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The World's Only Magazine Devoted Exclusviely to the Business of Bowling.
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6ISSUE AT HANDOlympic Madness
By Scott Frager
8SHORTS
• Murrey International'sJim Gallowayremembered
• Lucky's Entertainmentopens in
Daytona Beach• Poker Ride benefitsAmerican WheelchairBowling Association
• Brunswick promotesGary Smith to VP of
international salesCompiled by Patty Heath
14PHOTO ESSAYBowl Expo: The
people, the place,the products
Photos by Hero Noda andChris Holmes
18PROFILE
A Dream DeferredAfter a successful career
with Brunswick, DonKlackner takes on the
challenge of proprietorshipBy Anna M. Littles
CONTENTS
22COVER STORYReigniting the DreamCan the bowling industryfinally win a spot as anOlympic sport? By Mark Miller
31-41BEYOND BOWLINGSPECIAL SECTION• BEC Champ Main
Event• Interview with
Charlie Keegan• FEC/BEC Welcome to
our world
42OFF THE CLOCKPicasso of PinsMechanic Polo Arellanodoesn’t just love pins, heturns them into works of artBy Robert Sax
54REMEMBER WHEN1954A New Beginningfor BowlingBy Patty Heath
44 Showcase
45 Datebook
46 Classifieds
VOL 20.8
42
THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
IBI August 2012
22
34
PUBLISHER & EDITORScott Frager
[email protected]: scottfrager
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISINGChris Holmes
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTGregory Keer
OFFICE MANAGERPatty Heath
CONTRIBUTORSPatty Heath
Chris HolmesAnna M. Littles
George McAuliffeMark MillerHero NodaRobert Sax
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 2012, B2B Media,Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprintedwithout the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
4
6 IBI August 2012
THE ISSUE AT HAND
Back in 1994, when I first began in bowling,there was significant effort by the industry topush bowling into the Olympics. There werecountless human and financial resources thrownbehind the lofty goal. It was billed as an industry-uniting undertaking. And, many of the industry’smajor power brokers joined the effort.
Who wouldn’t want bowling to be apart of the Olympic sport movement?
Gaining entry as a worthy sportwould bring considerable prestigeand proof positive that ours is alegitimate sport. Once and for all, theworld would welcome us and wecould hang our hats alongside trackand field, soccer, basketball, sailing,swimming and Judo.
At the time, I saw something wrong.Actually, I saw many things wrong. Notwith our sport and not with the concept ofthe Olympic dream. My major issue was allthe bickering back and forth within theindustry. It became clear to me early on thatsome of the personalities involved becamedrunk with the power and the idea of theOlympic lifestyle.
There were large expenditures: extensiveworld travel and extravagant dining andentertainment expenses as our leadersattempted to woo the Olympic Selection
Committee. That, to me, seemed out of line for our industry. Then, therewas political infighting between the U.S. and overseas Olympic bowlingsearch committees. There was even infighting amongst overseasgroups. Who “owns” bowling? Who would lead the charge and deliverus into the “Promised Land?”
In my humble opinion, the whole process was corrupt. And the bribingscandal in the 2002 Salt Lake City site selection committee proved as much.
This month, Mark Miller exploresin-depth the history of bowling’sinvolvement in the Olympics. I wasboth fascinated and stunned by thestory. One thing that hit me like a tonof bricks was a small photo providedas part of our research of the 1936Berlin games’ U.S. Bowling Team in
full uniform standing tall showing Nazi salutes. As soon as I saw thisphoto, my mind immediately went to the dark side of Olympic history.For example, first and foremost, there was the 1972 Munich massacreof nine Israeli athletes. Then, the countless doping incidents and theentire loss of amateur-only players, completely turned me off.
Would I like to see bowling in theOlympics? Of course.
Would I trade that for a new era of powerbrokers being sucked into the Olympic blackhole? Not a chance.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHERAND [email protected]
Olympic Madness
Each day new members arrive online. As our numbers climb, we want to direct your attentionto some of the sections which might be of interest to you. The bowling business is fraternal innature and varied in scope. While keeping in tune in general is important, focusing on YOURarea of interest is vital.
Bowling Industry online is aware of all the specialties. That is why we encourage you to takea look at GROUPS. State EDs and Presidents gather together. Members who are involvedand/or curious about the emerging bowling hybrid, the Bowling Entertainment Center (BEC),sign on to Beyond Bowling. Candlepin bowling proprietors? Pro shop owners? NAIR members?Bowling manufacturers? Find your niche and get on board.
Not a member? Start today. Sign up and then go to GROUPS on the home page. We’ll belooking for you.
�THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com
8 IBI August 2012
SHORTS
Runway aficionados take a peek at Prada’swomen’s Cruise/Resort 2013 collection.Miuccia Prada gave a salute to bowling witha two-tone, button-up, short-sleeved shirt andleather bags similar to those used to carrybowling balls.
PRADA GOES BOWLING
WATCHMedia
Possibly not another Lebowski film, but one never knows how cultfilms begin. Wisconsin filmmakers Daniel Scherer and Brian Klineinvite you to watch their 12 minute short, “Striker,” plus a one–hourdocumentary on how it was made on Wisconsin Public Television. Asthe program Director’s Cut states, Scherer and Kline “take you wherefew dare to go in the world of rock music, the bowling alley!”
The scenario? Warrior Squadron, an 80s heavy metal hair band, andits frontman Danny “Striker” Scherer vie with Wisconson bowlinglegend Bruce Martin as Mr. X in a bowling showdown, which is “extremelysatisfying and has never been experienced in the bowling universe.”Maybe. However, once you watch it, you will, for sure, have the song“Striker” floating around your brain. Awesome!
You can view the clip at www.bowlingindustry.com under “Videos.”
”STRIKER,” THE MOVIE
Murrey International announced the passingof Jim Galloway, 56, May 13 from a stroke.Galloway started at Murrey International in1987 and worked the phone order parts andsupplies sales desk.
Bill Snoberger, sales manager, shared that“Jim had quite the phone routine. Bowlingcenters would call to place an order and endup with a side ache from laughing at his jokes
and his impressions. Jim was also a master of voices. In recent yearshe worked with Ken Del Conte of the Southern California based DelConte bowling family doing voice-overs and acting in Ken’s plays andmovies. With Jim, you called to place an order and got the comedyshow for free. He would take your order as Richard Nixon, JohnWayne or some 90-year-old man and keep a straight face during theentire phone conversation.”
“He was quite the character and will be sorely missed by all,” Snobergersaid. Galloway is survived by his daughter Natasha and son David.
R E M E M B R A N C E S
Brunswick Bowling Products announced thepromotion of Gary Smith tovice president of internationalsales. Smith has been withBrunswick since 1988 invarious technical and salespositions. Most recently,Smith held the position ofdirector of marketing ofcapital equipment playing a
key role in developing sales relationships, salestools and the training and development of theworldwide sales force.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Smithwas formally educated in Intelligence Operationsand Analysis, followed by extensive education insales and marketing at the University of Wisconsin,Northwestern's Kellogg School of Managementand Thunderbird School of Global Management.
PEOPLE WATCHING
Gary Smith
John Patten loves bowling. In his workshop inLincoln, Nebraska, he transforms his passion intobeautiful pieces of bowling artwork.
“The art I create is made out of real bowling lanesand pins,” states John on his website.
John’s company, Bowling Art Works, welcomesspecial orders as well as his own works which includeplaques, shelves, clocks, tables, and bar stools toname only a few.
Celebratory Birthday chair.
John Patten showing his bowlingtable at a state fair.
There is No Limitto Bowling Art
10 IBI August 2012
SHORTS
Pinstripes, a bowling/bocce and bistro entertainment and dining site, is expanding. SearsHoldings Corporation is leasing part of its parking lot at Oakbrook Center mall in Chicago to thevenue which should open in the fall.
Pinstripes not only offers bowling lanes and indoor-outdoor bocce courts but also offersbanquet space for wedding receptions and parties. Currently it has locations in Northbrook andSouth Barrington.
The deal marks the latest in Sears’ efforts to sublease portions of its properties to other retailers.
Ontario, Canada’s Bingemans, a dining, entertainment and convention facility, has announceda major expansion of its FunworX indoor playground building in Kitchener. According toTheRecord.com, Bingeman’s president Mark Bingeman said a Boston Pizza restaurant plus aKingpin Bowlounge with 28 lanes will be included. The construction will start late this fall andwill be completed next summer to coincide with the 75th anniversary year for Bingemans.
A Revolutions bowling complex will be added to the shops of CityPlace in Palm Beach, FL.Bruce Frank, the owner of Frank Entertainment Companies of Jupiter who has RevolutionsEntertainment complexes from New York to Florida, has stated that the new CityPlace complexwill provide the “missing component” in family entertainment for the area.
As of May, Spariens has opened its second location in Charleston, SC, which is calledSparians at River Bowl Charleston. The location was previously Twin River Lanes and Matty’sSports Bar which experienced major renovations in early 2012 and renamed River Bowl & Bistrobefore coming under the Sparians umbrella.
Chris Angel, Managing Partner, expressed the company’s excitement with this new venue. “Thebowling boutique concept is geared towards fun loving adults, families and groups to provide afun, interactive experience in a comfortable atmosphere that is different from the traditionalalleys of the past.”
EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS
Lucky’s Entertainment, a 50,000-square-foot indoorfamily entertainment center, had its grand opening June15th in Daytona Beach, FL. Included in the space are afull-service restaurant, three bars, a lounge and largeoutdoor deck along with 14 QubicaAMF bowling laneswith SPL Glow Track Lanes, DuraBowl Bumpers and BES(Bowler Entertainment System) and Conqueror Pro
Management System. Six lanes will be available for private and group events. Co-owner Carmen Malhotra, a former attorney and restaurant owner from New York City,
commented, “Whether you’re 50, 25 or 10, this will be a place you can go and have fun withthe whole family. …This will be something nice and positive for the community.”
Lucky’s Game Room features 50+ of the latest redemption, video and novelty games includingLazer Frenzy and Qubica-AMF’s Highway 66 mini bowling. There is something for all ages!
Looking down the lanes at Lucky’s.
Pincurean Entertainment Group ownersMichael Ducat and Paul Barkley announcedthe formal opening of Z Strike Kansas City.The center was purchased in February andwent through a complete rebranding to ZStrike, including a completely new menu,signage, marketing and new programs forkids, families and corporate parties.
“We are excited to enter into the upscale,boutique bowling segment. We believe thiswill be the first of several Z Strike centersaround the country,” Ducat noted.
The center is located in the Power andLight Entertainment District in downtown KCand, according to Barkley, it will appeal to abroader demographic with corporate parties,families and nightlife and concert crowds.
Pincurean Entertainment Group also ownscenters in Florida and is currently reviewingopportunities for additional acquisitions.
OPENS IN KANSAS CITY
Usually it’s a bowling center or bowling groupor association helping out those in its community.However, on July 15 it was a Hiram, OH,company, Pirate Printing, who sponsored thefourth annual Poker Ride to benefit the AmericanWheelchair Bowling Association.
This Poker Ride has four stops with riderspulling a card at each stop. When the bikers reachthe end, they pull one more card. The best handreceives a prize and the worst hand receives a funnyprize. If a rider wants to swap out a card, they canbuy an additional card for $10.
The ride began at Pirate Printing in Hiramand ended at The Cove Bar and Grill in Dallas, GA.
Money raised from the ride will go towardsponsoring regional American WheelchairBowling Association events and tournaments.Last year Larry Jernigan, owner of Pirate Printing,said that 100 people participated in the rideraising $4,500.
Turnabout’s Fair Play
12 IBI August 2012
SHORTS
GOODWILL CENTRALEven with summer family vacations and lots of outdoor
activities, centers and their customers still find the timeto assist their communities and people in need. Hereare some charity events that step beyond the usual.
The American Association of Zookeepers Detroitchapter held a Bowling for Rhinos at Thunderbird Lanesin Troy, MI. The bowl-a-thon was directed to benefit theconservation of endangered rhinos.
King Pin Lanes in Cambridge, OH, welcomed theGuernsey County Humane Society and its Paws-Claws &Hooves Bowling fundraiser. Included were a Chineseauction and a 50/50 raffle. Ben, a 12-year-old jack mule
accepted rides for the Guernsey CountyDog Shelter.
A Rock Star-themed bowl-a-rama with wigs, spandexand high heels helped BRIDGE, an organization helpingyouth with disabilities, in Hudson, WI. Held at the HudsonBowling Center, the event raised around $18,000 tosupport ongoing programs for year-round day-service inthe St. Croix River Valley.
Best Buddies, a nonprofit volunteer organizationfounded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, createsopportunities and integrates employment and leadership
development for people withintellectual and developmentaldisabilities. Lucky Strike LanesSouth Beach welcomed the MiamiBusiness Buddies for an evening ofbowling, cocktails and networking.
Two Wilsons use bowling as an avenuefor charity. George Wilson of Buffalo Billsfootball fame goes back to his hometown,Paducah, KY, to support awareness ofchildhood obesity. At Cardinal Lanes, hehosted “Family Night Bowling Event”with all proceeds benefiting the GeorgeWilson Foundation.
Angels left-hander CJ Wilson useshis off-time to raise money for charityand the patients of the hematologyclinic at Children’s Hospital of OrangeCounty, CA, and homeostasis andthrombosis center at Children’sHospital Los Angeles. While he waswith the Texas Rangers, Wilson co-founded his CJ Wilson’s Children’s Charities with RobertChampagne whose son Micah has severe hemophiliaand Aspergers syndrome. Now with the Angels, Wilsonheld his first Southern California event, “Bowl Strikes” atAnaheim 300 bowling center.
Lew Smith, owner of King Pin Lanes, helps Ben,the mule, as Birgit Jackson of Paws-Claws &Hooves takes a ride.
CJ Wilson (right) withRobert Champagneand his son Micah.
“Let your fingers do the walking” has been replaced by“Google it.” In this day and age of using the internet to do justabout everything from answering a trivia question to findinga place to go bowling, see a movie or havedinner, domain names are very important.
Maple Family Centers, a Long Island-based, family-owned chain of five bowlingcenters, discovered just how importantwhen they purchased Rockville Centre Lanes,Inc. (RVC Lanes). The sellers had no web presence andwww.rvclanes.com was owned by a competitor bowling centerin nearby Baldwin. Up to this point, all was fine. However,what was not fine by RVC’s new owners was discovering thatinternet users typing in rvclanes.com were taken to the Baldwin
center’s site instead of being redirected to RVC Lanes. According to the press release issued by Maple Family
Centers, when polite requests and cease and desistcorrespondence didn’t get results, RVC Lanes sued.
It took two years and a lot of money but a settlementwas reached. The Baldwin center agreed to transfer the
rvclanes.com domain name and other related domainnames to RVC Lanes and make a settlement payment.
While a victory for Maple Family Centers, more importantly,it serves as a cautionary tale for other centers to be mindfulof domain squatting.
“It is illegal to mislead consumers. You can’t trick people andhave them go to another site,” said John LaSpina, presidentof Maple Family Centers.
MAPLE FAMILY CENTERS WINS CYBER BATTLE
14 IBI August 2012
PHOTO ESSAY
15IBI August 2012
PHOTO ESSAYPHOTO ESSAY
16 IBI August 2012
PHOTO ESSAY
18 IBI August 2012
PROFILE
on Klackner is from a small town in Wisconsin. As ayoung boy he grew to love the sport of bowling andstarted bowling in leagues at 13. As he puts it, he
simply “enjoyed the atmosphere.” It wasn’t long before thatenjoyment grew into a dream of owning a bowling center. Thatdream was put aside a year after college when he applied fora job at Brunswick. As a general manager for Brunswick, heenjoyed and loved his work.
Twenty seven years later, it all ended. At 50 years old, Donfound himself out of a job and forced to join the ranks of theunemployed. He looked for work and had a couple of offersbut with very low pay. The process had him questioning his selfworth. Even though he had excellent experience and a strongskill set, at the end of the day Don, like millions of Americanswho have found themselves in similar situations, asked the hard
questions: what is life experience, an excellent work history andstrong skills worth these days?
He did not just let those questions wrangle him; he steppedout and joined a networking group. Along with the hardquestions, he learned some hard lessons; employers are notopen to hiring workers 50 years and older regardless of theirqualifications.
Don realized it was time to reinvent himself. Through hisnetworking group, he attended the workshops andentrepreneurialship sessions they offered. At first he was notkeen on starting up a new business, but the process reigniteda dream put aside many years ago. When an opportunitypresented itself for him to own his own bowling center, a newchapter opened up in Don’s life. It was titled “Olivette Lanes,”where a well established business in a great location became
DBy Anna M. Littles
Don Klackner beside his giant bowling mural.
the answer for a man with excellent workexperience and strong skills.
After 10 months of being unemployed,the opportunity of returning to anatmosphere that he loved and enjoyed asa business owner was too good to pass up.
Olivette Lanes is a family friendly,smoke–free facility that has a strong league andcorporate events business. Their walk-in trafficis growing strong and this summer OlivetteLanes will be participating in Kids Bowl Free.Don plans on using this as a launching pad forother youth programs to follow.
Don is very happy with his business. What’snext are plans to upgrade his equipment while
19IBI August 2012
PROFILE
Olivette Lanes maintains a cleanand manicured appearance.
Don, night manager Bruce Kleger and foodand beverage manager Ashley Tooley.
The bar and restaurant at Olivette Laneshas a homey, relaxed atmosphere.
maintaining the wonderful retro feel that OlivetteLanes offers. Another goal is to put a strong
management team in place, ensuring the future ofhis business when he retires. With two kids in college
and one starting high school, he might be able tomine the talent he’s looking for amongst his own
household.Don learned a lot about himself. He learned that
opportunity is not found on a web site or in a newspaper.He strongly states that “You find it by talking to other
people. . . Take chances, re-invent yourself, network; thereare a lot of people who can help you get to your next
opportunity. The good news is that the opportunities are outthere. You’ve got to find them, and sometimes it takes longer
than you’d like, but you will find it.” The scary part is facing the unknown. One thing we know
that’s certain, unemployment is tough; making a dream deferredcome true. . . priceless! ❖
20 IBI August 2012
PROFILE
Anna Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and producer originally fromthe Bronx, New York, now resides in Santa Monica, California. You can seeher work on YouTube, IMDB, or on her website at [email protected].
Entrance to Olivette Lanes.
22 IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
ith morethan nine millionpeople competing in leagues and tournamentsin the late 1970s, bowling was unquestionably the
biggest participation sport in the United States and arguablyin the world. Since then it has clearly lost such high status.Membership in the United States Bowling Congress now isbelow two million for the first time in 60 years. Meanwhile, thereare more than 3.3 million competitive soccer participants andwell above five million softball players in the U.S. alone.
While bowling's decline has been attributed to a widevariety of changes in American society, the grassroots growthof soccer and softball has largely occurred since the U.S.hosted major worldwide events like the 1994 FIFA World Cup,the 1996 Olympics (which included softball for the first time),and the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup for soccer.All provided considerable mass media attention which attractedcasual sports fans and non-soccer and softball corporations totheir bandwagons. Golf is hoping for a similar resurgencewhen it returns to the Olympics in 2016, more than a centuryafter it last was a medal sport. With more than 4.7 billionpeople viewing the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics (70 percentof the world's population), it's no wonder golf sees the London
summer Olympics as a golden opportunity. “The Olympics are seen as the most significant driver of the
growth of the game around the world,” Golf Channel PresidentMike McCarley told the Wall Street Journal. “If we want to growgolf globally, this is the best shot,” said David Fay, formerexecutive director of the U.S. Golf Association and a memberof the International Golf Federation that was behind thatsport's Olympic promotion.
Bowling desperately needs that same type of global exposureand has already made one major(and what many people feeltoo expensive) push togain Summer Olympicsmedal sport status.While those effortsresulted in an
W
Jerry Koenig, formerChief Executive Officerof USA Bowling and oneof the main proponents ofgetting bowling in theOlympics in the 1990s andearly 2000s.
Jerry Koenig, formerChief Executive Officerof USA Bowling and oneof the main proponents ofgetting bowling in theOlympics in the 1990s andearly 2000s.
By Mark Miller
Olympic exhibitionin 1988 and opportunities toimpress International OlympicCommittee officials at severalensuing Games (see sidebar),
bowling still is on the outsidelooking in. That last initiative was led and
primarily funded by the OlympicEffort Group that included the American
Bowling Congress, Women's InternationalBowling Congress, Bowling Proprietors'Association of America and the BrunswickCorporation. With most of the individualspreviously involved either deceased or nolonger involved with bowling, new entitiesand people would be needed to rekindle themovement.
Enter the Fédération Internationale desQuilleurs, World Tenpin Bowling Association
23IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
Bowling first had a close encounter with the Olympics in 1936 when an internationaltournament in Berlin, Germany, was conducted at the same time as the Olympics. But itwas not an official part of those Games or any others until 1988 when it was an exhibitionsport in Seoul, South Korea.
Efforts to even get to that stage began in 1963 when bowling first applied to theInternational Olympic Committee to be considered a sport, something that took until 1979to achieve. They continued in earnest in 1970 led by then-American Bowling CongressExecutive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Baker, who later served as president of the sport'sworldwide governing body, the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs, from 1977-83.
Another past ABC leader, Roger Tessman, took over at FIQ in 1984 and that same year,the United States Olympic Committee granted ABC and the Women's InternationalBowling Congress Group C membership status. Earning such status gave the sport extraclout as it petitioned Olympic leaders to consider adding bowling to its program. Withthe help of other industry leaders, most notably Brunswick Corporation Chairman of theBoard Jack Reichert, all the hard work paid off in 1986 when the Korean OlympicCommittee chose bowling as an exhibition sport for the 1988 Summer Games.
While bowling truly enjoyed its chance to show itself to the world in Seoul, it wantedto take the final step toward ultimate recognition. Signs that it might took place in 1987when the USOC upgraded bowling to Class A status beginning in 1989. This occurredafter the Pan American Sports Organization approved bowling as a medal sport for the1991 Pan Am Games eight years after being a Pan Am exhibition sport.
This also gave bowling the same voice and vote on USOC policy decisions as othermajor sports and entitled the sport to be eligible for USOC grants for training andinternational competitions. And it allowed bowling to begin competing in the U.S.Olympic Festival in 1989.
Another key development was the formation of the United States Tenpin BowlingFederation in 1989. Previously, ABC and WIBC shared the USOC spot with one voice/votebetween them. USTBF changed its name to USA Bowling in 1992 with Jerry Koenig asits executive director.
While not having any official status after 1988, bowling remained in front of Olympicofficials at several ensuing Games. In 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, a 16-lane center was builtby Brunswick in the Olympic Village where the 15,000 athletes from 90 countries coulddirectly try bowling's athletic challenge for free. The center, staffed by the world's topamateur players, also hosted a special bowling event for handicapped athletes.
Bowling also made its presence known at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta on thestudent union lanes on the Georgia Tech campus which served as the Olympic Village.In addition to the World Amateur Championships being held there, the lanes served asa recreational center and learn-to-bowl facility for other athletes and Olympic officials.There also was a bowling tournament for Olympic officials at a bowling center near the1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, paid for by Japanese bowling organizations.At the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, bowling officials were present to spreadthe bowling gospel.
Unfortunately bowling's efforts lost steam later in 2002 when the IOC decided to capthe number of Summer Olympic sports at 28 and only add sports if others weredropped. While baseball and softball were removed, golf and rugby were added.Bowling, along with ballroom dancing, surfing, billiards, squash, water skiing andracquetball were rejected.
With people like Baker, Reichert and Tessman deceased and Koenig long out of thesport, it's up to Kevin Dornberger and the FIQ/WTBA to start over. Tessman, who diedlast year, liked to call the journey to full Olympic recognition as a relay race. He'd mostlikely say the baton has been passed to a new generation of leaders to try to do what heand his peers could not.
BOWLING'S OLYMPIC EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MANY
Kevin Dornberger,current head of the FIQ and World
Tenpin Bowling Association.
Kevin Dornberger,current head of the FIQ and World
Tenpin Bowling Association.
24 IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
The officials present when it announced bowling was granted exhibition status for the 1988 Olympics. From leftwere: Sonny Frantz, BPAA President; Helen Baker, WIBC President; Roger Tessman, ABC Executive Secretary-Treasurer; Jack Reichert, Brunswick CEO; and Joe Dahl, ABC President.
Photo taken at the 1936 bowling exhibition in Berlin, Germany just before that year's Olympics.
and Kevin Dornberger, president of both organizations. After learning the lessons ofthe past and knowing what's expected in the future, he knows getting into theOlympics might be bowling's last chance at worldwide sporting respectability.
“There is a changed mindset with the IOC,” said Dornberger, the Arlington,Texas, resident who has been WTBA's president since 2007 and FIQ's president sincelast September. “Before it was who do you bribe. Now you sit down and learn thegood, bad and ugly. It's been very open and candid. The IOC has been verytransparent of the issues. They said we don't have the visibility, sponsors, governanceand youth development that we need to have. They want sports that are played,publicized and sponsored.”
Which brings us back to soccer and softball. Their efforts to bring major events tothe U.S. and subsequent growth particularly at the youth levels have resulted ineverything bowling seeks to become. That includes the potential for more people tovisit bowling centers, pro shops and coaches for practice, equipment and advice.“We haven't talked specifics but there's no question sponsorship is huge like at the SuperBowl,” Dornberger said. “They don't want to add sports that are played in a basement.”
The IOC wants to add sports that generate buzz by keeping fans engaged fromthe minute they arrive at the venue until after they leave. Dornberger cited hishometown Dallas Mavericks pro basketball team that features entertainment likedancers, drummers and music when play is stopped to keep peoples' attention. “The
26 IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
Brongo BowlHoneoye Falls, NY
Bowling’s Only Full-Service Brokers,Appraisers & Financial Advisors
28200 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
(800) 222 • 9131
We congratulate John Higgins onhis purchase of this fine center andthank Mrs. Donna Brongo for trust-ing Marcel Fournier to handle the
transaction. We wish John andDonna all the best in the future.
WTBA created an alliance so that PBAmembers can participate and earn PBAtitles on the WBT. That means top prosnow can compete for titles worldwide.“If we can grow the tour, if we can getto be an international entity by 2013, it
will be satisfying and sufficient,”Dornberger said. “We want to bringevents that pay $100,000.” Dornbergerhas been pleasantly surprised by theresponse received throughout the world,but especially by people interested inglobal bowling outside the U.S.
“If we can get spectators, media andsponsors, that would move us forwardin the eyes of the IOC and the sport,”he said.
Creating the World Bowling Tour wasjust one major initiative. Another waschanging FIQ's governance structure.Until last September, it had separatevolunteer presidents for the organizationoverall and its WTBA and World NinepinBowling Association divisions but noemployees. After determining thatwasn't what was best for the sport, theorganization restructured with paidWTBA and WNBA presidents who
1988 Summer Olympics, from left: Men's Coach Bob Mills, Mark Lewis, DebbieMcMullen, and women's coach Carol Miller.
WTBA has to work on that,” he said. “We can't have an hour for re-oiling. Peoplewill leave. We have to appeal to people who aren't bowlers. Even when you buildlanes on a street (like at this year's U.S. Women's Open in Reno), it's still bowling.It's only a bowling tournament.”
Bowling's major worldwide exposures before 2011 were the WTBA WorldChampionships held every two-to-four years but often in obscurity outside thebowling world. To try to change that perception, Dornberger and the WTBA createdthe World Bowling Tour. What began with nine total events last year has nearly doubledin 2012, all designed to bring world-class competitive bowlers to the ends of the earth.“The tour is by far our most important asset,” said Dornberger, who previouslychampioned the effort to allow professionals into WTBA events. “There are 15stops scheduled for 2012 with the help of the PBA. By 2013, our goal is global TVfor 15-20 events with global sponsorships that aren't bowling related. It's aggressivebut you have to be aggressive.”
To make each event even more special, the Professional Bowlers Association and
1988 Olympic exhibition gold medalists ArianneCerdena of The Philippines, and Kwon Jong Yul ofSouth Korea.
28 IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
Bill Poff, who won four medals in bowling's inauguralappearance in the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1989 inOklahoma City, OK.
added the duties of chief executive officerand treasurer. It also deemed the FIQpresident would be either the WTBA orWNBA president with Dornberger elected tothat position for a four-year term. ForDornberger, it meant going from spending10 percent of his time as WTBA volunteerpresident to a full-time job, his first sincestepping down as United States BowlingCongress chief operating officer in 2009. “In2011, I probably spent 150 days on the road
Members of Team Colombia congratuating Clara Guerreroon setting a record for all-events at the 2009 WTBAWomen's World Championships.
Competitors in the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festivalin Oklahoma City, OK.
to develop relationships which you have to dofor partnerships,” he said. “I couldn't havedone that when I was at USBC.”
With the World Bowling Tour and newgovernance firmly in place, the next initiativeis youth development. Again, bowling wouldlike to follow soccer and golf where theirsuccesses have been fueled primarily bylarge increases in youth participation. Afterseeing athletes compete in the World Cupand Olympics, young boys and girls haveflocked to the pitches and diamonds to try tobecome the next big stars. “We need todevelop the sport at the grass roots sportlevel, not at the recreation level, not at the
national team level but inbetween,” Dornberger said.“We need schools teachingthem. The American[business] concept of thingsis not really what we wantfor the worldwide concept.Getting the sport intoschool systems around theworld would be big. In some
29IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
Photo of bowling's participants in the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Team USA winning the gold medalin the team event of the 2010WTBA World Men's Championshipsin Munich, Germany. Pictured, fromleft are: Rhino Page, TommyJones, Patrick Allen, Wes Malott,Chris Barnes and Bill O'Neill.
30 IBI August 2012
COVER STORY
Mark Miller is a freelance writer from FlowerMound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-FortWorth bowling writer for the Examiner.com, acolumnist for the Bowling Network News, and,most recently, the author of the upcoming book"Bowling: America's Greatest Game.”
areas [of the world] bowling is babysitting, something to keep the kids off thestreets.” But in other parts of the world, bowling is considered a “real” sport.Dornberger reports, “Scandinavia is as advanced an area as any of thecountries. There's no question bowling is a sport. The same in the Philippines.Bowling is in sports centers there, not in bars.”
To help develop youth bowling like that elsewhere, Brunswick establisheda $50,000 grant for federations. It's quite possible the money will initiallybe used outside the United States.
“My concern for the U.S. market is you have to have recreation to keep thebuilding open, but you can't ever forget the sport is the cause of the activity,”Dornberger said. “You have to have a path that is not about fads and a nicheso I don't know if it is possible to go down a path from recreation to sport inthis country. I understand the proprietor view worrying about keeping their doorsopen. Ideally you are looking long term but maybe they can't. FIQ/WTBA islooking at a future which may not be how they look at it in the U.S. Our[FIQ/WTBA] long-term view is we must start new youth programs that emphasizethe sport environment instead of a baby-sitting environment. The proprietoraspect is where is their growth going to come from if not through the re-
emergence of the sport?” So what are bowling's Olympic prospects? Zero
for this year in London or in 2016, but Dornberger saidthe IOC may add a sport in 2020. “Nothing will havethe impact on the U.S. and the world as getting in theOlympics,” Dornberger said. “It's up to us. If we do getin and are successful, it will make for majoradvancements for the sport.” ❖
Men's 1988 Olympic gold medalist Kwon Jong Yul of South Korea.
The Royal Bowling Center in Seoul, South Korea, where the bowling in the 1988 Olympics was held.
Shannon Pluhowsky celebrating her gold medal in the Masters competition of the 2011 WTBAWomen's World Championships in Hong Kong.
Mark Lewis in the Olympic Village at the 1988 Olympics atSeoul, South Korea.
34 IBI August 2012
s you approach the entrance of the building,you’re pretty sure this place has something todo with entertainment. And once inside, there's
no mistake to be made. Combine a sports bar, video/gamearcade, pool hall, restaurant, nightclub, laser tag arena,mini-golf course, coffee shop, snack bar and oh yes,bowling, and you have the family-friendly success that theDallas area-based Main Event Entertainment has become.
“We've made bowling fun,” said Director of MarketingAmy Johnson. “We don't want to take ourselves tooseriously. If you are worried about the lanes being oiledright, which they may not be, this may not be the placefor you. Everybody works incredibly hard, especially ourgeneral managers. We have a kitchen to operate and havebowling and have lots of games. We need two or threepeople at each location to fix the games and to handlethe prizes for the points we give away.”
Since 1998, the family entertainment center chainhas been bringing good fun, food and bowling to major
Texas metropolitan areas likeDallas-Fort Worth, Houston,Austin, Lubbock and its 10thlocation in San Antonio thatopened April 26. “I can't tellyou how amazing San Antoniois,” Johnson said. “It haselevated lanes and soft seating.It has the indoor gravity ropessuspended above the videogames. It's doing phenomenal.”
Main Event is doing sophenomenally, it is opening newlocations in Katy and Staffordoutside Houston in Decemberand plans expanding outside Texas for the first time in 2013 with sixlocations to be announced. Since 2008, Main Event Entertainmenthas been a subsidiary of Australia-based Ardent Leisure Group.After the retirement of original owners Dave Smith and Neil Hupfauer,Ardent brought in leadership from outside the bowling industry, like
A
GOING BEYOND By Mark Miller
It's Unanimous:Main Event Scores Big in the BEC World.The Texas-based chain has mastered the business of the BEC, from bowlingto redemption to food. And they just keep on growing.
Amy Johnson, Director of Marketingfor Main Event.
The arcade is filled with the most up to date and profitable games.
35IBI August 2012
Johnson from Dave and Busters, President and ChiefExecutive Officer Charlie Keegan from Applebeesand Chief Financial Officer Doug Novak from Pepsi.“They brought us in to redefine the company,”Johnson said. “Our job was to re-brand the companyand focus the consumer on fun. We use variousmedia to emphasize fun.”
Each location features between 45,000 and100,000 square feet with 22-32 bowling lanes, lasertag, interactive games, food and beverage, meetingand event space and free Wi-Fi. But each also cantailor its offerings and workforce (generally 100-150employees) depending on area demographics. For
example, Austin features a rock-climbing wall while Friscoincludes gravity ropes suspended above the mini-golf course,a smoothie bar and a high-end pizzeria. “Unlike traditionalcenters where the general manager can make decisions,everything comes from here,” said Johnson at the company'snew Plano support center corporate headquarters. “If theywant to change something, they have to go through here. Youhave to do that for consistency and branding. We have avery wide demographic but we focus on families. It all dependson our area demographics.”
Smith and Hupfauer, investment bankers who first delvedinto the bowling business in the early 1990s at Fun Fest innearby Addison, started the Main Event brand. They openedthe first Main Event in Lewisville, about 20 miles north of
The redemption area at the Frisco location is bright, airy and organized.
The lanes at the new Frisco location are the centerpiece of operations.
Outside looking in, the redemption area Winners Circle is enticing.
La Bella’s Pizza is a comfortable and convenientplace to get a meal inside Main Event.
36 IBI August 2012
Dallas. It remains essentially the same as when it openedthough it's hard to tell, as it is bright, clean and colorful,definitely not your father's bowling center.
“They were great business leaders,” Johnson said of Smithand Hupfauer. “They operated the chain for 10 years, did verywell, sold it and retired.” Smith and Hupfauer opened theirsecond location in 1999 about 10 miles away in Grapevine, nearDallas-Fort Worth International Airport. In 2001, they expandedto Plano and in 2004 started in Fort Worth. They finallyventured outside of DFW in 2005 to Shenandoah (north ofHouston), Austin in 2006, and Webster (south of Houston) andLubbock in 2007.
While Smith and Hupfauer were quite successful, Johnsonsaid their business model emphasized bowling and typicalbowling food like hot dogs and pizza. Once Ardent tookover, that all changed. “What we were getting from ourcustomers was they were going somewhere else to eat likeChili's or Friday's,” Johnson said. “Within a year, we redefined
the menu and re-branded cafes with table top menus. Withinthree years our food revenue became greater than bowlingand we've had double-digit growth the last two years. We hadto work very, very hard. We saw an opportunity. You shouldn'thave to leave and come back if you put your name on thebowling waiting list. Instead of going to the Chili's next door,now you can do it all in the building.”
Other changes included elevating the bowling lanes andputting lights around them and creating separate diningrooms. The combined formula must have worked as theDallas-Fort Worth American Marketing Association namedMain Event as its 2011 Marketer of the Year.
Customers pay for many amenities by the hour at rates thatvary depending on day and time. Glow golf and laser tag gofor $5-$7 while billiards and shuffleboard are $8-$14 andbowling $19-$29 for up to six people. Games range from 50cents to $3 with most between 50 cents and $1.50.
Among Main Event's most popular offerings are the limited-time-only value packages available five times a year based onthe seasons. Currently there is a Summer FUNpass whereyouth can play all day for $15.95 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and$17.95 from 5 p.m.-close. Other packages are available forpost-prom/graduation parties, youth group events, birthdayparties, corporate team building, youth lock-ins, end-of-season team celebrations and Monday nights. There are alsosummer youth fun camps and a few weekday leagues in fall,winter and spring. “Traditional centers have leagues; we havefun bowling leagues,” Johnson said. “They are fun and social
Main Event partnered with Intercard to create a state-of-the-art cashlessdebit card system that can be used throughout the facility.
In a creative effort tooptimize space andmaximize the fun, a
ropes obstacle courseis suspended above
the mini-golf holes.
The billiard area in Main Event’s Frisco location includes two electronic shuffleboards.
38 IBI August 2012
parties and families do the same on weekenddays while older teenagers and parents occupythe weekend nights. “Like most FECs, we do ourbest on the weekends which means a wait list,”Johnson said. “While they wait they will playgames or go eat. It's essential to have otherthings so they stay in the building. The averagetime our customers are in our buildings is threehours. “The kids see games and they go play.People come now just for the rock climbing inAustin or the ropes course in San Antonio.”
While the food and entertainment keep peoplein the Main Event buildings, they normally aren'twhat initially attracts them. “Bowling is still theNo. 1 reason they come and it's still our anchor butnow they will stay longer,” Johnson said. “Wehave multiple ways to try to bring a goodexperience to our guests. We want to be a placefor everyone.” ❖
The aquatic-themed glow mini-golf is a big draw for Main Event.
Mark Miller is a freelance writer from FlowerMound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-FortWorth bowling writer for Examiner.com and acolumnist for the Bowling News Network.
and generally last eight weeks and you get a commemorative bowlingball. We call them our 8 for $8 leagues, $8 per person for 8 weeks. Funleagues have been big for us.”
Johnson said 75% of Main Event's business is from walk-ins. The restconsists primarily of business group events for companies like Frito-Lay,Dell, J.C. Penney's, the Cotton Bowl and Texas Motor Speedway. To becloser to many company headquarters, Main Event moved lastNovember from Carrollton. While corporate events keep the MainEvents busy during weekdays and fun leagues on weeknights, birthday
40 IBI August 2012
Main Event was one of the earliest adapters of theBowling FEC and hybrid models. When did the first MainEvent open and what is the concept today?
The first Main Event opened 15 years ago. Neil Hupfauer,one of the founders of Main Event, was not only one of thefirst people in the industry to identify the opportunity inrecreational bowling, he was also one of the first to go outon a limb and create a concept exclusively designed for therecreational bowler. A pioneer and visionary, Neil created aconcept that is very relevant today. Although we have updatedthe prototype since, the concept remains largely the same.
When you joined the company in 2006, did you identifyany opportunities to improve the original organization andconcept?
Some research we conducted at the time indicated therewas an opportunity with our food and beverage. Specifically,if we were to improve our food and beverage offerings, alongwith our table service, guests indicated they would comemore often and stay longer. This has been a central themein our strategy for the last several years. Although we still havework to do, the strategy has been paying off for us as we noware getting credit for these improvements from our guests.
So you are actively evolving your business. What drivesyour thought process in considering adding newentertainment and attractions?
We are data driven with our decisions and so the challengefor us is how to measure new venue performance. Where wecan, we try to test our concepts in one center before rollingthem out across our system.
If the three core elements of the Main Event experienceare bowling, game room, and food and beverage, explainthe synergies.
The simple way we look at it is “people come for thebowling and stay for the F&B and games”. That is how wemarket and that is how the business flows. Within each
ENGAGING INTERVIEW
The head of Main Event shares some business insights.
element, however, we employ anumber of tactics to optimizespend and control dwell times.
Any future evolutionary stepson the drawing board?
Our latest prototype werecently opened in San Antoniowas a major evolutionary stepforward for us. We are pleasedwith how the format isperforming, and it is the model wewill be driving forward with overthe next few years as we accelerate development.
Where do you see the Bowling Entertainment Centerconcept in five years?
The bowling industry, in general, is going though somesegmentation now, which in our view is very healthy. Thereare some exciting new concepts emerging, which is great forthe industry.
How would you advise a new BEC developer on thetop 3 pitfalls to avoid?
We are not in the consulting business but we can reportwe have made our fare share of mistakes: Not doing enoughhomework around site selection, getting too aggressivewith pricing and listening to too many consultants (and notenough guests) are a couple of mistakes that we have made.
The top 3 opportunities to embrace?We are very bullish on recreational bowling and bullish on
our own business model. We think food and entertainmentbundling is on trend, as we have seen in theatre conceptsaround the country. We also think there is a move to qualityin retail and entertainment experiences and therefore, it isimportant for our centers to have an above market,aspirational look and feel. ❖
Charlie Keegan
A Few Minutes with Charlie Keegan,CEO of Main Event
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41IBI August 2012
ne of the premises of Beyond Bowling is to be aforum to communicate what is happening in thebrave new world of Bowling Entertainment Centers.
Any time you enter a new world, there’s a learning curve. Likenatives everywhere, the world of family entertainment isinhabited by all kinds. There are different opinions on the bestway of doing things. Which laser tag brand is best for theproject? How to design a playfield? How many games toequip the game room with? Which games to select? Whichdebit card system is best? As consultants in familyentertainment, we naturally recommend retaining someonewith experience to join your team and help you to navigate.A good consultant returns their fees many times over inupfront cost savings, ongoing sales generation, and by helpingthe newcomer avoid costly mistakes.
ConsultantsWhen selecting a consultant, ensure up front that the
consultant will be working for you. In return for their fee youhave the right to expect that the consultant will do everythingin their power to get you the best deals. Ask about their ethicspolicy and get a written copy. Many consultants do nothave direct operating experience in the areas they advise on.Look carefully at their background and experience operating.Any FEC today is a major investment and should be subjectto due diligence. Selecting a consultant certainly qualifieshere. Check references.
Buying GamesMany owners shop games and attractions based on what
they like at the trade shows. This is a common mistake.Whether purchasing for an entirely new gameroom or buyingnew for an old one, check actual performance from trustedsources. Your distributor, your consultant and fellow operatorsare all examples of such sources. Business social media sitesare another source as their discussion groups air a wide rangeof views. We hope to grow the Beyond Bowling discussiongroup on IBI’‘s website at bowlingindustry.com as aclearinghouse for good info.
Game rankings tell a story, but only part of the story. Themain objective when buying new games is to add sales to the
Welcome To Our World!
O
BEC/FEC BASICS By George McAuliffe
The game mix is key to redemption arcade profitability.
entire game room, taken as a whole. Too often one hears:“that game paid for itself in 6 weeks!” This is misleading. “Waita minute,” you might say, “if a new game brings in $1,000 perweek for 6 weeks and cost me $6,000. I did get my $$$ backin 6 weeks!” Right? Wrong! That new game cannibalizedsome portion of its revenue from the other games already inthe room. What really matters is the new sales which the newgame generates. It’s also of utmost importance to reserve somedollars for new game purchases. Select games based on aformula that includes game sales, ranking, purchase price,expected resale value, payout level, and the ability to generateincremental sales to the room. .
Other DecisionsThere are always new ideas out there, and people
promoting them. I’m a believer in the old maxim “if you thinkyou know everything, you can’t learn anything.” That said, I’veseen a lot of theories based on nothing more than gut instinctor superficial analysis of the costs and benefits. Trying new waysof doing business, testing ideas, and participating in thecontinuous evolution of the family entertainment center overthe last 34 years, I’ve learned the value of testing assumptionsand looking hard at the numbers for answers.
So there’s a taste of a few considerations in the world offamily entertainment attractions. I hope you will be joining inthe discussions. ❖
42 IBI August 2012
OFF THE CLOCK
t’s my life,” says Polonio “Polo” Arellano, a veteran lane mechanic,about his work. A former construction worker, Polo had no bowlingexperience when he arrived in Los Angeles in 1975 from Mexico. Drawn
by the hope of a better life in America, Polo, then 20 years old, toiled for awhile in restaurants as a dishwasher until his brother-in-law got him a job asa night janitor at a bowling center in East Los Angeles. That simple butfortuitous move was the beginning of a career that’s still going strong morethan 35 years later.
When the center’s manager discovered Polo’s talent with machinery, hehad his mechanic begin teaching Polo the skills necessary to maintain andrepair the center’s lane machines. The manager soon offered Polo a job asa lane mechanic. Polo was reluctant at first, accepting only when themanager assured him he could have his old job back if it didn’t work out. Itwas a promise the manager didn’t have to keep.
A few years later the center closed and Polo was transferred to anothercenter. He has gone on to work at many other bowling centers around LosAngeles as a mechanic, and currently works in the San Fernando Valley. Heenjoys the work and it has provided steady employment, allowing him andhis wife to raise a family of ten children. None of his children have followedhim into the bowling business however. One son tried working in a bowlingcenter as a teenager, but “he didn’t like it,” says Polo, smiling.
An energetic man with a ready smile and a charming personality, Polo iswell known in the front of the house as well. Like many mechanics, heknows the whole operation and is always willing to help out where needed.
He also enjoys mixing with the customers. He doesn’t bowl muchhimself, and then mostly to check the performance of the machines, buthe’s studied many bowlers over the years. He’s eager to share his knowledge,and often stops to give customers tips on their technique. “I like to helppeople bowl better,” he says.
Dedicated to his job, Polo is a shining example of the hard-working
mechanics that do so muchto make our industry
successful. As the front ofthe house becomes more
sophisticated, with fancy audio-visualsystems and digital equipment, manycustomers must assume that similar
technology resets the pins and returns theballs. However in “the back” where thevenerable Brunswick and AMF machinesthrum and rumble, “it’s the same as in1975” says Polo. It’s the sometimes
knuckle-busting toil and the considerableknowledge and ingenuity of mechanics like
Polo that keep everything running smoothly. Mechanics must be good with their hands and
need excellent hand-eye coordination. Those arealso skills possessed by artists, so it’s not surprisingthat Polo is a talented artist who likes to relax bypainting. What may surprise you is his choice ofmedium- bowling pins!
A few years ago, a customer at Polo’s center wasdrawing cartoon characters on a sketch padbetween frames. The manager noticed his work andasked if the artist would paint some old bowling pinsto be used as prizes for the center’s junior bowling
IBy Robert Sax
“
Polo and a happy customer.
43IBI August 2012
OFF THE CLOCK
league. “We gave him two cratesof pins to decorate,” says Polo,“but he never came back.”
Intrigued by the idea, Polodecided to try his hand at paintingsome pins. His first work was apainting of Pluto, Mickey Mouse’sdog. Although he had neverpainted before, it came naturallyto the native of Zacatecas, theMexican city famed for its longfolk and fine art tradition andmany museums. Encouraged bythe result, Polo made a few more,gave them away to kids at thecenter, and continued to paint.Soon he was hooked.
Polo estimates he has paintedmore than 400 pins to date. His favorite subjects are cartoon charactersincluding Mickey Mouse, Popeye, the Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants,Scooby-Doo and El Chavo del 8, a popular Mexican animated series. Because“The Valley” is home to many of these popular shows, Polo has met some ofthe producers who create them. “One of the people who works on “TheSimpsons” was in my center. I showed him one of my Simpsons pins and he likedit so much he bought it from me,” says Polo, who is modest about his work.
“The man wanted me to sign the pin, but I saidno because I didn’t create the character.”
Although one of his daughters has urgedPolo to sell his work online, he mostly paintsthe pins as a hobby. He has done somecommissioned work for birthdays and othercelebrations but isn’t in it for the money. “Icharge enough to pay for my paints,” he says.
There is one important project on the horizon,however. Polo’s wife wants him to paint enoughpins to decorate the tables at the upcomingquinceañera party of his teenage daughter, butwith more than 20 tables, it’s a big order. Still,nothing seems too hard for the energetic andenthusiastic Polo, who seems to find all work alabor of love. So it’s a good bet that his partyguests will be vying to take home his latestwork as a souvenir. ❖
Robert Sax is a writer and PR consultant inLos Angeles. He grew up in Toronto, Canada,the home of five-pin bowling.
Another thrilled customer with his Sponge Bob bowling pin.
44 IBI August 2012
SHOWCASE
ON-LANE REDEMPTIONYour center will offer more FUN andEXCITEMENT with the new Ticket Depot!Whether you already have redemptiongames or are looking to cash in on thepopularity and growth of redemptiongames, if you have Vector scoring, TicketDepot is right for you. Bowlers are rewarded with ticketsbased on their score, spares and strikes. Ticket Depot is avail-able for centers with Vector Plus version 5. For more informa-tion, contact your Brunswick Representative, call 1-800-YES-BOWL or 1-231-725-4966.
RIGHT SHOTMake sure your bartenders portion everyliquor shot to the amount YOU want thecustomer to receive, not the heavy shot sizeoften poured to solicit bigger tips! Provideconsistency to the taste of mixed drinks anddrastically reduce liquor costs by controlling over pouring.Posi-Pour spouts are also available with larger corks to fitwide neck bottles like Patron & 1800. DON’T GET “SHOT”TO DEATH! Learn more about this profitable opportunityonline at www.AlcoholControls.com or call 800-285-2337.
TRAININGWEBINARSNew Center Consulting has teamed up with AKMicroSystem's 20+ years of management systems experienceto do the unimaginable in the bowling industry: new scoringrunning alongside existing scoring, all controlled by onemodern management system. With a Touch Desk 3 manage-ment system operating the existing scoring in your center,you can now add Touch Score 3 New Scoring one pair at atime. Call Glenn for details at 248-375-2751.
UNIQUE TROPHIESIf you spend your free time down at the lanes, abowling trophy from Far Out Awards is perfectfor you! Every bowler loves beer, and this trophyhas it all! Bowling trophies are hard to come by,especially one that doesn't look like a cheap littleleague award. This bowling trophy also makes agreat bowling gift or a league award. Eachbowling trophy comes with free custom engrav-ing, so you can engrave any personal messageyou want. Visit www.faroutawards.com for more information.
45IBI July 2012
DATEBOOK
OCTOBER4BCA of Ohio Executive Board MeetingEmbassy Suites, Columbus2700 Corporate Exchange Dr.Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
14-17East Coast Bowling CentersConventionRevel (www.revelresorts.com)Atlantic City, NJFor info: www.eastcoastbowl.com800-343-1329 ext. 8451
15-19Brunswick European PinsetterTraining SessionsGS Series & Vector ScoringHungary. For info email:[email protected]
17 – 19ENADA Roma 2012RomeEmail: [email protected]
22 – 24Southwest Bowling ProprietorsIdeas ShareCrowne Plaza Hotel, Arlington, [email protected]
28-30West Coast Bowling ConventionRed Rock Casino, Resort & SpaLas VegasSandi Thompson, NorCal Bowling925-485-1855
29 – NOV 9A-2 Pinsetter MaintenanceSchoolQC Family Entertainment CenterMoline, ILFor info call Frank Miroballi540-325-7684 or email [email protected]
NOVEMBER12 – 16IAAPA Attractions ExpoOrange County ConventionCenterOrlando, FL703-836-4800; iaapa.org/expos
14-15BCA of Ohio Fall Seminar &MeetingEmbassy Suites, Columbus2700 Corporate Exchange Dr.Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
24 – Dec 248th QubicaAMF BowlingWorld CupSky Bowling CentreWroclaw, the City of Bridges,PolandAnne-Marie Board,[email protected]
JANUARY 201327 – 31BPAA Summit Hyatt Regency, San Antonio, TXwww.bowlexpo.com
JUNE23 – 28BPAA Bowl ExpoParis Hotel, Las Vegaswww.bowlexpo.com
IBI
IBI
IBI
Official magazineof the convention
46 IBI August 2012
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47IBI August 2012
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48 IBI August 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
FRAMEWORX SCORING PARTS: Priced toSELL. Sold by the lane or individual parts.Quantity discounts. Contact Bill Rossman @Parkway Bowl (619) 448-4111 or email:[email protected].
32+ lanes Brunswick AS-80 scoring.Complete package +extra parts.Excellent condition. Will sell by lane orindividual parts. Make offer. BillHenderson @ Clearview Lanes (717)653-1818.
FOR SALE: 11 ea. 28” Fenice monitorboards for Qubica automatic scoring. Inworking order when removed. $250.00 ea.Call Hillcrest Lanes (419) 675-6214.
CENTER FOR SALE
TEXAS, LUBBOCK: 32-lane center closeto university. A-2s, AMF scoring, syntheticlanes. Includes bar, grill, arcade &additional income producing RE. Strongadult/youth leagues, college classes &open-play traffic. Seller motivated. Contact:[email protected].
CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 12 lanes, autoscoring, Anvilane synthetics, 82-70s. Greatfood sales. Yearly tournament. Attached,large 3 bedroom apartment w/ fireplace.$550K. (715) 223-8230.
NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s,Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game &pool rooms. See pics andinfo @ www.visitcolby.com or contactCharles (785) 443-3477.
SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant.Includes business and real estate. Nice,smaller community. Owner retiring.$212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828.
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.
CENTERS FOR SALE
UPSTATE NEW YORK: 8-lane center/commercial building built in 1992.Synthetic lanes, new automatic scoring,kitchen and room to expand! Reduced tosell @ $375,000. Call (315) 376-3611.
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.
49IBI August 2012
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Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940
on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: [email protected]
AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • FrameworxSERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL
NEW KEYPADS • FRONT DESK LCD MONITORS
2021 Bridge StreetJessup, PA 18434570-489-8623www.minigolfinc.com
MINIATURE GOLF COURSESIndoor/Outdoor. ImmediateInstallation. $5,900.00 & up.
"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
50 IBI August 2012
CENTERS FOR SALE
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 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.
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.
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.
CLASSIFIEDS
51IBI August 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
CENTERS FOR SALE
NE NEVADA: New 2001. 16 lanes, 19,200square feet, 1.68 acres paved, sound &lighting, lounge w/ gaming, arcade, fullservice snack bar & pro shop. Call (775)934-1539.
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].
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN: medium/largecenter in excellent physical condition. Strongrevenue. Due to unique situation, priced atonly $469,000. Perfect turnkey opportunity.Email: [email protected] orContact (248) 252-1427.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA: 8-lane Brunswickcenter, 18,000 s/f with restaurant, gameroom & banquet facility for 400. REDUCEDTO $225,000. Turnkey operation averaging$250,000+ last five years. Call Dave or Cindy(320) 843-4040; cell (320) 808-6521.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
52 IBI August 2012
CLASSIFIEDS
SERVICES 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.
AMF 5850 & 6525 Chassis: 5850 chassisowners—we can now help. Exchange yourtired or damaged chassis for an upgraded,rewired, cleaned, painted & ready-to-runchassis. Fast turnaround. Total satisfactionguaranteed with prices owner friendly.References available. We make sick chassisbetter! CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.
(818) 789-2695SELL YOUR CENTER
CENTERS FOR SALE
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].
INDIANA METRO: Well-established largecenter with late-model equipment. Stronglocation, recently remods. Real estate incl.Sandy Hansell (800) 222-9131.
CENTER FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE: 16-LANE Brunswick center.Includes snack bar, game room, proshop. Great potential—needs some TLC.Willing to work with leasee. Call Bill @(870) 523-3638.
(818) 789-2695SELL YOUR CENTER
53IBI August 2012
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
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 1-800-700-4KEYINTʼL 530-432-1027
E-mail: [email protected] YOUR ORDER TO US AT:
530-432-2933
MARSHALL ELECTRONICS• Electronic Scoring Repair• AMF Accuscore Plus• Curtain Wall Chassis - $285
• Foul Units• Chassis Boards• Brunswick Scoring
We repair all types of monitor boards.Call for a complete price list.
593 Loxley Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753
732-240-6554 • 800-782-9494www.merepair.webs.com
POSITION WANTED
Seeking managerial position:EXPERIENCED manager/district manager ofsingle & multiple unit centers; specializing inturn around centers; great customer serviceskills, inventory and payroll controls and P &L controls. References and resume availableupon request. Email:[email protected] or leave message@ (817) 232-2219.
Former center owner with 15 years all aroundexperience as GM, league promoter, A-levelBrunswick mechanic, scoring system installerand lane technician. Well suited for manypositions. Call Mitch at (808) 443-3868.
SALES POSITION WANTED: 25 yearsexperience; specializing in openbowling. References available. Maywork on commission. Kevin Malick(863) 602-4850.
(818) 789-2695
SELL YOUR CENTEROR EQUIPMENT
FAST!
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!
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
ne might say that in 1954bowling was in its earlystages. There were 7,062certified ABC centers and
2,419 BPAA centers.Membership in the ABC was1,741,000 and the WIBC22,842. In ten years thosefigures would skyrocket.
1954 was an era wherecars were flashy T-Birds andmen were hockey playerswithout helmets and facemasks. Sports Illustratedbegan its premiere year, andits third issue showed the“New Look in Bowling.” Littlecould that unhappy pin boyforesee what was to come.In actuality, bowling was onthe verge of going huge!Glitz and glamour werejust around the corner.
There was a lot of hugethat year. The TonightShow debuted; Elvisrecorded his first record,“That’s All Right;” andBill Haley introduced usto “Rock Around the Clock.” Thenthere were the real huge…baseball’s HankAaron, Stan Musial, and Willie Mays plusboxing’s Rocky Marciano. In bowling it wasHank Marino, Bowler of the Half-Century,and All-America’s team: Don Carter, TonySparando, Joe Wilman, Buzz Fazio, EdLaubanski and Bill Lillard.
All in all it was an exciting time. ❖
IBI August 2012
REMEMBER WHEN
54
O1954
