THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
CONTENTS
VOL 25.4
6 ISSUE AT HAND
24 COVER STORY
T/K
John Davis’ Legacy Inspires Kegel’s Success Today
By Scott Frager
The Kegel Company team carries on and thrives under Mitchell Family Investments ownership
8 SHORTS • Patterson Bowl, Baltimore, saves ‘old school’ in renovation. • 40 years, side by side at Linn Lanes, Lebanon, OR • BPAA Bowling Industry Service Awards • A nod to Darrell Ducat, patriarch to Ohio bowling family • PeopleWatching: Kegel promotes Terry Owens; Intercard brings on Peter Fanning for Philippine post.
By Jim Goodwin 16
INDUSTRY PROFILE Switch Is Back On In The U.S.A. Third generation proprietor John Fatigati heads the renewed focus. By Sean Krainert
42 CONFERENCE F2FEC 2017 Offers Something Completely Different 24
16 PROFILE Mookie Betts Loves Bowling Nearly as Much as Baseball
What is your plan to differentiate? By Robert Sax
54 REMEMBER WHEN 1960s
MLB Superstar still finds plenty of time for bowling.
Bowl Down Cancer
By Mark Miller
By Patty Heath
22 FINANCE What Is My Credit Score and Why Does It Matter?
By Ben Jones
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frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Garber garber@bowlingindustry.com
OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com
CONTRIBUTORS Jim Goodwin Patty Heath Ben Jones Sean Krainert Mark Miller Robert Sax
EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com
Sean Krainert sean@yourwriteanswer.com
ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Designworks www.dzynwrx.com (818) 735-9424
FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)
By Patty Heath
How your financial past can affect your lending future.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager
47 Showcase 48 Datebook 49 Classifieds 42
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HOTLINE: 818-789-2695 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders. POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, 12655 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2017, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.
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THE ISSUE AT HAND
Following Footsteps Just like any trade, maybe even more than others, bowling has its fair share of icons. It very well may be because our industry is mature, or perhaps because we have a rich tradition of entrepreneurs who constantly try to make our business better. Regardless of the inspiration, bowling seems to bring out the best in our business minds.
IN WHOSE FOOTSTEPS
DO YOU FOLLOW AND WHY?? WWW.BOWLINGINDUSTRY.COM
Over the past 25 years, International Bowling Industry has featured many iconic personalities. Meeting these men and women, interviewing them, and bringing their inspirational stories to the industry have been some of the most meaningful and enjoyable parts of my job. Of the many traits that these leaders have in common, I’ve found that humility ranks high on
the list. Very few feel as if they are special, and most flatly reject the concept. But, we know otherwise and respectfully and carefully paint their stories in words. I’m hoping some of them are reading this very column. As hard as it may be to achieve this honored title, I can say that it is just as challenging for those working with, and following behind such a leader. Running a business and finding one’s own way is tough enough without the added pressure of having to fill the shoes of those who’ve blazed the trail before us. When the baton is passed unexpectedly, the heavy weight of responsibility is felt even more—no time to adjust. Sometimes companies never seem to be able to recover from an untimely loss of a founder/leader. Our cover story this month is both a tribute to an icon, Kegel’s John Davis, who was lost too early, and to two of the men and their team, who have risen to the challenge and committed themselves to honoring his mission. For all of those who have known John Davis, I think you’ll agree that Kegel’s CEO/President Chris Chartrand and Davis’ business partner, Jonathan Mitchell, have done a remarkable job honoring and maintaining the vision of this iconic man.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR frager@bowlingindustry.com
4Pinboy Challenge “I believe I am one of the relics of the industry you were challenging. My father purchased a small eight-lane center in Reno, NV, in 1956. It was called Reno Bowl and was one of only two centers in Reno. It was a wonderful time for bowling, and Reno was a small town where everyone knew one another. After a small apprenticeship by some of the old-timers, I could set pins. For me, it was fun; for them, it was how they made a living. I was only eight years old when I started. My hands were not big enough to handle as many pins as they could, and so I had to rely on speed. I still have the small knots on my shins where I was hit with flying pins from the hard throwers. Bill Noah (l) with son William. To listen to the old-time pinboys tell their stories is something I wish every bowling enthusiast could experience. They came from all over the country and from different walks of life. They only thing they had in common was ending up in Reno and loving the game of bowling. My ‘career’ lasted only two years. My father remodeled the center, renaming it the New Reno Bowl, and with the new automatic pinsetters, the pinboys either learned to be mechanics or just disappeared. When I remember times in my life, those days will be some of the fonder memories I have. Thanks for letting me share this bit of trivia with you.” Bill Noah owns Sunset Lanes, a 12-lane center in Ely, NV. He is pictured here with his son, William, bowling at Nationals in El Paso; bowling still runs in the family. Thanks, Bill! 6
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GOODWILL CENTRAL
SHORTS The fourth annual Bowling for Scholarship Dollars was held at Eagle Rock Lanes, West Orange, NJ. Over 100 people turned out to raise $2,500 for Principal Hayden Moore’s scholarship fund. Sunrise Strikes, Zanesville, OH, was the place; Strikeout for Breast Cancer was the event. All the proceeds from the event went toward the Genesis Cancer Center for local breast cancer patients. The funds are designed for the items that insurance doesn’t cover. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationally recognized organization which offers mentoring services for children. In Helena, MT, it has been helping children for 50 years. This year, a 50s-themed bowling party was held for Bowl for Kids’ Sake at Sleeping Giant Lanes. A sister-chapter in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, held a Bowl for Kids’ Sake at Carroll’s Bowling Lanes. In Bradford, PA, another Big Brothers Big Sisters’ event was held at Byllye Lanes. In Iowa, Cedar Rapids Bowling Center was the venue for a fundraiser. Nova Scotia, Canada, Bowl for Kids’ Sake was held at three locations: Fairlanes Bowling; Greenwood Bowling Alley; and Windsor Bowling Centre. In northern California, Harbor Lanes in Eureka held a Carnival Masquerade Bowl. Andrew’s Pins for a Purpose is an annual fundraiser that has sent more than $70,000 to the SUDC
Foundation (Sudden Unexplained Deaths in Childhood). Baltimore residents Pete and Julie Dowley held the seventh annual event in honor of their son, Andrew, who died unexpectedly in 2009. The venue was held at Glen Burnie Bowl in Glen Burnie, MD. Iroquois Lanes in Canajoharie, NY, donated its space to the Junior Youth Program (JYP) of Canajoharie, an after-school program for children 4 to 8 years old. Friends of Green County Public Health held its annual Bowling for Babies at Beaver-Vu Bowl in Beavercreek, OH. In its seventh year, this event supports public health programs provided by Greene County. With a goal of $60,000, the Knights of Columbus in Springfield, MO, held its 22nd annual Strike-Out for The Kitchen at Sunshine Lanes. The Kitchen extends outreach programs for the homeless in the Ozarks. The Good Shepheard Center, serving the homeless in Wilmington, NC, hosted Bowling for Backpacks, a bowling fundraiser, at Ten Pin Alley. Besides an entrance fee, participants were encouraged to bring backpacks filled with men’s and women’s underwear, large size flip-flops and canned and dry goods. Storm recovery is serious business in Albany, GA. The All American Fun Park donated one-day’s bowling sales to Mission Change to help the community get back on its feet.
What is your center doing? Email Patty Heath at heath@bowlingindustry.com.
40 YEARS AND COUNTING Working side-by-side for 40 years might qualify these two men as the perfect ‘Odd Couple,’ but not really. Gary Heintzman, proprietor of Linn Lanes in Lebanon, OR, and his partner in crime Dick Grill, owner of Dick’s Pro Shop, are just two men with a passion for bowling. In 1977, at 22 years of age, Heintzman took charge of the center. Helping him service his bowlers was Dick Grill and his pro shop inside the center. “Dick and I have been together for longer than most marriages,” Heintzman shared with Kyle Odegard of Albany Democrat-Herald. “We always got along, and we always had the same vision of making bowling a great experience.” While Grill is planning on retiring this year, Heintzman would like to continue for another two or three years and then focus on raising miniature horses and cows at his ranch. His son Arron wants to step up and take over the operation. Lebanon is sure to have Linn Lanes around for a long time. 8
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Proprietor Gary Heintzman, left, and Dick Grill, pro shop owner, celebrate 40 years. Photo credit: David Patton, Democrat-Herald
SHORTS
BPAA BOWLING INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARDS The following recipients were named by Nancy Schenk, BPAA president, at the Bowling Summit, held in Charleston, SC, this past January. The awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon in June during International Bowl Expo 2017 in Nashville,TN.
PEOPLEWATCHING Recently, Kegel announced the promotion of Terry Owens to director of technical support. Owens started with Kegel in 2000 in the core manufacturing division. He quickly advanced to quality control manager where he served as the final inspector for all completed lane machines. Most recently, Owens held the position of technical sales specialist. He also led a series of lane maintenance training courses at Kegel for both distributors and customers.
Intercard, Inc. has recently hired Peter Fanning, a 30year veteran of IT management and services, as director of IT for its Customer Support Call Center in Subic Bay, Philippines. Fanning will oversee technical development and technical services teams, technical architecture, QA management and release management, as well as support the Intercard sales teams in the region.
Victor Lerner Memorial Medal:
Dick Corley Spare Time Entertainment (Bowl New England) President’s Medal:
Scott Devers Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl, Lafayette, IN
Terry Owens
Peter Fanning
V.A.Wapensky Award:
Andy Bartholomy Andy B’s/Bartholomy Centers, Springfield, MO Ruben Dankoff Award:
Roger Nyquist Lake Shore Lanes, Albany, OR Dick Weber bowling Ambassador Award:
Jason Belmonte, pro bowler Australia Special Projects Award:
David Driscoll Driscoll & Associates, Mount Dora, FL Media Award:
Kevin Hong Freelance writer/photo journalist
IN REMEMBRANCE Darrell Ducat, patriarch of a bowling proprietor family in Ohio, passed away in February. He was 91. Ducat, a founding member of the PBA and the Toledo Bowling Association Hall of Fame, bowled in a PBA tournament in Florida at the age of 87. At one time the Ducat family had five bowling centers. Both of his sons, Michael and Larry, went into the bowling business, Larry as a former president of the BPAA. Besides his centers, father Ducat was also a hotelier, owning several properties in the Toledo area. Surviving are his sons Larry and Michael Ducat; daughters Debbie Augustyniak, Terri Duerringer, Elizabeth Starr, and Tami Donaminion; his brother Paul Ducat; and 14 grandchildren and 13 great-granchildren.
BOWLING: ANYTIME, ANYWHERE The Kingpin Desktop Mini Bowling Alley by Sky Innovations is a great alternative to getting out of the house for a night of bowling. Maybe you just want to hang out in your jammies and bowl a few games. Then again, maybe a quick game of mini bowling to re-energize your brain during a day at the office. This little gem covers just about every excuse for bowling. A very clever tabletop accessory for the bowler that has everything. 10
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PROFILE
MLB superstar still finds plenty of time for his second love. By Mark Miller ong before he became a baseball star, Marcus Lynn Betts was a shining light in another sport. If the name doesn’t sound familiar perhaps his nickname Mookie rings a bell. Maybe the fact that the right fielder for the Boston Red Sox finished second in voting for American League Most Valuable Player in 2016 will jog your memory. While the 5 foot-9 inch, 180-pound Nashville, TN, native has been burning up Major League Baseball fields for the last two years, Betts also has held his own on the lanes. Anyone who knew him before, or has known him since he made his Boston Red Sox debut three years ago, wouldn’t be surprised. He was the 2010 Tennessee Youth Bowler of the Year while
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a junior at John Overton High School, thanks to a 290 game and 827 series. He had a respectable debut at the 2015 GEICO PBA World Series of Bowling. And he finished in second place in the eighth-annual State Farm CP3 Celebrity Invitational in January. “Bowling definitely is my No. 2 thing to do after baseball,” Betts said in an audio interview conducted at spring training in Florida by the Red Sox exclusively for International Bowling Industry. “I’ve been doing it since I was about 3 or 4 years old. I just enjoy it so much. “It’s a family thing for me. Both sides of the family bowl. It’s definitely something I can do that’s safe from injury as well.” It was his mother and avid bowler Diana Benedict, also his first Little League baseball coach, who taught her son how to bowl. As a youngster, he would even tag along to watch her in leagues and tournaments. He continued to shine on the lanes to the point of averaging 240 for his high school where he actually was a three-sport star. On the baseball field, he batted .549 with 24 steals his junior year and .509 with 30 steals his senior year in 2011 while splitting time at second base, shortstop and the outfield. That earned him honorable mention for the Louisville Slugger High School All-American team.
PROFILE On the basketball court, he averaged 14 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals a game his senior year and was named Class AAA All-City Player of the Year. Ironically his nickname came from a former professional basketball player named Mookie Blaylock. His original plan was to play baseball at the University of Tennessee, signing a letter-of-intent over Vanderbilt University, Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham. But when the Red Sox made him the 172nd overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft, he opted for them when they offered a $750,000 contract. After playing one game in the Gulf Coast Rookie League in 2011, Betts appeared in 71 games in New York-Penn League in 2012. That increased to 76 games in Low Class A and 51 in High Class A in 2013 when he hit a combined .314 with a .506 slugging percentage and 38 stolen bases. He began 2014 with the Class AA Portland (Maine) Sea Dogs where he batted .355 with 22 stolen bases in just 54 games. He was promoted to the Class AAA Pawtucket (Rhode Island) Red Sox where he also hit .355 in 45 games. On June 29, he made his Major League debut with the Red Sox getting a hit in the fourth inning off pitcher Chase Whitley of the New York Yankees. Betts finished with a .291 average for 52 games.
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Every great athlete needs a great coach. Tommy Jones mentors Mookie at the World Series of Bowling.
The 2015 campaign saw Betts spend the whole year with Boston where he had a .291 average with 18 home runs, 77 runs batted in and 21 stolen bases in 145 games, extremely impressive for a leadoff hitter. He was even better last year with a .318 average with 31 home runs, 118 runs batted in and 26 stolen bases in 158 games. Originally drafted as a second baseman, the Red Sox moved him to the outfield since they already had an All-Star, Dustin Pedroia. He proved the move to be the right one as he earned a Gold Glove for his fielding ability last year. That’s on top of being named an All-Star
PROFILE himself and winner of the Silver Slugger Award for his prowess at the plate and behind Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the MVP voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. While baseball has been Betts’ life the last several springs and summers, he does his best to bowl during the fall and winter. “Obviously, I have to keep my primary job so I can’t really bowl much during the season but since in the off-season I’m jobless, I decided to bowl just to have fun,” said Betts, who often can be found practicing on the two lanes in the Brentwood basement of Wichita State University star Kamron Doyle’s parents’ home. “Like I said, I enjoy it so much due to family and something I’ve doing since I was 3 years old.” Betts averaged a very respectable 190 for the 36 qualifying games in the 2015 World Series of Bowling at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. He started the tournament with a 224 game and had others of 245 and 249 later to finish 212th of 240 entrants and quickly learned the difference between professional bowlers and those with whom he competed as a youth in Tennessee. “It definitely was an eye-opener,” he said. “To see what they go through for four days is definitely tough. I don’t think people understand that bowling nine games on those patterns is really, really tough especially the transitions as far as lanes being different and whatnot. I definitely want to do it again this coming off-season, because it definitely was fun and I got to meet some friends.” The day after finishing the 2015 World Series of Bowling in Reno, he hosted the Mookie Betts Celebrity Classic. The event actually started in 1990 by his mother in conjunction with the Music City Senate of The National Bowling Association. Nashville’s Donelson Strike and Spare Lanes hosted the event and among those Betts invited to compete was David Price, a former Vanderbilt University star from nearby Murfreesboro who had just signed to join the Red Sox. “What I got to do with DP was something special,” Betts said. “Him showing up and bowling the way he did definitely added to the experience and showed what type of bowler he is.” Arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in November kept Mookie from competing again in the 2016 PBA World Series of Bowling, but he recovered in time to participate in the eighth annual State Farm CP3 Celebrity Invitational taped in January at Lucky Strike LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. Betts and partner Tommy Jones fell in the title match 187-179 to event host Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and Chris Barnes. “The Chris Paul event was one of Mookie showing off his solid bowling style. the better things I’ve ever done,” 20
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Mookie in full swing.
he said. “It was a lot of fun. I got to meet a lot of celebrities and got to bowl on TV for the first time. That was something definitely special to me.” Would Betts ever consider trying the PBA Tour when his baseball days are over like former Red Sox pitcher John Burkett did on the PBA50 Tour? “That’s a bridge I’ll cross when I get there,” said Betts, who has rolled two 300 games. “I might be into golf or something else by then. I’m definitely going to keep bowling in my back pocket just in case I decide to try to go on Tour and maybe win a title there or two.” If Betts decides not to try first hand at bowling’s competitive side, he would definitely consider becoming involved in the sport’s business activities. “My mom and I have talked about maybe buying a bowling center at some point, either starting one or continuing a franchise,” he said. “I’m not really sure what I want to do yet. I have a little bit of time. We’ll just cross that bridge when we get to it. But definitely I have thought of investing in a bowling center and maybe running my own “ Until then he’ll have to settle for being likely the best bowler in Major League Baseball. ❖
Mark Miller is a freelance writer, editor, and public relations specialist from Flower Mound, TX. He's the author of Bowling: America's Greatest Indoor Pastime available at Amazon.com or directly from him at markmywordstexas@gmail.com.
FINANCE
WHAT IS MY CREDIT SCORE
& WHY DOES IT MATTER How Your Financial Past Can Affect Your Lending Future. By Ben Jones istory can be a predictor of the future, which is why a credit to your credit score. report, which contains your credit history, is important in How do you find your credit report? As part of the obtaining a loan. It is an indicator of past financial matters, Fair Credit Reporting Act you are entitled to one free and while it is just one element in the loan decision, it is one credit report a year from each of the three of the more significant. Having a better understanding of your credit participating credit reporting companies: Experian, and being mindful of your personal finances can have a positive impact Transunion and Equifax. You can request one free on your ability to borrow as a business owner. In addition to monitoring financial health and How is my FICOSCORE calculated? performance, lenders also use the credit report to understand outstanding obligations and balances and the monthly payments required to meet these debt obligations. The lender will examine the personal credit of all borrowers and guarantors and any problems must be explained thoroughly. A credit report contains details such as where you live, how timely you pay your bills and whether or not you’ve experienced financial difficulties or filed for bankruptcy. A FICO score combines those details report from each company throughout the year or at to give an overall credit rating that consists of five components: 35% the same time. Credit bureaus will pull your credit payment history, 30% debt amounts, 15% length of credit history, 10% report, not your credit score. You can pay to receive new credit, 10% types of credit in use. Credit card balances, student your credit score from these companies as well. loans, mortgages and car payments are the largest factors contributing Annualcreditreport.com is a central website for the three companies you can visit for a free copy of your credit report (or call 1-877-322-8228). RESOURCES: If you find your credit score is low and you wish to raise it, you must exercise responsible actions in Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for more information: regard to bills and credit usage. Refrain from http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports applying for new credit cards, keep your accounts open, use your credit card responsibly and pay your Experian Link: bills on time. ❖ http://www.experian.com/assistance/free-annual-credit-report.html
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Equifax Link: http://www.equifax.com/credit-education/creditreport/#how_do_i_dispute_errors Transunion: http://www.transunion.com/
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Ben Jones is General Manager and FEC Specialist of Entertainment Center Financing at Live Oak Bank, co-creator of F2FEC and has been in the FEC business for over 30 years.
COVER STORY
JOHN DAVIS’ LEGACY INSPIRES KEGEL’S SUCCESS TODAY Four years after losing its dynamic founder John Davis, the Kegel Company team carries on and thrives under Mitchell Family Investments’ ownership. By Jim Goodwin egel LLC founder John Davis passed away on January 25, 2013. A year has now passed since his business partner, Mitchell Family Investments, acquired full ownership of the company. When a small business suddenly loses its owner, the dynamics of the company sometimes drastically change. If the company is not prepared for such a tragic event, it can spell trouble, both financial and otherwise. This was not the case with Kegel LLC. There is no doubt that Kegel founder John Davis played a huge role in the success of Kegel from its beginnings in 1981 until a sudden heart attack claimed his life at only 64. The bowling world lost a brilliant visionary, but thanks to that vision and wisdom, his company was prepared to carry on. “The most obvious thing to say is that you cannot replace a man like John,” said Kegel president and CEO Chris Chartrand. “Kegel can’t ever be the same without him, but we can still be very successful, and I know he expected us to be. He even took steps years before he passed to make sure we could run the company the way he wanted it run. We worked on succession planning long before 2013. I believe that his vision and wisdom set us up to be doing as well as we are today.” The first major step Davis took was taking on a major financial business partner. In 2003, John Davis was looking for a way to finance and grow the company that was rapidly becoming a major player in the global bowling industry. He hired Lance Elliot, a business broker in Los Angeles, to look for a partner. Elliot recommended Jonathan Mitchell, principal partner of Mitchell Family Investments. Davis and Mitchell hit it off from the start. “John was looking for a way to finance his growing company and maybe take a few chips off the table for all the years of hard work, and I learned quickly what a fine person he was,” said Mitchell. “I didn’t find anybody who didn’t say good things about him, so it was an easy decision to get involved.” That meeting led to Mitchell Family Investments owning 49.5% of Kegel and providing substantial capital for growing the company. “Getting to know John made me think of my grandfather, who was like a father to me,” said Mitchell. “He lived to be 95 and worked up until the end. When he was about
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COVER STORY 50, his doctor told him he would die if he didn’t stop smoking, so he gave up cigarettes and started bowling. He always said it was the combination of those two things that kept him going for so long.” Mitchell got involved because he saw steady growth and the potential for creating products beyond just the bowling business. When Kegel started selling its Fizzion tablets not only as a lane cleaner, but as a degreaser and stain/odor remover for the consumer, it became the first of what would be many new products for a huge market. It is currently being sold in such places as Publix Supermarkets, PetSmart, and under a couple of private label brands like Jackson Galaxy, seen on the Animal Planet Network, and under the Jennifer Adams label, which is like Martha Stewart products. The second big step in solidifying Kegel’s operation and future success was the promotion of Chris Chartrand to president in 2010. Davis hired Chartrand in 1999, and over the years groomed him to become the company’s leader. Currently, Kegel has 92 employees. “John was so patient with me,” said Chartrand. “He allowed me to learn on the job, and that was a rare opportunity. I was allowed to do things at an early age that are usually reserved for senior management. He used to describe his management style as ‘wandering around,’ and he believed in the concept of ‘sink or swim.’ For a long time, there was really no clear leader in the building. We had several vice presidents, and it was truly a lateral management team. I think he saw all of us as pieces of himself. Not long after, I started calling meetings and emerged as the leader John was looking for. He said those were the kinds of things he was looking for and that he had been waiting for the right person to emerge from the group. He promoted me to president shortly after in 2010.” After 2010, Chartrand would make almost weekly trips to visit with John Davis at his home in Winter Haven, not far from the Lake Wales Kegel building. Other than a few trips to tournaments and trade shows, Davis spent most of his time at home in the later years. His wife Linda was experiencing severe back problems, and he wanted to be there for her. He could be with her because he was confident that he had the right management team in place. “When I went to Winter Haven, we would ride around John’s property in a golf cart, sometimes for several hours,
talking about the company, but mostly about the sport and the industry,” said Chartrand. They also talked about the Davis garden, which had become a passion for him. According to Chartrand and others, he was very proud of a series of grow boxes he had installed along the natural slope of the land, each connected to the other with an ingenious irrigation system. “His irrigation was controlled with lane machine controls,” said Chartrand. “It was very impressive. It was a pretty elaborate set up.” Other discussions during these golf cart meetings included topics like lane topography, the training center, or making sure that the company was financially sound, although Davis did not believe that numbers drive a company. Chartrand confirmed that Davis believed that when people with passion do the right thing, the numbers follow. Davis even talked about his own mortality. “It may seem strange, but John did talk about things like his mortality and used phrases like ‘I might not be around,’ and he expected us to know what to do,” said Chris. “I can’t tell you how many times I have asked myself ‘what would John do?’
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COVER STORY when I have a decision to make. The first word that comes to mind in describing him is ‘vision,’ and when I keep that in mind, decisions are much easier.”
DIFFICULT FAMILY DECISIONS John Davis also had faith that his wife Linda, brother Mark, and other family members would know what to do ‘if he were not around.’ When he passed away, his 50.5% majority ownership went to Linda, and three years later, she decided that the best thing for the company and her family was to sell her share to the Mitchell family. “It took me a long time to figure out what we wanted to do, because for 46 years from the time I was 18, I was with John,” said Linda Davis. “I was really lost when he left us, but he died in my arms with no pain, and some people would say he left in a good way. I am thankful for that. “ “I am in my 60s and still having some back problems, and I finally realized that taking the buyout offer would be best for everyone involved,” said Linda. “It just felt like the right thing to do.” More than a year after that very difficult decision, Linda says “Life is good. I get to spend a lot of time with the grandchildren, and my oldest son is doing very well running the bowling center, so we can’t complain. We are doing pretty good as a family considering all of the changes of the past few years.” The 18-lane Kegel Bowling Center in Sebring, Florida, that was part of the Kegel company, was not included in the buyout, so the Davis family remains in the bowling business. Another part of the family remains at Kegel’s Lake Wales headquarters, most notably Mark Davis, who has been involved from the beginning. Mark, now 59, is the executive VP of the Mechanical Product Development and Support Division, and takes on many other duties. “I do anything that is needed, from training and troubleshooting to helping in the training center,” said Mark Davis. Right after the interview for this article, he was headed to Japan and Asia for a month to do some training on new Kegel FLEX Walker lane machines. These remarkable cordless machines sell in the range of $35,000, and are completely automatic. “They are like robots,” said Davis. “The proprietors and the people in Japan love all kinds of robots, so this machine is very popular. We installed the first one there 11 years ago, and they are still going strong.” Mark Davis loved and admired his big brother John, and says what he misses the most are just the conversations about 26
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the business and the future. “We talked a lot about the whole industry and what we could do to make it stronger,” said Mark. “When we first started, we were not a brand yet, and it almost seemed like some were against us—when we told proprietors to clean their lanes with straight hot water, for example. It was not easy. It has been a real roller coaster ride.” Linda Davis described Mark as “a true company man,” and although he has never shared in actual ownership, he believes that everyone involved Gus Falgien, VP of sales and must act like an owner. marketing. “I don’t know any other way,” he said. “Whether I’m working for my brother or anyone else, you better have some passion for it and treat it like your own. For me, that is the only way.”
MOVING FORWARD With Chartrand and Kegel’s other senior managers at the helm, the future looks very bright. VP Larry Klemme, with the company more than 25 years, is the CFO. “Larry is our rock-solid detail guy,” said Chartrand. “He is sort of the guy in the shadow that people don’t know much about, but is the glue that keeps it all together. John Davis even called him “detail guy.” Chartrand says Kegel is virtually debt free and has achieved record profits in recent years. Other officers include Mark Davis, Gus Falgien, Dennis Sheirs, and Del Warren. “Mark really became the primary developer of our products around 2000,” said Chartrand. “His team brought out the Kustodian machine and many more have followed since. Executive VP of Mechanical Falgien was a mechanic back in Product Development and Support the day and is a very good bowler. Mark Davis. He is a pattern expert and our primary tournament guy. He recently traveled to Vegas to help USBC set up the patterns for the Open Championships Tournament.” Mark Davis and Chris Chartrand are also accomplished bowlers, as is chemical engineer Dennis Sheirs. Del Warren, a former PBA continued on page 30...
COVER STORY ...continued from page 26
Touring Pro and Champion, heads up the world-famous Kegel Training Center (KTC) and doubles as the head coach for Webber International University. KTC is their home lanes. “On the chemical side, there is no one better than Dennis Sheirs,” said Chartrand. “He is another guy who spent a lot of time in bowling. Being a lifelong bowler has given him the understanding to become a really fabulous formulation chemist.” Chartrand describes the Del Warren, VP of Kegel Training work that Del Warren and his Center. training center staff do as a “labor of love.” “Having the Webber team bowlers in the building brings us a real level of excitement,” he said. “They are here so often that they are almost like family members to our staff.”
MITCHELL LIKES EVERYTHING HE SEES Jonathan Mitchell is the general partner of the licensed lender and investment organization called Mitchell Family Investments with interests in multiple companies. The Kegel LLC stock is owned by him, his two sisters, and one of his children. continued on page 34...
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COVER STORY ...continued from page 30
machines and pinsetter parts, Kegel has recently Now that Mitchell owns 100% of Kegel, he introduced two revolutionary coaching products, does not see the need for any changes in the the Specto Coaching Platform and the Torch operation, and he has no intention of selling Targeting System. the company in the foreseeable future. Specto Bowling is a ball tracking system that His plan is simply to let Chris Chartrand and was introduced at the 2016 Bowl Expo Trade his team operate the business in the same way Show. It measures ball motion in 6” increments they have since John Davis promoted Chris from the foul line through the pindeck; and it to president in 2010. To reassure that comes with a mobile app that will give bowlers commitment, Mitchell promoted Chris again to 35 different types of information from a single president and CEO as his first decision after the shot. Each Specto sensor covers six lanes. buyout deal with Linda Davis was completed. The Torch Lane Targeting Light allows bowlers “I like Chris a lot,” said Mitchell. “I think he to visualize the ball path from foul line to break is very smart, very motivated, he knows how point helping them with targeting, accuracy and to get along with his staff and others, and he alignment. It uses a powerful LED light system and certainly knows the industry and is dedicated is affordable for any bowling center. CEO and President Chris Chartrand. to the sport. He has all the right ingredients When Chartrand met the man who developed to do exactly what he is doing, so I let him run the business and just help the Torch, former Russian National Team Coach when I can. I am very pleased with the results. I figure that if John Davis had Alexander Gurkov, he was so impressed, he confidence in Chris, then so should I.” offered him a full-time position at Kegel. The respect is mutual. Chartrand joined Kegel in “I found out he has two masters degrees 1999 at 22. He is now 40, and in addition to learning in coaching and optical engineering, and all of the things that make Kegel work over the years, we started talking about visas,” said he completed his formal education by getting his Chartrand. “It took me three days to hire him. MBA from the University of Florida in 2016. I think John Davis might have hired him in ten “Jonathan Mitchell has contributed a great deal minutes. I believe he and these new to our activities over the past year since the buyout technologies are a gift to bowling. This is very deal was completed,” said Chartrand. “There was exciting stuff with tremendous potential.” an awkward period for a couple of years during Jonathan Mitchell agrees with the transition, but no one lost focus during that Chartrand’s vision and shares his excitement. time, and we are excited about everything that is “My view is that research and development happening now. “ is the single most important thing we can Chartrand believes that the transition to the new be doing,” said Mitchell. “It advances the ownership was made easier because Mitchell and sport, and it advances the company. Davis had been partners for more than a decade CFO and COO Larry Klemme. Everything flows from that effort. We won’t and had tremendous mutual respect for one another. keep growing if we don’t keep finding new “Jonathan knew the secret sauce that makes it work and produces results,” things, so I will plow as much back into the said Chartrand. “For me, he has been a real pleasure to work with. At first, I business as I can. I want our people to be happy, was a little concerned about how we would spend money, but when I asked and I want them to keep coming up with new for a very large investment to upgrade the Kegel Training Center, he did not things. That is the strength of Kegel, and they are hesitate. It was an expenditure that did not have a very strong ROI justification. a really, really good team; but as good as we may It was more about the brand and the sport, and he understood that.” be, we will always strive to make things better. No doubt, John Davis would be very proud. ❖
NEW TECHNOLOGY AND NEW IDEAS MOVE THE NEEDLE Chartrand is like a kid in a candy store when talking about developing new products and new technology. In addition to constantly improving their lane 34
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Jim Goodwin is the founder and president of the Bowling News Network and a former president and life member of the International Bowling Media Association.
INDUSTRY PROFILE
Switch installed at ViaSea theme park in Istanbul, Turkey.
Third generation proprietor John Fatigati heads the new push into the U.S.A. By Sean Krainert ohn Fatigati is the new sales director for Switch®, an innovative European entertainment manufacturer boasting everything from seating and ball racks to lanes, lighting and electronic scoring. The relationship fusing John and Switch® together transcends the average connection between a company and their sales lead. As Switch® ramps up for their reintroduction into the U.S. market, John is letting his innate experience as a third-generation proprietor faithfully guide him. John’s grandfather, known as John B., was an orphan, one of many brothers and sisters. And like many big families growing up in the 40s and 50s, he eventually found himself in business with one of his siblings. When his younger brother took out a loan from him to become a partner in Patterson Rec, a local bowling center, John B. followed closely behind as he knew he probably wouldn’t see a penny back from that loan. But it was that very decision that started the family legacy.
J
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Soon after he partnered with his brother, John B. purchased Jersey Lanes in 1959, a business that later became a beacon for the Fatigati family. John B.’s son Charles was born into the family business, and they successfully ran Jersey Lanes together for many years. From what John remembers, his grandfather and father butted heads a lot during that relationship. But that made the entire experience even more personal. “When I was 11, 12, 13-years old, I was working on the machines in the back while other kids were at summer camp. An unparalleled experience,” said John Fatigati. John’s grandfather passed when he was 14-years old. “I didn’t get to work with him much or spend any of my adult life getting to know him. But after his passing, my father and I Third generation proprietor and new worked together.” Switch® sales director, John Fatigati.
INDUSTRY PROFILE
360 mall, Kuwait.
While John left Jersey Lanes’ side to attend college in Vermont, it wasn’t long before he returned to his position alongside his father. “We pushed two desks right up against each other and looked at each other for eight hours a day. It came with the good and the bad. It’s funny now though as I look back at it.” The golden era for bowling in the 1930s, 40s and 50s was far behind when John took the reigns of Jersey Lanes. It was the mid-90s when email and technology began to take the world by storm. But John’s father never took kindly to the unfamiliar changes that began to mold the sport and business of bowling. John clearly remembers his father’s voice hailing down on him from across his desk as he booted up his AOL dial-up connection each day, “Would you just stop wasting your time with that stuff!” It was that very change in the world though that sparked John’s interest in continuing a family legacy that was determined to be successful. He knew that the business of bowling needed to change alongside the world’s transition into a technology-based future. And his forward-thinking BuDa Joy Club in Izmir, Turkey.
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paid off. “Back in my grandfather’s day, you would just unlock the doors, count the money and make sure you had enough beer in the cooler.” The days of dialing up internet connections were pivotal for the world in relation to every industry around the globe. John was right on target as he noticed the sport of bowling begin its collapse and reputation as an uncool sport, as technology was skyrocketing at an unprecedented speed. It only made sense to follow the future with Jersey Lanes in tow. And that is exactly what John did. “I think it is very interesting, the changes that have affected the sport and business of bowling. I think the next generation will have an even different world in which to run their businesses and ways to do it. Technology is changing the world and the sport itself is changing too. Bowling is finally not lagging so far behind anymore, in terms of the way companies are running in conjunction with technology.” In 2014, John was contacted by some of his West Coast friends and connected with Switch®. At that time, Switch® was looking for
BuDa Joy Club in Folkart Towers in Izmir, Turkey.
a way back into the U.S. market and wanted that introduction to be seamless. They knew from their first attempt that this time had to be more personal and on their terms. They were confident that they could reemerge in a very positive and professional way allowing clients the time to gradually get to know them and gain confidence in the company and its product offerings. “Switch® has always known that the U.S. market is the most important bowling market in the world. The clients are very knowledgeable about the various products as well as within their own operations,” says Cynthia Winterhalter, marketing and PR director at Switch®. Switch® is already a well-known name in Italian industrial design and advanced bowling technology across Europe and Asia. As soon
INDUSTRY PROFILE
as they established their connection with John during late 2016, they began their combined efforts to prepare for the upcoming 2017 Bowl Expo. Their game plan is to let the bowling community know that they are now in the U.S. to serve them, and that they will be focusing on extending their innovative products at a competitive price. John acquired a second bowling center in 2016, Parkway Lanes, before he officially joined forces with Switch®. “It has always been an ambition of mine to own more than one center, so I always kept my eyes open. Parkway Lanes was an opportunity I came across, so I took it.” Parkway Lanes houses all of the Switch® furniture products, with new pinsetters on their way in this summer. “This summer we can get settled and have a place where people can come and see, touch and feel Switch® products.” John plans to simultaneously bring Jersey Lanes up to speed as well with new furniture and equipment later this year. Cynthia Winterhalter noted that Switch® also has other showcase locations and projects in the pipeline where they will be able to present their product directly to the U.S. market. The company plans to methodically move forward in terms of growth, keeping their focus on quality products and relationships. In an effort to build a strong foundation, John will slowly be building his sales and service staff to serve clients, with bigger positions opening up on the U.S. side as demand grows.
The life experience John has had has been invaluable to him both personally and professionally. He recognizes the values that his father and grandfather instilled in him, leading by example. “My grandfather and father were always very hands-on proprietors. Always ready to pick
Clown-Themed Mini Series.
up a mop or wash a dish or do whatever they needed to do to make the place as good as it could be. And now, that is the way I work and the philosophy that I have today for my business.” Stepping into the position with the Switch® family, John has already proven himself a valuable and dedicated team member with his shared interest in the customer experience and with innovative solutions. “It’s a relationship business. And to be able to understand the proprietor firsthand is a huge advantage for a manufacturer like Switch®. And for me, it’s a unique opportunity to go to work some place every day where people go to have fun.” ❖
Sean Krainert is a freelance copywriter living in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in real estate, hospitality and mental health writing. He is also an alumni of the Wichita State Shocker bowling program.
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CONFERENCE
F2FEC 2017 OFFERS SOMETHING
COMPLETELY
DIFFERENT What is your plan to differentiate?
By Robert Sax n February, The Three Amigos rode out of the Georgia pines to once again shake up the thinking of the FEC industry. The third annual F2FEC conference, held at the ritzy Chateau Elan winery resort near Atlanta, was an intense affair that challenged industry veterans to reach new levels of creativity and engagement in the pursuit of excellence. The conference’s innovative structure is a series of twentyminute presentations followed by Q&A sessions with the presenters that are moderated by the Amigos. It’s a refreshing change from the typical trade show conference session that is often long on self-promotion, short on content and homogenized to suit a broad audience. This year’s theme was “differentiate,” which Amigos Rick Iceberg, Ben Jones, and George Smith deem the next phase after 2016’s “10X better.” They encouraged participants to engage with the best minds of the industry, openly share
I
Photos credit: Tim Sealy The Three Amigos Rick Iceberg, George Smith and Ben Jones.
customers, especially the millennials. Jeff Benson of Cinergy noted that people are increasingly going to malls for entertainment and not shopping, which they increasingly do online. Benson urged operators to “go big or go home” and offer “mashups” in venues that combine several types of entertainment such as movies, bowling, arcades and dining. Joseph Vajda of Aria Group Architects discussed the impact of social media on customers and the need to support it with innovative design. He likes design elements that inspire customers to take photos of the good time they are having and post them online. These “Instagrammable moments” get customers more engaged while attracting their friends who view their posts. The growing importance of arcade games to the FEC mix was another hot subject. Iceberg said that his C.J. Barrymore’s
Benson urged operators to “go big or go home” and offer “mashups” in venues that combine several types of entertainment such as movies, bowling, arcades and dining. proven money-making ideas, and establish lasting connections with their peers. For two exciting, fun and demanding days, everyone did just that. Several speakers focused on the how to attract today’s 42
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CONFERENCE FEC is projecting arcade earnings of more than $3 million in 2017; he believes it is feasible to reach $4 million before too long. Kevin Bachus of Dave & Buster’s spoke passionately about a “new golden age” of the arcade based on games that deliver a social and interactive experience to customers who aren’t hard-core gamers. He Jeff Benson, CEO of Cinergy Entertainment Group, defined a great game as one believes in “mashups” within venues. that offers good looks, simple and familiar game play, and reflects current pop culture elements. Marquee games based on such popular franchises as Star Wars can be a strong lure, especially when featured in Dave and Buster’s TV commercials. Amigo Smith touched on the “golden age” while delivering his annual top 100 and top 50 lists of most popular arcade games. He said that
Michelle Adams, a consultant and former PepsiCo marketing executive, shared insights on
Michelle Adams, President/Founder of Marketing Brainology shares insights into consumer behavior.
consumer behavior gathered from the world of neuroscience. She focused on how the nature of the brain drives rational and emotional decisionmaking in shoppers, and how such tools as fragrance, immersive environments and nostalgia can help companies better connect to consumers. When not learning from each other in the room, attendees made new friendships and strengthened established ones while socializing at wine tastings, gourmet dinners, and late night sessions at the resort’s Irish pub. While there was none of the hard sell of a trade show, there was ample low-key wheeling and dealing between peers, such as the friendly horse-trading of arcade games that I witnessed one night at dinner. As Amigo Jones put it, “The bond we all share is based on trust, a deep commitment to our industry and a willingness to help others succeed.” If that appeals to you, you will surely want to be in the room for next year’s conference. ❖
Keynote speaker Peter Shankman, an author and consultant who focuses on customer service and “social economies,” urged the audience to pay attention to the details and own their mistakes. He says “I don’t need you to be awesome, just suck a little less” is the consumer’s demand in an era of inconsistent service and lowered expectations in many industries. proprietors need to start thinking of themselves partly as retailers, because a heavy percentage of the top games offer redemption points or merchandise. F2FEC also presented several enlightening presentations from experts hailing from outside the Keynote speaker Peter Shankman urged the audience industry. Keynote speaker Peter to pay attention to the details and own their mistakes. Shankman, an author and consultant who focuses on customer service and “social economies,” urged the audience to pay attention to the details and own their mistakes. He says “I don’t need you to be awesome, just suck a little less” is the consumer’s demand in an era of inconsistent service and lowered expectations in many industries. 44
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Robert Sax is a writer and PR consultant in Los Angeles. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, the home of five-pin bowling.
SHOWCASE BIRTHDAY PARTY BOOKINGS
Steltronic, a leader in automatic scoring, can also handle kids’ birthday party bookings, corporate parties, along with many other types of advanced reservations, such as league make-ups and pre-bowls. Booking a party room, reserving lanes, taking a deposit, and recording all the important information is just another module included FREE with Steltronic Focus. If a booking time or date needs to be modified, a simple drag and drop of the original booking on the computer is very easy and graphically displayed to show any conflicts. We are YOUR bowling center management specialists. For more information: (800) 942-5939 or go to www.steltronicscoring.com.
NEW ARCADE GAME
What do 20 balls, 45 illuminated tiles, and a room-shaking rendition of Georges Bizet’s overture to “Carmen” have in common? They’re all packed into LAI Games’ brand new game, Let’s Bounce, and players are absolutely loving it! The competition and suspense that the game brings are a huge hit with guests as they race against the clock to hit the last few remaining tiles. Let’s Bounce is an instant classic. Its attractive and addictive game play are great for all ages. Easy to play but challenging to master, Let’s Bounce will have your guests coming back again and again. Learn more and watch a video at www.laigames.com/lets-bounce.
HANDHELD POS SYSTEM
QubicaAMF’s Conqueror QPad delivers superior service and revenues, everywhere in the center. Designed as the complement to the Conqueror Pro POS and Management System, the Conqueror QPad is the only handheld solution that extends the
power of Conqueror to any service point, anywhere in your facility, allowing you to deliver a superior guest experience and drive revenues. QPad is flexible and fast, with seamless transactions and wireless credit card terminals which take the ordering to the customers. Visit QubicaAMF.com/QPad to learn more.
FURNITURE SOLUTIONS
Facility Concepts, Inc. (FCI), Indianapolis, IN, is an American manufacturer of high-quality commercial furniture, fixtures, millwork, and décor. State-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities, plus decades of design and engineering experience, allow FCI to create nearly anything for your space at an efficient, effective cost. Whether it’s tables and chairs or a custom themed item, FCI can help. As the largest seating and décor manufacturer in the U.S., Facility Concepts is a genuine one-stop-shop for some of the largest customers in the world. FCI is simply the best choice. When they say complete furniture solutions, they mean it! For more information: (800) 915-8890; email CustomerService@fcius.com, or go to facility-concepts.com.
NEW SCORING SYSTEM
After a three-year R&D effort, Switch® has launched its new Switch Genie scoring system, using the most up-to-date electronics, technology and design. New features, such as modern graphics and animations, interactive touchscreen consoles and ‘train against the robot,’ will grant all your scoring wishes. Switch® Genie’s new software records and stores player statistics so you can check out averages, splits, strikes and all historical data. Switch® Genie also allows players to stay connected to social media and share photos and stats through the interactive SwitchBowl App. Customer friendly in every sense of the word. For more information, contact Switch® LLC, John Fatigati, (866) 660-8200.
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DATEBOOK
APRIL 4-6 Birthday University Chicago, IL Frank Price (919)387-1966 www.fl-price.com
11 Boot Camp Leadership & Time Management Max Bowl North Texas Bowling Centers Humble, TX David Kellerman (512) 930-2200 david@melslonestarlanes.com
24-27 USBC Convention & Annual Meeting The Orleans Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV Email: convention@bowl.com (800) 514-2695
24- May 5 Brunswick A-2 Pinsetter Training QC FEC Moline, IL Frank Miroballi (540) 325-7684 www.BrunswickA2training.com
MAY 20 Boot Camp Leadership & Time Managemen Texas Bowling Centers Intl Bowling Campus Arlington TX David Kellerman (512) 930-2200 david@melslonestarlanes.com
21-23 NJ Amusement Associations East Coast Gift & Variety Show Golden Nugget Atlantic City, NJ www.njamusements.com
23-28 BPAA – Bowling University Bowling Center Management Intl Bowling Campus Arlington TX Bpaa.com/bowlinguniversity/management-schools
23 – July 9 USBC Women’s Championships Raising Cane’s River Center Baton Rouge, LA
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Boot Camp League Development Iowa BPA Bev Van Blair (641) 792-1380 bevvanblair@gmail.com
18-22 BPAA International Bowl Expo Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center Nashville, TN www.bowlexpo.com Boot Camp Digital Marketing Colorado BPA Chris Gallas (817) 385-8471 www.bowlcolorado.com
JULY 10-21 A-2 Pinsetter Training QC FEC Moline, IL Frank Miroballi (540) 325-7684 www.BrunswickA2training.com
AUGUST Boot Camp Leadership/Time Management Bowl Illinois Bill Duff (847) 385-8471 billduff@bowlillinois.com
JUNE 5-16 A-2 Pinsetter Training QC FEC Moline, IL Frank Miroballi (540) 325-7684 www.BrunswickA2training.com
8-9 TrainerTainment Sales Conference BPAA Intl Training Campus (817) 886-4840 cso@trainertainment.net
7-18 A-2 Pinsetter Training QC FEC Moline, IL Frank Miroballi (540) 325-7684 www.BrunswickA2training.com
SEPTEMBER 14-15 TrainerTainment Guest Services Conference BPAA Intl Training Campus (17) 886-4840 cso@trainertainment.net BPAA One-Day Management Boot Camps Available to state associations & multi-unit centers Contact Kelly Bednar (817) 385-8462 Kelly@bpaa.com
CLASSIFIEDS
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CLASSIFIEDS MECHANIC WANTED FEC, South Bend, IN, area, looking for level A or B mechanic. Brunswick GS equipment. IMMEDIATELY hiring full-time, no layoffs. Mario Teixeira, (574) 243-2695 or email Mario.strikesandspares@ymail.com. CANOGA PARK, CA: Full-time B mechanic or experienced PinChaser wanted, prefer Brunswick trained, for 32-lane house. Good compensation & benefits. Send resume to wendym@gelbgroup.net.
MINIATURE GOLF COURSES Indoor/Outdoor. Portable/Pre-Fab. Black Light/Traditional/Pro Putter. 202 Bridge Street Jessup, PA 18434 570-489-8623 www.minigolfinc.com
LOCKER KEYS FAST! All Keys done by code # Locks and Master Keys E-mail: huff@inreach.com TOLL FREE
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1-800-700-4539
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Six-lane complete package from our house to yours. Steltronic WINS scoring, Elex & SuperElex, all components, flat screen conversion or monitors, will separate. AMF HPL & Brunswick Anvil panels, foul line forward. Powerlifts. B2000 hood/rack. Brunswick A2 pinsetters, refurbished. Can install. Knotritellc@gmail.com. FOR SALE: USED FRAMEWORX SEATING. Ball returns & hoods, modwalls, swivel tables and more. Mickey Cogan (310) 378-2265 or gablehouseusedbowlingequipment.com. Kegel Kustodian Plus. Great condition. Call (208) 344-2695. Two (2) Route 66 Qubica bowling games with extensions. In excellent shape! One owner, 12 years old. $3,500 each/OBO. Call for photos. (603) 455-7010. For REDLINE FOUL LIGHTS, call 1 (888) 569-7845 or visit Bowlingtrader.com, your FREE bowling buy and sell site. REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751.
CLASSIFIEDS PROPRIETORS WITH AMF 82-70 S.S. & M.P. MACHINES Save $$ on Chassis & P.C. Board Exchange & Repair! A reasonable alternative for Chassis and P.C. Board Exchanges MIKE BARRETT Call for Price List
Tel: (714) 871-7843 • Fax: (714) 522-0576
SELL YOUR CENTER OR EQUIPMENT
FAST! (818) 789-2695
Felix Erickson Company Inc. Strike Zone © Family of Industry Leading Lane Products Strike Zone KB Lane Cleaner 5 gal case $ 95.00 Strike Zone Next Generation L.C. 5 gal/case $ 105.00 Strike Zone SuperStar L.C. 5 gal/case $ 120.00 Envi-Cide II Disinfectant/Shoe Aerosol $ 89.95/case Solve-It Orange All Purpose Cleaner $ 69.95/case ®
®
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Exclusive Phenolic Kickback Plates Front 15” x 33” Rear 19” x 23 ¾” $ 89.00 each (includes screws and instructions) FESI Solve-It Ball Wheel Liner @ $90.00 /roll 070-011-905 Waffle Distributor Belt w/ lacing $58.00 each Toll Free (800) 445-1090 | P (609) 267-2833 | F (609) 267-466 www.festrikezone.com | Resurfacing-Repairs-Supplies AMF • BRUNSWICK EQUIPMENT COMPLETE PACKAGES WORLDʼS LARGEST NEW – USED SPARE PARTS INVENTORY ALL AMF BUMPER PARTS, XS Q-BUMP, DURABOWL AND GEN II IN STOCK
SEL L
BUY
Danny & Daryl Tucker Tucker Bowling Equipment Co. 609 N.E. 3rd St. Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-4018 Fax (806) 995-4767
Bowling Parts, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-3635 Email - daryl@tuckerbowling.com
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CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Call (608) 764-1464.
EDUCATION & TRAINING PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming. Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
SERVICES AVAILABLE Your lanes needing TLC? We got you! Full sand; screen; recoat, approach only. Lane resurfacing. Knotritellc@gmail.com Custom home installations & complete packages. Let us bowl you away. Tenpinartisans.com/Knotritellc@gmail.com. Looking for an influx of new league bowlers for your center? You need THE BOWLING LEAGUE GUY! Bowlinleagueguy.com or call (757) 390-2129. Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
APPRAISALS APPRAISALS: LARRY DOBBS MAI, ASA. (214) 674-8187. Bowlingvaluations@yahoo.com.
CENTERS FOR SALE WYOMING: Very profitable 20-lane center, includes building, business, equipment & fixtures. A full county liquor license is held by owners and could be transferred through proper channels. A thriving café, pro shop, pool tables, and loyal clientele make this a great business. $750,000. Contact Kevin Beck, Razor City Realty, (307) 680-0554 or kbeck@vcn.com.
MISSISSIPPI: 20-lane Brunswick center in Jackson, includes real estate. Bad location but really cheap. Great potential. Call Sonny @ Mars & Steel, office (601) 982-2828; cell (601) 954-5527. TEXAS PANHANDLE: 12-lane center in thriving small town. 11,760-sq-ft building on 1.96 acres with 11,760-sq-ft asphalt parking lot. Includes real estate. AMF 82-30 machines, BOSS scoring system, ball drilling equipment, wood lanes. All well-maintained and in excellent shape. Large sitting and recreation area. Beer license. Single family owner for 50 years. Jon King, Attorney, CPA, Real Estate Broker, jonprestonking@yahoo.com or (806) 244-0166. MAINE, FRYEBURG: rare Mount Washington Valley entertainment opportunity. 16 rock maple lanes w/ overhead electric scorekeeping. Simulated golf games, coin games & 26-seat snack bar. 12,000 sq. ft. Equipment included. Lots of parking. Close to Fryeburg Academy/North Conway, NH. Call Badger Realty (603) 356-5757. SW WISCONSIN: 10-lane center, includes bar & grill. New metal roof and paint. Wellestablished leagues. $250,000 OBO. (608) 341-9056.
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CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane Brunswick center with Anvil lanes, 50-seat restaurant with Drive-Thru Window. All new appliances. Only bowling center within 60 miles. Call (775) 720-2726.
CLASSIFIEDS
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN IBI
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REMEMBER WHEN
1960s BOWL DOWN CANCER
T
he month was April, the time was the 1960s, and the participants were centers across the U.S., encouraged and organized by the BPAA. April 22-28 were the seven days devoted to raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Bowling centers and their local and national organizations have always been at the heart of community involvement. In the 1960s, the BPAA, joined with vendors Brunswick and AMF, and took its charity skills on the road. A national effort was organized with prizes and advertising borne by the BPAA. Centers were encouraged to enroll teams, men, women,
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children, and families to join in on events at their local centers. BOWL DOWN CANCER emblems could be found throughout the country. Prizes such as the opportunity to bowl in Beat the Champs handicap event with BPAA All-star champs, Dick Weber and Shirley Garms; the chance to have a Brunswick or AMF star personally tutor a winning team’s members; or, with all your stars aligning, bowling a perfect game during the Beat the Champs, receiving a multi-thousand-dollar cash jackpot. A lot of fun for a good cause. � - Patty Heath