happy Birthday!
Not too far behind is Highland’s Plaza Lanes–50years in operation! Customer loyalty is the keyaccording to Jim Wojcik who is in charge of dailyoperations. In 1960 when Plaza Lanes opened, therewere 24 lanes with back-in-the-day, state-of-the-artautomatic pinsetters; 15 lanes were added in 1965and then 20 more in 1975. Staying close to itscustomers and always trying to be innovative helpskeep Plaza rolling along.
Celebrations: Put anothercandle on the birthday cake
Saint City News of St Albert, Alberta, Canada posted a storywritten by Glenn Cook which deserves repeating.
Strikes for Cancer bowling event held at St. Albert BowlingCentre is in its second year and has so far raised more than
$20,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Here is the inspiration. The event is the creation of
eight-year-old Jaden Babiuk who came up with the ideatwo years ago!
“Jaden has a little foam bowling set that he was playing with in
the kitchen when he was six,” hismother said. “And he said to me, ‘Iwant to have a bowling tournamentfor cancer.’ I thought he meant makingit up at home. So I said, ‘Yeah, OK.’ Buthe said, ‘No, I mean for real.’”
Two years later, Jaden has not losthis vision. He approaches localbusinesses for sponsorships anddonations with his spiel which worksevery time.
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES
14 IBI July 2011
CENTER STAGE
15IBI July 2011
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orget the Kohl Center, Camp Randall Stadium and even Der Rathskeller pub inMemorial Union.
The “in” place on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus right now is the eight-lane bowling center in the glamorous new $94.8 million Union South building that opened April15. The new union replaces its namesake that was demolished in 2009.
“I thought we’d have a week of heavy activity and then slow down, but that didn’thappen,” said Bob Wright, recreational services manager for both union buildings. “We’vebeen packed every day. I had to double my staffing through exams week. People are reallyexcited about the new place.”
The new bowling center is equipped with QubicaAMF lanes, auto scoring, upholstered loungeseating and four full-size TV screens over the pinspotters. It is located on the lower level of “TheSett,” the three-story recreation center in Union South that includes a billiards hall, climbingwall, movie theater, wine and coffee bar and a banquet room that seats 1,500 people.
“Sett,” the scientific term for a badger burrow, is a logical name choice for the studenthideaway. Wisconsin’s nickname is “The Badger State” and UW-Madison’s athletic mascotis “Bucky Badger.”
The center also incorporates a number of “green” features, such as auto shut-off on thepinspotters, concourse tiles made of recycled materials, and countertops made of a densematerial that comes from recycled cardboard.
“Some of our table tops and a large part of our wall mat were part of the old parquetfloor at the Kohl Center, before that was refurbished,” Wright said, adding that theuniversity is seeking LEED (“Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”) certificationfor the building.
FBy Lydia Rypcinski
16 IBI July 2011
CENTER STAGECENTER STAGE
Bowling has a long history at UW-Madison, dating back to 1894.The old “Red Gym,” Lathrop Hall (the first campus building devotedto women’s recreation) and Memorial Union all contained lanes atone time.
“I think the Memorial Union lanes might have been pinboy-operated,” Wright said. “They were gone by the time Union Southopened [in 1971].”
The center in the first Union South featured then-state-of-the-art Brunswick equipment. It was a popular gathering place for theuniversity community, but changing times meant that Wrighthad to make some changes in the program when he arrived inMadison in 1996.
“League business was declining,” Wright said. “We hadmaybe four active leagues that were running on the oldsanctioning model. We dumped that and went to fun/no-pressure bowling.”
It was the right decision. During the seven years prior to theoriginal Union South closing in 2009, “We averaged between8,200-9,100 games per lane per year,” Wright said.
It helped, he added, that the center had only eight lanes andUW-Madison has 40,000 students - “and Wisconsin has long,cold winters.”
Some might find it curious that UW-Madison is celebratinga new bowling center while its sister campus, UW-Stout,mourns the one that closed last December. However, Wrightsaid each branch makes its own decision as to what kind ofphysical plant it wants.
“[The university system doesn’t] run on a straight-forwardbusiness model,” he said. “It depends on the willingness of eachcampus to invest, because bowling equipment is pricey. We [theMadison campus] have invested in bowling continuously overthe years.”
Now that the new Sett bowling center is up and running,Wright hopes that UW-Madison bowlers will be winningintercollegiate titles again before too long.
“We took first in conference for four years running but didn’teven place this year,” Wright said. “It’s hard when you have noaccess to regular practice for two years. Last year, we had 12 activebowlers total, men and women, and fielded a mixed team.
“But I have gotten a lot of calls and e-mails [about bowling forthe team] since the new center opened. We expect it will take ayear or two to rebuild the program.”
It might take less time than that.The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a colder-than normal winter
for Madison this year. ❖
A frequent contributor to IBI, Lydia Rypcinski has been writing for and aboutbowling for more than 30 years. She has won writing and photography awardsin and outside the sport for her coverage, which has taken her to sixcontinents and more than 20 countries. She co-authored Revolutions: TheChanging Game with Chip Zielke in 1998 and Sports Traveler Chicago withAnbritt Stengele in 2009.
17IBI July 2011
INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
ome fifteen-years ago, at the age of twelve, E-J Starkey discovered bowling.He soon learned he had a natural ability for the sport and not long after wasbowling competitively. By his mid-teens his love of the sport turned into a dream
of being employed in the bowling industry. And, as a late teenager, his dream wasto own a bowling center.
However what E-J had was a lot more than a dream — he had the drive and initiativeto turn his dream into a reality — but the journey to fulfill his dream was certainly abumpy one. And it’s been no less bumpy since he got there, and although he’d settlefor having it a little easier, he would not change what he’s doing for anything.
The center E-J acquired was the 12-lane Innisfail Sugarbowl Lanes, which firstopened its doors in 1985. Before that, the building had been a shopping complexof small retail pads.
Innisfail, with a population of circa 9,000, is a town in the far north of the state ofQueensland, Australia and is the major township of the Cassowary Coast renown forits sugar and banana industries and tourism. It is also known as being one of the wettesttowns in Australia which is probably not a bad thing when you are in the bowling business.
E-J was turned down on his first attempt to purchase the center (too young, 22,at the time) and another buyer purchased the center. However the new owner hadno knowledge of the business at all, and while E-J worked for them on a strictly pro-bono basis, the owners gave up trying to make it work after five months.
During those five months a couple dozen well-established league bowlers plannedto quit the sport completely as the center was so poorly maintained and there was
SBy Paul Lane
E-J Starkey with wife Mandy and daughters Emily, 3 years, and Hannah, a year old at Innisfail Sugarbowl. Photos courtesy of Lea Guy
19IBI July 2011
INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
nowhere else for them to go. But E-J confided in them that he was trying to takeover the center and asked them to stay on. This time he succeeded and was ableto retain all of the existing league customers.
However, what he had taken over was, for all intents and purposes, a derelictcenter in serious need of restoration in virtually every department, from the lanes,to the machines, to the furniture, fixtures and fittings, and overall décor.
The first essential priority was to fix the lanes if he wanted to retain his leaguebowlers. The year before he took over, the roof blew off the building during a cyclone.The center flooded and the lanes were left underwater. The owner at that time hadto settle for drying them out. The insurance company (not understanding thebowling business.) proposed using three or four drying fans (but only one wassupplied) plus a resurface and recoat.
The same cyclone had E-J earning a lucrative living as a computer technician.Businesses all over Innisfail were destroyed and their computer systems along withit. With insurance companies paying the bills, E-J was kept busy restoring andreinstalling computer systems for businesses all over town.
When E-J took over the center he had no choice but to replace the lanes,which he did with synthetics from Switch. In the process he discovered that the sub-foundations were infested with termites, and he was faced with $6,000 to repairthe damage they had caused. Next, he needed a lane machine, which he purchasedfrom Kegel.
If you think a lane machine is a luxury for a 12-lane, owner-operated center, thinkagain. E-J has no staff! It’s just his wife Mandy and he managing every aspect ofthe center. E-J takes care of the front desk, leagues, machines and lane maintenanceand the facility’s amenities. He also runs the pro shop, including ball drilling.
Meanwhile, Mandy runs their cafeteria/food service plus a trophy and corporateawards business. The Awards and Trophy Store is a newly acquired venture that enjoys
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INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
seventy-five percent of the town’s corporate awards business. Mandy has access to thetrophy shop through the kitchen, multi-tasking between serving coffee, hot and coldsnacks and fries and burgers and engraving plaques and assembling trophies. “On abad day you may be served with a nicely engraved hamburger,” she jokes.
Other improvements E-J has made to the center include new masking units,automatic scoring, automatic bumpers, and an event room, all of which have resultedin a significant increase in revenue and volume of business in all departments.
When E-J installed the new automatic scoring (Australian Computer Score —Vantechin the USA), he increased the price of open play by a dollar a game, and 60-cents a gamefor league play. When he installed the new lanes, he increased open play by another50-cents and league play by 10-cents. All without a single complaint; just compliments.
What’s next? First, there’s the ongoing program to manage a field refurbishment ofhis pinsetters, some of which are possibly the oldest Brunswick Model ‘A’ machines stilloperating. In fact, some of them have serial numbers comprising just three-digits. Nextis new concourse furniture with tables incorporating ball returns and new seating.
But, as we all know, there is a lot more to building a bowling business than makingimprovements to the facility, with service and marketing being the two most important.
We asked E-J about his marketing and why customers keep coming back to hiscenter. “The relaxed, friendly, family atmosphere backed up with dynamite serviceand food and beverage service on the lanes,” was his reply, and “’Are you ready foranother (beer, soft drink etc.)?’ does wonders for an additional sale,” he added.
To promote leagues and open play, the most successful marketing program forSugarbowl Lanes, according to E-J, has been local television. He says, “A two-month-long, TV advertising flight paid for itself in the first three-weeks.”
Email and internet advertising is used extensively and effectively too. The local pressis also generous with editorial, and anytime there’s a story about bowling in the localpress, E-J enjoys an influx of new customers, which is more effective than paid localpress advertising.
Learn-to-Bowl classes for beginners have proven to be a successful part of leaguedevelopment. E-J and Mandy and E-J’s mother and father are all Level 1 certifiedinstructors, and so too are a couple of regular customers who also give instructionat the center. There’s no charge for Learn-to-Bowl classes or instruction for beginners,but there’s a nominal charge for ongoing group training instruction that runs weeklyfor established bowlers.
League bowling is vital to the business, and presently, league bowling represents70-percent of his lineage, and 50-percent of the bowling revenue.
A popular and innovative feature of Innisfail Sugarbowl Lanes is they post all the weekly
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league results and standings on their website. By updating thestandings, weekly league bowlers visit the website and, in theprocess, can read about promotions, tournaments and other activitiesplanned at the center.
Posting league results weekly has also proven to be valuable whenplayers travel to other centers to participate in handicap tournaments.The tournament organizers can visit the website to verify averages.
Birthday parties and in-school bowling activities are part of theprogram too — including a weekly in-school bowling activity froma private school which is attended by 70 school children everyweek, filling all the lanes. Typically he’ll have five or six parties runningat the same time, “which adds up to a lot of french fries,” says E-J.
Another plus are the automatic bumper systems which have openedthe center up to families with kids that were, hitherto, too small to enjoybowling. E-J also purchased two electronic devices that propel a balldown the lane. They are built to look like a cannon from a pirates galleonand small kids (e.g., for birthday parties) dress in red or blue pirate’soutfits (black eye patches to boot) and the Red Pirates team will playagainst the Blue Pirates team. The firing mechanism is in the shape ofa sword handle.
We asked E-J about his price structure. Per person rates are: 1-game (including Shoe Rental) $11.00 AUD ($11.55 USD)2-games (including Shoe Rental) $18.00 AUD (18.92 USD)3-games (including Shoe Rental) $24.00 AUD ($25.22 USD)He says his pricing is about the same as other small independent
centers in Queensland, but lower than the larger, family entertainmentcenters, especially those owned by the large chains. E-J says he doesnot understand why the price in most centers in the USA is so cheap.He tells the story of a group of American visitors to his center askinghow much it is to bowl. When he told them, the response was, “For
all of us?” “No, each,” he informed them. We also asked E-J how his pricing compared to other
forms of entertainment or recreation available in themarket. Interestingly, cricket, which is a participant sportin Australia, comes with a registration fee of $400 perseason plus $10 a week to play, making it more expensivethan a season of league bowling. Movies cost about thesame as three games of bowling and last about as long,assuming people bowl in groups. Because it’s free, thebeach could be serious competition but happily, as wementioned earlier, Innisfail is rated as the wettest/rainiesttown in Australia.
Since they have no staff, E-J says that if it were not forWednesdays, he’d be six-feet under by now. The center isclosed on Wednesdays, but it’s not really a day off. It’s aboutmaintenance, book-keeping, and a myriad other chores.
Mandy and E-J have two children, Emily who is almost3 and Hannah a year old. And the Starkey’s live at the center.There was an empty, unfinished space at the side of thecenter that E-J converted and finished as an apartment,eliminating a commute and gas money, and enabling themto have Emily and Hannah with them all the time.
Another dream of E-J’s is to attend the annual BowlExpoin the USA. But he does not see that happening just yet. . . not until all the improvements and renovations arefinished and paid for, at which time he plans to hire at leastone or two employees and for Mandy and him to take awell earned break.
But E-J’s dreams do not end here — doing it all overagain with another derelict center may be in the cards inthe future too. Obviously E-J is one of those people whothrives on challenges. And why not? He’s up to it, and he’sstill only 27-years old! ❖
In the early 80’s, when Innisfail Sugarbowl was still a smallstrip mall of retail pads, someone was electrocuted in one ofthe shops. That someone’s name was George, and George’sghost is rumored to haunt the building.
E-J has always been skeptical about this but, never-the-less, his skepticism has been put to the test by two unexplainedincidences — the first occurring after he closed up and wenthome for the night (remember home is an apartment rightthere in the same building). The next morning he went to theback-end to do some maintenance on the pinsetters only to findthat all of the pins no were longer in the machines but insteadstanding in a perfectly straight line in the pinsetter aisle.
On another occasion he unplugged all sources of power fromthe pinsetter on lane one, but the machine kept running and themask unit lights remained lit. E-J’s still skeptical and assertsconfidently that there must be a logical explanation . . . but hisskepticism has to be at least somewhat challenged by thesetwo unexplained, seemingly paranormal experiences.
A Ghostly Experience
Paul Lane is former Director of Marketing and MarketingServices for AMF Bowling, Inc. He has been the director of18 AMF World Cups, an officer in national and internationaltrade associations, and a pro bowler during a career thatspans more than 60 countries and 50 years.
24 IBI July 2011
COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
t is clear that the prime directive of the“Shenaniganz Eater-tainment Center” inRockwall, Texas is “promoting, promoting,
promoting.” From poker tournaments to aFacebook page to free weekly “Kidz Meals,” theowner-operator Ripp family leaves no marketingstone unturned to attract and keep customers.“The biggest challenge,” said Parker Coddington,one of three siblings involved in running thebusiness, “is with five of us in a room makingdecisions, sometimes each feels the strongestabout his/her ideas. But we sort it through.”
The Shenaniganz facility, which used to be acable manufacturing building, is run by familymatriarch and patriarch Hazel and Dr. ThomasRipp and their three oldest children – Parker,Keegan and Justin. Sister Caitlin and twins Zachand Gavin are co-owners but not activelyinvolved in the business. The 75,000 sq.-ft.mega-complex offers bowling, black light mini-golf, go-kartz and lazer tag (their spellings),rock climbing, billiards, shuffleboard and anarcade, as well as the Z Lounge, Rozie’s SportsBar and Rozie’s Grill.
Coddington says that Shenaniganz cameabout because the Ripp family was looking forsomething to do together. “We’ve all enjoyedbeing competitive with games and bowling andwanted to build an upscale family entertainmentcenter,” Coddington said. “We needed a good-sized building but were limited in location,” hecontinued. “This building was for sale. After afeasibility study, we moved forward with thehelp of the Trifecta Management group, andhere we are.”
Construction began in July 2008, and thegrand opening was December 17, 2008.
It took the family almost that long to name thenew enterprise. "It did take the five of us eighthours to come up with the name,” Coddingtonsaid with a laugh. “We wanted a name thatsounded like fun, with a little bit of mischief in it.We must have kicked around a million differentnames.” The family liked “Shenanigans” butfound the name was already owned by Nan of“Nan’s Gifts.” So the family changed one letterand called the new business “Shenaniganz.” The
By Joan Taylor
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26 IBI July 2011
$10 game card if he or she can pick up a spare.“We’ll get onto the microphone and say ‘Attention,Shenaniganz, everybody here gets a $10 game cardif so-and-so on lane such-and-such picks up hisspare,’” Coddington said. “People gather aroundand start chanting his name.
“One time we did this with a guy who left a 7-pin,”he continued. “Well, he barely kissed the pin. Itteetered and fell, and the place erupted into madness.There were hugs as he raised his arms in victory.”
Bowling generates the most revenue of all theactivities. In addition to 16 lanes on the mainconcourse, eight more are in the Z-Lounge and areavailable for private parties of up to 250 people.
The Z-Lounge is upscale, featuring a martini bar,earth tones and leather furniture. Shenaniganz hashosted corporate holiday parties, bachelor andbachelorette parties, baby showers, anniversaryand adult birthday parties and even a bar mitzvah.“It’s different from a hotel banquet room,”Coddington said, “and features great food with agreat atmosphere.”
The other 16 lanes host “regular” bowling leaguesunder direction of league coordinator Randy Harris,a familiar name to bowlers in the Dallas area. The lanes
COVER STORY
Z Lounge, Rozie’s Sports Bar, and Rozie’s Grill (the latter two named forThomas Ripp’s mother, Rosie) all evolved from the last letter of thecenter’s new name.
That playful “Z” embodies what Shenaniganz is all about. “Wecan’t take ourselves too seriously, because people come here to havefun,” Coddington said. For instance, the voice prompt for incoming callssays you can get “anything else including dancing panda lessons” ifyou press “5.” Management will also put an open-play customer onthe spot by promising that person and everyone else in the center a
have steaks, pizza, chicken andeven Kraft macaroni and cheese.Dad can drop the kids off at abirthday party and watch a gameat our sports bar. On weekendswe run a 21-and-older danceparty with a DJ.”
“We have amateur pokertournaments every Monday andTuesday,” Coddington continued.“We keep trying different things.If they don’t work, we tweak them.If it still doesn’t work - we triedopen mic night on Thursdays andthat failed miserably - we stopand go with something else.”
One promotion that enjoyedgreat success in 2009 and 2010was Shenaniganz’ “12 days ofChristmas.” Members of the
center’s VIP e-mail club were eligible to enjoy differentpromotions each day, starting December 13th. On that day,they received e-mail messages that read, “On the first day ofChristmas, Shenaniganz gave to me … free loaded cheesefries.” The following days’ e-mails offered premiums such asa free game of bowling or a game of lazer tag. “We knew itworked because people would call in asking for their e-mailannouncements,” Coddington said. “This added value totheir being members of the VIP e-mail club.”
In bad weather there can be up to a two hour wait forbowling and a one hour wait for laser tag, but Coddington saidthat waiting can be a good thing. “People can play in thearcade, order a drink, or enjoy one of the other games suchas miniature golf.”
The owners are always looking to upgrade and updatewhat is already there. They recently added a mechanical bullto the activities mix. Menus also undergo continual review
are set off in such a way that other activities do not interferewith the more serious league player.
Open bowlers are given the choice of $4.50 per game or$23.99 per hour lane rental in non-primetime. The lane rentalis $29.99 per hour Fridays and Saturdays after 6 p.m., and$39.99 per hour in the private Z Lounge area.
In addition to bowling, customers can watch sports eventsor music videos on the high-definition projection screenshung across the pinsetters, all from the comfort of plush lane-side couches.
While the owners constantly run promotions (seehttp://www.shenaniganz.com), they study what their customers,whom they call “guests,” want. The family relies on theexpertise of General Manager Victor Zanotti and Director ofSales and Marketing Scott Mullen to help them makeShenaniganz the place to be in suburban Dallas. “There’ssomething for everybody,” Coddington said. “The restaurants
COVER STORY
30 IBI July 2011
Joan Taylor is a multi-awardwinning bowling writer based inEast Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
and adjustment at the F&B outlets. “Peopledon’t want to come and keep seeing the samestuff,” Coddington said. “And because 35-40%of our revenue is from food and drink, we lookto change it up often by adding new items to
the menu. The same goes for what ourguests enjoy doing, such as karaoke andtrivia games, which have both been verysuccessful.”
Looking to Shenaniganz’ future, theRipp family feels there is always roomfor improvement. They want their gueststo enjoy a five-star experience with a“touchy- feely” warmth for customers.“We want to just keep the standardhigh,” Coddington said.
And that’s no shenanigans! ❖
COVER STORY
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OPERATIONS
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OPERATIONS
onsidering it’s been a major player in the bowling world forover 100 years and owns several commercial and consumerproduct brands, a new acquisition by Ebonite International
would not normally be particularly surprising. But the company’slatest addition to its portfolio is, in fact, a surprise, at least in termsof its unorthodox nature. That acquisition made news in late 2010when Ebonite International announced it had purchased theDiamond Duramid bowling pin brand from IQ Bowling Industries.
The deal was designed to address a gap in Ebonite International’sholdings, since the company, best known for its balls, had never beeninvolved in the production and distribution of pins to bowling centersuntil now. However, the real news wasn’t that Ebonite was enteringthe pin wars, but rather, how it was planning to go about it. Uponcompleting the acquisition, the company opted to move the formerDiamond Duramid manufacturing operation out of Mexico and intoEbonite International’s hometown headquarters in Hopkinsville,Kentucky. There, in one of the company’s existing facilities, it launcheda lean manufacturing operation to produce pins re-branded underthe name UStrike for distribution to bowling centers around theworld via Ebonite’s Bowling Center Direct distribution arm.
Any company bringing manufacturing to the United States in thecurrent economy is a big deal, obviously, but in this case, it was awell planned and organized strategy that Ebonite Internationalofficials insist was not only the right thing to do for the localeconomy, but also a smart business play.
“Ebonite International has been in the industry over 100 yearsand built a major brand by becoming a major producer of bowlingballs,” says company CEO Randy Schickert. “Over the years, weacquired additional companies and now have a portfolio of brandsserving the industry that includes four major ball and bag companies(Ebonite, Columbia 300, Hammer, Track), the Powerhouse brandof pro shop equipment, a full line of Robby’s wrist supports,accessories, and other equipment. Therefore, the next serviceableproduct that made sense was bowling pins. We had a pre-existingbusiness relationship with Diamond Duramid and knew they weretrying to run the company with management out of Europe, makingit a struggle for them in Mexico. It was an apple amongst orangesfor them, while it was a perfect fit for us. So we played matchmakerand bought their equipment and assets. During negotiations, wemade the strategic decision to shut down in Mexico and move thewhole thing to Hopkinsville.”
Schickert emphasizes that Ebonite International had the realestate readily available to house the manufacturing facility inHopkinsville, so it did not need to buy or lease facilities in Mexicoor anywhere else. But there were other factors, as well. While, onthe surface, one might presume that it would be cheaper labor-wiseto run a manufacturing plant in Mexico, Schickert and Pete Moyer,head of Bowling Center Direct, say that, in fact, the opposite wastrue in this case.
CBy Michael Goldman
34 IBI July 2011
OPERATIONS
“We studied their operation and felt we could streamline the productivity andhave less people producing pins in a more efficient manner, while paying thoseworkers more,” Schickert explains. “We felt we would have better control hereat home, rather than trying to run a satellite far away. With our strict managementpractices, we felt we could streamline labor and increase productivity in termsof dollars for each pin than what they were doing in Mexico.”
Plus, as Moyer points out, the raw material needed to manufacture highquality, USBC-approved bowling pins—No. 2 kiln-dried hard maple—is mostdefinitely a North American product. Reducing the length of the supply chainand freight costs therefore made simple business sense for Ebonite International.
“The USBC regulates that, and says approved pins have to be made of thatparticular wood or ‘an equal substitute,’ but to this point, no one has produceda pin of proper certification to our knowledge that is an equal substitute,”Moyer adds. “So if the raw material is grown here, our factory is closer to whereit comes from, and that represented significant savings in our freight situation.Shipping wood to Mexico when we had a facility and a streamlined operationin Kentucky didn’t make sense.”
At press time, Ebonite International officials were beta testing the new pinsand anticipating USBC approval this summer for the company’s new line of UStrikepins, which were strategically named, branded, and logoed to emphasize thefact that the pins are manufactured in the United States. Ebonite Internationalalso is planning “an eventual evolution” of the pin, according to Schickert, andexpects more announcements on possible pin technology improvements withinthe next year or so.
Combined with the company’s deal earlier this year to obtain internationaldistribution rights for Twister synthetic bowling pins—the only USBC-approvedsynthetic pin—Ebonite International has suddenly become a major player in pinproduction as it has been for decades in the category of bowling balls. EboniteInternational officials call the company now the third largest manufacturer and
Ebonite International’s new EboniteBowling Center Direct pin manufacturingfacility was featured on June 7th in a seriestitled “Building Up America,” a recurringsegment on Anderson Cooper 360.
“We heard what was going on andthought this would be great for this series,”producer Katie Ross said. “The series takesa look at businesses, individuals andcommunities that are doing well right nowdespite what’s going on in the economy.”
In December, Ebonite Internationalannounced that it had purchased theDiamond Duramid pin plant from the IQBowling Industries and was planning torelocate the facility to one of their fivebuildings in Hopkinsville, KY. “When youlook at the total costs of doing business,”explained Randy Schickert, CEO, “we wereable to save a great deal in transportationand labor costs by moving the company tothe U.S. By using the Lean Manufacturingprinciples we apply in our ball plant, we’regoing to be able to produce a great qualityproduct here in the U.S. for the same labordollars, using a fraction of the manpower.It may not work for everyone, but it definitelymade sense for us.”
CNN reporter Tim Foreman interviewedboth Schickert and Pete Moyer, Directorof Ebonite Bowling Center Direct, andtoured the pin facility with OperationsManager Ben Rogers. “We’re in the finalstages of earning USBC approval for thesepins,” said Moyer. “Once approval isgranted, we’ll be able to begin making pinsfull time. Currently we’ve only made pins fortesting purposes.” The series aired on June7, 2011 during the 11pm EST hour, and willre-air periodically across the CNN network.“With all the hard work we’ve done and therigorous testing these pins have beenthrough, it’s nice to have some recognitionthat we’re doing the right thing,” saidSchickert. “It hasn’t been easy, but in theend, we’re bringing jobs and manufacturingback to America, and that’s what counts.”
Ebonite International Featuredon CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360
Ebonite International Featuredon CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360
35IBI July 2011
OPERATIONS
producer of pins in the world in addition to being producer of about 50 percentof all bowling balls in the world and over 90 percent of balls in the United States.
Meanwhile, Ebonite International officials strongly believe the company’score manufacturing expertise will help build UStrike into an elite brand madeefficiently and economically in the United States. Schickert says, as it doeswith its bowling ball brands, Ebonite International will rely on Lean Six Sigmabusiness management and manufacturing principles to produce the pinsin Hopkinsville and distribute them through Bowling Center Direct. (LeanSix Sigma is a variation on the Six Sigma quality-control strategy formanufacturers that essentially focuses an entire manufacturing business onremoving errors and standardizing production methods, while strategicallytuning all resources exclusively toward value of the end product.)
“These principles and methods are in all our products and will be in ourpin manufacturing business, as well,” says Schickert. “It’s all about expandingproductivity, which is the way it makes the most sense to bring manufacturinginto the United States as we have done.”
Indeed, Ebonite officials emphasize that while the same philosophy willbe in place when it comes to manufacturing pins and bowling balls, thespecifics of each are very different—different raw materials and differentequipment, among other things. Thus, the company took great time and careto study the pin manufacturing methods that were previously employed byDiamond Duramid in Mexico, as well as the larger pin industry generally. Butthat said, “the idea of quality control, process enhancement, monitoring theprocesses, regardless of whether you are working with wood or urethane—these kinds of best practices apply to all manufacturing,” he adds. “They aredifferent processes, but we will have the same high standards for both.”
At the end of the day, as Ebonite embarks on this new venture, it doesso in, needless to say, a highly uncertain economy and an industry that, likeso many others, has been suffering under those conditions. Therefore,
Schickert suggests that the only way to bring majorproduct manufacturing back to the United Statesin the bowling industry is to be highly strategicabout it.
“Ebonite International remains a strong company,and we have a fifty percent market share-plus in thebowling ball market, but the industry overall hasbeen in a decline certainly,” he says. “There are lotsof projects and initiatives in place to address this,and we are certainly doing our part. But to dosomething similar to what we have done (withUStrike), companies certainly need to take a lookat all sorts of things. We examined full acquisitioncosts, inventory, leadtime, scrap, freight, customersatisfaction, and many other things. You take allthose factors into consideration and come up withwhat I call the total acquisition cost. It won’t alwaysmake sense, but if you are honest with yourself ontrue acquisition costs, you can sometimes build acase for staying in the United States to manufacturebowling products. And I’m proud we were able todo that here.” ❖
Michael Goldman is a veteran print and onlinejournalist who, over the last 30 years, has coveredsports, business, entertainment, technology, andmedia for a wide range of publications andweb sites. For more on his work, visit his web siteat www.michael-goldman.com.
By Bree Gutierrez
36 IBI July 2011
f there’s one thing Larry Linder does well, it’s work. As founder and CEO of WesternBowling Proprietors Insurance Program, Linder has a no nonsense approach to life; fromhis business ethic to be straight forward and honest, to his diehard philosophy of either
work or work harder. “My mother and father were salt of the earth type people whobelieved that if you didn’t work, you weren’t worth a warm bucket of spit,” Linder said. “Sowhen you’re raised that way, you have a sense of urgency about you and you have an attitudethat…if you think you can do it, you’ll do it.” While working in the insurance industry for thelast 42 years, Linder has remained an active member of the United States Military, currentlyserving as a Colonel in the Army Guard Reserves in California, as well as the DeputyDirector of Selective Service. Linder and his wife also own and operate the Lennox HouseBed and Breakfast in Colorado Springs, CO.
When Linder isn’t serving his clients or serving his country,he is busy operating his 6,000 squarefoot family museum.
OFF THE CLOCK
IPhotography by Thomas Ovalle
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Linder explained that the motive behind creating the JRL Tin Lizzie Museum is hisfamily’s deep roots in this country. “My family settled here in the San Joaquin Valleyin 1883,” Linder said. “We’re fourth or fifth generation natives of this area.” Lindersaid his great-great-grandfather not only invented the “Fancy Pack Label” which wasa label that was used when shipping produce back in the late 1800s, he also ownedthe last three stagecoaches that were driven in the San Joaquin Valley.
“We have buggies and carriages from the early 1800s through about 1910 (and)automobiles from about 1909 through 1971,” Linder said. “We have 1909 Buickautomobiles and Model Ts and Model As, and Packers and all kinds of vintageautomobiles.” Linder said his museum even has the kind of coaches that AbrahamLincoln would have ridden to the White House. “We have a 1935 Frigidaire sodafountain, that’s complete and works,” Linder said. Other antique displays include acomplete 1935 Sinclaire Gas Station, a 1925 barber shop and an entire 1892 post officefrom Nevada City, CA. The post office even has all of the granite glass panels and the
40 IBI July 2011
OFF THE CLOCK
raised panel of quarter sawn old growth oakthat says “Post Master” and “Mail Drop”and “Deeds and Money.” “It’s just a beautifulthing to see,” Linder said. “I also have aprint shop with an 1874 Dodge printingpress with all of the print type and the oakboxes.” Linder said he is working on addinga 1935 movie theater to his museum.Currently he is awaiting a donation of twovintage movie cameras to put on display.
Although not all items in the museum werefrom his family, Linder admits it’s his family’sinterest in history that carried on the collecting.“The carriages and the automobiles, some ofthem came with the family,” Linder said. “Therest of it is sort of an eclectic mix of things thatcaught my attention. But my family has beenhistory buffs for many, many years, so thereisn’t much we don’t like when it comes tohistorical artifacts.” ❖
Bree Gutierrez, holding a Bachelor ofArts Degree in Journalism, is a freelancewriter and preschool teacher residingin Southern California with her husbandand son.
41IBI July 2011
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
urrounded by dim lights andthe clamoring of his teamhe ties his laces while 15
pounds of spherical resin poundsthe oil laced wood resonatingthrough the alley. He steps upon his turn, palms sweaty andeyes focused on his pin of
choice, he makes hisdescent toward the foulline and bowls a strike.For ten years now the
same could be said aboutCoast Guard Petty Officer2nd Class Chris Leftwich, a
By Bree Gutierrez
S
yeoman currently stationed in Juneau, Alaska.Leftwich has been bowling just about as long ashe’s been in the Coast Guard.
“I’ve been in the Coast Guard fornine years now and havebeen bowling for just about10 years,” said Leftwich. “Istarted bowling when I was16-years old and as I gotbetter I used that skill tocompete in tournaments toearn extra money.”
Leftwich’s competitivenature and desire to excel atthe game got him an invitationon the Navy’s bowling teamduring the 2010 Armed ForcesBowling Championship hostedby Naval Base San Diego.Believed by military bowlers asthe most prestigious competitionto test their skill amongst otherservicemen, it lasted a week beginning Dec. 6 andended Dec. 10.
Prior to officially being part of the Navy team, as the Coast Guard wasn’trepresented in the tournament,
Leftwich had to try out. Hebowled multiple games a dayagainst 22 of the Navy’s elitebowlers to earn his spot onthe four-man roster. In theend his hard work paid off ashe bowled well enough tomake the team and fromthere went on to thechampionships.
The Army, Navy, AirForce and Marines eachprovided eight-personteams comprised of fourmen and four women whocompeted in eight gamesa day on multiple
different oil patterns.The oil patterns played a huge part in Leftwich’s
performance as he had to constantly change his strategy and style in orderto bowl to his optimum ability.
“The main thing to focus on is the oil patterns layed on the lanes,” said
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
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43IBI July 2011
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
Leftwich. “Every day after competition we would practice for two hourson the oil patterns that we were going to face the next day.”
Of the 100 people that initially tried out, only 32 made it to thechampionships. Leftwich stood out like a soar thumb and everyone’s eyeswere on him and a female shipmate who were representing not onlythemselves and the Navy but the entire 34,000 plus Coast Guardsmen.
The Armed Forces Bowling Championship consisted of 24 gamesplayed in seven categories during the course of four days. Playing so manygames really adds to the fatigue which means that one must maintainmental and physical toughness throughout the tournament.
“It was extremely exhausting and the competition was tough,” saidLeftwich. “Playing those 24 games definitely took a toll on me and my bodyas there were times I had to super glue the cuts on my fingers to help themheal in time for the next match.”
Leftwich was relentless, bowling through pain and adversity. Though hewasn’t a part of the Navy, he shared one common goal and that was to winthe coveted titles in the team challenge, doubles, mixed doubles andsingles events.
Leftwich and his team’s perseverance won them the title of top honorsin men’s doubles and mixed doubles contests.
Not only was Leftwich one of the two Coast Guardsmen bowling in theevent, but individually, among the 200 different armed forces personnelwho tried out, he placed 7th overall.
“My greatest accomplishment was averaging over 200 on the tough
competitive oil patterns and maintaining thatconsistency during tryouts and through thetournament,” said Leftwich. “I went out there justwanting to play the game I love and left knowingthat I did well for not only myself but the CoastGuard.”
With a high score of 264 in one of the mostchallenging and competitive tournaments of hislife, Leftwich beat the odds. His performance hassecured him a tryout spot for next year’s Navyteam and further demonstrated the excellencefound in Coast Guard personnel.
Through his passion and enthusiasm for thesport, bowling means more to Leftwich thanwords can even express. Rendering himspeechless, the power of his passion has a deepplace in his heart. ❖
Bree Gutierrez, holding a Bachelor of ArtsDegree in Journalism, is a freelance writer andpreschool teacher residing in SouthernCalifornia with her husband and son.
44 IBI July 2011
JULY11-12Iowa BPA Summer AnnualMeeting and Trade ShowEconolodge, Newton, IAJenny Duede, 515-255-0808,www.iowabpa.com
13-15Intl Billiard & Home RecreationExpoSands Expo & Convention Ctr.Las Vegas, NVwww.bcaexpo.com
18-22GS Series Pinsetter TrainingBrunswick Training CenterMuskegon, MIEmail: [email protected]
21Montana BPA Annual Board andMembership MeetingFairmont Hot Springs, MT Tom [email protected]
23-24Oregon Bowling SummitLincoln City, ORChristy Herman 877-567-6374
24Illinois State BPA Board ofDirectors Meeting with BowlingCenters Association of MichiganConvention and Trade ShowSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort,Mt. Pleasant, MIBill Duff, 847-982-1305,[email protected]
24-27Bowling Centers Assoc. ofMichigan2011 Convention & Trade ShowThe Soaring Eagle Resort, Mount Pleasant, MI248-559-5207www.mibowl.com
25-29Vector Scorer MaintenanceTrainingBrunswick Training CenterMuskegon, MIEmail: [email protected]
30-8/6National Bowling WeekRegister to participateRon DeRoxtra, [email protected]
SEPTEMBER16-18Wyoming Bowling CouncilJamboreeHilton Garden Inn, Laramie WYCharlene Abbott [email protected]
19-21Nair 40th AnniversaryFall MeetingLincolnshire Resort, [email protected]
22BCA of Ohio Executive BoardMeetingEmbassy Suites, Columbus, OHPat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
OCTOBER2–4
West Coast Bowling CentersConventionSilver Legacy Hotel, Reno, NVSandi Thompson, [email protected]
4-5Kansas State BPA AnnualMeetingPittsburg, KSMary Thurber 913-638-1817
10-12East Coast Bowling CentersConventionTrump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJLee Ann Norton, [email protected]
10-14GS Series Pinsetter TrainingBrunswick Training CenterMuskegon, MIEmail: [email protected]
17-21Vector Scorer MaintenanceTrainingBrunswick Training CenterMuskegon, MIEmail: [email protected]
26Bowling Centers of Southern CAAnnual Meeting and Partner FairCal State Fullerton, Fullerton CAScott Frager, [email protected]
NOVEMBER9-10BCA of Ohio Seminars & MeetingEmbassy Suites, Columbus, OHPat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
6-11Bowling University SchoolFor Bowling Center ManagementInternational Bowling CampusArlington TXEmail: [email protected];800-343-1329www.BowlingUniversity.net
DATEBOOK
IBI Official magazine of theconvention
IBI
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PIZZA TRAYManny Velis, owner and inventorof “The Pizza Butler“ wants tointroduce his space-saving pizzatray. This stylish Z-shaped inven-tion makes it easier to fit twopizzas on a table, or allows you tosit at a smaller table more comfortably. “The Pizza Butler” ismade of 18-gauge stainless steel, and comes in many differ-ent sizes. For more information/pictures/videos visitwww.thepizzabutler.com or call 718-894-1212.
45IBI July 2011
SHOWCASE
PLATFORM HONORSGKM's Profit Platform was the perfectstage for Emagine Entertainment'sChairman, Paul Glantz to honor MitchAlbom. The awards ceremony took placeduring a gala-weekend-charity event onthe lanes at the company's new 16-lanecenter in Royal Oak, MI. For more infor-mation on how the Profit Platform can make your next specialevent even more dramatic with on-the-lanes presentations, callGKM at 310-791-7092 or go to www.profitplatform.biz.
PLAYGROUNDINSTALLSInternational Play Company installsworldwide. Here is the playground atMIG Alley’s Bowling Center for theOSAN Air Base in Korea. The playstructure has a 2-level speed slide, air filled bumpers, no climbnetting, ADA access, themed snake pit pendulum walk and athemed alligator pit. Great addition to a bowling center andchild-minding areas. View our website for many sampledesigns. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our websiteat www.iplayco.com
TROPHY PINSBrunswick’s Trophy Pins can be used for manyspecial occasions to help your bowlersremember a significant score or event. Thetrophy pin is made of maple wood and coveredin clear coverstock so it can also be used as asignature pin for birthday parties or otherspecial events. Available in sets or individually.For information on Brunswick’s complete lineof bowling pins, visit http://www.brunswick-bowling.com/products/pins or contact yourproduct specialist today.
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTESWithout the worry of ash, smell or second-hand smoke blu Cigs give your bowlerseverything they enjoy about smoking andnothing else. With flavors made 100% in theUnited States, blu Cigs are America’s elec-tronic cigarette. For more information onhow to keep your bowlers on the lane andout of the parking lot contact Ryan Coalson -704-559-5222 - [email protected] -www.blucigs.com
MORE REVENUE, ZEROCOSTBowlingShirt.com has been letteringbowling shirts since 1976. Currently thecompany is offering a “Share the Revenue”program with bowling centers worldwide.This program is simple and we do the work while you earncommission for the shirts sold for a party or league at yourcenter. BowlingShirt.com stocks 25,000 shirts and specializesin custom printing and embroidery for your customer. Add toyour Revenue $tream today. Call 800-444-1685 or [email protected].
NEW CARPET DESIGNSFlagship has 20 neon patterns, of which 10 arenew. We now offer a complete new line calledCosmopolitan. If you are looking for customdesigns look no further! Flagship has over 40years of experience in manufacturing the highestquality and best valued commercial carpet in theindustry. www.neoncarpet.com.
ON-LANE REDEMPTIONRedemption games are increasinglypopular today and are shown toincrease key areas of your business.The On-Lane Redemption System byQubicaAMF was designed to integratewith the Bowler Entertainment System and Conqueror ProManagement System, to provide a complete, customizablesolution for managing your bowling center redemptionactivity. Contact a QubicaAMF Sales Representative today orvisit our website at www.qubicaamf.com.
46 IBI July 2011
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WORLDʼS LARGEST NEW – USED SPARE PARTS INVENTORY
Danny & Daryl TuckerDanny & Daryl TuckerTucker Bowling Equipment Co. Bowling Parts, Inc.609 N.E. 3rd St. P.O. Box 801Tulia, Texas 79088 Tulia, Texas 79088Call (806) 995-4018 Call (806) 995-3635Fax (806) 995-4767 Email - [email protected]
www.bowlingpartsandequipment.com
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
USED BRUNSWICK PARTS, A2 partsand assemblies. Large Inventory.www.usedpinsetterparts.com.
NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment.Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
Pinsetter Parts New from ALL majormanufacturers. HUGE IN STOCK inventory.USED Brunswick Scoring parts, AS90cameras, processors, lane cables,monitors, and PC boards. Order online @888SBIBOWL.com or (888) 724-2695.The Mechanics Choice!
REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details(248) 375-2751.
For Sale: used pin decks. Buy one, get oneFREE. 27” monitors for AccuScore Plus & XLScoring. Also XL Scoring package. (641)414-1542.
FOR SALE: General Electric & National frontend motors with gear boxes for AMF 82-70pinsetters–$275 ea. Excellent condition!Call Brian (716) 715-3930 or Kevin (716)807-2194.
Bowling center equipment—specializingin small center needs. (712) 253-8730
Automatic Scoring: AMF XL & AMFBOSS with XL Desk & LCD monitors.(712) 253-8730
EQUIPMENT WANTED
LANE MACHINES WANTED. We willpurchase your KEGEL-built machine, anyage or condition. Phone (608) 764-1464.
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WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
16-lane center in Southern Coloradomountains. Great condition. 18,000s/f building w/ restaurant & lounge.Paved parking 100 + vehicles.Established leagues & tournaments.$950,000 or make offer. Kipp (719) 852-0155.
CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 12 lanes, autoscoring, Anvilane synthetics, 82-70s. Greatfood sales. Yearly tournament. Attached,large 3 bedroom apartment w/ fireplace.$550K. (715) 223-8230.
NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s,Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game &pool rooms. See pics andinfo @ www.visitcolby.com or contactCharles (785) 443-3477.
SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant.Includes business and real estate. Nice,smaller community. Owner retiring.$212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828.
TEXAS, SE of Houston: 40-lane center inmid-sized market. Updated scoring, lanes,seating, masking units in 2007 plusremodeled bar. New roof. Includes RE. Bankowned. Ken Paton (503) 645-5630.
CENTERS FOR SALE
UPSTATE NEW YORK: 8-lane center/commercial building built in 1992.Synthetic lanes, new automatic scoring,kitchen and room to expand! Reduced tosell @ $375,000. Call (315) 376-3611.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
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CLASSIFIEDS
ForFLORIDA CENTERS
CallDAVID DRISCOLL& ASSOCIATES
1-800-444-BOWLP.O. Box 189
Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737AN AFFILIATE OF
SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES
Orange County Security Consultants
•Keys & ComboLocks for allTypes ofLockers.
•One weekturnaroundon mostorders.
•New locks -All types
•Used locks1/2 priceof new
All keysdone bycode #.
No keysnecessary.
LOCKERKEYS FAST!
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-700-4KEYINT’L 530-432-1027
The leading source for real estate loans with low down payments
Ken Paton(503) 645-5630
I could not have gottenI could not have gottenmy loan without him.my loan without him.
Bill HansonBill HansonAll Star LanesAll Star Lanes
Fort Myers, FloridaFort Myers, Florida
E-mail: [email protected] YOUR ORDER TO US AT:
530-432-2933
"Bowling Center Construction Specialists"
�New Center Construction �Family Entertainment Centers�Residential Bowling Lanes�Modernization�Mini Bowling Lanes�Automatic Scoring
Toll Free: (866) 961-7633Office: (734) 469-4293
Email: [email protected]
CONTACT BRIAN ESTES
CENTERS FOR SALE
SOUTHERN INDIANA (close toIndianapolis): 18-lane Brunswick centerwith lounge, liquor license & movietheater on 4+ acres. Turnkey business.Owner retiring. Great investment! (765) 349-1312.
ARIZONA, PAYSON: 16 LANES. Assumemortgage. Details @ http://rimcountrylanes.com/4sale.pdf. Bob (602) 377-6657.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: 16-lanecenter w/ synthetic lanes, 82-70s, 19,000s/f building w/ lots of parking. Newlyremodeled bar & large kitchen. Ownerretiring. (530) 598-2133.
NEW YORK STATE: Thousand Islandregion. 8-lane Brunswick center w/ cosmicbowling, auto scoring. Established leagues+ many improvements. $309,000. Call Jill@ Lori Gervera Real Estate (315) 771-9302.
EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA: 6-laneBrunswick center, bar & grill, drive-thruliquor store in small college town. Also, 3apartment buildings with 40 units, goodrental history. Call (701) 330-7757 or (701)430-1490.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One ofthe top five places to move! Remodeled32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1mgets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828)253-0362.
CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane center andrestaurant in central Idaho mountains.Small town. Only center within 60-mileradius. Brunswick A-2 machines;Anvilane lane beds; automatic scoring.(208) 879-4448.
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CENTERS FOR SALE
SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING: 12 lanes+ café & lounge, 2 acres w/ 5 bedroomhome. Full liquor & fireworks licenses.Outside Salt Lake City area. Dennis @Uinta Realty, Inc. (888) 804-4805 [email protected].
MICHIGAN, Lake Odessa: 12-lane centerwith updated AMF scoring, 82-70 pinsettersand full-menu restaurant & bar. Indoor/patioseating across from public beach. R&E.Owner retiring. Call Patti @ FreshwaterProperties (616) 260-6500 or [email protected].
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: 16-lane centerREDUCED to $799,000 for quick sale.Synthetics, 82-70s, 19,000 s/f + parking.Newly remodeled bar, large kitchen. Ownerretiring. Will consider selling only equipmentor building. www.siskiyoulanes.com. (530)598-2133.
NORTHWEST LOUISIANA: 12-LANEBrunswick center. REDUCED TO SELLNOW! Includes auto scoring, glow bowling,pizza, large dining area & video poker. Goodincome. Long Lease. Great opportunity. CallMike (318) 578-0772.
CENTERS FOR SALE
CENTRAL ILLINOIS: PRICED TO SELL!!8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, full servicerestaurant, pro shop. Plus pool tables,Karaoke machine, DJ system. Includes RE.(217) 351-5152 or [email protected].
CENTRAL ALABAMA: Recently remodeled,split house w/24 synthetic lanes (16 & 8) in28,000 s/f building in shopping center;Brunswick A2s & 2000 seating; AccuScorePlus; VIA returns & storage tables; systemsfor Cosmic; established leagues; snack bar,pro shop & game/pool table area. Nearestcompetition 28 miles w/ colleges & Hondafactory within minutes. Need to sell due tohealth. Reasonably priced. (435) 705-0420.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: 16-lane center—Brunswick A-2s & JetBacks, snack bar, proshop & lounge with 1,400 s/f apartmentabove. On 2.84 acres. Includes business &real estate. Good location! (618) 488-7858 or(618) 606-5053.
GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, realestate included. Great location in one offastest growing counties in metro Atlanta.5 years new with all the amenities.Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751.
CENTERS FOR SALE
NE NEVADA: New 2001. 16 lanes, 19,200square feet, 1.68 acres paved, sound &lighting, lounge w/ gaming, arcade, fullservice snack bar & pro shop. Call (775)934-1539.
SOUTHERN NEVADA: Excellentopportunity for qualified person! 8-lanecenter with AMF 82-70s, Twelve Strike scoring.$60,000 for business and equipment only.Long term lease available. Building beingremodeled. Call Steve (702) 293-6072; cell(702) 414-5321; email: [email protected].
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CENTERS FOR SALE
NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor & Bowling.Established 8 lanes between Mpls & Duluth w/large bar, dining room, banquet area. Two largeState employment facilities nearby. High sixfigure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089.www.majesticpine.com.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN: 12-laneBrunswick A-2s, Vector Plus FrameworXscoring, kitchen, & pro shop. PRICED TOSELL. Call Bruce (715) 614-7779.
NW INDIANA (Lake Michigan/National LakeShore area): DRASTICALLY REDUCED—PRICED TO SELL! 32-lane center, familyowned & operated since 1997 on 6.6 acres.Also billiards, arcade, pro shop, full-servicerestaurant, established leagues & MORE!$2,300,000. (219) 921-4999.
(818) 789-2695SELL YOUR CENTER
FOR LEASE
PRO SHOP: National Lake Shore area ofNW Indiana. Call (219) 921-4999.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring BallRepair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com.
Still sanding after all these years! If you stillhave wood, trust your lanes to Langlo BowlingSupply Inc. Next year, the Langlo name will bein the business for 100 years. Call Jeff Langlo(727) 919-4475. He has been on every jobsince 1971. Call for new synthetic. Call forrepairs on wood & synthetic. Call for recoats.Will go ANYWHERE!
POSITION WANTED
Small Brunswick bowling center managerwith option to buy. Good credentials and lotsof experience running centers including newleague formation and outside salespromotion. Increase the bottom line! Callnow. (319) 327-1916.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
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Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940
on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: [email protected]
AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • FrameworxSERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL
NEW KEYPADS • FRONT DESK LCD MONITORS
2021 Bridge StreetJessup, PA 18434570-489-8623www.minigolfinc.com
MINIATURE GOLF COURSESIndoor/Outdoor. ImmediateInstallation. $5,900.00 & up.
(818) 789-2695
SELL YOURCENTER
OR EQPT.FAST!
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CLASSIFIEDS
MARSHALL ELECTRONICS• Electronic Scoring Repair• AMF Accuscore Plus• Curtain Wall Chassis - $285
• Foul Units• Chassis Boards• Brunswick Scoring
We repair all types of monitor boards.Call for a complete price list.
593 Loxley Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753
732-240-6554 • 800-782-9494www.merepair.webs.com
AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC boardrepair/exchange. 6-month warranty, fastturnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service
5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695)
Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon)E-mail: [email protected]
Visit us on the WEB!http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/
PROPRIETORS WITH AMF 82-70S.S. & M.P. MACHINES
Save $$ on Chassis & P.C. BoardExchange & Repair!
A reasonable alternative forChassis and P.C. Board Exchanges
MIKE BARRETTCall for Price List
Tel: (714) 871-7843 • Fax: (714) 522-0576
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REMEMBER WHEN
ack in the day when life was simpler and bowling was booming,Saturday mornings for young people were not spent on soccerfields but in bowling alleys. These young people not only
spent time bowling together in leagues but got part-time jobs as theygrew and many from there went on to manage centers, buy and buildthem and develop family businesses passed from one generation to thenext. In 1960, YABA (Youth American Bowling Alliance) hadapproximately 410,112 members.
In the January 16, 1960 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, bowlingearned a four-page feature. It was business at its best and leisureentertainment for the whole family. Foreshadowing of the FEC can begleaned from the dramatic, 56-lane Mission Valley Bowlero in SanDiego, Calif. which offered a nursery, meeting room, restaurant and shopsplus serving as a community center. It was post WWII that helpedspringboard the popularity of this Rip-Van-Winkle-old sport. Factoryworkers laboring around the clock during the war helped create the
open-around-the-clock centers. After the war it wasthe suburban migration and spendable cash thatwelcomed community sports centers and finally thepiece de resistance…automatic pinsetters. What couldbe better than three games at $0.50 a line? Your ownequipment ensemble could be had for about $50with the ball representing half the total.
Today, when proprietors are asked the question,how did you get into the bowling business, the answeroften is “When I started bowling as a kid.” That issomething to remember and take to heart. Thecontinued growth of bowling might just hinge on alittle guy Danny Kelly getting a strike!
But take a closer look at our little Danny. He’sfocused, determined and proud…two pins! ANDNO BUMPERS!!! ❖
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REMEMBER WHEN
B
1960
