International Bowling Industry February 2013 by International Bowling Industry Magazine

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

CONTENTS

VOL 21.2

6 ISSUE AT HAND

27 BEYOND BOWLING SPECIAL SECTION

The Human Race

• A Peek at Amusement Expo • Crazy Fun at Boondocks • Interesting Interview with David Bardon

By Scott Frager

8 SHORTS • BPAA Partners with Mobivity • Remembering Don Harris • Miller High Life "Official" again • A Pyramid City in North Dakota • Boutique Bowling in Germany

44 WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME A Balanced Approach A health crisis forced Laura Persson to find a new, balanced approach to life and bowling.

Compiled by Patty Heath

By Anna Littles

16 FEATURE

54 REMEMBER WHEN

Tenpin Dinosaurs As independent pro shops become extinct, we take a look at a few remaining (and proud!) merchants.

1950s 20

Archie and His Girls By Patty Heath

By Mark Miller

20 COVER STORY 42 Showcase

Matsuo’s Mission Yukio Matsuo’s varied and successful career in the bowling industry has segued into a deeply personal journey championing Living Wills in Japan.

46 Datebook 48 Classifieds

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frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Chris Holmes holmes@bowlingindustry.com

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Gregory Keer keer@bowlingindustry.com

OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com

CONTRIBUTORS Patty Heath Paul Lane Anna Littles George McAuliffe Mark Miller Robert Sax

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com

ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Designworks www.dzynwrx.com (818) 735-9424

FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)

12655 Ventura Boulevard Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com

www.BowlingIndustry.com

HOTLINE: 888-424-2695 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 2013, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.

MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:

By Paul Lane

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager

THE ISSUE AT HAND

The Human Race The more we thought about it, the more we knew it was the right thing to do. Once we made the call, we knew it was exactly the way it had to be. Our cover photo and story this month are not ones that would traditionally appear within the pages of a trade magazine like International Bowling Industry magazine. We would typically select an image of a blessed proprietor proudly showing off his or her beautiful center. We’d be accentuating the positives of bowling and the business of which we’re graced to be a part. The bowling business is a long distance race but not always to a desired destination. Sometimes, life throws us a terrible curve ball, and we are forced to look deep within ourselves and ponder what it really means to be a part of an even larger race: the human race. Almost seven years ago while attending the 2006 Bowl Expo, Yukio Matsuo, a long-time bowling industry leader and man of outstanding character and regard, had his life turned upside down when his wife, Makiko,

was in a terrible accident. Paul Lane, a friend and business associate of Yukio for many years, captures the gravity and humanity of the story that has consumed the Matsuo family since. Makiko and Yukio’s story is one that transcends bowling and business. It’s a story about life, death and how one man is attempting to change the very way an entire nation thinks about the concept of dying with dignity. It shows the true meaning of love, passion, compassion and personal character. I am deeply grateful that Yukio and his wife are so willing to bravely share their story with us. Their openness, honesty and fortitude humble me to my core. And, I am confident that you will feel the same. Who we are should never be defined by how much we’ve succeeded in business but by how we’ve succeeded in life. Matsuo-san’s message and mission will provide us all with great lessons in love, life and death.

– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR frager@bowlingindustry.com

THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com It’s February and love is in the air. IBI Online shares the love of bowling and business every month! Have you fallen in love yet? With IBI Online, it’s easy. Let’s face it, what proprietor or GM doesn’t love free publicity to show off their center in photos; love finding new ideas to spark business; love watching and sharing funny and interesting videos; and love having a quick and easy way to meet with other proprietors and GMs? Staying in touch is staying involved and that is the key to success. IBI does all that and more. You’ve got to love it! Join now! Be a member. Join a group. Share your thoughts. Come on, be our Valentine. IBI Online is the place for people who love bowling, and that’s YOU!

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SHORTS

TAKE TWO:

OFFICIAL BEER OF BOWLING Miller High Life will once again become the Official Beer of Bowling. A new, twoyear agreement with Strike Ten Entertainment will create an opportunity to target over 2,000 new points of distribution across the U.S. Additional highlights of the sponsorship include specialized POS, “Official Beer Sponsor of Bowling”glassware, pitchers, buckets and prominently displayed onpremise signage. Miller High Life will also be highlighted as the major sponsor of several marquee bowling-industry events, tradeshows and conferences. “After a brief hiatus, the Official Beer of Bowling is back where it belongs,” said Brendan Noonan, Miller High Life brand manager. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to showcase the Miller High Life values to consumers nationwide.”

AMF BANKRUPTCY UPDATE In November 2012 AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc., filed for Chapter 11. It was reported in Vending Times on January 14, 2013 that the company has secured $50 million in new financing that it can use, following court approval,

to support working capital needs during its restructuring. The article also noted that suppliers and vendors are expected to be paid in full and that the company will continue normal operations at its bowling centers.

Across the U.S., there are more and more projects developed around multi-use buildings which combine housing, retail and entertainment. Reported in the Atlanta Business Chronicle by Carla Caldwell, an Atlanta firm wants to build a pyramid near Williston, ND, that would be the state’s tallest building and house 500 apartments, a mall and entertainment center. Quite a departure for a low profile state. According to the investment group led by Camp and Associates, New Cimarron City would be “371 feet tall with apartments built into four sides and the interior filled with retail stores, a movie theater, bowling alley, and indoor parking for 1,200 vehicles. The project would also include a hockey rink, a baseball field and a restaurant with an observation deck.” Thinking Las Vegas? The Luxor? The Luxor casino in Las Vegas is only 350 feet tall, 21 feet shorter than the proposed New Cimarron City. It will be interesting to see if this type of project will resonate with North Dakotans.

Bowling’s rise in popularity has created a new environment which includes large, family oriented, entertainment centers and small, boutique bowling venues. The latter has also sparked interest in Europe. In Germany, the city of Bad Konigshofen has converted a kegeling facility into a new bowling facility called a Bowlingbahn. The twolane microbowl has been a huge hit. The City of Arlington, TX, has had a 54-year sister city relationship with Bad Konigshofen, and, in September, it hosted a 40person delegation which toured the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame to gain some ideas for their version of boutique bowling.

BOWLINGBAHN,

Editorial Correction

ANYONE? While the masking units definitely reflect a Germanic flair, the concept remains the same as its U.S. counterpart: intimate and high end. 8

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Scott Geurkink and his family properly named.

I think I got too excited over the 2000th member of IBI Online. In This Month At in the January issue, Scott”s name was misspelled. The Geurkink family is in the midst of building a center in San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel, Mexico. I apologize for the error and look forward to hearing from Scott regarding the opening. Patty Heath

SHORTS

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS JB’s On 41 in Elkhart Lake, WI, is the newest member of David Bardon’s bowling centers. Formerly Olympic Lanes, JB’s has gone through an eight-month renovation including 25 flat screen televisions, newly mounted lanes featuring cherry wood panels and a private area for birthday parties and corporate events, and, just for fun, a game room. Galactic Bowling and bumpers add depth to the entertainment and The Junction at JB’s is a full-service restaurant and bar that rounds out the venue. According to OnMilwaukee.com, Bardon commented, “Whether someone wants to stop in for one game or really focus on the sport and get better, bowling offers a very social, affordable, physically active experience.” JB’s will offer bowling instruction via a program called Bowling 2.0, a four-week course taught by professional bowling coaches. Bardon has been bowling his whole life and knows how to take it to another level. [See interview in Beyond Bowling section]

Another reincarnation is Alley Cat Bar & Grill in Lakeview, MI. Twelve remodeled lanes, certified by the U.S. Bowling Congress is the handiwork of owner Larry Cole and manager April Finup. Built in the early 1980s, the center has changed hands several times and had been closed for almost three years. Focusing on the interior first, knotty pine now covers the walls. A pro shop, banquet room, locker room, shoe rental and office space are also available. One of the highlights is the twelfth lane where bowlers can relax and enjoy a plush, lounge-like seating area. Cole has definitely created, in his own words, a “Wow” factor.

Santa Fe, NM, will once again offer bowling. As quoted in the ABQJournal, a plan to build a lounge-style venue with a video-game arcade and eight-lane bowling facility on the top floor of an existing building in the Santa Fe Railyard would return the sport to the state capital for the first time since 2008. Ringside Bowl Bar and Grub will be the third center for owners of Holiday Bowl and Leisure Bowl in Albuquerque. Allen Branch, Railyard developer, says the new 20,000square-foot entertainment business will also feature upscale food. An application for a building permit is pending city approval. According to Branch, the bowling lounge is scheduled to open the first weekend in May.

Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, OH, will finally give life to the vacant Circuit City store which closed four years ago. Opening date is set for April after brothers Doug, Jeff and father Mike Mechling renovate the 35,000-square-foot property. Included will be 20 lanes with six that can be reserved for corporate gatherings or birthday parties. A restaurant, private lounges, pool room, 35-foot-long bar and a game arcade round out the complex. California-based Lucky Strike Entertainment will manage operations of Star Lanes. The Mechlings expect to invest $4 million in the project after adding in the cost of the bowling equipment, arcade games and non-construction costs, according to Brian R. Ball, staff reporter for Business First. 10

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REMEMBRANCES A BPAA press release announced the passing of Don Harris, former executive director of BPAA, on December 23 from complications after suffering a stroke. He was 60. Harris headed the BPAA from January 1996 to September 1999. During his tenure, he “grew membership, replenished financial reserves, and strengthened the Quality Connection (group purchasing) program.” He also had a big part in establishing International Bowl Expo, breaking attendance records and taking it from an annual convention to a premier bowling industry event. “It was through Don’s leadership that the concept, name, and format for Bowl Expo came about. Inviting candlepin, duckpin, military, international centers, and pro shop operators was all done at his direction. Education seminars and big name keynote speakers were brought in to help make it the show that proprietors could not afford to miss. The Bowl Expo we see today is a result of the vision and determination of Don Harris,” reflected Carey Tosello, former Director of Membership & Events, BPAA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pioneer Bible Translators, Dallas, TX, or Christian Care Center, Mesquite, TX.

PEOPLE WATCHING LeeAnn Norton, BPAA Director of Meetings and Events at the International Bowling Campus (IBC), has earned the premier designation as a Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM). Norton is a 15-year BPAA veteran and is the chief architect of major BPAA events such as International Bowl Expo, Bowling Summit, East Coast Bowling Centers Convention plus numerous events at the IBC and USBC. She is definitely among a very select group of professionals; there are only 1,700 CEMs worldwide. LeeAnn Norto

SHORTS

GOODWILL CENTRAL The end of the year and the holiday season bring forth many activities to help local and national charity organizations. Of course, for the bowling industry, these are year-round; there is no rest for those centers who reach out to their communities. Playdrome in Cherry Hill, NJ, held Bowl with The Birds XII. Beginning in 2001, this event raises money for several charities and gives Philadelphia Eagle fans an opportunity to meet, greet and bowl with Eagle players. This year’s host was offensive lineman Danny Watkins. Suburban Lanes, Sioux Falls, SD, held an event to raise money and awareness for the Immune Deficiency Foundation’s SCID Initiative, which supports newborn screenings for this rare genetic disorder. SCID causes defects in the immune system, resulting in multiple, uncontrollable infections. It is treatable with a bone marrow transplant if it is caught early enough. Palmyra Bowling Center in North Londonderry Township, NY, hosted six hours of bowling for more than 400 children for the 15th annual Santa’s Bowling Bash. Kids between the ages of four and 12 and their parents enjoyed free bowling, a meal and presents. Amy Eiseman, manager, touted local businesses who donated food, money, gifts and

supplies for the party as well as league bowlers who donated about $550. Airport Lanes, Jackson, MI, was the venue for The Crazy Bowl, a fundraiser for Junior Achievement of Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties. The theme was Music of the Ages. Participants were encouraged to dress up as their favorite artist or band and bowl their hearts out. Strike Zone Bowling Center, Fort Leavenworth, KS, held Good Grades Special. There is nothing better than to encourage scholarship. The center rewards were one free game for every “A” or equivalent grade, straight “As” get free sodas for the family and all “Bs” or better earns a $2 discount on a large topping 16-inch pizza. What’s your center doing? Contact IBI at info@bowlingindustry.com.

Media

WATCH

OBAMA’S HAWAII VACATION INCLUDES BOWLING President Obama and his daughters Sasha and Malia spent part of the second vacation day bowling at Marine Corps

Base Hawaii. No scores were divulged and the press was not invited. However, let’s hope that he has improved from the 37 he bowled in 2008. The three then treated themselves to shaved ice at Island Snow in Kailua afterward. 12

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SHORTS

Media

WATCH

HEISMAN WINNER ON THE LANES While Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M quarterback, has garnered accolades and the Heisman Trophy, he needs a lot of practice when it comes to bowling. Evidence of that was a captured scoreboard while he was playing with his girlfriend Sarah Savage and his mom. Sarah beat him handily with a presentable score of 147 versus his lackluster 103. Mom managed a 113 to jump ahead of the 20-year-old football star. Sarah tweeted, “This is the only game we can beat him at. “

FOOTBALL INJURIES: RUSH LIMBAUGH’S SOLUTION In a TIME magazine article on Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the National Football League, a proposal for a replacement for the kickoff surfaced. This is due to concerns over head and bodily injuries resulting from things such as high-speed collisions. While ideas have been bounced around (no pun intended), including punting versus onside kicks, Rush Limbaugh, radio talk show host, has thrown his idea onto the field (pun intended). “I think what the NFL ought to do is put portable bowling alleys on the sideline at every game and then have the team captain, or whoever’s the best bowler on the team, bowl one ball, and you get three points for every pin knocked down.” In essence if seven pins are knocked down (3 x 7), you start at the 21 yard line. All contact has been eliminated. Of course, on the other side of the coin, there is always the example of Andrew Bynum bowling and injuring his knee. Hmmm.

ESQUIRE’S GREAT AMERICAN THINGS Esquire’s December 2012 issue was all about “Great American Things.” Bowling should be very proud to know that it came in #6 out of 45. Writer Chris Jones stated at the beginning, “America and Americans did not invent bowling. They were, however, the first to take a silly little game in which a ball was rolled at the pins and turn it into a legitimate sport with rules. And then they took that new sport of theirs and transformed it into a genuine professional pursuit with TV spotlights and gravitas.” Jones goes on to point out Pete Weber and his Crotch Chop. The Pete Weber Crotch Chop (striking his hands against the front of his thrusting hips) is what happens when so many admirable American qualities— drive and desire and mastery over an incredibly narrow but marketable skill-are distilled into one man’s passion for, in this case, bowling excellence. Let’s all get out there and chop away! 14

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Keeping History Alive Some people like to look at old photos to remember places long gone in their town. However, in Crary Dominic Petroccione with his Mills, NY, one may reinvented bowling lanes as a purchase a beautifully countertop and also a planter. crafted countertop recycled from wooden lanes which were dismantled from the former Gray Lanes. A piece of the city’s history can be part of your kitchen or can be a planter to grace your patio. Dominic Petroccione, owner of Thornwood Cabinetry, salvaged several pieces of maplewood as crews were dismantling the bowling alley. As quoted in the Watertown Daily Times, “We just happened to be driving by when they were hauling the wood lengths out with cranes. It caught my eye,” stated Petroccione. Several homes in the area now have conversation pieces. More hardwood is available. Interested? Petroccione can be reached at devel.thornwoodcabinetry.com.

STRIKES PARTNERSHIP WITH MOBIVITY BPAA has formally announced a strategic relationship with Mobivity Holdings Corporation, a provider of proprietary mobile marketing technologies. This involves providing Mobivity’s patented mobile marketing solutions to BPAA’s 4,000 members which will enable them to reach their customers on their mobile phones with promotional marketing, incentive and loyalty programs. “Being able to reach members of the bowling community on their mobile phones is a major development for bowling centers across America. Our members can now deliver more relevant and meaningful marketing incentives directly to the consumer’s handset,” said Bart Burger, VP of Business Development for BPAA. “We’re delighted to partner with BPAA and support their progressive initiatives to empower their member bowling centers with the latest advancements in marketing technology,” said Dennis Becker, CEO of Mobivity. The company has worked with CNN, Disney, NFL, Sony Pictures, AT&T, NBC Universal and numerous professional sports teams.

FEATURE

TENPIN DINOSAURS AS FREESTANDING PRO SHOPS BECOME EXTINCT, THERE ARE A FEW STILL HOLDING ON. By Mark Miller

ome can be found in the middle of large shopping centers or strip malls. Others are located in separate buildings. There's at least one in the basement of the owner's home. They are independent bowling pro shops, those not within the confines of a bowling center. Long ago these pro shops were the primary place for bowlers to buy and have their equipment personalized; today they are becoming a rare breed, maybe even extinct. “I think we're headed that way because more people want the convenience of an in-center pro shop but also want the experience of a freestanding building,” said Tony Glickley of Overland Park, Kansas. “If you do it in a bowling center, you need enough room and a say in how the bowling center will run it.” Of the 416 pro shops belonging to the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association, only 77 or 18 percent, are in freestanding locales. While no past figures are available, Glickley said at least 10 pro shops have closed in the Kansas City area in the past 25 years. Around Milwaukee, Dave Marks, longtime owner of Dave's World, estimates the number has shrunk from about 15 in the early 1980s to just four today. “Back then they really weren't in centers,” said Marks, 55. “The centers weren't big enough to have one. Now guys can't afford freestanding. Plus every center is starting to get a pro shop because it's convenient for the customers. It's a little extra competition. They are taking the pie and making it smaller.” Marks started working in the pro shop across from State Fair Park in the late 1970s. An avid bowler, he needed a summer job and answered an ad to work for Norm Cummings, who had bought the business from Al Savas, who originally opened in the early 1960s. After Cummings went bankrupt, Marks bought the business and has hung on for 20 years. “I've had good years and bad years,” Marks said. “The last two years 16

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have been pretty bad. It's definitely slower. People are not buying as much equipment in part because there are so many balls out there and people are not bowling as much. Instead of bowling three times a week, they bowl one or two.” While about nine million people bowled in leagues and tournaments in 1980, today there are fewer than two million. And while there were nearly 11,000 bowling centers in the United States in the early 1960s, now there are around 5,000. “People who bowled in their 30s and 40s a long time ago are not being replaced,” Marks said. “Fifty centers in existence here in 1980 are no longer in existence. There were a lot of lane beds that were all filled back then, especially first shift. Now they are all gone and there are openings on first shift in a lot of houses. Plus with computers and all the other gadgets, people don't have to leave home to be entertained any more.” Other reasons Marks cited are the economy, laws cracking down on drinking and driving and the growth of purchasing equipment on the Internet for less money than he can charge. Brian Simmons faces similar challenges at his long-time north side Chicago operation. The biggest difference is he owns his building while Marks pays $875 a month in rent

FEATURE and Glickley $1,000, the same since he first opened in 1991. “I'm a dinosaur,” Simmons said. “If I didn't own the building, I wouldn't be here. I pay rent to myself. If you are in a bowling center, you have to pay $1,000-$1,200 a month in rent. You have to do enough revenue to pay that, pay your suppliers and pay yourself.” Simmons has owned his business since the 1970s, taking over from his father Vernon, who started it as a sporting goods store in 1946. “We were a neighborhood sporting goods store,” said Simmons, 54. “We sold kids uniforms and jock straps for basketball and baseball teams. We were dealing mostly with local schools. We were very small. My dad starting carrying bowling equipment in the 1960s. After I took over in the 1970s, we became all bowling. I knew I couldn't make a living selling fishing tackle.” Simmons mostly caters to beginning bowlers up to those averaging 200. He's not too fond of those who score higher because of their tendency to complain. “I like to teach,” he said. “My dad was a teacher. I do a lot of teaching at Waveland Bowl to supplement my income.” Simmons has no website, opting to promote through word of mouth. He's also picked up some business with the retirement of Ron Damke who closed his long-time independent Bowling Custom Pro Shop. “I don't have a lane in my shop but have some mats,” Simmons said. “I wish I had more but I don't want the guy who jumps from shop to shop looking for the best price.” Tony Glickley first drilled his own bowling ball in 1976 at King Louie College Lanes (now AMF College Lanes) in the Kansas City area. A bowler since growing up in Chicago (“I whipped every kid in town”) he knew early on bowling would be his livelihood. “I've always been pretty good with tools and you have to be good at math,” he said. “Most bowlers are good in math and measurements.” He took his talents to S&H Bowling Supply where he learned how to drill bowling balls for other people and how to deal with customers. When S&H's owners retired and things didn't work out for Glickley under new management, he decided to go on his own. After originally opening in a bowling center in 1990, he moved to his current location at the Wycliffe West Shopping Center in Overland Park, KS, in 1991. “I tried to be centrally located to all of the bowling centers so we can service them all,” he said. “There about a half-dozen centers within 10 miles of here. My advantage here is people don't come to just waste time. In a center, the pro shop is like a barber shop. They are coming here to buy something. It's more educational. They leave with more knowledge.” Glickley is proud a number of his students have used that knowledge to varying

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

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

amounts of success locally, statewide and nationally. “A lot of my customers are here on a second chance,” he said. “They didn't progress; their hand is sore; this is the place they were sent to. I'm like a hand doctor. As people are learning more and more about bowling, they realize a pro shop can make a difference in their career.” Frank Dimino and Brad Buckert have the best of both worlds. Two of their Begin'rs to Pro's Pro Shops in Rochester, NY, are in bowling centers while another is part of Stoneridge Plaza. Started by Ron Ludwig in 1974, Buckert bought the freestanding location in the early 1990s with Dimino joining him about 10 years ago. “We have an advantage in the summertime. Being in a plaza, we get more traffic than most bowling centers,” Dimino said. “Because of where we are located people have a little more money and spend a little more money.” While the name of the business spells out the overall nature of the clientele, Dimino said they now cater more to entry to mid-level bowlers. Previously, their customers were more high-end. “There's more spur-of-the-moment customers in the centers,” he said. “Those who think about it more come here. Plus we have a trophy business. IBI

February 2013

FEATURE If we didn't have that we wouldn't be open in the summer.” Greg Senko can keep his DenMar's Pro Shop open yearround because it occupies 1,000 square Tony Glickley outside his overland Park, KS, store. feet in the basement of his Brookeville, MD, home. He's done this part-time since 1996 while working other jobs such as landscaping and health insurance. “If I didn't do it out of my house, I couldn't do it,” Senko said. “I couldn't afford the expenses. What I do more times than not is meet my customers over the lunch hour at their center,” Senko said. “I take my equipment with me. I take my time and save them their time. I can give customers as good or better service than a full-service pro shop. It also helps give me stability being at home. I have a different outlook. When customers come to my house, there's no stress.” While Senko also rues equipment purchased on the Internet, he tries to keep his prices competitive while providing service not available online. “I can guarantee the balls I sell which on the Internet you can't,” he said. “And I can meet

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you, which they can't.” Despite the challenges, independent pro shop owners don't see themselves doing anything else. “I don't have any goals as far as how long I will stick around,” Marks said. “As long as the money keeps coming in, I'll be here. I pay his bills. That's all I can do. The question is do I want to work for someone else? Probably not after being on my own for so long.” “I wish I could take my experience and what I know and do a book or a DVD,” Glickley said. “I'd like to pass along my knowledge.” “There's no question freestanding pro shops are going to be a thing of the past,” Simmons said. “I hope to last six more years to get to 60.” Independence, a love for the game and shear will keep pro shop owners’ doors open. Balls and shoes you can get any where. For advice, instruction and camaraderie, pro shops are essential. ❖

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

COVER STORY

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February 2013

COVER STORY

By Paul Lane

ukio Matsuo is best described as a man for all seasons, with as varied a career in bowling and other industries since the early 1960s, both in Japan and the USA, as anyone this writer has encountered and befriended in 59-years in the bowling business. Yuki’s résumé runs the gamut from exporter, bowling equipment salesman, bowling proprietor, trader, realtor, tour manager for U.S. pro-bowlers visiting Japan, purchaser and exporter of fine arts, and liaison between several U.S. bowling manufacturers and distributors in Japan to devoted husband, father, campaigner for introducing Living Wills into law in Japan, public speaker/lecturer at schools (to teenagers at an age when they can apply for a driving license), keynote speaker for the World Federation of Right To Die Societies, and 1st through 5th Dan Black Belt in Judo and Judo instructor . . . the list goes on. He’s also a graduate of Waseda University in Tokyo, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan. Yuki’s first job, in the early 1960s, was with the Nippon Victor Company, a subsidiary of RCA Victor since before WWII, from where he exported transistor radios and stereos. Then, still in the early sixties, bowling came to Japan, and the bowling boom of the sixties and early seventies was underway. As the industry grew in Japan, Yuki resigned from Nippon Victor and joined a company called Japan Bowling Center Chain (JBCC) which, together with Nippon Brunswick, leased and sold bowling equipment to proprietors. What was unique about this company was that it also developed a chain of franchised bowling centers under the brand name of Starlanes. During this time Yuki became acquainted with a number of U.S. probowlers: Carmen Salvino, Ray Bluth and Laverne Carter, to name but a few. As much as Yuki enjoyed his involvement with JBCC, he had other ideas and ambitions and resigned in order to open a 16-lane center, Ouzu Starlanes, with his brother Morito Matsuo, in his home town of Ouzu City. Leaving the day-to-day running of the center to his brother, Yuki then moved to Tokyo where he imported and distributed bowling supplies to the Japanese market. Knowing that his center, Ouzu Lanes, was opened during the height of the explosive bowling boom of the late sixties and early seventies, I had to ask what lineage he did at the peak, and where it bottomed out when the industry collapsed. Yuki lamented, “We were doing 70 to 80 games per lane per day for a few years, but when the industry collapsed we were down to practically zero.” Needless to

Paul Lane with Makiko and Yuki in the 1990s.

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COVER STORY say, Yuki and his brother closed the center. In fact, only a few of the Starlanes franchised centers survived the downfall of the industry at that time. His hiatus from bowling included moving his family to New York (1967 to 1972), living on West 67th Street, just a half block from Central Park. It was there that Yuki’s daughter, Miki, was born. In New York, Yuki worked for Nissho-Iwai, which at the time was one of the top ten Japanese international trading firms, along with Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo and C-Itoh which was AMF’s joint venture partner in Japan during the boom period. One of the early pioneers in the bowling industry in Japan was Yamatane, which was also part of the Starlanes franchise and the Starlanes Bowling Proprietors Association. When the industry collapsed, Yamatane lost all but one of its centers, Tokyo Starlanes. In 1981 Yamatane formed Yamatane International Corp., U.S. in New York. Yuki had known the owner of Yamatane from when they were both members of the Starlanes Association. When Yamatane opened its operation in New York, Yuki joined them to help develop their international business. Yamatane, under the subsidiary company, Asahi Capital, became the distributor in Japan for Roto-Grip, Inc., US Polychem, ZOT Pinsetter Parts, and Murrey International. At the same time, Yuki acquired a New York Real Estate license, enabling him to manage Yamatane’s New York real estate investments and purchased and exported fine-arts for Yamatane’s art museum in Japan. Akira Nakano, the CEO and President of Eastern Sports, purchased products and supplies from Asahi Capital. In 1998, he learned that Asahi Capital would be liquidated and would close down its international business in New York. The following year Akira decided to take over the distribution in Japan for (lower right) ave Cherry D h t. it w o ki Yu em contrac U.S. Polych signing the

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Yukio (far ri ght)

with Ray Blu th (holding mic), Carme Laverne Car n Salvino, ter and an u nidentified bowler.

US Polychem, Murrey International and ZOT Pinsetter Parts, along with several other companies that had been dealing with Asahi Capital: some of them exclusively. Yuki was a natural to assist and liaise Eastern Sports’ new venture from the U.S. and has worked closely with the company ever since. Akira describes Yuki this way: “He is like a man who came to modern Japan in a time machine from Japan 38-years ago. At the same time, he also has a strong attachment to America, which is proven by his living in New York for more than 20 years."Other industry leaders also praise Yuki. Dave Cherry, the CEO of US Polychem said: “It has been my privilege to be Yuki's friend and business associate for over 35 years. He is loyal and dedicated to our company, both in the United States and Japan. All of our trips to Japan were well planned in advance by Yuki and he treated my team like royalty. He was always super polite and in his quiet way made things happen. … As my interpreter in bowling negotiations and seminars in Japan, I would say sternly: ‘Yuki did you tell them what I said?’ and he would answer in his soft manner; ‘Well, not exactly… I cleaned it up a bit! However they seem to be quite pleased anyway.’” Gordon Murrey, director of GKM International and formerly of Murrey International, said “In business we need to deal with many people to get the job done. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we get to know someone like Yukio Matsuo. We learn from people like Yukio that it is the relationship, not the business, that really matters in the end. He has taught me life lessons of patience, tenacity and honoring family.” Murrey pointed out that Yuki arranged the sale of GKM’s Profit Platform® to Eastern Sports for use at the prestigious Japan Cup so the media VIPs could sit alongside the action for the first time - instead of behind it. “Yuki is always moving forward, making things, situations and people better. We can all take a lesson from him.” Roger Lindblad, president of ZOT Pinsetter Parts, first

COVER STORY met Yuki at a BowlExpo, some 18 years ago, where the first discussions about Asahi Capital (and later Eastern Sports) becoming ZOT’s distributor in Japan occurred. In addition to helping to develop ZOT’s business interest in Japan, Yuki was a prime influence in persuading Eastern Sports to introduce and market ZOT’s GlossBoss Ball Conditioning machine. Today, there are more than 400 GlossBoss machines in Japan. Through Yuki, Eastern Sports took a product and successfully created a demand for it, added Lindblad, “which is a kind of reverse form of marketing.” After more than 20-years in New York, Yuki and his wife Makiko returned to Japan, relocating to Toyama City, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chūbu region in central Honshū. However, this did not change his working relationship with Eastern Sports or the companies they represent in Japan. It was business as usual. With such a busy life you would not expect Yuki to have time for other pursuits, but he does, and with élan. For example, starting from high school through to today, he had a career in Judo. He earned his first Dan black belt in Tokyo; his second at the West Side YMCA in New York; his third in Port Chester, New York; his 4th at the Watanabe Judo and Aikido school in Japan; and he is presently a 5th Dan black belt... so don’t mess with Yuki!

Yuki’s daughter, Miki, the mother of his two grandchildren, did not move to Japan. Miki graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors (ergonomics) and was commissioned as a military intelligence (MI) officer. She resigned in 2000 as a Captain. Miki has recently been reassigned as a captain in the New Mexico Army National Guard, serving in Rio Rancho, NM, close to where she lives in Albuquerque with her husband and two children. And Yuki’s son, Koya, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, in 1995 and earned a Master’s degree from Lehman College in 2004. Koya now lives in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is enrolled in a doctoral degree program at Assumption University.

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

THE DEFINITION OF A LIVING WILL IN THE UNITED STATES IS AS FOLLOWS: This written, legal document spells out the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you want and don't want, such as mechanical breathing (respiration and ventilation), tube feeding or resuscitation. In some states, living wills may be called health care declarations or health care directives. Japan so she could show her friends photos of their new grandchild. This turned out to be a fateful trip and one which would forever change the lives of the Matsuo family. On July 1st, 2006, on a dark rainy evening in Toyama City, where Makiko had been driving home after visiting her nephew’s family, she was hit head on by a car that had crossed the median into the oncoming traffic. The driver was a nineteen year old boy who had gotten his driving license just one month earlier. He had fallen asleep at the wheel when he collided into Makiko’s car. This event altered Yuki’s focus and his 24

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COVER STORY Below is an excerpt from a keynote speech Yuki made recently in Zurich, Switzerland, to the International Society of Death With Dignity. Sadly, we did not receive the bad news until more than 24 hours after the accident. My daughter, my son and I flew immediately from three different locations in the U.S. and linked up in Japan. By the time we finally arrived at the hospital, it had already been three days since the accident. Makiko was in an ICU unit, connected to a respirator. Her doctor said if she regains her consciousness, she would most likely be in a vegetative state, and that is if she is lucky. She did regain consciousness after a couple of weeks, but was almost completely paralyzed. The only things she could move were her eyelids. She could blink, and her mouth could move. She tried to talk, but her vocal cords were paralyzed, too. Her doctor told us that she had probably lost memory of the accident and of the period before and after the accident. We later learned that she did not even remember how happily she took care of her new baby granddaughter, which is very sad. A month later, she was fitted with a feeding tube and a diaphragm pacemaker implanted; both of which she still depends on to sustain her life. When she regained her consciousness, we tried to communicate. Since her hearing was not impaired, we told her to blink her eyes twice if the answer is YES and to close her eyes if the answer is NO. While this meant that she could answer YES and NO questions, still she was not able to express herself. With her speech therapist we experimented with various computerized communication aids with no success. Then we tried one called “Lets Chat” made by Panasonic. This device is more mechanical and easier to operate and follow, but very time consuming, having to pick out one letter at a time. However, we had no success with this device either, despite the speech therapist working with her for half an hour every day for 8 months. It is designed

for patients who can push the button themselves. The doctors and therapists gave up all hope of her ever being able to use a communication device, but later on someone gave me an idea which was why not use her blinking as a signal? In other words, my wife gives me signals by blinking and I push the button for her. It worked! After two years and nine months had passed since the day of the accident, Makiko was finally able to communicate and express herself, but only one or two sentences a day. I was thrilled, but the thought of her being trapped in her own body for two years and nine months made me want to cry. As soon as we started to communicate I decided to document everything she spelled out. I now have three notebooks full of notes which I have titled MAKIKO NO KOTODAMA, which translates to A MESSAGE FROM MAKIKO’S SOUL. The book was published two years ago by Mika Yanagihara and has become mandatory reading in a number of schools for teenagers of an age where they can apply for a driving license. I continue to visit and be with her almost every day as I have done for the last six years and will take care and protect her for as long as I can until her last moment. The thought of dying before her, leaving her all alone in this world is unbearable. I am sure she feels the same way. To die with dignity is not a new concept. However, in modern Japan, people have forgotten this. We must be reminded that to die with dignity is our heritage, our tradition and our proud culture. Naturally I am not advocating suicide. I am only emphasizing the spiritual aspect of how to live, how to age and eventually how to die in accordance with our tradition. Today this can be accomplished in Japan by introducing a law to make the Living Will a legal document.”

Yuki would also like to invite an exchange of dialog with readers with first hand, good or bad, experience with Living Wills. He’ s looking for anything that may help his efforts to get Living Wills introduced into law in Japan. This can be accomplished though the Forum pages at www.bowlingindustry.com. World 2012, at the r e m m su , ki cieties Miki and Yu ht to Die So ig R e th f o n Federatio in Zurich. conference

family’s direction. He now campaigns tirelessly for Living Wills. He also visits schools and meetings arranged by the trauma department of the local police, presenting a graphic slide show to teenagers about to apply for a driving license. His book, (Makiko No Kotodama), dealing with his wife’s accident and medical journey, has garnered so much publicity that NHK TV, a national television station in Japan, made an hour-long docudrama which recently aired in Japan. The seminars and his campaign to

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introduce Living Wills into Japan has given Yuki a new mission in life, and a purpose to carry on. And knowing Yuki as well as I do, I know he will succeed. US Polychem’s Dave Cherry put it this way, “What courage he has shown! He and his daughter Miki have fierce determination in the long fight for Makiko to bring in the Living Will law. I will always admire him.” Since the accident Yuki has handed over the management of Eastern Sports liaison to his daughter Miki, but Yuki still stays in touch with all of his old bowling industry colleagues and friends. ❖ Paul Lane is former Director of Marketing and Marketing Services for AMF Bowling, Inc. He has been the director of 18 AMF World Cups, an officer in national and international trade associations, and a pro bowler during a career that spans more than 60 countries and 50 years.

INTRO

According To George “

urnabout is fair play,” the saying goes. An interesting phenomenon is occurring in our world of Bowling Entertainment Centers (BECs): for the last five years we have participated in the evolution of the traditional bowling center to the BEC model by adding family entertainment (FEC) elements to the core bowling center. That model has proved successful as an FEC model helps bowling centers attract additional guests, trade during additional hours, offer alternate pricing schemes, and support better food and beverage, among other synergies. Now, FECs are approaching this model from the opposite direction. Synergy is synergy, after all. For all of the same reasons discussed above, traditional (non-bowling) family entertainment centers are now adding bowling as an attraction. This month’s lead story features Boondocks, one of the best operated traditional FEC chains in the U.S., which has embraced bowling as an attraction in several of its FECs. Read all about it inside. Other examples of non-bowling FECs evolving into BECs are popping up all around the world. This market convergence has allowed FEC talent and suppliers to infuse new thinking into the world of the bowling proprietor. Now bowling proprietors can return the favor, sharing their knowledge and experience through industry forums, associations and trade shows. Rounding out the issue are articles previewing the Amusement Expo trade show and an interview with proprietor David Bardon who shares details and insights on his recent BEC transformation in Milwaukee.

George McAuliffe

President, Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors

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Chris’ Corner hile it may have been a while since you’ve tried your hand at a crane game in an arcade, we all know it takes a certain level of skill in order to be successful. Like everything in life, there are people that have mastered this game who always seem to walk away with a prize. I’m sure you have seen someone like this, maybe even in your center. The person peruses the inventory inside the glass case, not necessarily finding the item they want the most, but the piece that would give them the best chance at winning. After popping in the quarters they painstakingly maneuver the claw ever so gently north to south and east to west, maybe taking a few seconds to view things from different angles until they are confident the claw is lined up for “the kill.” Slapping the console button, everyone watch and waits with baited breath as the talon descends and wraps itself around the coveted booty. Once the prize has miraculously been plucked from the pile, a celebration is held until the loot drops into the chamber. It could be said the same formula can apply for life in business. One must survey the market to determine if an investment is a wise choice. Once the cash has been shelled out, you go to work meticulously guiding your business on the path to greatest victory. Eventually you get to a point of no return where you have to take a plunge to grab what you desire. If your planning was well thought out and timing is right, out of the landscape you can pull your own piece of the pie.

Chris Holmes

Director of Advertising, International Bowling Industry

PREVIEW

By George McAuliffe

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

musement Expo is right around the corner, at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 20-22. Amusement Expo is Family Entertainment Center (FEC) focused with games and redemption merchandise and other attraction vendors such as laser tag and rides and includes support systems like debit card providers. Its size and exhibitor lineup means it can be a valuable stop for Bowling Entertainment Center (BEC) owners and those thinking of adding games and FEC attractions. The show includes a lineup of educational sessions on Wednesday, March 20, from 8-11:30a.m. (go to amusementexpo.org for details which were unavailable at this writing). The show floor will be open: Wednesday 12a.m. - 6p.m.; Thursday 10a.m. - 5p.m.; and Friday from 9a.m. -1p.m. I’ll be in the Redemption Plus booth, so stop by and say hello. A note for all you basketball fans out there, during March Madness, Vegas is a fun place to mix business with pleasure!

recommendations: Baytek’s Crank It, in one and two player, and Connect Four; Benchmark’s Monster Drop & Monster Drop Extreme; Elaut’s Wizard of Oz Pusher (its $50k pricetag means high volume locations); and E-Claw Color Glow Cranes. Betson has re-released Spongebob

REDEMPTION GAMES We saw a lot of great looking new games at IAAPA, most of which will be on display at Amusement Expo. Having had a few months of earnings to study, we now have hard data on the following games which we expect to see at the show and which have earned Pinnacle

Jellyfishing, a great children’s and familycrossover game. Namco’s Dead Storm Pirates is a quality attraction video, and Sega will show its hit merchandiser, Key Master, now available in six new colors. Its Super Monkey Ball is also earning well. Keep in mind our show philosophy, learned the hard way over many years, that it doesn’t matter much if you like a game, you need to see actual numbers and a track record. Our recommendations for your buying decisions are based on: a) your specific game mix; b) game earnings history; c) game cost; d) payout impact; e) potential resale value; f) mechanical 30

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reliability/operating cost. All of these are measured against the alternative use of your capital. Then toss in intangibles like experience with similar games over time, knowledge of manufacturer’s track records, etc. New games that we liked at IAAPA and are watching include: Baytek’s Prize Zone, a new automated redemption center; Betson/Raw Thrills’ Sno Cros; and ICE’s Doodle Jump Arcade, Milk Jug Toss, and Harpoon Lagoon. Namco’s Pac Man Smash Air Hockey, 4 player, attracted a lot of attention, as did Sega’s Bejeweled. We expect Coastal to show Temple Run, Simpson Soccer, and Sea Wolf 55 DLX. LAI’s Balloon Buster, Mega Stacker Lite (the ticket version of its hit Mega Stacker) will also show its three new children’s redemption games: Pirate Battle, Princess Castle, and Choo Choo Train. Rounding out the games we like are: Fruit Mania and Pirates Hook, and Adrenaline’s Black Out, a merchandiser with hologram-like play features.

CRANES AND MERCHANDISERS (C&M) I’m in bowling centers every week all over the country. If there is one area that stands out as needing improvement, it is the crane and merchandiser lineup. Many centers are leaving money on the table.

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Amusement Expo is a good show for improving your C&M program, both machines and merchandise. C&M should be terrific earners in almost any bowling center. There are three main areas where most C&M programs fail: machine lineup, merchandising practices, and value equation. Think of your crane and merchandiser lineup as walking through the mall. You have menswear, womenswear, shoes, jewelry, toys, etc. There is a variety of merchandise to appeal to a wide demographic, and so it should be with C&M. C&M Lineup: Many people think that if they have one crane, adding a second crane will seriously impact the revenues of the first. When done properly, with the right variety of machine and merchandise, the opposite is true: the total category can add sales. That is the reason retailers gather in shopping centers: the whole is greater than the parts. C&M is viable in a redemption game room, because it is a different purchase/play decision for the player. With the prospect of winning a nice prize instantly, redemption game players are often motivated to dig into their pockets for that extra play. Merchandising: The key principles include cleanliness (inside and out), lights all working, good merchandise mixes frequently changed and properly displayed in the game, and a well-managed payout. Our objective is to get the customer to STOP, LOOK, and PLAY, and sequencing or changing the mix regularly is a big weapon in the arsenal. Do cinemas play the same movies month after month or year after year? The merchandise mix not only has to change, it has to be a noticeable change. A merchandise mix should stand for something! Working in monthly cycles in high repeat locations to change the mix of games frequently increases the likelihood that the client will keep playing.

Value Equation: price per play, cost of prize, and win ratio 34

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

CRANE PRICING TABLE Price per Play Win Rate/Ratio Payout % Cost of Sales Gross Sales per Prize Avg. Cost per Item Gross Profit Avg. Size of Item

0.50 1:10 25% 25% $5.00 $1.25 $3.75 5-7"

0.50 1:20 25% 25% $10.00 $2.50 $7.50 9-12"

$1.00 1:15 26% 26% $15.00 $4.00 $11.00 14-20"

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

George McAuliffe is a 30 year family entertainment center operator and president of Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus. Pinnacle is an industry consulting firm www.grouppinnacle.com. George has operated entertainment centers from 2,000 to 150,000 square feet including redemption and merchandise games since 1983 and has assisted numerous Bowling Entertainment Center owners develop their FEC side. He is a regular speaker at industry conventions worldwide and writes for RePlay and International Bowling Industry Magazine. He can be reached at 913-563-4370 or email at gmcauliffe@redemptionplus.com.

BEYOND BOWLING FEATURE

By Robert Sax

Having Fun In The Boondocks Boondocks Family Entertainment Centers in Utah and Colorado are some of the many successful FECs that have added bowling to their attractions.

eople love bowling at Boondocks Fun Centers, but it didn’t start that way. Many family entertainment centers began as bowling centers that expanded to include other popular activities like arcade games, laser tag and live sports on TV. Boondocks took a different approach, developing a successful mix of other indoor and outdoor family attractions first and then adding bowling to complement it. Boondocks didn’t begin with bowling because the company’s initial expertise was in constructing such outdoor attractions as batting cages, go-kart tracks and miniature golf courses for FECs. Since its inception in 1986, the company has built more than 200 projects at FECs across the country.

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In 1993 Boondocks diversified into FEC operations, opening its first center in southern Utah. They followed it with a second FEC in Meridian, Idaho in 1998. The company became known for its comprehensive mix of indoor and outdoor family activities, ranging from go-karts and bumper boats to laser tag, arcades and soft play areas. Boondocks subsequently sold its first properties and by 2009 had evolved into three 10-acre FECs; two in Utah and one in Colorado. Bowling entered the picture in 2009, when the company built its Kaysville, Utah FEC and wanted to add an attraction to boost revenues during colder weather. “Bowling becomes busy when our outdoor attractions slow down,” says Boondocks partner Damon Day, “and it’s a good anchor for our indoor attractions.” The Kaysville center has 20 full-size lanes. In 2012 Boondocks installed 20 lanes at its Northglenn, Colorado location as part of an extensive renovation. Day says they will add bowling to their Draper, Idaho location in the future, but haven’t set a date yet. The bowling facilities are stateof-the-art and feature Brunswick equipment including the Vector

scoring system. Bowlers can relax in contemporary couch seating and enjoy laneside food and beverage service. There’s glow bowling of course, and multi-mask media screens that display music videos and sporting events in high-definition. Boondocks’ guests have responded enthusiastically to bowling. Many guests include bowling as part of one of Boondocks’ package deals, some of which allow unlimited bowling. While it’s strictly casual play at Boondocks, a “Fun Club” program offers regular groups a ten-week “season” capped with an awards banquet. Day takes a sophisticated approach to managing and building business at Boondocks. The Boondocks philosophy is based on creating a great guest experience, and great care is taken to give them the attractions they want and the exemplary service they deserve. As the attractions became more diverse, Day realized the need for IBI

February 2013

an IT system that would support the operations and allow them to perform as well as he and his partner wanted. Birthday parties are a prime example of what they wanted to do better. “With the traditional point-of-sale system we had,” says Day, “folks would check in and we would charge their credit card and send them off to have their party. It prevented the upsell opportunities that exist in providing them with additional [services.]” In 1997 Day began researching software vendors to the

attractions industry. He ultimately chose Ideal Software because he liked their product and because they were willing to add features as Boondocks’ needs grew. David Goldman, CEO of Ideal and a pioneer of software for FEC management, welcomed the challenge. “Damon has tremendous understanding on how best to run his facility,” says Goldman. “Ideal was proud to work with him to bring his vision to life.” In 1998 Boondocks installed its first Ideal point-of-sale software, which has evolved into a comprehensive and powerful system that 38

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that its own customers or employees can get with a special promo code. Charities can offer discounted tickets as a fundraiser, with Boondocks rebating a portion of the proceeds to them. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all a part of embracing the trend of customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; seeking a better, more convenient

integrates all aspects of running its FECs. Everything from ticket and food sales to the Vector scoring system to employee timecards and access is handled by one platform with a single point for generating a variety of financial and management reports. Another valuable feature is support for online reservations. With birthday parties, for example, guests can log on to the Boondocks site to schedule date and time, select a package deal, make a deposit and even order a custom cake. The system also handles online sales of discounted tickets, a promotion that is popular with local businesses. The business arranges a discount 40

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experience at an FEC. More and better interactive attractions are also a big part of that trend, notes Day. Given the large menu of exciting choices they offer, Boondocks can expect to remain the center of fun for many families for years to come. â?&#x2013;

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

By George McAuliffe

ENGAGING INTERVIEW

Interview with David Bardon With a successful modernization of one of his centers, David reflects on his business. 1. David, let’s get started by telling us about yourself and Bardon Bowling Centers. We operate four bowling centers in Wisconsin. The company started in 1993 when my Dad built a center in Elkhart Lake, which I later bought as an investment. My degree was in chemistry with a Master’s in Environmental Science, so I got in the business by accident. Once I did, I was having fun and started adding centers. 2. You recently modernized Olympic Lanes, tell us about that center. Olympic was a traditional 36-lane center built in the 1950s in Milwaukee. We purchased it in 2002. Over the years, revenue was going the wrong way as leagues declined from about 35% of sales to 20%. It became clear that if this was going to be a significant center, then we had to do a serious modernization. As the process moved forward, we ran into design and cost issues which took us into 2011. That’s when JB’s on 41, the new Olympic Lanes, was born on paper. It physically came to life in November, 2012. 3. What did the remodel entail? We started the process with the type of customer experience we wanted to sell. We added The Junction Bar and Grill and modernized our game room. We removed one lane, created Suite 41, our 10 lane private boutique. We upgraded our remaining 25 regular lanes with new masking units featuring the Milwaukee cityscape, a new ceiling, ball returns, the latest Brunswick Vector Plus scoring system, flat screen monitors, and new Galactic (Cosmic) Bowling with a sound and lighting system across all 25 lanes. We put couches across all 25 lanes, using different styles for the main 25 and in Suite 41. 4. Describe Suite 41 a bit more if you would. It’s a different atmosphere. We added projection video across all ten lanes as well as a great lighting and sound system and comfortable furniture. It is targeted to corporate groups and private parties. When not booked, it is used for open play for an hourly fee.

5. How important is the food and beverage piece? Extremely important. The old Olympic Lanes offered a bar with frozen pizza and snack bar food presentation. A key step was recruiting our GM, Dave Kash, from the restaurant industry. The Junction has similarities to an Applebee’s, Bennigan’s, or Chili’s model with some of our own twists. David Barden We now have a full kitchen to serve our destination patrons, bowlers, and our corporate and group sales events, plus 126 seats. Reviews have been great on the food and sales are up nicely. 6. You added a game room. Why no other family entertainment attractions? Space constraints. We had a game room prior but with very dated games and a small redemption center. As you know (editor’s note: Pinnacle consulted on the project) we totally updated the game mix, added a state of the art redemption center, and re-themed the room as The Speed Zone. 7. Any other wisdom you care to share for our readers thinking of modernizing or adding other attractions to their business? Ask me six months from now, once we get all of our training and marketing programs in place. I will say this: do your homework and work with people who have the expertise you need. Brunswick was our lead vendor on the project. They brought far more than just the bowling equipment. They were there to help with demographics, market study, design, and introduced us to the experts we needed. We’re very happy with the outcome and ready for the hard work ahead. David, thanks for sharing your time and thoughts with our readers. ❖ IBI

February 2013

SHOWCASE ALL STAR EVENTS

BOWLER RELIEF

POWERFUL POINTS

STAGE SUCCESS

Next Level Bowling is your source for Clinics, Exhibitions, Seminars, and Personal Appearances. Take advantage by having the likes of Norm Duke and other PBA professionals in your establishment as a marketing draw for your business. Take advantage of the Next Level Bowling Team to plan, coordinate, and market an event that will leave a lasting impression on your customers. Contact Laurie Romano at Laurie@nextlevelbowling.com or 804-301-6054.

The "Points for Playâ&#x20AC;? by Intercard eTicket payment option is a revolutionary new way for guests to pay. With Points for Play, guests can now use these points as tender on arcade readers and elsewhere throughout the facility. Guests can just swipe their card and use their points to do everything from playing Laser Tag, to bowling, to grabbing a burger and a drink at the restaurant. Visit www.intercard.com for more information.

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Keep your bowlers happy and pain free by offering an effective pain relief solution. From the makers of BiofreezeÂŽ, Perform Pain Reliever is also a topical pain reliever you apply directly to the skin, delivering cooling relief to sore muscles, joints or the pain associated with arthritis. Perform is available in Roll-On, Spray and On-the-Go Singles through Ace Mitchell and Complete Bowling Service. To learn more about the products visit www.PerformPainRelief.com.

AMF's 300 Shady Grove in Gaithersburg, MD recently purchased a Profit Platform that covers five lanes. As Shady Grove 300's, Alicia Dinwiddle, states, "Any tool that can turn a 5-6k event into a 15-20k event is very amazing!" To learn more about the Profit Platform contact GKM International at 310. 791.7092 or email or visit www.profitplatform.biz.

WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME

A Balanced Approach The story of one woman's health crisis and how bowling got her back up on her feet. By Anna M. Littles aura Persson is no stranger to health challenges, especially since she’s lived most of her 59 years of life as a Type 1 Diabetic. So when she accidently bruised her leg back in 2009, what most people would consider a minor injury withdrew her body into a tail spin. The end result: the lower part of Laura’s right leg was amputated. But this is not a story about loss; it’s all about what was gained. Laura and her husband love the sport of bowling. They both play in a couple of leagues, and she has a job as secretary to one of them, the Senior Merrymakers. Laura’s journey to get back her quality of life and find a way to bowl again would take a mammoth effort. Thankfully her biggest fan happens to be the love of her life, her husband Fred, who never let her quit. Laura shared a few things she learned with me and the first thing was that “if you want to live life bad enough, you do it!” For Laura, this crisis was “an eye opener, you look at people and the world around you in a different way.” The first five months after her amputation, Laura used a walker to get around her home. It didn’t take long for her to realize the obvious, that “our lives, our living is not set up for disabilities.” She grew to hate her walker, because she says, “You can knock someone down by just bumping into them.” When she ventured out in public she used a wheel chair only to discover that we live in a world that is not only difficult to navigate, but a world where “people have forgotten compassion and caring for one another. So many of us are in such a rush – we don’t want to wait and will mow people over.” Laura was being mowed over. She began to wonder if she was an embarrassment to her husband who took on the task of pushing her wheel chair. Fred was astounded and let her know that he “is proud of her and loves her and would never be embarrassed.” He will “push her around the world if that’s what it takes.” Fred’s love and commitment

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February 2013

WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME ignited a fire in Laura that inspired her to get up out of that wheel chair and move forward! So Laura, determined to walk, learned to do so with a prosthetic leg she calls “Moe.” With Moe, she could walk again, but would she be able to bowl again? Fear was the biggest obstacle. Laura was afraid to fall, afraid of making a fool of herself, afraid she would not be able to return to the sport she loved. Laura explained that, “Amputees have to relearn their balance; we have to press

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

through.” Her approach was the biggest challenge of all. She tried with a one step approach to the lane but that did not work. Laura even tried using a lighter ball but that didn’t work either. She was overwhelmed and frustrated and wanted to give up time and time again. Fred would not let her. They worked hard and even harder until Laura overcame every obstacle and gained back what was lost. She figured out an approach that worked, and even returned to her old ball (she throws a 14 fingertip). Since then she has never looked back and to this day continues to improve her scores. Laura wanted to regain her average of 166. Right now, her average is 152. So far, she has bowled a couple of 600s and continues to work hard on improving. Pressing through the frustration has paid off. And with the constant encouragement from her wonderful league of friends, family and hubby to relax and let it come, it has come: she has bowled back to back deuces! What’s next for Laura? One thing she’d like IBI

February 2013

WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME

DATEBOOK

she gained courage, strength, love and inspiration from her husband, and bowling league of friends. Laura has also earned the right to encourage everyone to examine how we all approach life. Her words to those who have had a similar experience and might be in a wheelchair, “Don’t give up!” And for the rest of us, “Slow down – life is passing by so fast – take the time to be courteous to everyone.” A balanced approach to life worthy of consideration. ❖ Photos courtesy of Friends and Neighbors Magazine, Sonora, CA - Dave Bonnot photographer.

with disabilities learn how to make approaches.” In 2009, Laura Persson was confronted with a crisis where she lost her leg. But

Anna Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and producer originally from the Bronx, New York, now resides in Santa Monica, California.You can see her work on YouTube, IMDB, or on her website at Anna@alittleLA.com.

MARCH 11-15 Brunswick Training Classes GS Series Pinsetter 800-937-2695 or schools@brunbowl.com 12-15 Enada Primavera Exhibition of Amusement & Games Rimini Expo Centre – Italy 051-6256603 18-22 Brunswick Training Classes Vector Scorer Maintenance 800-937-2695 or schools@brunbowl.com 18-19 Foundations Entertainment University Educational program designed for FEC owners and managers To be held in conjunction with Amusement Expo Las Vegas Info: foundationsuniversity.com 20-22 Amusement Expo Trade Show Sponsored by AAMOA & AMOA Las Vegas Convention Center Exhibit info: Brian Glasgow 708-226-1300 x 17 brian@wtglasgow.com General info: Jacki Canter 708-226-1300 x 22 jcanter@wtglasgow.com

APRIL 21–23 71ST Annual BBIA Convention Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Info: 800-343-1329

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CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN EQUIPMENT FOR SALE REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751. NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-2556436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

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February 2013

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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

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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

www.tuckerbowling.com

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

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February 2013

CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE FOR SALE: 11 ea. 28” Fenice monitor boards for Qubica automatic scoring. In working order when removed. $250.00 ea. Call Hillcrest Lanes (419) 675-6214. FOR SALE: 20 ea. Wells-Gardner 28” monitor boards for Qubica automatic scoring. $200/ea. – in working order when removed. Call Autumn Lanes (828) 286-9149. MUST SELL! 10 synthetic lanes/approaches, Qubica scoring, Brunswick A-2 jet back pinsetters, ball returns, Kegel Kustodian, spare parts, house balls, kitchen equipment & MORE! Call Kathy (805) 794-6639. FOR SALE: 12 lanes 82/70s. MP Chassis, Hump Back Ball Returns. Spare Parts. 6 Sure Pics. 28 lanes AS-90 scoring. Wood lanes & approaches. ALL WORKING. Best offer. Call (317) 745-6247.

ITEMS WANTED “WANTED TO BUY” Older Bowling Shirts. Paying $5 - $25 for button front shirts with embroidery or ink lettering on the back. HicardVintage@gmail.com (866) 312-6166.

CENTER FOR SALE NEW YORK STATE: Thousand Island region. 8-lane Brunswick center w/ cosmic bowling, auto scoring. Established leagues + many improvements. $309,000. Call Jill @ Lori Gervera Real Estate (315) 771-9302. WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One of the top five places to move! Remodeled 32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1m gets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828) 253-0362. GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, real estate included. Great location in one of fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta. 5 years new with all the amenities. Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751. WASHINGTON COAST: 8-lane AMF center with automatic scoring & snack bar. Owner contract to buy business for $150,000 and/or lease to buy. Good league base. colrond@centurylink.net.

CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane center and restaurant in central Idaho mountains. Small town. Only center within 60-mile radius. Brunswick A-2 machines; Anvilane lane beds; automatic scoring. (208) 879-4448. 50

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"Bowling Center Construction Specialists" New Center Construction Family Entertainment Centers Residential Bowling Lanes Modernization Mini Bowling Lanes Automatic Scoring CONTACT

BRIAN ESTES

(866) 961-7633 ( Office: 734) 469-4293

Toll Free:

Email: build@capitalbowlingservice.com

www.CapitalBowlingService.com

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

SERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL

AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • Frameworx NEW KEYPADS • FRONT DESK LCD MONITORS

LOCKER KEYS FAST! •Keys & Combo Locks for all Types of Lockers.

Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849

291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940 on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: mike@bowlingscorer.com

For FLORIDA CENTERS Call DAVID DRISCOLL & ASSOCIATES 1-800-444-BOWL 3800 Lake Center Loop, Suite B1, Mount Dora, FL 32757-2208 AN AFFILIATE OF SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES

•One week turnaround on most orders. •New locks All types •Used locks 1/2 price of new

All keys done by code #. No keys necessary.

E-mail: huff@inreach.com FAX YOUR ORDER TO US AT:

530-432-2933

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-700-4KEY INT’L 530-432-1027 Orange County Security Consultants

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CENTERS FOR SALE NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor & Bowling. Established 8 lanes between Mpls & Duluth w/ large bar, dining room, banquet area. Two large State employment facilities nearby. High six figure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089. www.majesticpine.com. EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA: 6-lane Brunswick center, bar & grill, drive-thru liquor store in small college town. Also, 3 apartment buildings with 40 units, good rental history. Call (701) 330-7757 or (701) 430-1490. SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained 8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant. Includes business and real estate. Nice, smaller community. Owner retiring. $212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828. 16-lane center in Southern Colorado mountains. Great condition. 18,000 s/f building w/ restaurant & lounge. Paved parking 100 + vehicles. Established leagues & tournaments. $950,000 or make offer. Kipp (719) 852-0155. CENTRAL ILLINOIS: PRICED TO SELL!! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, full service restaurant, pro shop. Plus pool tables, karaoke machine & DJ system. Asking $125,000.00 with RE. (217) 3515152 or toms-uvl@sbcglobal.net. NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s, Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game & pool rooms. See pics and info @ www.visitcolby.com or contact Charles (785) 443-3477. WISCONSIN, Gilman: Profitable 6-lane center with bar & grill, pizza kitchen, banquet hall. Owner financing or lease/purchase possible. PRICE REDUCED BY $50K (715) 447-8770 or gilmanbowl@centurytel.net.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN 52

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CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE MICHIGAN-SOUTH CENTRAL: Large center with late model equipment. Strong league base plus high-volume franchise. RE included. Sandy Hansell (800) 222-9131. OREGON: 16 lanes near Portland with good revenue and cash flow. Ken Paton (503) 645-5630. SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 8-lane Brunswick center w/ bar & grill & many improvements. Established leagues & tournaments. Six figure gross. Owner retiring. Serious inquiries only. Call & leave message @ (608) 767-3136.

POSITION WANTED Seeking General Manager position— West Coast, Nevada, New Mexico and/or Southern region. 40 years in the industry—owner, GM & District Manager. Familiar with F&B, marketing, special events and youth programs. Has served on the Indiana BPA Board of Directors for 4 years. Resume and references available. Rudy Hinojosa (317) 590-5499 or email: rhbowl@yahoo.com.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI: 8-lane family owned center w/ snack bar & large game room. 10-year-old AMF equipment. Only center in the county. Email: bowlingcntr@aol.com. Serious inquiries only please.

MANAGER WANTED Don't miss your chance to grow with an Industry Leader! Looking for Experienced, Service-Oriented General Managers for our U.S. bowling retail center locations. Please check us out at www.brunswickcareers.apply2jobs.c om for more details on our current openings. Act Now! Apply Today!

SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800255-6436 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.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC board repair/exchange. 6-month warranty, fast turnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service 5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695) Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon) E-mail: wb8yjf@earthlink.net Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/

AccuScore XL & AccuScore BOSS component exchange. (712) 253-8730. AMF 5850 & 6525 CHASSIS. Exchange your tired or damaged chassis for an upgraded, rewired, cleaned, painted and ready-to-run chassis. Fast turnaround. Lifetime guarantee. References available. CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.

SELL YOUR CENTER

(818) 789-2695

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February 2013

REMEMBER WHEN

1950s

t is February and love is in the air and, with Archie Andrews our intrepid comic book character, always on the lanes. Watching him flit and fly from one lovely damsel to the next, you could say that bowling is a metaphor for Love: sometimes you throw gutter balls, sometimes strikes and sometimes, if you’re lucky, a spare will come along showing that a mishap at the beginning can be saved on the next throw. Of course, too much of a good thing and there can be trouble. But hey, he was always ready to take a chance. ❖

Happy

Valentine’s Day!

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February 2013