june13 complete book
DESCRIPTION
The World's Only Magazine Devoted Exclusively to the Business of Bowling.TRANSCRIPT
6ISSUE AT HAND
The MetamorphosisBy Scott Frager
11SHORTS
• South Point Hoteland USBC announce
Las Vegas plans.• QubicaAMF
expands partnershipwith Bowltech.
• Ohio proposes raisingrevenues througha “bowling tax.”
Compiled by Patty Heath
24CENTER STAGENew York Holds
a Secret BeneathIts Streets
Secret, forgotten lanesbeneath the Frick Mansion
in Manhattan have beenrenovated to their
original glory.By Anna Littles
32COVER STORY
Hail to the Chief!In our exclusive interview,
BPAA president CathyDeSocio talks to IBI abouther tenure, her beliefs and
her vision for the future.By Jackie Wyckoff
CONTENTS VOL 21.6
24
42
THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
IBI June 2013
PUBLISHER & EDITORScott Frager
[email protected]: scottfrager
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERChris Holmes
OFFICE MANAGERPatty Heath
CONTRIBUTORSPatty HeathAnna LittlesMark Miller
Jackie Wyckoff
EDITORIAL DIRECTORJackie Fisher
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:
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42FEATUREBuild It and TheyWill ComeThe Ak-Chin tribe inMaricopa, AZ, opens theUltra-Star Multi-tainmentCenter at Ak-Chin Circle.By Mark Miller
50WHAT BOWLINGMEANS TO METransformative PowersFormer pro bowler WayneWebb and his wife Elainetransform not only a center,but an entire communitywith the power of bowling.By Anna Littles
66REMEMBER WHEN1947Pabst Blue Ribbon BeerBy Patty Heath
56 Showcase
57 Datebook
58 Classifieds
6 IBI June 2013
THE ISSUE AT HAND
Trying to sum up lessons learned fromthe five-day BPAA Bowling CenterManagement School in 500 words, or under,would be a huge disservice.
I could consume a river of ink detailing thevaluable and practical information (the realhard-core stuff one can sink his teeth into)presented and studied during the course. Iwould run out of pages before I could run outof affirmative words describing the interactiveexperiences of working in teams to solve realbowling-world issues relating to: humanresources, food and beverage, group events,birthday parties, marketing, operationalmeasurements, leadership and youth.
To duly laud the team of instructors: BartBurger, Kelly Bednar, Rick Heim, BethStandlee and Sheri Owens would be sogenuinely sugary that dentists would surelyscoff at my comments.
Simply put, you would befortunate and wise to attendthe BPAA Bowling CenterManagement School. You wouldcome away metamorphosed, justlike a furry caterpillar transformsinto an elegant butterfly.
As much as I learned fromthe instructors, I learned anequal amount from my fellowstudents: Ken “Doc” Morris,Kelly and Valerie Lesher, Louie
Atienza, Debbie Gill, Michael Budwick, Mike Connelly, Tammy Rivera,Jason Fradenburg, Eric Gray, Jim Plessinger, Carrie Huschke, JimmyWilson, J.R. Raymond and Kurt Crooks. We studied together, presentedtogether, ate together, and enjoyed the bonding camaraderie of soldierstrying to fight our way through the bowling trenches.
Frankly, this writer just isn’t good enough to appropriately expresshow transformative it was to meet and study with others from aroundthe country who operate large centers, small centers, urban and ruralcenters, mature centers and those whose centers have yet to be built.
So, I dedicate this column to all of the above and for all thosewilling to take a chance to break away from their businesses andbet that the BPAA Bowling CenterManagement School can, and will, helpthem grow personally and professionally.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHERAND [email protected]
�THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com
The Metamorphosis
With over 2,000 members, we thought it was time to give a shout out to those who makeup IBI Online!
Introducing proprietor Randy Schwaiger who, with his brother Paul, has owned River CityBowl-A-Way in Napoleon, OH, since 1979. A true fan, he crowns his page with a photo ofDick Weber and sportscaster Chris Schenkel on either side of him at Bowl Expo, date unknown.Asked what his highest bowling score is, he modestly says,”300.” Wow! He walks the walk.
Randy has participated in the Forum online and is a member of the Strike Ten EntertainmentGroup found on the home page. Asked what he enjoys most about IBI Online, he pointedto the center photos, especially the remodel work and retro centers. He is a strong advocatefor promotion of nationally sponsored tournaments.
Randy, thank you for supporting IBI Online!
11IBI June 2013
SHORTS
South Point Hotel and Casino,the USBC, Las Vegas Events(LVE), and the Las VegasConvention and VisitorsAuthority (LVCVA)announced a 12-year deal tohost several annual USBC events.At the heart is a $30 million, 60-lane bowlingtournament facility at South Point starting in 2013.
Over the life of the agreement, USBC will host seven eventsincluding the USBC Women’s Championship in 2016, 2020 and2022 and the USBC Open Championships in 2017, 1019,2021 and 2023. There will also be more than 40 additionalevents some of which will be the USBC Masters, USBC Queens,USBC Senior Masters and USBC Team USA Trials.
South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa overlooks the Las VegasStrip offering 2,200 guestrooms; a world-class spa and salon;a 400-seat showroom; a 16-screen Cinemark movie complex;a 64-lane bowling center which currently hosts top professionaland amateur events; and an arena and equestrian center.
“This new bowling tournament facility we’re building withUSBC will provide an unrivaled destination for bowlingenthusiasts and add another dynamic element to attract visitorsto South Point and Las Vegas,” said Michael Gaughan, owner
of South Point. Along with the 60 lanes, plans call for atournament registration area, bowler’s squad room and modernlocker facilities.
Ryan Growney, South Point general manager, said the new
Rendering for the new South Point 60-lane event facility
In typical Vegas fashion, (men left to right) Ryan Growney, South Point GM;Stu Upson, USBC; Pat Christenson, LVE; and Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA,donned red-and-black USBC shirts to announce the deal.
bowling center is a good investment, because the USBCOpen Championships should draw 80,000 bowlers plus guests,generating around $200 per person per day. Growney alsopointed out that the ground floor of the two-story bowlingcenter should be open in September 2014 and will also holdequestrian events and car shows. The center will have 500 seatsfor fans and will not be open for retail use; it will be anexclusive tournament venue.
This commitment by Las Vegas will put the city on the roadto becoming a major bowling events host. Reno, home to theNational Bowling Stadium, a 350,000-square-foot bowlingfacility, will still host at least 10 tournaments through 2025, threemore than Las Vegas. Ben McDonald of Reno-SparksConvention Center does not feel that the new deal with LasVegas will impact Northern Nevada’s bowling events. “It isnot uncommon for the USBC to move their events aroundevery year so (the Las Vegas deal) is not a concern at this point.”
12 IBI June 2013
SHORTS
Nothing signifies economic growth in any industry than openings. Threenew bowling centers have or will shortly open their doors for business. OnApril 5, Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, OH, welcomed guests to the new14-lane center with a private function room, a game center and a bar andrestaurant. All of the latest touch-screen displays and state-of-the-art furniturealong with two billiard tables, dart boards and 60 arcade games awaitcustomers. Socialization and interaction are the terms owner Doug Mechlinguses to describe his vision.
In Temple, TX, general manager Daniel Mueller describes Spare Time FunCenter as a multi-colored bowling and laser tag wonderland. The $6 million,40,000 square-foot facility boasts 24 bowling lanes, eight of which are in asemi-private, adult setting. There is also a two-story laser tag arena, laser maze,arcade games and a full-service bar and grill. The meeting facility seats upto 200 or may be broken into seven private birthday party rooms.
In May, X Lanes opened in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles. It is a50,000 square-foot entertainment center located on the second floor of a 25-year-old shopping center which will contain 24 lanes of bowling, a 100 gamearcade, a nine-table billiards room and a sports bar and pizza restaurant. Theplanning calls for X Lanes to anchor an entertainment hub planned for the250,000 square-foot building. First step is bowling.
The definition of a born entrepreneur is Scott Asbell who at the age of 20realized his dream of owning his own business by purchasing ShenandoahBowling Lanes, a six-lane bowling facility on the second floor above athrift store in downtown Mount Jackson, VA. It is home to duckpin stylebowling and hosts machines that were installed in 1958. It has a very distinct‘50s style as few elements or equipment have changed since construction.Asbell is not intimidated by the machines and scrambles to correct them whennecessary and reset the pins. He feels the experience he’s gaining now is justas valuable as his business studies.
Another ‘50s throwback is Strikehouse Bowl in Aiken, SC, which is nowowned and operated by Robert Dutcher and his family. Built in 1953, it wasestablished for Savannah River Site (SRS) employees to have a place to goand have fun. SRS is a nuclear complex operated by the U.S. Department ofEnergy. Dutcher also works at SRS and hopes to recapture the popularity andlocal, friendly competition as first realized.
Monmouth Bowling Lanes in Monmouth, IL, is now owned and operatedby Charlie Brown—not the cartoon icon—but a happy 48-year-old who looksto creating a good place for the community of Monmouth. Brown managedCharlie’s Country Fun in Biggsville before a fire put an end to the center. “WhenI had my fire, I didn’t know what I was going to do. …This opportunity camealong and I think I can make it work. …I’d like to get the kids interested. …Ifyou don’t keep the kids interested, you won’t have bowling.”
EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS& NEW BEGINNINGS Agnes Duffy
USBC Hall of FameAgnes Duffy, native of Watertown,
NY, and member of the Intl. BowlingMedia Assoc. and the USBC BowlingCongress Halls of Fame, passed awayin April at the age of 92. Duffy served
in many capacities including 18 years on the WIBC boardof directors and the first vice president for five years. Inhonor of her meritorious work, the WIBC MembershipDevelopment Volunteer of the Year award was named theAgnes Duffy Award.
Jack N. JohnsPro Bowl East, Lansing Michigan
Jack Johns, a long time Michiganproprietor of Pro Bowl West and ProBowl East in Lansing, passed awayMarch 18, 2013. With his father andbrother, Johns had been part of
Michigan bowling since 1964.Jack was instrumental in bringing business to Lansing,
with Pro Bowl East being home to classic leagues, citytournaments, and even the Women’s InternationalTournament in East Lansing in 1992. He was inductedinto the Bowling Hall of Fame on October 11, 2009 forhis “meritorious achievements.”
Donations can be made in Jack Johns’ name to St.Jude Children’s Hospital or Special Olympics. Friends mayvisit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.
R EM EMBRAN C E S
The 2012-2013 awards for contributions to the sport andindustry of bowling were announced by the InternationalBowling Media Association. IBI congratulates all the menand women who have and do work so hard to make ourindustry great!Mort Luby Hall of Fame Award: Dave Luby,founding father of Bowlers Journal.Alberta Crowe Meritorious Service Award:Kegel/John DavisHennessy Award of Merit: Mark Gerberich2012 Male Bowler of the Year: Mike Fagan2012 Female Bowler of the Year: Diandra Asbaty
14 IBI June 2013
“For” being the operative word, bowling can be“for” so many things. Below are just a few of theevents that incorporate bowling to generatecommunity or charity goals.
“Bowling for Boobs” – AMF Bolingbrook Lanesin Bolingbrook, IL, was the place for breast cancersurvivor Kathy Barri’s Susan G Komen Race for theCure event.
Northcross Lanes in Huntersville, NC, teamedup with MusicalMinds, a Lake Norman Kiwanis Cluboutreach program, to bowl for after-school musicenrichment for first and third graders in the localschool. This is the first year of the program which itis hoped will continue to grow each year.
Bowling for testicular cancer was the goal for thethird annual Bowling for the Boys at DelphosRecreational Center in Lima, OH.
The 11th annual Bowl for Kids Sake welcomedmore than 200 people at Partners Billiards andBowling Centre in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. Apirates theme brought out a lot of eye patches, goldand black and white stripes and plenty of strikes andspares.
“Bowling for the Arts” was the activity of choicefor the Racine United Arts Fund which held its eventat Castle Lanes in Racine, WI. The RUAF is a jointeffort for Racine’s art museum, symphony orchestra,theatre guild and arts council.
The American Cancer Society of Champaign, IL,held its first “Bowl for a Cure” at Western Bowl.
Communities all over the U.S. turn to bowling toencourage people to support local and nationalcauses. Please let us know what your center is doing.Contact Patty Heath at [email protected]
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LSHORTS
Not having a bowling center did not stop the localchapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Ketchikan, AK,from conducting its Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowling fundraiser.With help from the community and the students from theKetchikan High School choir standing as the ball returnsystem, the event came off without a hitch.
How? Wells Fargo bank underwrote portable bowlingequipment and parks and recreation donated space in themain gym. The fundraising came from registered teams whoraised money through signing up sponsors before theevent. While the proceeds haven’t been fully counted, it isestimated that the group with more than 200 peopleparticipating, made more than $7,000 in one day of bowling.
Just one year since the announcement ofQubicaAMF Worldwide extending its distributoragreement with Bowltech in Sweden and Denmark,the two companies have announced their StrategicAlliance to serve Germany as of April1.
The German QubicaAMF employees will join theBowltech organization. In addition, FolkertNievelstein, former QubicaAMF Regional SalesManager for Central & Northern Europe, hasaccepted the position of Managing Director forBowltech in Germany.
“This extension of the Strategic Alliance … is theperfect fit in this market and a natural fit for the twocompanies. We have been working togethersuccessfully in Europe since 2009,” said Ron Wood,Senior Vice President International Sales and Servicefor QubicaAMF Worldwide.
Hans Krol, owner of Bowltech, said, “We’re lookingforward to representing QubicaAMF, its broadproduct line and supporting QubicaAMF customersin Germany over the coming years.”
Both companies will continue to operate theirrespective direct sales offices in France and the U.K.QubicaAMF will continue to stock and sell its full lineof pins in Europe.
Chippewa Bowl in South Bend, IN, joined the ranks of those affected bycrime and guns. While guns are not unusual with bank robbery, revenge,domestic travails and rages with mental health, who knew that trying to retrievetwo pair of bowling shoes would end in shots fired.
Just before closing, a Chippewa Bowl employee noticed two peoplewalking out with the rental shoes. Following them out to their car to confrontthem, he was greeted with a gun shot fired from the vehicle as it left the scene.Wounded in the face by flying debris from where the bullet hit, he didn’t evenget a chance to ask nicely.
WHO KNEW?
THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!
EXPANDS ITS STRATEGICALLIANCE WITH
16 IBI June 2013
SHORTS
Even goofing off at work can be organized and soldin a kit. Paladone Products has created a beat-the-office-boredom-blues with a miniature bowling kit. Includedfor your pleasure are six pin shaped erasers, elastic bandsto build your own bowling ball, and finally a make-your-own bowling ramp. Office life has never been so fun!
DESKTOP FINGER BOWLING KIT
WATCHMedia
Political pundit Stephen Colbert has been lending a handto his sister’s run for office in South Carolina’s 1stCongressional District. Elizabeth Colbert Busch won theDemocratic nomination. Earlier in the campaign, Stephenhosted a fundraiser at a local bowling center. The rationaleto hold the event at a bowling center? “We’re going to raisemoney in a bowling alley because we’re of the people,” he
said to television host Jimmy Fallon. “You know, you’ve got to go to a bowlingalley because that’s where the people are.” From your lips to God’s ears! Oh,another benefit? Bowling is “one of the few sports that comes with a bar.”
[Note: Busch lost her bid in the May election.]
COLBERT GOES TO THE PEOPLE
New York Mets pitcher Shaun Marcum must bea really good bowler, because he has a bowling ballspecifically for strikes and one specifically for spares.His new clean-up ball, the one he uses for spares,has a skull floating in the middle. Mets PR guy JayHorwitz wrote on Twitter, ”He uses it just for spares.It doesn’t spin as much as his strike ball.”
THE CLEAN-UP BALL
Jim Howell, president of Perky’s Pizza, along withMajed Al-Hokair of Al-Hokair Group, announced anagreement to develop the Perky’s Pizza brand inSaudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates byadding 15 new locations between the twocountries. Presently, Perky’s has 16 locations inSaudi Arabia. The new developments, under theumbrella of the Al-Hokair Group, will consist of largeentertainment centers that either have a couple ofbowling lanes or mini bowling options. Mixed-usefacilities are very much the wave of the futureparticularly in this area of the world.
Back from a recent trip to visit the existingfacilities and to discuss marketing efforts for thefuture sites, Howell said, “The Middle East is adynamic market. We are fortunate to partner withthe top hospitality brand in the region. Ourrelationship with the Al-Hokair Group goes backover 15 years. We are so impressed with theiroverall operation, wehave agreed to allowthem to develop thePerky’s Pizza brandin the entire MENARegion.”
Trying to bring monies back into the coffers in Ohio, Governor JohnKasick has proposed a lower, yet expanded, 5 percent sales tax,generally referred to as a “bowling tax.” Actually it is an admissiontax covering new items such as circuses, arcade games, sports eventsand bowling. His plan would include cutting the income tax rate by20% over three years and the small business tax by 50%.
On the flip side, the proposal would tack a sales tax on to attorneyfees, cable TV and pet grooming as well as the entertainment optionsmentioned above. Eric Bates, president of Bates Brothers AmusementsCo., worries that some county fairs won’t survive if forced to give up5 percent of the gate fees to the government.
On the bowling side, Marty Teifke, owner of Timbers Bowling in
Maumee, near Toledo, concedes that it would hurt to paya “bowling tax” on lane rentals. “It’s not easy to raiseprices, and the economy is not the best around here,”Teifke was quoted by John Sewer of The Christian ScienceMonitor.
It should be pointed out that approximately 70 cities andvillages in Ohio already have some sort of admission tax rightaround 3 percent with Cleveland at 8 percent.
Across the board, it was agreed that expansion of thesales tax would more than likely be passed along to thecustomers. Strikes and spares would be a little moreexpensive, and who wants to pay for gutter balls?
Bowling Tax - Robbing Peter to Pay Paul? Some say yay; some say nay.
ExpansionMode for
Majed Al-Hokair (left)and Jim Howell shake on
a well-conceivedpartnership in the MENAregion (Middle East and
North Africa).
Bowling’s future might very well lie in the work of children.Whether bowling has a positive effect on them or whether theyaffect bowling is mute. It is a good combo.
April’s IBI noted in Goodwill Central a young bowlingenthusiast, Abbigail Hickman, who used her passion for bowlingto benefit her community and a Tracy, CA, animal shelter inparticular. Abbigail bowls on the West Valley Bowl Travel Teamin Tracy, is a member of the Nor Cal YBA and bowls in the YouthBowlers Tour. Her high game is 204.
Through her own initiative,Abbigail decided to do a fundraiser,which she labeled Pins for Pets, tohelp the animals so that they wouldnot have to be euthanized. Her effortsgarnered $4,000 in supplies and$2,400 in cash. She went door todoor to businesses asking fordonations and/or gifts for raffles. TheEldorado Resort in Reno donated apackage valued at $260.
The West Valley Bowl was sold out! Due to the success ofthe event, Abbigail plans on making her fundraiser an annualevent with a goal next year of $10,000. Somehow one gets thefeeling that this will not be a hollow pursuit.
Another example of the love of the sport of bowling, leadsa youngster to thinking outside the box. Fifth grader KyahSurritte shared, “Ever since my dad took me to bowling, I’vejust loved it from that day on.” At the Greater Kansas City
Science Fair in March, Kyah took that love and earned GoldAchievement and Special awards for her science project,“Bowling with an Attitude.”
Encouraged by her parents to incorporate her passion withacademics, Kyah decided to take different oil patterns that canaffect the trajectory of the ball and seewhich could improve her play. Thehardest part was explaining what theoil patterns were and how theyaffected the ball. She hypothesizedthat one of the three she used wouldbest suit her game only to discoverthat was not the case. One of thejudges noted on the judging sheet, “Iam a bowler also and have worked ina bowling center, so I am thrilled tosee you take your passion and createan experiment.”
In her age and division, Kyah is atwo-time Kansas State PepsiChampion and the 2012 state champion in singles. Her averagescore is a 150; her high game score is 235; and high series isa 588, putting her in the Kansas top 10 for her age division forthe last four years.
The lesson here? There are probably many, but, certainly,nurturing youngsters in bowling or any sport or activity can openthe doors to not only enriching their recreation but possiblyinspiring them to combine their passion, their sense ofresponsibility and their academic achievement.
SHORTS
Bowling and Kids are Great Partners
Abbigail Hickman
Kyah SurittePhoto credit:BonnerSprings.com
We have seen bowling salt and peppershakers, furniture and jewelry shaped likepins and balls. We’ve noticed sign boardsluring passerbys into centers to whileaway an afternoon, but in California, thereis a day trip for the more adventurouswhich ends at Bowling Ball Beach.
North of San Francisco, on Highway 1,the ocean meets the land with cliffs andhidden coves. It is here that writer PatrickCooper lays out an ambitious trip to aquiet beach where dozens of large andalmost completely smooth stones sit inrows on the beach, “and wave uponwave rolls in to continue the work.”
Cooper’s piece, Greetings from
Evanston, Ill. - Chasing randomness and form, takes anobscure hike and puts it on the bucket list. “At the southend of the pull-off, there’s a well-marked trail entrance.At the north end, there’s a poorly marked trail. Take thepoorly marked path. Follow the trail through a grove oftrees and then across a wild-grass field.
“When the trail splits without notice in two directions,take the right path. Descend a set of old wooden stairs,and when the stairs turn into a ladder down a cliff, keepgoing. Hang onto the metal rope holding them together.At the cliff’s bottom, balance on a fallen tree trunk tocross a creek mouth. …”
Intrigued?Cooper is a writer, editor, was an Associate Producer at CNN, and ispresently employed as a Senior Product Manager for the NPR site. Go towww.patrickcooper.com/2012/03/california-trip-day-five-am-bowling-ball-beach.html
Yes, Bowling Ball Beach!
Final destination is Bowling Ball
Beach near Point Arena, CA
21IBI June 2013
22 IBI June 2013
SHORTS
ARMY STANDS TALLIN ARMED FORCESBOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPIt is never too soon to start planning and that is
exactly what Syracuse and Mobile will be doing. TheUSBC has awarded the Open Championships in 2018to Syracuse, NY, and the national women’s bowlingchampionships in 2021 to Mobile, AL.
The Open, a four-month tournament, is expected to draw approximately80,000 visitors to downtown Syracuse and pump $70 million into the localeconomy. This will be the fifth time the city has hosted the tournament; thelast time was 1999.
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring the tournament to the EastCoast, and Syracuse has everything we look for in a host city,” said USBCExecutive Director Stu Upson.
Although a contract has not been officially signed, the Mobile Sports Authorityand the USBC have come to an agreement that the 2021 national women’sbowling championships will take place in Mobile. Danny Corte, the executivedirector of the Mobile Sports Authority, said the USBC would build 48 lanes atthe Mobile Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to bring the women’s championshipsto the Gulf Coast,” said Brian Lewis, the USBC managing director of tournaments.It is the first time Mobile has hosted this event. In 1994, it hosted the 91stannual USBC men’s championships.
LOOKING AHEADThe USBC has tagged Syracuse and Mobile as host cities.
U.S. Armed Forces enjoyed four days of internal bowlingbattle between the services. Reported by Tim Hipps, IMCOMPublic Affairs, the All-Army men won their third consecutive teamtitle, and the All-Air Forcewomen won their fourth in arow at the 2013 Armed ForcesBowling Championships, heldApril 23-26, at the BonnymanBowling Center at CampLejeune, North Carolina.
Over the course of the fourdays, All-Army men had 20,167pins, followed by runner-up All-Navy with 19,274, All-Air Forcewith 19,010 and host All-MarineCorps with 18,625. The All-Air Force women won with 17,844 pins,All-Army women with 17,356, the All-Navy women finished thirdwith 17,356 and All-Marine Corp women had 14,794.
IBI salutes all the men and women of our Armed Forces! Theyare all winners!
The all-Army Bowling Team poses atCamp Lejeune, NC. The Army men tookfirst place and the women finishedsecond behind Air Force.
24 IBI June 2013
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he hustle and bustle of the city thatnever sleeps defines New York. It'seasy to forget that behind themodern sky scape lies a very old
city filled with hidden treasures. IBI came acrossone of those treasures at a beautiful mansiononce owned by the steel magnate, Henry ClayFrick. History paints Frick as a controversial andlarger than life character. Frick's business partnerwas Andrew Carnegie and together these titanswere the founders of United States Steel.
T
By Anna Littles
Henry Clay Frick.All photos in this storycourtesy of the FrickCollection/The FrickArt ReferenceLibrary Archives.
26 IBI June 2013
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Though they were business partners,Frick and Carnegie did not like eachother. In today's vernacular we would callthem "frenemies." Carnegie and Frickboth had mansions in Pittsburgh.However, Carnegie had a mansion inNew York City as well. Not to beoutdone, Frick decided he needed apresence in New York and purchasedproperty on Fifth Avenue and 70th Streetin Manhattan. He wanted to build amansion so massive that it covered afull city block. History tells us that Frickboasted to his friends he was building itto "make Carnegie's place look like aminer's shack." Frick was also passionateabout art and was a voracious collector.When his mansion was completed in1914, he had a home worthy of hisextensive art collection which today isknown as the Frick collection.
The Frick Collection and Museum isone of the top 10 places to visit in New
The lanes were used as storage for the Frick'sextensive library. The recent renovation restoresthem to their original beauty.
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York. It has lovely gardens, situated acrossfrom what this New Yorker considers to beone of the most beautiful parks in the world,Central Park. And when you visit the museum,you'll feel like you've stepped back in time,back to the turn of the 20th century. It givesyou the feel of still being in a private residenceadorned with an amazing art collection.
Frick's mansion was a state-of-the-arthome for its time, including the best ingames and leisure activities such as a billiardsroom, and of course, a room dedicated tothe sport we all love, bowling! Frick hadtwo lanes designed and installed for thefamily to enjoy. The billiards room andbowling lanes are located in the home’s sub-basement and were completed in 1916, twoyears after the home was built.
Sad to say, the bowling lanes are notopen to the public due to current New YorkCity fire codes for public safety. However,these photos offer us a wonderful glimpseat the early 20th century world of the richand famous. The hand-tooled ceilings, woodwork and paneling capture the truecraftsmanship of the time.
Henry Clay Frick died in 1919, just a fewyears after the lanes were installed. Soon
The garden facing 70th Street.
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Anna Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and produceroriginally from the Bronx, New York, now resides in SantaMonica, California. You can see her work on YouTube, IMDB, oron her website at [email protected].
after his death the lanes were repurposed for a library whichthis 1923 black & white photo shows. It was later fully restored.
Even though the public cannot visit the lanes, it's neatknowing it's there. A hidden treasure, safe and secure, in theheart of New York City. ❖
The Frick Mansion's living hall, dining room and Fragonard Room as itlooks today.
VISIT US AT
BOWL EXPO
BOOTH #150
athy DeSocio has been in the bowling business her whole life. TheWichita, Kansas, resident is president of JOMA which owns andoperates seven bowling centers in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.It didn’t come as a surprise to anyone that on July 1, 2012, shemade history by becoming the first female president of the
Bowling Proprietors Association of America, following in her father’s footsteps,past president and Hall of Famer John Crum.
DeSocio wears many hats: in the industry, in business, and in life. In addition tobeing president of BPAA and president of JOMA Bowling, she serves on the UnitedStates Bowling Congress Board of Directors and as a trustee for the InternationalBowling Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s a good thing she loves to travel.
Cathy is married to Frank DeSocio, vice president of Strike Ten Entertainment,which is the marketing arm of the bowling industry. They have three talented children,Drew (25), Alex (24) and Elizabeth (18), none of whom, according to Cathy, areinterested in the business of bowling. Drew will be graduating from WashingtonState University in 2014 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. He has indicated thathe does not expect his parents to call him “Dr. Drew.” Alex will be interning withthe Merola Opera in San Francisco this summer and then starts a two-year ResidentArtist Program with the Pittsburgh Opera. His parents are thrilled that he is out ofcollege and income-producing. Elizabeth is finishing her first year at Oklahoma StateUniversity where she majors in Animal Science and Molecular Biology. She planson attending veterinary school.
A lifelong bowler since the age of four, Cathy has bowled in YABA, WIBC andUSBC leagues but has settled for subbing the past couple of years due to her workschedule. She bowled for Wichita State University, saying “Gordon Vadakin took
C
COVER STORY
IBI June 201332
By Jackie Wyckoff
ALL HAIL THE
PRESIDENT!
COVER STORY
IBI June 2013 33
An exclusive interview with BPAA president CathyDeSocio on the eve of Bowl Expo reveals a woman fully
dedicated to the advancement of our industry.
Professional photos provided
by Darrin Hackney.
COVER STORY
IBI June 201334
pity on me and let me on the team for a year. It became obvious tome that I was more skilled in the business of bowling than the sportof bowling.”
With everything going on in this busy lady’s life, we were happy to beable to catch up with her to review her first year as president, chat aboutthe industry in general, and take a look forward to the next year at BPAAunder her tenure.
IBI: For those unfamiliar with BPAA, explainwhat the association does.DeSocio: BPAA is the national trade association forbowling centers and proprietors. Our mission is toimprove the profitability of our member centers. Westrive to achieve our mission through education, smartbuy programs and participation in industry wideinitiatives that are good for bowling.
IBI: Do you use a business model?DeSocio: BPAA’s executive director Steve Johnson isresponsible for the business operations of BPAA,and yes, he does require business plans for all BPAAprograms.
IBI: Give us some background on yourexperience as a proprietor.DeSocio: My first paid job in a bowling center wasduring the Kansas State Women’s Tournament: I wasa porter. I must have been about 13. Since that time,I think other than head mechanic, I have at some timeor other worked every job in at least one of our centers.Some were obviously much more fun and better suitedto my personality.
Frank and Cathy DeSocio
35IBI June 2013
COVER STORY
IBI: We know this isn’t your “firstrodeo,” but has being president ofBPAA been what you expected? DeSocio: Yes, because I knew it was a greathonor and opportunity to participate in settingthe strategic direction for our members. Ialso believe that every president brings theirpersona and expectations to the job.
IBI: What has it been like to followin your father’s footsteps?DeSocio: Fun, exciting, and a little sad. I wishhe were here to give me guidance and advice.He was a tremendous mentor. He and I sharedan office which could get very interesting ashe commented on my phone conversationsduring the actual conversations. During thelast five years of his life, we had lunch togetherevery day he was in the office. He taught menot just about business but about how tolive my life.
IBI: How do you balance your busylife, changing from your “BPAA”hat to your “Proprietor” hat to your“Wife and Mom” hat? DeSocio: Family first, always. Second, I askmyself a question my dad would ask mewhen I was obsessing over some smalldetail. “Ten years from now, will anybodyreally care about (insert whatever the issueis)? If not, move on.” I try to spend my timeon the things that are the most importantto me. I prioritize.
IBI: What lessons have youlearned on the way to becomingBPAA President?DeSocio: Be Honest. Take Responsibility.Give Credit.
IBI: What is your most importantprofessionalachievement to date?DeSocio: Sustaining and growing the familybusiness. The group of talented anddedicated managers and staff that make upour company is definitely my most importantprofessional accomplishment. I am luckythese outstanding individuals want to workfor our company.
IBI: What are your key success factors?DeSocio: We hire highly skilled people, give them clear expectations, provide themthe tools to do their job and let them take personal ownership in the process.
IBI: What are your key challenges?DeSocio: The balance between oversight and micromanaging, retaining excellentemployees and keeping our focus on the future.
IBI: How do you manage the relationship withyour Board of Directors?DeSocio: The Board of Directors is composed of bowling proprietors. They are mypeers. I treat them the way I want to be treated. I am open, honest and expectthe same from them in return.
IBI: How do you manage the relationship withyour executive staff?
38 IBI June 2013
COVER STORY
IBI: How do you balance and manage other International Bowling Campus partners’ (USBC,STE, IBMHF, etc.) interests? DeSocio: We have a general question we ask, “Is it good forbowling?” That should be our focus. If bowling is successful, weare all successful.
IBI: How do you manage organizational politicsand/or conflicting personalities, interestsor views?DeSocio: I love discourse. There is nothing better than to havea lively discussion about ideas and issues. Personalities andpersonal interest should not factor in. Leadership isn’t aboutbeing popular; it is about doing the right thing, for the rightreasons and getting the desired results.
IBI: What is the biggest challenge you feel BPAAfaces today, and how do you meet it head on?DeSocio: The biggest challenge is our diverse membershipbase. BPAA has member centers that are 4 lanes up to 80+; smalltown to big city centers; traditional bowling to familyentertainment centers. How do we provide value to all of them?That is why we have a variety of programs, but it is always achallenge to provide value to our members.
IBI: How do you see the future of the economy inthe bowling industry?DeSocio: I am an optimist. Our industry is evolving. I think thatgives us an opportunity. We have to be willing to change to meetthe ever-changing demand of the new consumers.
IBI: What is your personal work ethic, and does itaffect the BPAA culture?DeSocio: I believe you work as long and as hard as necessary toget the job done. I think that the BPAA culture has alwaysbeen one of hard work. The association is reflective of itsconstituents. We are entrepreneurs and small business owners.
IBI: How comfortable are you with change, and how do you handle it?DeSocio: I think I am very open to change. I am a risk-taker. Whenan opportunity presents itself, I ask myself, “What’s the worstthat could happen?” Then I make a plan to deal with the worstscenario and take the risk, usually, not always.
IBI: If you could instantly change any aspect of thebusiness, what would it be?DeSocio: If I had a magic wand, I would:
• Instantly transform all centers into new upgraded facilities,a new fresher version of their existing center.
DeSocio: The only executive staff that the BPAA board has theright to manage is our executive director. The board is direct andstraight forward in its relationship with our ED. Mutual respectis the key to any relationship between volunteer leaders and staff.
Cathy, flanked by her Witchita management team, from left to right: Darren Needham,
general manager of The Alley; Olivia Sandham, general manager of Northrock Lanes; Ray
Baty, general manager of West Acres Bowl and general managing Joma Company while
Cathy serves as BPAA president.
40 IBI June 2013
• Expand our youth bowling efforts. Morekids bowling more often.
• Create a grassroots effort behind our bestand most talented athletes, which would leadto fully supported and funded professionaltours.
I could keep adding more and more, butthose are probably my top three.
IBI: How much influence, if any,do the proprietors have over thebusiness of BPAA?DeSocio: The business of BPAA has to be aboutthe proprietor, not just some of us, but all ofus. For BPAA to be successful, the proprietorsmust be successful.
Jackie Wyckoff, who started bowling in 1968, is a San Francisco (CA) Bay Area native,avid Giants fan and gourmet chef. She was President of the Bowling Writers Associationof America, 2009-2011. Wyckoff has worked and volunteered in the bowling industrysince 1972 with jobs including Center Manager, USBC (WIBC) Association President andWriter and Promoter for all things Bowling. She was a PWBA Regional Player with severalstate and local titles to her credit.
COVER STORY
IBI: What excites you most about the business of bowling?DeSocio: The people. Bowlers leave the comfort of their homes, get in their cars,and drive to our centers, park, walk in, often toting 30+ pounds of equipment withthe expectation that they are going to have a good time. We try to provide that.No one comes into a bowling center because they have to. They choose us. Ourjob is to show them how much we appreciate that effort. All of us, bowling writers,proprietors, associations, ball manufacturers, capital equipment companies, foodand beverage venders, all contribute to their experience. We are all in this together.
IBI: What is the best piece of advice you received when taking onthe role of president? Who gave it?DeSocio: Be yourself, and remember you are always a proprietor first and foremost.That piece of advice came from Jeff Bojé [BPAA president 2004-2006].
IBI: Can you share any personal lessons that others might relate to?DeSocio: As you know, I like to talk. My greatest lesson, that I am still working on,is to listen, actively listen. When we actively listen, we learn to be leaders. I am definitelystill working on that.
IBI: Now that the first year of your presidency is drawing toa close, would you care to reflect on what lies ahead for yoursecond year?DeSocio: The job of the president and the officer group, along with the BPAA board,is to set the direction of BPAA to ensure the future success of all bowling proprietors.As a group we will all continue to work toward providing programs and solutionsfor the issues proprietors are facing every day in their business.
IBI: Is there anything you want to add?DeSocio: It is an honor and privilege to be president of BPAA. Thank you for lettingme share my thoughts and opinions. ❖
The DeSocios’ children Alex, Elizabeth and Drew.
Photo provided by Cathy DeSocio.
The JOMA management team takes a Go-kart break.
ess than an hour south of Phoenix is the city ofMaricopa which in the year 2000 had just 1,040residents. Since then, America's only county
surrounded by two Native American communities, Ak-Chin and Gila Bend, has grown more than 4,000%.Maricopa still combines a small town atmosphere witha growing business community. There are the usual fast
food restaurants, two golf courses and a casino-hotel. Butin November, the landscape changed dramatically when one
of the most unique family entertainment complexes in theworld opened. The UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center at Ak-
Chin Circle, located adjacent to Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino-Resort,
42 IBI June 2013
FEATURE
BUILD IT ANDTHEY WILL COMEThe Ak-Chin tribe’s UltraStar Multi-tainmentCenter attracts visitors to the new Arizonadestination in Maricopa.
LBy Mark Miller
43IBI June 2013
FEATUREFEATURE
44 IBI June 2013
FEATURE
features 165,000 square feet of fun for all ages includingthe 24-lane Ten Pins Down bowling center.
“It's very cool,” said Adam Saks, vice president ofoperations for UltraStar Theaters and the complex'sgeneral manager. “We have nine venues under oneroof. We look at it as one-stop, non-stop entertainment.It's the future of our industry.”
While the California-based UltraStar Theaters managesthe $54 million facility, the 850-member Ak-Chincommunity fully owns it. The Ak-Chin share the Maricopa
area with the Gila Bend community.“We didn't spare any expense topresent a great facility,” said Ak-ChinChairman Louis Manuel about the two-level complex with 300 employees.
The downstairs is for people of allages. In addition to the bowling lanes,there's a large concourse with a gamecenter, laser tag arena, restaurant, cafe and sports bar, and 12 movie“auditoruiums” featuring stadium seating. Upstairs offer places wherethose age 21 and older can have their minds and senses entertained.The Luxe Lounge offers food, drinks and fun while two theaters andthe J Bar strictly cater to adults. And coming this spring will be theaddition of the 1,000-person Ak-Chin Amphitheatre for outdoorconcerts and other events including private parties. “We had to createa concept to entertain everyone,” Saks said. “It's a state-of-the-art facilitywhere the best technology comes together.”
Ten Pins Down has 12 lanes split on both sides of a wide concourseand features amenities found in most boutique establishments. All laneshave comfortable couches and living-room style coffee table enhancedby large video screens and a modern audio system. Three areas canbe separated by metallic curtains for privacy. There's even a fireplacesitting area and party room.
“Bowling made sense because it's a natural progression of modern
Ultimate A/V : “Everyone would agree thevisuals are incredible. They installed asingle controller for all of the LCDs, bowlingprojectors, sound systems, and even thecustom circular foyer centerpiece,"Mohammad Ahmadi, Be Media presidentsays. “It’s an entirely impressive testamentto the Ak Chin community’s mission toconceptualize managing these stunningpresentations from anywhere in the facilityor even around the world by capitalizing onavailable commercial technologies.”
Be Media designed, engineered and installed theaudiovisuals for the entire UltraStar complex.(www.bemedia.com)
Ultra-Star president and CEO AlanGrossberg with celebrity Booboo Stewart,one of the newest cast members in X Men
and also a star of the Twilight series, atthe VIP Grand Opening.
entertainment,” Saks said. “Today's bowling center is inthe middle of the revitilization of family entertainment.”Available only for open/recreational play at the Nov. 15grand opening, Ten Pins Down was scheduled to startleagues by early 2013.
Manuel said the complex was the culmination of a two-year process. “We were looking at how many people willcome,” Manuel said. “We wanted to figure out how wecould keep people there to do other things besides go tothe casino (which opened in 1994). Maricopa has a lot ofnice things but needed higher end restaurants. We had theopportunity and funding to do that. We reached out tosome area movie companies who didn't think it couldwork. If someone tells us no, we keep moving forward.”
So the council brought in UltraStar to discuss their idea. “The Ak-Chin Council wanted to put in a theater complex
and hired us as consultants to look at the concept forthem,” said UltraStar President and Chief Executive OfficerAlan Grossburg. “The statistics supported only a 6-8 screentheater so we said what about something bigger under oneroof. We did handwritten descriptions on pieces of paperand they loved them that night.”
The Ak-Chin Council quickly approved the project andhired Ultra-Star to manage the property.
“Our first meeting they had enough faith and trust in usto move forward,” Grossburg said.
The project took only 14 months from the time theparties first met until opening day. What normally takes 18months to build was completed in 10, a testament to theAk-Chin's perseverance.
Grossburg has been in the movie industry for more
46 IBI June 2013
FEATURE
Ak Chin also invested heavily in a state-of-the-art laser tag system that was provided byZone Laser Tag. “It was an incredibleexperience to bring laser tag to a marketthat is not normally serviced by the familyentertainment world. We are really proudhow the system was incorporated into theentire setup," says Erik Guthrie, VicePresident of Marketing & Sales at Zone.
48 IBI June 2013
FEATURE
than 36 years, including 22 inpartnership with John Ellison,former owner of Mann Theatres.The two met when Grossburg solda movie group to Ellison and theylater opened Nickelodeon Theatres.“We've always been a leader inmovie theatre innovations,” saidGrossburg, who recalls bowlingduckpins in his native Brooklyn,New York. “We were the first withTHX installation and the firstwith D-box seats. We have asaying 'if you are not standingon the edge you are taking up too much room.' Everyone else shows movies for aliving. We entertain people.” UltraStar owns and operates 14 venues with 145 screensin Southern California and Arizona. “This is our first multi-tainment complexin the country and it came out way beyond my wildest imagination,” Grossburgsaid. “Moving forward, we'd like to do more of these. We like the managementend rather than being the tenant or doing our own.”
To ensure the complex's bowling was a success, Saks hired fellow SanDiego resident Joe Guy as director of bowling and amusements. Anothertransplant from the San Diego area, former Professional Bowlers Associationmember Larry Schroeder, who bowled with Guy and his father, has beenhelping out where he can. “Since I work from home, it's nice to be able to gothree miles down the street and bowl when I want to,” said Schroeder, vicepresident of sales for a medical imaging company. “They're just gettingstarted there finding out what to do. I'll help them with their leagues. Thebowlers down here don't know lane courtesy and neither does the staff. I'vebeen teaching the staff and other bowlers how to do it. If you know the rules,you have more fun.”
Schroeder, who moved to Maricopa a year ago with his fiancé and two youngchildren, loves the potential Ten Pins Down and the UltraStar Multi-Tainmentcomplex offers. “I moved here from California where there were a lot ofpeople and bowling is in towns that have everything,” he said. “This towndoesn't have much. There's a Walmart and 57 fast-food restaurants, plus a hotel,a lot of dentists and not much else. This place is first-class. We really enjoy theplace. We have a lot of fun.”
Manuel and the rest of the Ak-Chin Council are pleased as well. “Wewanted to be above AMC but below IPIC Entertainment,” he said. “We didn'twant to look like a cookie-cutter facility. We wanted it to look like ourcommunity and we did that. It's doing well and bowling is one of our biggestthings. The enthusiasm of being here is great.”
With the Ultra-Star Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, the communityhas a lot to gain from it’s success. With all of it’s unique attractions, the newcomplex will entertain visitors for years to come. ❖
IBI contributor Mark Miller will be selling his history book "Bowling: America's GreatestIndoor Pastime" at the BowlSole booth at Bowl Expo in Las Vegas. Stop by and pick upa personally-autographed copy.
Ak-Chin Chairman Louis Manuel
50 IBI June 2013
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
owling is an ancient sport that has been acultural favorite for thousands of years andbrings families and whole communitiestogether. Those who love this game have apassion for it like none other. And that is
one of the keys to a life worth living: passion. One ofthe greatest pro bowlers of all time, Wayne Webb, whoat the age of 12 discovered his passion for the game,has forged a professional career like none other; 20PBA titles, a member of the PBA Hall of Fame, and in2008 he made the list of the “50 Greatest Players ofthe Last 50 years.” In 2010 Webb was named PBASenior Player of the Year making him the secondbowler in history to win both PBA and Senior PBAPlayer of the Year awards in a single career.
Passion may be the engine that drives success, butsuccess is also determined by how well we handle life’schallenges. Wayne Webb has overcome them all. Theups and downs of a brilliant career, and now the
As PBA champWayne Webb andhis wife Elaine
make over a centerin Columbus, Ohio,it's clear to see
that the center isnot the only thingbeing transformed.
BBy Anna Littles
51IBI June 2013
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
adventure of being on the otherside of the bowling industry as aproprietor of Wayne Webb’sColumbus Bowl located inColumbus, Ohio.
Wayne and his wife Elaine liveda very comfortable life inSacramento, California, and neverthought of running a business.Yet something stirred in Wayne. Itwas a desire, which he had in hisheart for a long time, and thatwas to run a bowling center. Morethan 2½ years ago, Wayne and hisbusiness partner purchased theRainbow Bowling Center inColumbus. It didn’t take long forWayne to have the revelation that “when you’re buying abusiness, there’s a reason why people are selling it.” In this case,the business was run down and mismanaged. Fortunately,Wayne and his business partner make a great team. Waynebrought the name and experience to the table, his businesspartner brought the finances.
Launching a new business in a tough economy was a risk,but Wayne and his wife took the plunge, packed up theirfamily and moved to Ohio. According to Wayne, “Ohio is aland where bowling is much bigger and people take itseriously.” A great fit for Wayne’s passion and vision.
It’s been a lot of hard work, far more than they ever imagined.You see, Wayne and his wife are perfectionists, and it wasn’tlong before they found themselves pouring in 60 hours each,per week, to put the bowling center together. And with abusiness partner that likes to renovate, they’ve put a milliondollars into the place so far and it’s been worth every penny.Many of the changes include a brand new bar called Laney’sSport Bar, named after Wayne's wife. They’ve garnered theattention and awards from the industry for best designrenovations. They have synthetic lanes with the Brunswick ProAnvilane as well as the Ebonite Vantec scoring system with 42inch monitors. Wayne notes that,“the TV [monitor] is about asbig as anyone has put in for scoring.” Wayne loves the system,saying, “it has bells and whistles."
Those 48 new pro lanes provide a great opportunity to runlarge tournaments which is what Wayne loves to do. In 2011they hosted the Senior Masters, with professional bowlersfrom all over the country and beyond. USBC governing bodyoversees this and it is one of the major tournaments forbowling. When Webb’s Columbus Bowl hosted this event it wasthe first time this tournament was held on the other side of theMississippi in 14 years!
Locally, they host the biggest men’s league in the country.
Elaine and Wayne Webb
52 IBI June 2013
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
Just as they have committed endless hours of work andsubstantial monies to upgrade Wayne Webb’s ColumbusBowling Center, Wayne and his wife are just as committed anddedicated to making a difference in the lives of the nextgeneration. Elaine Webb has done a lot work with youth. Bornin San Francisco and raised in the Bay area, just like herhusband she is passionate about bowling and is committed todeveloping a strong youth program. When she was growingup, bowling centers were filled with kids. In a land wherevideo games abound, the end result has been a decline amongkids’ interest in bowling. Well, that’s about to change if Elainehas her way. It’s been her drive to bring a resurgence of kidsback to the game and tap into the undiscovered raw talent that’sout there. Elaine was quick to point out that bowling is like noother sport, “kids use their math and social skills in this game.”And the best part, their youth program gets troubled kids offthe streets.
On average, Webb’s youth program draws in 30-40 kids eachyear. This past summer they took a group of 22 kids to competein the Nationals which was hosted in Indianapolis. They all hada great opportunity to meet other kids from all over thecountry as well as compete on a national level.
Currently, the youth league at Webb’s center runs 34 weeksand meets Saturday mornings. It’s a large group of 33 kids, and
The league runs the house on Sunday mornings and by 10amthe bowling center is jam packed.
During the week the center offers a colorful and brightatmosphere enhanced with carpeting that is bold in color andprint; families love it. Beside the new lanes, they also spent$25,000 putting in a non-stop cosmic light show which isspectacular on the weekends and a big hit with teens and kids.Their food menu offers all the classics at reasonable prices. Aperfect complement to their promo specials like “Bowl YourHead Off,” offered seven days a week.
54 IBI June 2013
at the end of league, Wayne coaches the kids which is a huge benefitfor all of them.
Webb’s center is also host to the Ohio High School StateChampionships for both boys and girls and it’s a popular televisedshow. High School bowling is huge in Ohio! Kids try out, and once theymake the team, they compete against other high school kids. TheWSTO, an Ohio sports channel, covers this event along with the OhioState Athletics Association (OHSAA).
Already Wayne and Elaine have identified several prodigies from theiryouth program. Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl - Jr. All Stars features18 year-old Courtney Barney who already holds several titles with theJTBA (Junior Tournament Bowling Association). She is definitely afuture pro for the women's tour. And then there is 16 year old ChazDennis who holds two world records: the first ever at age 10 to shoota perfect 300 game, and at age 11, he held the highest series of 800for six months.
Honorable mention goes out Josh McKinney, an extraordinary youngman who is 18 years old. When he was two, Josh developed bacterialmeningitis forcing his parents to make the tough decision to allowdoctors to amputate his legs and arms in an effort to contain the
infection and save his life. This lifechallenge did not slow Josh downone bit. He loves to bowl and does so
without any prosthesis. He currently averages 126. They even have a couple of tweens that are up and
coming such as eleven year old Zach Grove who’saverage is 178; and 13 year old Jonathan Marshallwho averages 163 and has an ambition to be on thepro tour.
Taking over a rundown business has been one ofthose life challenges for Wayne and Elaine. Even withTV events and great feedback, they are still far frombeing where they want to be. But Elaine makes itclear that they would not have come as far as they havewithout the support of their extremely dedicated staff.Together, they all share a passion for a sport that is likenone other and a vision to make a difference in the livesof so many. A quote from Wayne’s web site capturesit all: “Serving the greatest customers in the world!”
Wayne and Elaine are an amazing couple and aredefinitely in a league of their own. In addition totransforming their lives, the Webbs help the youth ofColumbus to shape theirs in a positive way. ❖
Anna Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer andproducer originally from the Bronx, New York, nowresides in Santa Monica, California. You can see herwork on YouTube, IMDB, or on her website [email protected].
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
SHOWCASE
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56 IBI June 2013
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57IBI June 2013
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58 IBI June 2013
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59IBI June 2013
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CENTER EQUIPMENT PACKAGE – 16 lanes.Includes: A-2s (Japan); 8 ball lifts; Astrofurniture; Star shields masking units; AMFbumpers & gutters; Century 300 Silver Streak& Excel 1995 oil machine; rental shoes & colormatched balls; Bowl-tronics foul lights.EVERYTHING short of lanes & scoring! Balldrilling machine & all accessories. $30,000 FOBArkansas. Jeff Montgomery (479) 234-2958.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
LANE MACHINES WANTED. We willpurchase your KEGEL-built machine, any ageor condition. Call (608) 764-1464.
ITEMS WANTED
“WANTED TO BUY” Older BowlingShirts. Paying $5 - $25 for button front shirtswith embroidery or ink lettering on the [email protected] (434) 465-0099.
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CLASSIFIEDS
CENTER FOR SALE
KANSAS—SALE OR LEASE: 24 lanes, 5acres. Owner flexible on terms. Newlyremodeled 2011. Serious inquiries only.Email: [email protected].
MINNESOTA: 12-lane center in collegetown. STRONG revenues. Includes ousidevolleyball, bar and 1.15 acres. Contract fordeed option. Call (507) 951-7130; email:[email protected].
ALABAMA: 30-lane, well-established,profitable center with kitchen, lounge & proshop. Real estate included. Located inthriving Huntsville. Russ Russell CommercialReal Estate (256) 536-777.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
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CLASSIFIEDS
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.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA: 6-lane center.Owner retiring. $99,[email protected]. (320) 760-3377.
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.
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
62 IBI June 2013
CLASSIFIEDS
CENTERS FOR SALE
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.
BUY SELL
AMF • BRUNSWICK EQUIPMENT COMPLETE PACKAGES WORLDʼS LARGEST NEW – USED SPARE
PARTS INVENTORYALL AMF BUMPER PARTS, XS Q-BUMP,
DURABOWL AND GEN II IN STOCK
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.tuckerbowling.com
63IBI June 2013
CLASSIFIEDS
CENTERS FOR SALE
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.
MICHIGAN-SOUTH CENTRAL: Largecenter with late model equipment. Strongleague base plus high-volume franchise. REincluded. Sandy Hansell (800) 222-9131.
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.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS: Fully remodeledFEC—12 lanes, bar, restaurant, mini golf, gokarts, batting cages, big arcade! Hugefacility. Big summer business. Busy year-round! 40 years in community. $3.5M. Call(847) 363-8799.
GEORGIA, Vadalia: 16-lane center. Lowdown payment; assume a SBA 4.75%interest loan. Will carry 2nd note on half ofdown payment. For additional info, faxqualified inquiries to (912) 537-4973 or [email protected].
MINNESOTA, Duluth: 32 wood lanes withBrunswick automatic scoring and pinsetters,bar & grill, 30,000 s/f on 2+ acres. Goodbusiness since 1960. Great location. SteveBragg CBI Calhoun Companies @(218) 663-7682 or [email protected].
LEASE/OPTION TO BUY
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (Susanville):10-lane center with restaurant—14,000 s/fbldg. on 2.35 acre parcel. Flexible terms.Contact Lori Johnson, Lester Company,(831) 722-2741 or lori@lestercompany.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
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.
64 IBI June 2013
CLASSIFIEDS
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
E-mail: [email protected] YOUR ORDER TO US AT:
530-432-2933
202 Bridge StreetJessup, PA 18434570-489-8623www.minigolfinc.com
MINIATURE GOLF COURSESIndoor/Outdoor. Portable/Pre-Fab. Black
Light/Traditional/Pro Putter.
"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
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring BallRepair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com.
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.
CUSTOM INSTALL SPECIALISTS. No jobtoo odd. Parts out the wazoo! Completeinstalls/packages available. Contact KnotriteLLC @ (970) 946-9933; [email protected];www.tenpinartisans.com.
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!
65IBI June 2013
CLASSIFIEDS
ForFLORIDA CENTERS
CallDAVID DRISCOLL& ASSOCIATES
1-800-444-BOWL3800 Lake Center Loop,Suite B1, Mount Dora,
FL 32757-2208AN AFFILIATE OF
SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES
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
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/
POSITION WANTED
Accomplished District Manager with uniqueOperational, Team Building/Leadership andMarketing skills seeking comparable position.Very organized, self-motivated, multi-taskmaster with a “can do” attitude. Open torelocation. [email protected];(201) 657-4684.
MECHANIC WANTED
Brunswick A-2 mechanic wanted inNorthern Virginia. Salary based onexperience. Send resume to:[email protected].
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
66 IBI June 2013
REMEMBER WHEN
ibbons indicate awardsand awards symbolizeexcellence. Pabst BlueRibbon beer, started in
Milwaukee in 1844, was America’s beer.Legend has it that it was awarded “America’s Best” at the World’sColumbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Hence, the “Blue Ribbon.”
In 1947, the year of this ad, beer and bowling were a team. Mendrank beer and men bowled.
For those who can remember, take a peek at the ball returnbehind our all-American guy. No frills there. And, check outthe invitation to “tune” in to the Eddie Cantor Show “over” NBC.It took a minute to realize that it was a radio show not a televisionshow. ❖
1947R In 1947…
� The Cold War began.� The Kon-Tiki Expedition with Thor Heyderdahl completed
4,300 miles across the Pacific Ocean.�The then Princess Elizabeth was engaged to Lt. Philip Mountbatten.� The Oldsmobile Woody was a new car!� Chuck Yaeger broke the sound barrier.� Flying saucers were seen in Roswell, NM.
And… ABC membership reached 1,259,000; WIBC was 362,779;and there were 5,747 certified bowling lanes.
