international bowling industry february 2013

6ISSUE AT HANDThe Human Race

By Scott Frager

8SHORTS

• BPAA Partnerswith Mobivity

• RememberingDon Harris

• Miller High Life"Official" again

• A Pyramid Cityin North Dakota

• Boutique Bowlingin Germany

Compiled by Patty Heath

16FEATURE

Tenpin DinosaursAs independent pro shopsbecome extinct, we take a

look at a few remaining(and proud!) merchants.

By Mark Miller

20COVER STORY

Matsuo’s MissionYukio Matsuo’s varied and

successful career in thebowling industry has

segued into a deeplypersonal journey

championing LivingWills in Japan.

By Paul Lane

CONTENTS VOL 21.2

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THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING

IBI February 2013

PUBLISHER & EDITORScott Frager

[email protected]: scottfrager

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERChris Holmes

[email protected]

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTGregory Keer

[email protected]

OFFICE MANAGERPatty Heath

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSPatty HeathPaul Lane

Anna LittlesGeorge McAuliffe

Mark MillerRobert Sax

EDITORIAL DIRECTORJackie Fisher

[email protected]

ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTIONDesignworks

www.dzynwrx.com(818) 735-9424

FOUNDERAllen Crown (1933-2002)

12655 Ventura BoulevardStudio City, CA 91604(818) 789-2695(BOWL)

Fax (818) [email protected]

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,12655 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA91604 USA. If possible, please furnishaddress mailing label.Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2013, B2B Media,Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprintedwithout the publisher’s permission.

MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:

4

20

27BEYOND BOWLINGSPECIAL SECTION• A Peek at

Amusement Expo• Crazy Fun at

Boondocks• Interesting Interview

with David Bardon

44WHAT BOWLINGMEANS TO MEA Balanced ApproachA health crisis forcedLaura Persson to find a new,balanced approach tolife and bowling.By Anna Littles

54REMEMBER WHEN1950sArchie and His GirlsBy Patty Heath

42 Showcase

46 Datebook

48 Classifieds

6 IBI February 2013

THE ISSUE AT HAND

The more we thought about it, the more weknew it was the right thing to do. Once wemade the call, we knew it was exactly the wayit had to be.

Our cover photo and story this month arenot ones that would traditionally appear withinthe pages of a trade magazine like InternationalBowling Industry magazine. We would typicallyselect an image of a blessedproprietor proudly showingoff his or her beautiful center.We’d be accentuating thepositives of bowling and thebusiness of which we’regraced to be a part.

The bowling business is along distance race but not always to a desireddestination. Sometimes, life throws us aterrible curve ball, and we are forced to lookdeep within ourselves and ponder what itreally means to be a part of an even largerrace: the human race.

Almost seven years ago while attending the2006 Bowl Expo, Yukio Matsuo, a long-timebowling industry leader and man ofoutstanding character and regard, had his lifeturned upside down when his wife, Makiko,

was in a terrible accident. Paul Lane, a friend and businessassociate of Yukio for many years, captures the gravity andhumanity of the story that has consumed the Matsuo family since.

Makiko and Yukio’s story is one that transcends bowling andbusiness. It’s a story about life, death and how one man isattempting to change the very way an entire nation thinksabout the concept of dying with dignity. It shows the truemeaning of love, passion, compassion and personal character.

I am deeply grateful that Yukio andhis wife are so willing to bravelyshare their story with us. Theiropenness, honesty and fortitudehumble me to my core. And, I amconfident that you will feel the same.

Who we are should never bedefined by how much we’ve

succeeded in business but by how we’ve succeeded in life.Matsuo-san’s message and mission

will provide us all with great lessons inlove, life and death.

– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHERAND [email protected]

�THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com

The Human Race

It’s February and love is in the air. IBI Online shares the love of bowling and businessevery month!

Have you fallen in love yet? With IBI Online, it’s easy. Let’s face it, what proprietor orGM doesn’t love free publicity to show off their center in photos; love finding new ideasto spark business; love watching and sharing funny and interesting videos; and love havinga quick and easy way to meet with other proprietors and GMs? Staying in touch is stayinginvolved and that is the key to success. IBI does all that and more. You’ve got to love it!

Join now! Be a member. Join a group. Share your thoughts. Come on, be ourValentine. IBI Online is the place for people who love bowling, and that’s YOU!

8 IBI February 2013

SHORTS

Bowling’s rise in popularityhas created a new environmentwhich includes large, familyoriented, entertainment centersand small, boutique bowlingvenues. The latter has alsosparked interest in Europe.

In Germany, the city of BadKonigshofen has converted a kegeling facility into anew bowling facility called a Bowlingbahn. The two-lane microbowl has been a huge hit.

The City of Arlington, TX, has had a 54-year sistercity relationship with Bad Konigshofen, and, in

September, it hosted a 40-person delegation whichtoured the InternationalBowling Museum and Hallof Fame to gain some ideasfor their version of boutiquebowling.

While the masking unitsdefinitely reflect aGermanic flair, the

concept remains the sameas its U.S. counterpart:intimate and high end.

Across the U.S., there are more and moreprojects developed around multi-usebuildings which combine housing, retail andentertainment. Reported in the AtlantaBusiness Chronicle by Carla Caldwell, anAtlanta firm wants to build a pyramid nearWilliston, ND, that would be the state’s tallestbuilding and house 500 apartments, a malland entertainment center. Quite a departurefor a low profile state.

According to the investment group led byCamp and Associates, New Cimarron Citywould be “371 feet tall with apartmentsbuilt into four sides and the interior filledwith retail stores, a movie theater, bowlingalley, and indoor parking for 1,200 vehicles.The project would also include a hockeyrink, a baseball field and a restaurant with anobservation deck.”

Thinking Las Vegas? The Luxor? The Luxorcasino in Las Vegas is only 350 feet tall, 21 feetshorter than the proposed New CimarronCity. It will be interesting to see if this type ofproject will resonate with North Dakotans.

BOWLINGBAHN,ANYONE?

I think I got too excited over the2000th member of IBI Online. In ThisMonth At in the January issue, Scott”sname was misspelled. The Geurkinkfamily is in the midst of building a centerin San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel,Mexico. I apologize for the error andlook forward to hearing from Scottregarding the opening.

Patty Heath

Editorial Correction

Scott Geurkink and his family properly named.

Miller High Life will once again become the Official Beer of Bowling. A new, two-year agreement with Strike Ten Entertainment will create an opportunity to targetover 2,000 new points of distribution across the U.S.

Additional highlights of the sponsorship include specialized POS, “Official BeerSponsor of Bowling”glassware, pitchers, buckets and prominently displayed on-premise signage. Miller High Life will also be highlighted as the major sponsor ofseveral marquee bowling-industry events, tradeshows and conferences.

“After a brief hiatus, the Official Beer of Bowling is back where it belongs,” saidBrendan Noonan, Miller High Life brand manager. “We couldn’t be more thrilled toshowcase the Miller High Life values to consumers nationwide.”

TAKE TWO:OFFICIAL BEER

OF BOWLING

In November 2012 AMF BowlingWorldwide, Inc., filed for Chapter 11.It was reported in Vending Times onJanuary 14, 2013 that the companyhas secured $50 million in new financingthat it can use, following court approval,

to support working capital needsduring its restructuring. The article alsonoted that suppliers and vendors areexpected to be paid in full and that thecompany will continue normaloperations at its bowling centers.

AMF BANKRUPTCY UPDATE

10 IBI February 2013

SHORTS

LeeAnn Norton, BPAA Director of Meetings andEvents at the International Bowling Campus (IBC),has earned the premier designation as a CertifiedExhibition Manager (CEM). Norton is a 15-year BPAAveteran and is the chief architect of major BPAA events

such as International Bowl Expo,Bowling Summit, East CoastBowling Centers Convention plusnumerous events at the IBC andUSBC. She is definitely among avery select group of professionals;there are only 1,700 CEMsworldwide.

PEOPLE WATCHING

LeeAnn Norto

JB’s On 41 in Elkhart Lake, WI, is the newest member of David Bardon’s bowlingcenters. Formerly Olympic Lanes, JB’s has gone through an eight-month renovationincluding 25 flat screen televisions, newly mounted lanes featuring cherry woodpanels and a private area for birthday parties and corporate events, and, just for fun,a game room. Galactic Bowling and bumpers add depth to the entertainment and TheJunction at JB’s is a full-service restaurant and bar that rounds out the venue.

According to OnMilwaukee.com, Bardon commented, “Whether someone wantsto stop in for one game or really focus on the sport and get better, bowling offers avery social, affordable, physically active experience.” JB’s will offer bowlinginstruction via a program called Bowling 2.0, a four-week course taught byprofessional bowling coaches. Bardon has been bowling his whole life and knowshow to take it to another level.

[See interview in Beyond Bowling section]

Another reincarnation is Alley Cat Bar & Grill in Lakeview, MI. Twelve remodeledlanes, certified by the U.S. Bowling Congress is the handiwork of owner Larry Cole andmanager April Finup. Built in the early 1980s, the center has changed hands severaltimes and had been closed for almost three years.

Focusing on the interior first, knotty pine now covers the walls. A pro shop, banquetroom, locker room, shoe rental and office space are also available. One of the highlightsis the twelfth lane where bowlers can relax and enjoy a plush, lounge-like seating area.Cole has definitely created, in his own words, a “Wow” factor.

Santa Fe, NM, will once again offer bowling. As quoted in the ABQJournal, a planto build a lounge-style venue with a video-game arcade and eight-lane bowling facilityon the top floor of an existing building in the Santa Fe Railyard would return the sportto the state capital for the first time since 2008.

Ringside Bowl Bar and Grub will be the third center for owners of Holiday Bowl andLeisure Bowl in Albuquerque. Allen Branch, Railyard developer, says the new 20,000-square-foot entertainment business will also feature upscale food.

An application for a building permit is pending city approval. According to Branch,the bowling lounge is scheduled to open the first weekend in May.

Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, OH, will finally give life to the vacant Circuit Citystore which closed four years ago. Opening date is set for April after brothers Doug,Jeff and father Mike Mechling renovate the 35,000-square-foot property. Included willbe 20 lanes with six that can be reserved for corporate gatherings or birthday parties.A restaurant, private lounges, pool room, 35-foot-long bar and a game arcade roundout the complex.

California-based Lucky Strike Entertainment will manage operations of Star Lanes. The Mechlings expect to invest $4 million in the project after adding in the cost of

the bowling equipment, arcade games and non-construction costs, according to BrianR. Ball, staff reporter for Business First.

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS

A BPAA press releaseannounced the passing of DonHarris, former executivedirector of BPAA, on December23 from complications aftersuffering a stroke. He was 60.

Harris headed the BPAAfrom January 1996 toSeptember 1999. During histenure, he “grew membership, replenished financialreserves, and strengthened the Quality Connection(group purchasing) program.” He also had a bigpart in establishing International Bowl Expo, breakingattendance records and taking it from an annualconvention to a premier bowling industry event.

“It was through Don’s leadership that the concept,name, and format for Bowl Expo came about. Invitingcandlepin, duckpin, military, international centers, andpro shop operators was all done at his direction.Education seminars and big name keynote speakerswere brought in to help make it the show thatproprietors could not afford to miss. The Bowl Expowe see today is a result of the vision anddetermination of Don Harris,” reflected Carey Tosello,former Director of Membership & Events, BPAA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe made to the Pioneer Bible Translators, Dallas, TX,or Christian Care Center, Mesquite, TX.

R E M E M B R A N C E S


SHORTS

GOODWILL CENTRALThe end of the year and the holiday season bring forth many activities

to help local and national charity organizations. Of course, for thebowling industry, these are year-round; there is no rest for those centerswho reach out to their communities.

Playdrome in Cherry Hill, NJ, held Bowl with The Birds XII. Beginningin 2001, this event raises money for several charities and givesPhiladelphia Eagle fans an opportunity to meet, greet and bowl withEagle players. This year’s host was offensive lineman Danny Watkins.

Suburban Lanes, Sioux Falls, SD, held an event to raise money andawareness for the Immune Deficiency Foundation’s SCID Initiative,which supports newborn screenings for this rare genetic disorder. SCIDcauses defects in the immune system, resulting in multiple, uncontrollableinfections. It is treatable with a bone marrow transplant if it is caughtearly enough.

Palmyra Bowling Center in North Londonderry Township, NY,hosted six hours of bowling for more than 400 children for the 15thannual Santa’s Bowling Bash. Kids between the ages of four and 12 andtheir parents enjoyed free bowling, a meal and presents. Amy Eiseman,manager, touted local businesses who donated food, money, gifts and

supplies for the party as well as leaguebowlers who donated about $550.

Airport Lanes, Jackson, MI, was the venuefor The Crazy Bowl, a fundraiser for JuniorAchievement of Hillsdale, Jackson andLenawee counties. The theme was Music ofthe Ages. Participants were encouraged todress up as their favorite artist or band andbowl their hearts out.

Strike Zone Bowling Center, FortLeavenworth, KS, held Good Grades Special.There is nothing better than to encouragescholarship. The center rewards were onefree game for every “A” or equivalent grade,straight “As” get free sodas for the familyand all “Bs” or better earns a $2 discount ona large topping 16-inch pizza.

What’s your center doing? Contact IBIat [email protected].

President Obama and his daughtersSasha and Malia spent part of the secondvacation day bowling at Marine Corps

Base Hawaii. No scores were divulgedand the press was not invited. However,let’s hope that he has improved from the37 he bowled in 2008. The three thentreated themselves to shaved ice atIsland Snow in Kailua afterward.

WATCHMedia

OBAMA’S HAWAII

VACATION INCLUDES

BOWLING


SHORTS

ESQUIRE’S GREAT AMERICAN THINGS

Some people liketo look at old photosto remember placeslong gone in theirtown.

However, in CraryMills, NY, one maypurchase a beautifullycrafted countertop

recycled from wooden lanes which were dismantledfrom the former Gray Lanes. A piece of the city’shistory can be part of your kitchen or can be aplanter to grace your patio.

Dominic Petroccione, owner of ThornwoodCabinetry, salvaged several pieces of maplewoodas crews were dismantling the bowling alley. Asquoted in the Watertown Daily Times, “We justhappened to be driving by when they were haulingthe wood lengths out with cranes. It caught myeye,” stated Petroccione.

Several homes in the area now haveconversation pieces. More hardwood is available.Interested? Petroccione can be reached atdevel.thornwoodcabinetry.com.

Keeping History Alive

BPAA has formally announced a strategicrelationship with Mobivity Holdings Corporation, aprovider of proprietary mobile marketingtechnologies. This involves providing Mobivity’spatented mobile marketing solutions to BPAA’s 4,000members which will enable them to reach theircustomers on their mobile phones with promotionalmarketing, incentive and loyalty programs.

“Being able to reach members of the bowlingcommunity on their mobile phones is a majordevelopment for bowling centers across America.Our members can now deliver more relevant andmeaningful marketing incentives directly to theconsumer’s handset,” said Bart Burger, VP of BusinessDevelopment for BPAA.

“We’re delighted to partner with BPAA andsupport their progressive initiatives to empower theirmember bowling centers with the latestadvancements in marketing technology,” said DennisBecker, CEO of Mobivity. The company has workedwith CNN, Disney, NFL, Sony Pictures, AT&T, NBCUniversal and numerous professional sports teams.

STRIKES PARTNERSHIPWITH MOBIVITY

Dominic Petroccione with hisreinvented bowling lanes as acountertop and also a planter.

While Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M quarterback, hasgarnered accolades and the Heisman Trophy, he needsa lot of practice when it comes to bowling.

Evidence of that was a captured scoreboard while hewas playing with his girlfriend Sarah Savage and his mom.Sarah beat him handily with a presentable score of 147versus his lackluster 103. Mom managed a 113 to jump ahead of the20-year-old football star. Sarah tweeted, “This is the only game we canbeat him at. “

WATCHMedia

Esquire’s December 2012 issue was all about“Great American Things.” Bowling should be veryproud to know that it came in #6 out of 45. WriterChris Jones stated at the beginning, “Americaand Americans did not invent bowling. They were,however, the first to take a silly little game inwhich a ball was rolled at the pins and turn it intoa legitimate sport with rules. And then they tookthat new sport of theirs and transformed it into agenuine professional pursuit with TV spotlights and gravitas.”

Jones goes on to point out Pete Weber and his Crotch Chop. The PeteWeber Crotch Chop (striking his hands against the front of his thrustinghips) is what happens when so many admirable American qualities—drive and desire and mastery over an incredibly narrow but marketableskill-are distilled into one man’s passion for, in this case, bowlingexcellence. Let’s all get out there and chop away!

In a TIME magazine article on Roger Goodell, thecommissioner of the National Football League, aproposal for a replacement for the kickoff surfaced.This is due to concerns over head and bodily injuriesresulting from things such as high-speed collisions.

While ideas have been bounced around (nopun intended), including punting versus onsidekicks, Rush Limbaugh, radio talk show host, has

thrown his idea onto the field (pun intended). “I think what the NFLought to do is put portable bowling alleys on the sideline at every gameand then have the team captain, or whoever’s the best bowler on theteam, bowl one ball, and you get three points for every pin knockeddown.” In essence if seven pins are knocked down (3 x 7), you startat the 21 yard line. All contact has been eliminated.

Of course, on the other side of the coin, there is always the exampleof Andrew Bynum bowling and injuring his knee. Hmmm.

HEISMAN WINNER ON THE LANES

FOOTBALL INJURIES: RUSH LIMBAUGH’S

SOLUTION


FEATURE

ome can be found in the middle of large shopping centers or stripmalls. Others are located in separate buildings. There's at leastone in the basement of the owner's home. They are independent

bowling pro shops, those not within the confines of a bowling center.Long ago these pro shops were the primary place for bowlers to buy andhave their equipment personalized; today they are becoming a rare breed,maybe even extinct. “I think we're headed that way because more peoplewant the convenience of an in-center pro shop but also want the experienceof a freestanding building,” said Tony Glickley of Overland Park, Kansas.“If you do it in a bowling center, you need enough room and a say in howthe bowling center will run it.” Of the 416 pro shops belonging to the International Bowling Pro Shop

and Instructors Association, only 77 or 18 percent, arein freestanding locales. While no pastfigures are available, Glickley said atleast 10 pro shops have closedin the Kansas City area in thepast 25 years. AroundMilwaukee, Dave Marks, long-time owner of Dave's World,estimates the number has shrunkfrom about 15 in the early 1980s to justfour today. “Back then they really weren't in centers,” said Marks,55. “The centers weren't big enough to have one. Now guys can'tafford freestanding. Plus every center is starting to get a pro shopbecause it's convenient for the customers. It's a little extracompetition. They are taking the pie and making it smaller.”Marks started working in the pro shop across from State Fair

Park in the late 1970s. An avid bowler, he needed a summerjob and answered an ad to work for Norm Cummings, whohad bought the business from Al Savas, who originallyopened in the early 1960s. After Cummings went bankrupt,Marks bought the business and has hung on for 20 years. “I'vehad good years and bad years,” Marks said. “The last two years

have been pretty bad. It's definitely slower. Peopleare not buying as much equipment in part becausethere are so many balls out there and peopleare not bowling as much. Instead of bowlingthree times a week, they bowl one or two.”While about nine million people bowled in

leagues and tournaments in 1980, today there arefewer than two million. And while there werenearly 11,000 bowling centers in the UnitedStates in the early 1960s, now there are around5,000. “People who bowled in their 30s and 40sa long time ago are not being replaced,” Markssaid. “Fifty centers in existence here in 1980 areno longer in existence. There were a lot of lanebeds that were all filled back then, especiallyfirst shift. Now they are all gone and there areopenings on first shift in a lot of houses. Plus withcomputers and all the other gadgets, peopledon't have to leave home to be entertained anymore.” Other reasons Marks cited are theeconomy, laws cracking down on drinking anddriving and the growth of purchasing equipmenton the Internet for less money than he can charge. Brian Simmons faces similar challenges at

his long-time north side Chicago operation.The biggest difference is he owns his buildingwhile Marks pays$875 a monthin rent

S

TENPINDINOSAURSAS FREESTANDING PRO SHOPS BECOME EXTINCT,THERE ARE A FEW STILL HOLDING ON.

By Mark Miller

17IBI February 2013

FEATURE

and Glickley $1,000, the same since he first opened in 1991. “I'm a dinosaur,”Simmons said. “If I didn't own the building, I wouldn't be here. I pay rent to myself.If you are in a bowling center, you have to pay $1,000-$1,200 a month in rent. Youhave to do enough revenue to pay that, pay your suppliers and pay yourself.” Simmons has owned his business since the 1970s, taking over from his father Vernon,

who started it as a sporting goods store in 1946. “We were a neighborhood sportinggoods store,” said Simmons, 54. “We sold kids uniforms and jock straps for basketballand baseball teams. We were dealing mostly with local schools. We were very small.My dad starting carrying bowling equipment in the 1960s. After I took over in the1970s, we became all bowling. I knew I couldn't make a living selling fishing tackle.”Simmons mostly caters to beginning bowlers up to those averaging 200. He's not

too fond of those who score higher because of their tendency to complain. “I liketo teach,” he said. “My dad was a teacher. I do a lot of teaching at Waveland Bowlto supplement my income.” Simmons has no website, opting to promote throughword of mouth. He's also picked up some business with the retirement of RonDamke who closed his long-time independent Bowling Custom Pro Shop. “I don'thave a lane in my shop but have some mats,” Simmons said. “I wish I had more butI don't want the guy who jumps from shop to shop looking for the best price.”Tony Glickley first drilled his own bowling ball in 1976 at King Louie College Lanes

(now AMF College Lanes) in the Kansas City area. A bowler since growing up inChicago (“I whipped every kid in town”) he knew early on bowling would be hislivelihood. “I've always been pretty good with tools and you have to be good at math,”he said. “Most bowlers are good in math and measurements.”He took his talents to S&H Bowling Supply where he learned how to drill bowling balls

for other people and how to deal with customers. When S&H's owners retired and thingsdidn't work out for Glickley under new management, he decided to go on his own. Afteroriginally opening in a bowling center in 1990, he moved to his current location at theWycliffe West Shopping Center in Overland Park, KS, in 1991. “I tried to be centrallylocated to all of the bowling centers so we can service them all,” he said. “There abouta half-dozen centers within 10 miles of here. My advantage here is people don't cometo just waste time. In a center, the pro shop is like a barber shop. They are coming hereto buy something. It's more educational. They leave with more knowledge.”Glickley is proud a number of his students have used that knowledge to varying

amounts of success locally, statewideand nationally. “A lot of my customersare here on a second chance,” he said.“They didn't progress; their hand issore; this is the place they were sent to.I'm like a hand doctor. As people arelearning more and more about bowling,they realize a pro shop can make adifference in their career.”Frank Dimino and Brad Buckert have

the best of both worlds. Two of theirBegin'rs to Pro's Pro Shops in Rochester,NY, are in bowling centers while anotheris part of Stoneridge Plaza. Started byRon Ludwig in 1974, Buckert bought thefreestanding location in the early 1990swith Dimino joining him about 10 yearsago. “We have an advantage in thesummertime. Being in a plaza, we getmore traffic than most bowling centers,”Dimino said. “Because of where we arelocated people have a little more moneyand spend a little more money.”While the name of the business spells

out the overall nature of the clientele,Dimino said they now cater more toentry to mid-level bowlers. Previously,their customers were more high-end. “There's more spur-of-the-moment

customers in the centers,” he said.“Those who think about it more comehere. Plus we have a trophy business.

Greg Senko of Brookville, MD, has hispro-shop in the basement of his home.

A few peeks at Greg Senko’s Denmar’s Pro-shop located in the basement of his home. Senko makes home orcenter visit to his clients, a personal service not offered on the internet


FEATURE

Mark Miller is a freelance writer from Flower Mound, Texas.He is the national and Dallas-Fort Worth bowling writer forthe Examiner.com, a columnist for the Bowling NetworkNews, and, most recently, the author of the upcoming book"Bowling: America's Greatest Game.”

If we didn't have thatwe wouldn't be openin the summer.” Greg Senko can

keep his DenMar'sPro Shop open year-round because itoccupies 1,000 squarefeet in the basementof his Brookeville, MD,

home. He's done this part-time since 1996 while workingother jobs such as landscaping and health insurance. “If Ididn't do it out of my house, I couldn't do it,” Senko said. “Icouldn't afford the expenses. What I do more times than notis meet my customers over the lunch hour at their center,” Senkosaid. “I take my equipment with me. I take my time and savethem their time. I can give customers as good or better servicethan a full-service pro shop. It also helps give me stabilitybeing at home. I have a different outlook. When customerscome to my house, there's no stress.”While Senko also rues equipment purchased on the

Internet, he tries to keep his prices competitive while providingservice not available online. “I can guarantee the balls I sellwhich on the Internet you can't,” he said. “And I can meet

you, which they can't.”Despite the challenges, independent pro shop owners

don't see themselves doing anything else. “I don't have any goals as far as how long I will stick around,”

Marks said. “As long as the money keeps coming in, I'll be here.I pay his bills. That's all I can do. The question is do I want towork for someone else? Probably not after being on my ownfor so long.”“I wish I could take my experience and what I know and do

a book or a DVD,” Glickley said. “I'd like to pass along myknowledge.”“There's no question freestanding pro shops are going to

be a thing of the past,” Simmons said. “I hope to last six moreyears to get to 60.”Independence, a love for the game and shear will keep pro

shop owners’ doors open. Balls and shoes you can get anywhere. For advice, instruction and camaraderie, pro shops areessential. �

Tony Glickley outside his overland Park, KS, store.


COVER STORY

21

COVER STORY

Paul Lanewith Makikoand Yuki inthe 1990s.

IBI February 2013

ukio Matsuo is best described as a man for all seasons, with asvaried a career in bowling and other industries since the early

1960s, both in Japan and the USA, as anyone this writer hasencountered and befriended in 59-years in the bowling business.Yuki’s résumé runs the gamut from exporter, bowling equipment

salesman, bowling proprietor, trader, realtor, tour manager for U.S.pro-bowlers visiting Japan, purchaser and exporter of fine arts, and liaison betweenseveral U.S. bowling manufacturers and distributors in Japan to devoted husband,father, campaigner for introducing Living Wills into law in Japan, publicspeaker/lecturer at schools (to teenagers at an age when they can apply for a drivinglicense), keynote speaker for the World Federation of Right To Die Societies, and1st through 5th Dan Black Belt in Judo and Judo instructor . . . the list goes on.He’s also a graduate of Waseda University in Tokyo, one of the most prestigiousuniversities in Japan.

Yuki’s first job, in the early 1960s, was with the Nippon Victor Company, asubsidiary of RCA Victor since before WWII, from where he exported transistor radiosand stereos. Then, still in the early sixties, bowling came to Japan, and thebowling boom of the sixties and early seventies was underway. As the industry grewin Japan, Yuki resigned from Nippon Victor and joined a company called JapanBowling Center Chain (JBCC) which, together with Nippon Brunswick, leased andsold bowling equipment to proprietors. What was unique about this company wasthat it also developed a chain of franchised bowling centers under the brand nameof Starlanes. During this time Yuki became acquainted with a number of U.S. pro-bowlers: Carmen Salvino, Ray Bluth and Laverne Carter, to name but a few.

As much as Yuki enjoyed his involvement with JBCC, he had other ideas andambitions and resigned in order to open a 16-lane center, Ouzu Starlanes, withhis brother Morito Matsuo, in his home town of Ouzu City. Leaving the day-to-dayrunning of the center to his brother, Yuki then moved to Tokyo where he importedand distributed bowling supplies to the Japanese market.

Knowing that his center, Ouzu Lanes, was opened during the height of theexplosive bowling boom of the late sixties and early seventies, I had to ask whatlineage he did at the peak, and where it bottomed out when the industry collapsed.Yuki lamented, “We were doing 70 to 80 games per lane per day for a few years,but when the industry collapsed we were down to practically zero.” Needless to

By Paul Lane

Y

COVER STORY

US Polychem, Murrey International and ZOT Pinsetter Parts,along with several other companies that had been dealing withAsahi Capital: some of them exclusively. Yuki was a natural toassist and liaise Eastern Sports’ new venture from the U.S. andhas worked closely with the company ever since.

Akira describes Yuki this way: “He is like a man who cameto modern Japan in a time machine from Japan 38-years ago.At the same time, he also has a strong attachment to America,which is proven by his living in New York for more than 20years."Other industry leaders also praise Yuki. Dave Cherry, theCEO of US Polychem said: “It has been my privilege to be Yuki'sfriend and business associate for over 35 years. He is loyal anddedicated to our company, both in the United States andJapan. All of our trips to Japan were well planned in advanceby Yuki and he treated my team like royalty. He was always superpolite and in his quiet way made things happen. … As myinterpreter in bowling negotiations and seminars in Japan, Iwould say sternly: ‘Yuki did you tell them what I said?’ and hewould answer in his soft manner; ‘Well, not exactly… I cleanedit up a bit! However they seem to be quite pleased anyway.’”

Gordon Murrey, director of GKM International and formerlyof Murrey International, said “In business we need to dealwith many people to get the job done. Sometimes, if we arelucky, we get to know someone like Yukio Matsuo. Welearn from people like Yukio that it is the relationship, notthe business, that really matters in the end. He has taughtme life lessons of patience, tenacity and honoring family.”Murrey pointed out that Yuki arranged the sale of GKM’sProfit Platform® to Eastern Sports for use at the prestigiousJapan Cup so the media VIPs could sit alongside theaction for the first time - instead of behind it. “Yuki isalways moving forward, making things, situations andpeople better. We can all take a lesson from him.”Roger Lindblad, president of ZOT Pinsetter Parts, first

Yukio with Dave Cherry (lower right)

signing the U.S. Polychem contract.

say, Yuki and his brother closed the center. In fact, onlya few of the Starlanes franchised centers survived thedownfall of the industry at that time.

His hiatus from bowling included moving his family toNew York (1967 to 1972), living on West 67th Street, justa half block from Central Park. It was there that Yuki’sdaughter, Miki, was born.

In New York, Yuki worked for Nissho-Iwai, which atthe time was one of the top ten Japanese internationaltrading firms, along with Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomoand C-Itoh which was AMF’s joint venture partner inJapan during the boom period.

One of the early pioneers in the bowling industry inJapan was Yamatane, which was also part of the Starlanesfranchise and the Starlanes Bowling Proprietors Association.When the industry collapsed, Yamatane lost all but one of itscenters, Tokyo Starlanes.

In 1981 Yamatane formed Yamatane International Corp., U.S.in New York. Yuki had known the owner of Yamatane from whenthey were both members of the Starlanes Association. WhenYamatane opened its operation in New York, Yuki joined themto help develop their international business.

Yamatane, under the subsidiary company, Asahi Capital,became the distributor in Japan for Roto-Grip, Inc., USPolychem, ZOT Pinsetter Parts, and Murrey International. Atthe same time, Yuki acquired a New York Real Estate license,enabling him to manage Yamatane’s New York real estateinvestments and purchased and exported fine-arts forYamatane’s art museum in Japan.

Akira Nakano, the CEO and President of Eastern Sports,purchased products and supplies from Asahi Capital. In 1998,he learned that Asahi Capital would be liquidated and wouldclose down its international business in New York. The followingyear Akira decided to take over the distribution in Japan for

Yukio (far right) with Ray Bluth (holding mic), Carmen Salvino,Laverne Carter and an unidentified bowler.



COVER STORY

met Yuki at a BowlExpo, some 18 years ago, where the first discussions about AsahiCapital (and later Eastern Sports) becoming ZOT’s distributor in Japan occurred.In addition to helping to develop ZOT’s business interest in Japan, Yuki was a primeinfluence in persuading Eastern Sports to introduce and market ZOT’s GlossBossBall Conditioning machine. Today, there are more than 400 GlossBoss machinesin Japan. Through Yuki, Eastern Sports took a product and successfully createda demand for it, added Lindblad, “which is a kind of reverse form of marketing.”

After more than 20-years in New York, Yuki and his wife Makiko returned toJapan, relocating to Toyama City, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan inthe Chūbu region in central Honshū. However, this did not change his workingrelationship with Eastern Sports or the companies they represent in Japan. It wasbusiness as usual.

With such a busy life you would not expect Yuki to have time for other pursuits,but he does, and with élan. For example, starting from high school through totoday, he had a career in Judo. He earned his first Dan black belt in Tokyo; hissecond at the West Side YMCA in New York; his third in Port Chester, New York;his 4th at the Watanabe Judo and Aikido school in Japan; and he is presently a5th Dan black belt... so don’t mess with Yuki!

Yuki’s daughter, Miki, the mother of histwo grandchildren, did not move to Japan.Miki graduated from West Point MilitaryAcademy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Sciencein Human Factors (ergonomics) and wascommissioned as a military intelligence (MI)officer. She resigned in 2000 as a Captain.Miki has recently been reassigned as acaptain in the New Mexico Army NationalGuard, serving in Rio Rancho, NM, close towhere she lives in Albuquerque with herhusband and two children.

And Yuki’s son, Koya, graduated fromRensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York,in 1995 and earned a Master’s degree fromLehman College in 2004. Koya now lives inBangkok, Thailand, where he is enrolled ina doctoral degree program at AssumptionUniversity.

� � �

In 2006 Yuki and his wife Makiko visitedtheir daughter Miki in the U.S., who hadrecently given birth to their first grandchild— a baby girl. Yuki then continued on toLas Vegas to attend the BowlExpo while hiswife, an ecstatic Makiko, journeyed back to

Japan so she could show her friends photos oftheir new grandchild. This turned out to be afateful trip and one which would forever changethe lives of the Matsuo family. On July 1st,2006, on a dark rainy evening in Toyama City,where Makiko had been driving home aftervisiting her nephew’s family, she was hit headon by a car that had crossed the median intothe oncoming traffic. The driver was a nineteenyear old boy who had gotten his driving licensejust one month earlier. He had fallen asleep atthe wheel when he collided into Makiko’s car.

This event altered Yuki’s focus and his

This written, legal document spells out the types ofmedical treatments and life-sustaining measures youwant and don't want, such as mechanical breathing

(respiration and ventilation), tube feeding or resuscitation.In some states, living wills may be called health care

declarations or health care directives.

THE DEFINITION OF A LIVING WILL INTHE UNITED STATES IS AS FOLLOWS:


COVER STORY

family’s direction. He nowcampaigns tirelessly forLiving Wills. He also visitsschools and meetingsarranged by the traumadepartment of the localpolice, presenting agraphic slide show toteenagers about to applyfor a driving license.

His book, (Makiko NoKotodama), dealing withhis wife’s accident andmedical journey, hasgarnered so much

publicity that NHK TV, anational television station in Japan, made an hour-long

docudrama which recently aired in Japan. The seminars and his campaign to

introduce Living Wills into Japan has given Yuki anew mission in life, and a purpose to carry on. Andknowing Yuki as well as I do, I know he will succeed.

US Polychem’s Dave Cherry put it this way,“What courage he has shown! He and his daughterMiki have fierce determination in the long fight forMakiko to bring in the Living Will law. I will alwaysadmire him.”

Since the accident Yuki has handed over themanagement of Eastern Sports liaison to hisdaughter Miki, but Yuki still stays in touch with all ofhis old bowling industry colleagues and friends. ❖

Sadly, we did not receive the bad news until more than 24 hours after theaccident. My daughter, my son and I flew immediately from three differentlocations in the U.S. and linked up in Japan. By the time we finally arrived at thehospital, it had already been three days since the accident. Makiko was in an ICUunit, connected to a respirator. Her doctor said if she regains her consciousness,she would most likely be in a vegetative state, and that is if she is lucky.

She did regain consciousness after a couple of weeks, but was almostcompletely paralyzed. The only things she could move were her eyelids. She couldblink, and her mouth could move. She tried to talk, but her vocal cords wereparalyzed, too. Her doctor told us that she had probably lost memory of the accidentand of the period before and after the accident. We later learned that she did noteven remember how happily she took care of her new baby granddaughter, whichis very sad. A month later, she was fitted with a feeding tube and a diaphragmpacemaker implanted; both of which she still depends on to sustain her life.

When she regained her consciousness, we tried to communicate. Since herhearing was not impaired, we told her to blink her eyes twice if the answer is YESand to close her eyes if the answer is NO. While this meant that she could answerYES and NO questions, still she was not able to express herself. With her speechtherapist we experimented with various computerized communication aids withno success. Then we tried one called “Lets Chat” made by Panasonic. This deviceis more mechanical and easier to operate and follow, but very time consuming,having to pick out one letter at a time.

However, we had no success with this device either, despite the speechtherapist working with her for half an hour every day for 8 months. It is designed

for patients who can push the button themselves. The doctors and therapists gaveup all hope of her ever being able to use a communication device, but later onsomeone gave me an idea which was why not use her blinking as a signal? Inother words, my wife gives me signals by blinking and I push the button for her.It worked! After two years and nine months had passed since the day of theaccident, Makiko was finally able to communicate and express herself, but onlyone or two sentences a day. I was thrilled, but the thought of her being trappedin her own body for two years and nine months made me want to cry.

As soon as we started to communicate I decided to document everything shespelled out. I now have three notebooks full of notes which I have titled MAKIKONO KOTODAMA, which translates to A MESSAGE FROM MAKIKO’S SOUL. The bookwas published two years ago by Mika Yanagihara and has become mandatoryreading in a number of schools for teenagers of an age where they can apply fora driving license.

I continue to visit and be with her almost every day as I have done for the lastsix years and will take care and protect her for as long as I can until her last moment.The thought of dying before her, leaving her all alone in this world is unbearable.I am sure she feels the same way.

To die with dignity is not a new concept. However, in modern Japan, peoplehave forgotten this. We must be reminded that to die with dignity is our heritage,our tradition and our proud culture. Naturally I am not advocating suicide. I amonly emphasizing the spiritual aspect of how to live, how to age and eventuallyhow to die in accordance with our tradition. Today this can be accomplished inJapan by introducing a law to make the Living Will a legal document.”

Below is an excerpt from a keynote speech Yuki made recently in Zurich, Switzerland,to the International Society of Death With Dignity.

Paul Lane is former Director of Marketing andMarketing Services for AMF Bowling, Inc. He hasbeen the director of 18 AMF World Cups, anofficer in national and international tradeassociations, and a pro bowler during a careerthat spans more than 60 countries and 50 years.

Miki and Yuki, summer 2012, at the World

Federation of the Right to Die Societies

conference in Zurich.

Yuki would also like to invite an exchange of dialog with readers with first hand, good or bad, experience withLiving Wills. He’ s looking for anything that may help his efforts to get Living Wills introduced into law in Japan.

This can be accomplished though the Forum pages at www.bowlingindustry.com.


urnabout is fair play,” the saying goes. An interestingphenomenon is occurring in our world of BowlingEntertainment Centers (BECs): for the last five years

we have participated in the evolution of the traditionalbowling center to the BEC model by adding familyentertainment (FEC) elements to the core bowling center.That model has proved successful as an FEC model helpsbowling centers attract additional guests, trade duringadditional hours, offer alternate pricing schemes, andsupport better food and beverage, among other synergies.

Now, FECs are approaching this model from the oppositedirection. Synergy is synergy, after all. For all of the samereasons discussed above, traditional (non-bowling) familyentertainment centers are now adding bowling as anattraction. This month’s lead story features Boondocks, oneof the best operated traditional FEC chains in the U.S.,which has embraced bowling as an attraction in several ofits FECs. Read all about it inside.

Other examples of non-bowling FECs evolving intoBECs are popping up all around the world. This marketconvergence has allowed FEC talent and suppliers to infusenew thinking into the world of the bowling proprietor. Nowbowling proprietors can return the favor, sharing theirknowledge and experience through industry forums,associations and trade shows.

Rounding out the issue are articles previewing theAmusement Expo trade show and an interview withproprietor David Bardon who shares details and insights onhis recent BEC transformation in Milwaukee.

According To George Chris’ Corner

INTRO

T hile it may have been a while since you’ve triedyour hand at a crane game in an arcade, we allknow it takes a certain level of skill in order to

be successful. Like everything in life, there are people thathave mastered this game who always seem to walk awaywith a prize. I’m sure you have seen someone like this,maybe even in your center. The person peruses theinventory inside the glass case, not necessarily finding theitem they want the most, but the piece that would give themthe best chance at winning.

After popping in the quarters they painstakingly maneuverthe claw ever so gently north to south and east to west,maybe taking a few seconds to view things from differentangles until they are confident the claw is lined up for “thekill.” Slapping the console button, everyone watch andwaits with baited breath as the talon descends and wrapsitself around the coveted booty. Once the prize hasmiraculously been plucked from the pile, a celebration is helduntil the loot drops into the chamber.

It could be said the same formula can apply for life inbusiness. One must survey the market to determine if aninvestment is a wise choice. Once the cash has been shelledout, you go to work meticulously guiding your business onthe path to greatest victory. Eventually you get to a pointof no return where you have to take a plunge to grabwhat you desire. If your planning was well thought outand timing is right, out of the landscape you can pull yourown piece of the pie.

W

Chris HolmesDirector of Advertising,International BowlingIndustry

George McAuliffePresident, PinnacleEntertainment Advisors

“


musement Expo is right around the corner, at the Las VegasConvention Center March 20-22. Amusement Expo is FamilyEntertainment Center (FEC) focused with games and redemption

merchandise and other attraction vendors such as laser tag and rides andincludes support systems like debit card providers. Its size and exhibitorlineup means it can be a valuable stop for Bowling Entertainment Center(BEC) owners and those thinking of adding games and FEC attractions.

The show includes a lineup of educational sessions on Wednesday,March 20, from 8-11:30a.m. (go to amusementexpo.org for details whichwere unavailable at this writing). The show floor will be open: Wednesday12a.m. - 6p.m.; Thursday 10a.m. - 5p.m.; and Friday from 9a.m. -1p.m.I’ll be in the Redemption Plus booth, so stop by and say hello. A notefor all you basketball fans out there, during March Madness, Vegas is afun place to mix business with pleasure!

REDEMPTION GAMESWe saw a lot of great looking new games at IAAPA, most of which will

be on display at Amusement Expo. Having had a few months of earningsto study, we now have hard data on the following games which weexpect to see at the show and which have earned Pinnacle

Amusement Expo

PREVIEW By George McAuliffe

The latest look at redemption games and cranes and merchandiser games.

A recommendations: Baytek’s Crank It, in one andtwo player, and Connect Four; Benchmark’sMonster Drop & Monster Drop Extreme; Elaut’sWizard of Oz Pusher (its $50k pricetag meanshigh volume locations); and E-Claw Color GlowCranes. Betson has re-released Spongebob

Jellyfishing, a great children’s and family-crossover game. Namco’s Dead Storm Pirates isa quality attraction video, and Sega will show itshit merchandiser, Key Master, now available insix new colors. Its Super Monkey Ball is alsoearning well.

Keep in mind our show philosophy, learnedthe hard way over many years, that it doesn’tmatter much if you like a game, you need to seeactual numbers and a track record. Ourrecommendations for your buying decisions arebased on: a) your specific game mix; b) gameearnings history; c) game cost; d) payout impact;e) potential resale value; f) mechanical


reliability/operating cost. All of these are measuredagainst the alternative use of your capital. Then tossin intangibles like experience with similar games overtime, knowledge of manufacturer’s track records, etc.

New games that we liked at IAAPA and arewatching include: Baytek’s Prize Zone, a newautomated redemption center; Betson/Raw Thrills’ SnoCros; and ICE’s Doodle Jump Arcade, Milk Jug Toss,and Harpoon Lagoon. Namco’s Pac Man Smash AirHockey, 4 player, attracted a lot of attention, as didSega’s Bejeweled. We expect Coastal to show TempleRun, Simpson Soccer, and Sea Wolf 55 DLX. LAI’sBalloon Buster, Mega Stacker Lite (the ticket versionof its hit Mega Stacker) will also show its three newchildren’s redemption games: Pirate Battle, PrincessCastle, and Choo Choo Train. Rounding out thegames we like are: Fruit Mania and Pirates Hook,and Adrenaline’s Black Out, a merchandiser withhologram-like play features.

CRANES AND MERCHANDISERS (C&M)I’m in bowling centers every week all over the

country. If there is one area that stands out as needingimprovement, it is the crane and merchandiser lineup.Many centers are leaving money on the table.


Amusement Expo is a good show for improving yourC&M program, both machines and merchandise.

C&M should be terrific earners in almost any bowlingcenter. There are three main areas where most C&Mprograms fail: machine lineup, merchandising practices,and value equation. Think of your crane and merchandiserlineup as walking through the mall. You have menswear,womenswear, shoes, jewelry, toys, etc. There is a varietyof merchandise to appeal to a wide demographic, and soit should be with C&M.

C&M Lineup: Many people think that if they have onecrane, adding a second crane will seriously impact therevenues of the first. When done properly, with the rightvariety of machine and merchandise, the opposite is true:the total category can add sales. That is the reason retailersgather in shopping centers: the whole is greater than theparts. C&M is viable in a redemption game room, becauseit is a different purchase/play decision for the player. Withthe prospect of winning a nice prize instantly, redemptiongame players are often motivated to dig into their pocketsfor that extra play.

Merchandising: The key principles include cleanliness(inside and out), lights all working, good merchandise mixesfrequently changed and properly displayed in the game, anda well-managed payout. Our objective is to get the customerto STOP, LOOK, and PLAY, and sequencing or changing themix regularly is a big weapon in the arsenal. Do cinemas playthe same movies month after month or year after year? Themerchandise mix not only has to change, it has to be anoticeable change. A merchandise mix should stand forsomething! Working in monthly cycles in high repeat locationsto change the mix of games frequently increases thelikelihood that the client will keep playing.

Value Equation: price per play, cost of prize, and win ratio

are interrelated and together to constitute your value propositionfor the customer. Most cranes today are still operated at .50cents/play. We recommend a 25% payout percentage on C&M.The following table illustrates the interrelationship:

In a repeat visitation environment, and certainly in bowlingcenters, “Winners Make Players.” Our guests/players aren’tstupid, and if they don’t get a fair shot at winning, they willnot keep playing. Operators who lock in near the 25% payouthave happy customers who keep playing. Remember, theyhand us $1.00, and we hand them back .25 cents. Don’t wewant to make that transaction as often as possible? ❖

George McAuliffe is a 30 year family entertainmentcenter operator and president of Pinnacle EntertainmentAdvisors by Redemption Plus. Pinnacle is an industryconsulting firm www.grouppinnacle.com. George hasoperated entertainment centers from 2,000 to 150,000square feet including redemption and merchandise gamessince 1983 and has assisted numerous BowlingEntertainment Center owners develop their FEC side. Heis a regular speaker at industry conventions worldwide andwrites for RePlay and International Bowling IndustryMagazine. He can be reached at 913-563-4370 or email [email protected].

Price per Play 0.50 0.50 $1.00 Win Rate/Ratio 1:10 1:20 1:15Payout % 25% 25% 26%Cost of Sales 25% 25% 26%Gross Sales per Prize $5.00 $10.00 $15.00Avg. Cost per Item $1.25 $2.50 $4.00 Gross Profit $3.75 $7.50 $11.00 Avg. Size of Item 5-7" 9-12" 14-20"

CRANE PRICING TABLE


In 1993 Boondocks diversifiedinto FEC operations, opening itsfirst center in southern Utah. Theyfollowed it with a second FEC inMeridian, Idaho in 1998. Thecompany became known for itscomprehensive mix of indoor andoutdoor family activities, rangingfrom go-karts and bumper boats tolaser tag, arcades and soft playareas. Boondocks subsequently soldits first properties and by 2009 hadevolved into three 10-acre FECs;two in Utah and one in Colorado.

Bowling entered the picture in2009, when the company built itsKaysville, Utah FEC and wanted toadd an attraction to boost revenuesduring colder weather. “Bowlingbecomes busy when our outdoorattractions slow down,” saysBoondocks partner Damon Day, “andit’s a good anchor for our indoorattractions.” The Kaysville center has20 full-size lanes.

In 2012 Boondocks installed 20lanes at its Northglenn, Coloradolocation as part of an extensiverenovation. Day says they will addbowling to their Draper, Idaholocation in the future, but haven’t seta date yet.

The bowling facilities are state-of-the-art and feature Brunswickequipment including the Vector

eople love bowling at Boondocks Fun Centers, but it didn’t start that way.Many family entertainment centers began as bowling centers that expandedto include other popular activities like arcade games, laser tag and live

sports on TV. Boondocks took a different approach, developing a successful mix ofother indoor and outdoor family attractions first and then adding bowling tocomplement it.

Boondocks didn’t begin with bowling because the company’s initial expertise wasin constructing such outdoor attractions as batting cages, go-kart tracks and miniaturegolf courses for FECs. Since its inception in 1986, the company has built more than200 projects at FECs across the country.

Having Fun In The Boondocks

BEYOND BOWLING FEATURE

Boondocks Family Entertainment Centers in Utah and Colorado are someof the many successful FECs that have added bowling to their attractions.

P

By Robert Sax

37IBI February 2013

scoring system. Bowlers can relax incontemporary couch seating and enjoylaneside food and beverage service.There’s glow bowling of course, andmulti-mask media screens that displaymusic videos and sporting events inhigh-definition.

Boondocks’ guests have respondedenthusiastically to bowling. Many guestsinclude bowling as part of one ofBoondocks’ package deals, some ofwhich allow unlimited bowling. While it’sstrictly casual play at Boondocks, a “FunClub” program offers regular groups aten-week “season” capped with anawards banquet.

Day takes a sophisticated approachto managing and building business atBoondocks. The Boondocks philosophyis based on creating a great guestexperience, and great care is taken togive them the attractions they wantand the exemplary service theydeserve. As the attractions becamemore diverse, Day realized the need for


an IT system that would support the operations and allow them toperform as well as he and his partner wanted.

Birthday parties are a prime example of what they wanted todo better. “With the traditional point-of-sale system we had,” saysDay, “folks would check in and we would charge their credit cardand send them off to have their party. It prevented the upsellopportunities that exist in providing them with additional[services.]”

In 1997 Day began researching software vendors to the

attractions industry. He ultimately chose Ideal Software because heliked their product and because they were willing to add featuresas Boondocks’ needs grew. David Goldman, CEO of Ideal and apioneer of software for FEC management, welcomed the challenge.“Damon has tremendous understanding on how best to run hisfacility,” says Goldman. “Ideal was proud to work with him tobring his vision to life.”

In 1998 Boondocks installed its first Ideal point-of-sale software,which has evolved into a comprehensive and powerful system that

40 IBI November 2012

integrates all aspects of running its FECs. Everything from ticket and foodsales to the Vector scoring system to employee timecards and access ishandled by one platform with a single point for generating a variety offinancial and management reports.

Another valuable feature is support for online reservations. Withbirthday parties, for example, guests can log on to the Boondocks siteto schedule date and time, select a package deal, make a deposit andeven order a custom cake.

The system also handles online sales of discounted tickets, a promotionthat is popular with local businesses. The business arranges a discount

that its own customers or employees can getwith a special promo code. Charities can offerdiscounted tickets as a fundraiser, withBoondocks rebating a portion of the proceedsto them.

It’s all a part of embracing the trend ofcustomers’ seeking a better, more convenient

experience at an FEC. More and betterinteractive attractions are also a big part of thattrend, notes Day. Given the large menu ofexciting choices they offer, Boondocks canexpect to remain the center of fun for manyfamilies for years to come. ❖

Robert Sax is a writer and PR consultant inLos Angeles. He grew up in Toronto, Canada,the home of five-pin bowling.

41IBI February 2013

ENGAGING INTERVIEW

With a successful modernization of one of his centers, David reflectson his business.

Interview with David Bardon

1. David, let’s get started by telling us about yourselfand Bardon Bowling Centers.

We operate four bowling centers in Wisconsin. Thecompany started in 1993 when my Dad built a center inElkhart Lake, which I later bought as an investment. Mydegree was in chemistry with a Master’s in EnvironmentalScience, so I got in the business by accident. Once I did, I washaving fun and started adding centers.

2. You recently modernized Olympic Lanes, tell us aboutthat center.

Olympic was a traditional 36-lane center built in the 1950sin Milwaukee. We purchased it in 2002. Over the years,revenue was going the wrong way as leagues declined fromabout 35% of sales to 20%. It became clear that if this wasgoing to be a significant center, then we had to do a seriousmodernization. As the process moved forward, we ran intodesign and cost issues which took us into 2011. That’s whenJB’s on 41, the new Olympic Lanes, was born on paper. Itphysically came to life in November, 2012.

3. What did the remodel entail?We started the process with the type of customer

experience we wanted to sell. We added The Junction Bar andGrill and modernized our game room. We removed one lane,created Suite 41, our 10 lane private boutique. We upgradedour remaining 25 regular lanes with new masking units featuringthe Milwaukee cityscape, a new ceiling, ball returns, the latestBrunswick Vector Plus scoring system, flat screen monitors, andnew Galactic (Cosmic) Bowling with a sound and lightingsystem across all 25 lanes. We put couches across all 25 lanes,using different styles for the main 25 and in Suite 41.

4. Describe Suite 41 a bit more if you would.It’s a different atmosphere. We added projection video

across all ten lanes as well as a great lighting and soundsystem and comfortable furniture. It is targeted to corporategroups and private parties. When not booked, it is used foropen play for an hourly fee.

5. How important is the foodand beverage piece?

Extremely important. The oldOlympic Lanes offered a bar withfrozen pizza and snack bar foodpresentation. A key step wasrecruiting our GM, Dave Kash, fromthe restaurant industry. TheJunction has similarities to anApplebee’s, Bennigan’s, or Chili’smodel with some of our own twists.We now have a full kitchen to serveour destination patrons, bowlers,and our corporate and group sales events, plus 126 seats.Reviews have been great on the food and sales are up nicely.

6. You added a game room. Why no other familyentertainment attractions?

Space constraints. We had a game room prior but with verydated games and a small redemption center. As you know(editor’s note: Pinnacle consulted on the project) we totallyupdated the game mix, added a state of the art redemptioncenter, and re-themed the room as The Speed Zone.

7. Any other wisdom you care to share for our readersthinking of modernizing or adding other attractions totheir business?

Ask me six months from now, once we get all of ourtraining and marketing programs in place. I will say this: doyour homework and work with people who have theexpertise you need. Brunswick was our lead vendor on theproject. They brought far more than just the bowlingequipment. They were there to help with demographics,market study, design, and introduced us to the experts weneeded. We’re very happy with the outcome and ready forthe hard work ahead.

David, thanks for sharing your time and thoughtswith our readers. ❖

David Barden

By George McAuliffe


SHOWCASE

ALL STAR EVENTSNext Level Bowling is yoursource for Clinics, Exhibitions,Seminars, and PersonalAppearances. Take advantageby having the likes of NormDuke and other PBA professionals in your establishment as amarketing draw for your business. Take advantage of the NextLevel Bowling Team to plan, coordinate, and market an event thatwill leave a lasting impression on your customers. Contact LaurieRomano at [email protected] or 804-301-6054.

POWERFUL POINTSThe "Points for Play” by Intercard e-Ticket payment option is a revolu-tionary new way for guests to pay.With Points for Play, guests can nowuse these points as tender on arcade readers and elsewherethroughout the facility. Guests can just swipe their card anduse their points to do everything from playing Laser Tag, tobowling, to grabbing a burger and a drink at the restaurant.Visit www.intercard.com for more information.

BOWLER RELIEFKeep your bowlers happy and pain freeby offering an effective pain reliefsolution. From the makers ofBiofreeze®, Perform Pain Reliever isalso a topical pain reliever you applydirectly to the skin, delivering coolingrelief to sore muscles, joints or the painassociated with arthritis. Perform is available in Roll-On, Sprayand On-the-Go Singles through Ace Mitchell and CompleteBowling Service. To learn more about the products visitwww.PerformPainRelief.com.

STAGE SUCCESSAMF's 300 Shady Grove inGaithersburg, MD recentlypurchased a Profit Platformthat covers five lanes. As ShadyGrove 300's, Alicia Dinwiddle,states, "Any tool that can turna 5-6k event into a 15-20k event is very amazing!" To learnmore about the Profit Platform contact GKM International at310. 791.7092 or email or visit www.profitplatform.biz.


WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME

aura Persson is no stranger to healthchallenges, especially since she’s lived mostof her 59 years of life as a Type 1 Diabetic.So when she accidently bruised her leg backin 2009, what most people would consider

a minor injury withdrew her body into a tail spin. Theend result: the lower part of Laura’s right leg wasamputated. But this is not a story about loss; it’s allabout what was gained.

Laura and her husband love the sport of bowling.They both play in a couple of leagues, and she has ajob as secretary to one of them, the SeniorMerrymakers. Laura’s journey to get back her qualityof life and find a way to bowl again would take amammoth effort. Thankfully her biggest fan happensto be the love of her life, her husband Fred, who neverlet her quit.

Laura shared a few things she learned with meand the first thing was that “if you want to live life badenough, you do it!” For Laura, this crisis was “an eyeopener, you look at people and the world aroundyou in a different way.” The first five months after heramputation, Laura used a walker to get around herhome. It didn’t take long for her to realize the obvious,that “our lives, our living is not set up for disabilities.”She grew to hate her walker, because she says, “Youcan knock someone down by just bumping into them.”When she ventured out in public she used a wheel chaironly to discover that we live in a world that is not onlydifficult to navigate, but a world where “people haveforgotten compassion and caring for one another.So many of us are in such a rush – we don’t want towait and will mow people over.” Laura was beingmowed over.

She began to wonder if she was an embarrassmentto her husband who took on the task of pushing herwheel chair. Fred was astounded and let her know thathe “is proud of her and loves her and would never beembarrassed.” He will “push her around the world ifthat’s what it takes.” Fred’s love and commitment

L

The story of one woman's health crisis and how bowling got her back up on her feet.

A Balanced Approach By Anna M. Littles

45IBI February 2013


ignited a fire in Laura that inspired her to get up out of thatwheel chair and move forward! So Laura, determined to walk,learned to do so with a prosthetic leg she calls “Moe.”

With Moe, she could walk again, but would she be able tobowl again? Fear was the biggest obstacle. Laura was afraidto fall, afraid of making a fool of herself, afraid she would notbe able to return to the sport she loved. Laura explained that,“Amputees have to relearn their balance; we have to press

through.” Her approach was the biggest challenge of all. Shetried with a one step approach to the lane but that did not work.Laura even tried using a lighter ball but that didn’t work either.She was overwhelmed and frustrated andwanted to give up time and time again.Fred would not let her.

They worked hard and even harder untilLaura overcame every obstacle and gainedback what was lost. She figured out anapproach that worked, and even returnedto her old ball (she throws a 14 fingertip).Since then she has never looked back andto this day continues to improve her scores.

Laura wanted to regain her average of166. Right now, her average is 152. So far,she has bowled a couple of 600s andcontinues to work hard on improving.Pressing through the frustration has paidoff. And with the constant encouragementfrom her wonderful league of friends, familyand hubby to relax and let it come, it hascome: she has bowled back to back deuces!What’s next for Laura? One thing she’d like

to see happen is the USBC stepping up their game and doingmore in regard to encouraging people with disabilities to bowl,just like they do for children. For Laura, “We could all use help.We’ve got some great bowlers out there who could help people



MARCH11-15Brunswick Training ClassesGS Series Pinsetter800-937-2695 [email protected]

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DATEBOOK

Anna Littles, a screenplay andfreelance writer and produceroriginally from the Bronx, New York,now resides in Santa Monica,California. You can see her work onYouTube, IMDB, or on her website [email protected].

she gained courage, strength, love andinspiration from her husband, andbowling league of friends. Laura has alsoearned the right to encourage everyoneto examine how we all approach life.Her words to those who have had asimilar experience and might be in awheelchair, “Don’t give up!” And for therest of us, “Slow down – life is passing byso fast – take the time to be courteousto everyone.” A balanced approach tolife worthy of consideration. ❖

Photos courtesy of Friends and NeighborsMagazine, Sonora, CA - Dave Bonnot photographer.

with disabilities learn how to makeapproaches.”

In 2009, Laura Persson was confrontedwith a crisis where she lost her leg. But


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REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details(248) 375-2751.

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49IBI February 2013

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CENTER FOR SALE

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.

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.

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.

WASHINGTON COAST: 8-lane AMF centerwith automatic scoring & snack bar. Ownercontract to buy business for $150,000 and/orlease to buy. Good league [email protected].

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.

ITEMS WANTED

“WANTED TO BUY” Older BowlingShirts. Paying $5 - $25 for button front shirtswith embroidery or ink lettering on the [email protected] (866) 312-6166.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 11 ea. 28” Fenice monitorboards for Qubica automatic scoring. Inworking order when removed. $250.00 ea.Call Hillcrest Lanes (419) 675-6214.

FOR SALE: 20 ea. Wells-Gardner 28”monitor boards for Qubica automatic scoring.$200/ea. – in working order when removed.Call Autumn Lanes (828) 286-9149.

MUST SELL! 10 synthetic lanes/approaches,Qubica scoring, Brunswick A-2 jet backpinsetters, ball returns, Kegel Kustodian, spareparts, house balls, kitchen equipment &MORE! Call Kathy (805) 794-6639.

FOR SALE: 12 lanes 82/70s. MP Chassis,Hump Back Ball Returns. Spare Parts. 6 SurePics. 28 lanes AS-90 scoring. Wood lanes &approaches. ALL WORKING. Best offer. Call(317) 745-6247.

Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940

on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: [email protected]

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51IBI February 2013

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CLASSIFIEDS

NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor &Bowling. Established 8 lanes between Mpls& Duluth w/ large bar, dining room,banquet area. Two large Stateemployment facilities nearby. High sixfigure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089.www.majesticpine.com.

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.

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.

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 ILLINOIS: PRICED TOSELL!! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, fullservice restaurant, pro shop. Plus pooltables, karaoke machine & DJ system.Asking $125,000.00 with RE. (217) 351-5152 or [email protected].

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.

WISCONSIN, Gilman: Profitable 6-lanecenter with bar & grill, pizza kitchen,banquet hall. Owner financing orlease/purchase possible. PRICE REDUCEDBY $50K (715) 447-8770 [email protected].

CENTERS FOR SALE

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN

53IBI February 2013

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFANSERVICES AVAILABLE

Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring BallRepair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com.

See a list that will help centers fill lanes w/1200+New Bowlers, Birthday Parties &Corporate Outings that generate $15,800—a 600% ROI from 4 payments starting at$378. Visit mcprs.bmamkt.com or call(888) 243-0685.

AccuScore XL & AccuScore BOSScomponent exchange. (712) 253-8730.

AMF 5850 & 6525 CHASSIS. Exchangeyour tired or damaged chassis for anupgraded, rewired, cleaned, painted andready-to-run chassis. Fast turnaround.Lifetime guarantee. References available.CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.

MANAGER WANTED

Don't miss your chance to grow withan Industry Leader! Looking forExperienced, Service-OrientedGeneral Managers for our U.S.bowling retail center locations.Please check us out atwww.brunswickcareers.apply2jobs.com for more details on our currentopenings. Act Now! Apply Today!

POSITION WANTED

Seeking General Manager position—West Coast, Nevada, New Mexicoand/or Southern region. 40 years in theindustry—owner, GM & District Manager.Familiar with F&B, marketing, special eventsand youth programs. Has served on theIndiana BPA Board of Directors for 4 years.Resume and references available. RudyHinojosa (317) 590-5499 or email:[email protected].

CENTERS FOR SALE

MICHIGAN-SOUTH CENTRAL: Largecenter with late model equipment. Strongleague base plus high-volume franchise. REincluded. Sandy Hansell (800) 222-9131.

OREGON: 16 lanes near Portland with goodrevenue and cash flow. Ken Paton (503)645-5630.

SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 8-laneBrunswick center w/ bar & grill & manyimprovements. Established leagues &tournaments. Six figure gross. Ownerretiring. Serious inquiries only. Call & leavemessage @ (608) 767-3136.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI: 8-lane familyowned center w/ snack bar & large gameroom. 10-year-old AMF equipment. Only centerin the county. Email: [email protected] inquiries only please.

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]

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(818) 789-2695SELL YOUR CENTER


REMEMBER WHEN

t is February and love is in the air and,with Archie Andrews our intrepidcomic book character, always on thelanes. Watching him flit and fly from one

lovely damsel to the next, you could say thatbowling is a metaphor for Love: sometimesyou throw gutter balls, sometimes strikes andsometimes, if you’re lucky, a spare will come alongshowing that a mishap at the beginning can be savedon the next throw. Of course, too much of a good thingand there can be trouble. But hey, he was always readyto take a chance. ❖

HappyValentine’s

Day!

I

1950s

international bowling industry february 2013

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