CONTENTS
VOL 27.3
6 ISSUE AT HAND
26 COVER STORY
Saying Goodbye To A Legend
Just Getting Started Tim and Kim Denny reinvent an OKC classic and vow it’s only the beginning.
By Scott Frager
By Sean Krainert
8 SHORTS • Badger Sports Park ups its game with Lasertron • Switch partners with WOG in Middle East • Kegel’s Specto Bowling app introduces World • Boardwalk Bowl’s ‘Strike Out Hunger’ campaign • Book Corner: Bowlaway
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34 LEAGUES Where Everyone is a Winner With the Jackpot Classic, Greg Olsen transformed Washington state’s BPA all-league tournament. By Mark Miller
By Patty Heath
40 FEATURE The Biggest Save How a mayor and a former NHL star saved a Canadian bowling center.
16 CONSIDER THIS The ‘Eyes’ Have It
26
By Robert Sax
Face-to-face interaction is the clear winner. By Kay Anderson and Ben Jones
54 REMEMBER WHEN 1949 Bayer Aspirin
18 FEATURE
By Patty Heath
Bowling Takes The Spotlight At MGM Springfield MGM’s TAPS Sports Bar becomes destination entertainment.
49 Showcase 50 Classifieds
By Sean Krainert
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March 2019
THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Garber garber@bowlingindustry.com
OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com
CONTRIBUTORS Kay Anderson Patty Heath Ben Jones Sean Krainert 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)
P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com
www.BowlingIndustry.com
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 $60 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, P.O. Box 7350 Overland Park, KS 66207 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2019, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
ISSUE AT HAND
Legendary Smile Forever Lost If I could have picked being adopted by a bowling family, I would have been a Voight. From the very first day I met Mark Voight, I felt a special kinship. It may have been our shared faith. It could have been his ever-present smile. It could have been the special way we conversed together: casual, but always substantial. It could have been because Mark treated me as a peer when I was truly a newbie with nothing of value to offer in return but intense curiosity. Most of all, the reason for my desire to be a Voight was because of his love for his wife and family. Wherever Mark was, Diane was most likely with him. No matter where they went, this couple was the popular pair with whom everyone wanted to rub elbows. I couldn’t wait for them to come by the IBI booth at any given trade show. Usually, it took them quite a long time to make it down any aisle as everyone wanted to visit. I usually had to bust my way through an entourage to pay my respects. They were so much a pair, it’s excruciating to write about Mark without Diane and now vice-versa. When we wanted to feature Mark on the cover of IBI in December of 2003, we chose a photo of Mark and Diane nestled, together, in front of a
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pinsetter. It remains one of my favorite covers. Even more than his love and passion for the bowling business, Mark’s eyes would sparkle when he shared news about his kids or grandkids. He loved talking about their successes and growth. He also loved talking about their family vacations. Over the past 30 years, as his family grew, so did our conversations about family. Mark’s friendly smile and gracious familial disposition made me feel like I was talking to one of my favorite uncles. He was smart, successful, passionate, respected, and respectful. Mark would always take a call and never seemed to be in a rush to hang up. On February 11, 2019, the bowling world lost a family member and icon, Mark Voight. I’m grateful for the time we had together. Mark, you passed away all too soon, and we will never be fortunate enough to find another like you.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR frager@bowlingindustry.com
SHORTS
HOCKEY SAVES BOWLING
EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS
Pickwick Bowl, a 24-lane center in Burbank, CA, was in jeopardy with the possibility of the land being sold. However, after community protest and then help from hockey’s Los Angeles Kings and the American Sports Entertainment Co. (ASEC), the future looks bright. Pickwick Bowl is part of an entertainment campus comprised of 24 lanes of bowling, an ice rink, six conference and banquet rooms, and a 2.5-acre garden. It was the ice rink that was the hero. The Kings with ASEC have acquired the property and will begin a $1 million renovation of the ice rink in June, rebranding it LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens. Everyone wins!
HAWAII’S PALI LANES IS REPRIEVED . . . FOR NOW Community outcry has gone a long way in aiding Pali Lanes in Kailua, a Honolulu suburb. The center was on the verge of losing its lease, as developer Alexander and Baldwin (A&B) was planning other uses for the property. With the backlash from the community, A&B initiated a community outreach survey. 16,000 received surveys and 28% responded. On the issue of Pali Lanes, 56% said keep it ‘as is.’ While all of this was going on, A&B extended Pali’s lease. Art Machado, a co-owner, shared that working under a month-to-month situation had hurt business, especially league business. With residents pushing hard, the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board declared the building an historic place, which would make redeveloping difficult. Further, State Representative Cynthia Thielen has now introduced legislation to have the state buy the Pali Lanes property and preserve it as a public bowling venue to be operated by the state’s Department of Parks and Recreation. While this is still in the works, at least, life forces seem to be on Pali’s side.
BADGER SPORTS PARK UPDATES ITS LASERTRON ATTRACTION Badger Sports Park is a family-owned entertainment center in Appleton, WI. It covers 5.5 acres offering outdoor attractions, including a Nascar Go Kart Track, 18-hole, Wisconsin-themed, championship mini golf course, and an eight-stall batting cage. Inside the 23,000-square-foot complex are: two-story LED interactive laser tag arena; escape rooms; Hologate VR; and four mini bowling lanes, along with inflatables. It was time for an upgrade, and Pat and Joe Van Abel and Tim Bruecker decided to go with LASERTRON’s new LED Interactive Arena and LT-12.5 Game System. The new offering included 34 new LT-12.5 PRO vests, eight enhanced RGB LED Target Medallions, seven enhanced RGB LED Sectors with TV and speakers, 174 linear feet of LEW wall lighting effects, and an LED interactive façade. LASERTRON has 182 locations currently operating with its laser tag equipment.
ANYONE FOR VOLLEYBALL? With the Midwest and East Coast in a deep freeze, what could be better than getting some friends together for a game of volleyball, beach volleyball to be exact? Well, that’s what Kingpins Lanes owner, Gary Shenberg, thought. Next to Kingpins, in Bridgeton, MO, he opened Volleyball Beach 365, an air-supported dome hosting nightly tournaments and leagues for adults. Presently, he plans to keep the dome up through April.
PELL CITY’S NEW THEATER COMPLEX INCLUDES BOWLING Pell City, AL, is the happy recipient of Premiere LUX Cine, Bowl & Pizza, a one-stop spot for entertainment. The seven theaters are equipped with recliner seats with individual tables and wall-to-wall screens. The complex has an adventure ropes course, arcade, and bar. The Pizza Pub offers gourmet pizza, wings and hamburgers, plus beers both domestic and imported on draft. To round out the offerings are 12 lanes of bowling with Brunswick’s Sync scoring and management system.
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SHORTS
BOARDWALK BOWL AIDS LOCAL FOOD BANK
Willie King, the director at Boardwalk Bowl in Santa Cruz, CA, feels bowling centers can have a major impact on their communities. Boardwalk Bowl has worked hand in hand with Santa Cruz County’s Second Harvest Food Bank through its Strike Out Hunger campaign, which began in 2008. 2018’s efforts, which were up 37% over the previous year, amounted to 18,984 healthy meals. How it works is one can of food is a free game of bowling. The center brought in 16,281 cans, or 14,803 pounds of food, plus $2,373 in cash donations. The benefits are two-fold: the center
picks up business and those in need are helped. Communities can be generous; they just need the encouragement of local businesses willing to step up and make it happen. Congratulations to Boardwalk Bowl.
BOWLING BOOK CORNER Get Bowled Away by Bowlaway American author Elizabeth McCracken, whose last work of fiction was the widely acclaimed collection Thunderstruck and Other Stories, has offered up her latest, Bowlaway. The reader will be transported to early20th-century New England and the world of candlepin bowling. The Huffington Post is quoted: “packed with mysterious strangers, hidden pasts, and deep secrets, Bowlaway blends the quirky with the murky.” In an interview with Alcalde.texasexes.org, University of Texas, McCracken shared that once she knew the setting, she tried to think of what there hadn’t been a novel written about. “Everybody in New England knows about candlepin bowling, and most New Englanders I know say quite snobbily, ‘Oh, you mean real bowling?’ I grew up candlepin bowling. I was in the candlepin bowling league when I was a kid.” 10
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PEOPLEWATCHING Betson Enterprises has expanded its sales team with the hiring of Paul Novick as vice president of Sales & Sales Operations. Novick will oversee critical planning and help maximize sales performance through training and program implementation. Jonathan Betti, vice president of Sales & Business Development, said, “Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sales Paul Novick management, training, and program development which he’ll utilize to strengthen the great things our sales team is currently doing.” Novick has held management positions with top companies such as Cendant, Realogy, AIG, Marriott, and, most recently, Karcher North America. Isabelle Sherrillo has joined Intercard as customer advocate. Sherrillo will provide concierge service, overseeing customer service requests to ensure that they are handled timely and satisfactorily. She will also help prepare customers for their Intercard installations and will follow up as well. A native of Brazil, Sherrillo speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. She earned a master’s degree in information technology management at Webster University and received her undergraduate degree in business administration and an MBA in marketing in Brazil. Sherrillo comes to Intercard from U.S. Bank in St. Louis, where she was a relationship manager. “As Intercard grows its business around the world, Isabelle will work oneon-one with existing and new customers to enhance our industry-leading customer service,” said Scott Isabelle Sherrillo Sherrod, CEO.
IN REMEMBRANCE MARK VOIGHT 1944 – 2019 Michigan bowling proprietor and treasurer of the BPAA, Mark Voight, passed away Feb. 11, 2019, after a short illness. Voight and his wife, Diane, were active in their community and through many years of active service in the BPAA. In 2015, Voight received the Victor Lerner Memorial Award, and in 2018, Diane was selected for the BPAA President’s Award. The Voights operate Community Bowling Centers, a chain that presently consists of six centers in Michigan. Voight’s contributions to the industry were published in IBI over the years, plus a cover story on Diane and him, highlighting all their accomplishments and contributions to the bowling industry. Those wishing to honor his legacy may want to contribute to Hospice of Michigan, www.hom.org/donations or call (888) 247-5701.
SHORTS
BUSINESS AT LARGE 8 COLOR IS MAKING A SPLASH Centers are realizing more and more the importance of color on the lanes. Andy B’s Bowl Social in Denton, TX, and 810 Billiards & Bowling in Conway, SC, went to ColorSplash to enhance their customers bowling experience. Andy B’s utilized the ColorSplash VersaLamp LED lane wash lighting and control system over each lane, while 810 Billiards & Bowling opted for the lane wash light and pindeck lighting.
810 Billiards & Bowling
8 SWITCH INTERNATIONAL EXTENDS ITS GLOBAL REACH
8 BOWLING JUST KEEPS GETTING MORE FUN!
Switch International, a leading manufacturer of modern, stylish, and quality bowling equipment, has announced the appointment of Warehouse of Games (WOG) as its new distributor for the Gulf Cooperation Council (the Middle East and North Africa) territory. Headquartered in Dubai, Warehouse of Games Ltd. is one of the top suppliers of amusement equipment, arcade games, and family entertainment centers in the Middle East. Nabil Kassim, CEO and founder of WOG, said, “We are delighted to be distributors of Switch in the Middle East and North Africa. Together, we have the expertise and funding needed to unlock a vast number of markets and enlarge our footprint. This acquisition marks another important step for Warehouse of Games, as we expand our global portfolio in the Nabil Kassim, WOG amusement industry.” Alain Winterhalter, CEO of Switch International, commented, “The Middle East has always been one of the most valued and important markets for Switch. This new collaboration between our companies means a reinforced presence for Switch in the area and will surely bring about unique and sensational entertainment and bowling projects. We wish Warehouse of Games Alain Winterhalter, every success.”
Kegel is a leading manufacturer in the business of bowling. It has now added a new wrinkle to the game and subsequently to the business of bowling. In January 2019, Kegel announced updates to its Specto Bowling app, including the new module Specto Worlds: a new experience and environment for a different type of bowler. In Worlds, bowlers improve their skills while playing; they are guided through different levels. Once a level is selected, the system guides the bowler through each game. Achieving stars based on
Switch
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Andy B’s Bowl Social
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performance, it becomes practice with a purpose. Specto Worlds allows the bowler to see ball reaction and use practice drills designed by coaches to improve. The competitive aspect allows a bowler to compete with himself, his friends, bowlers in the center, country, and the world, plus acknowledgement on the app leaderboard. The free Specto app is available for iOS and Android devices. Proprietors can contact Kegel to see how Specto technology could be incorporated into their centers.
CONSIDER THIS
THE EYES HAVE IT Face-to-face interaction is the clear winner.
By Ben Jones and Kay Anderson
I
magine a conversation where everyone involved was able to look into the other person’s eyes, be fully present and just listen and absorb. This interaction could possibly bring happiness or cure loneliness with a nod, a smile, or even a few simple words like, ‘Great to be sitting with you.’ This face-to-face interaction, whether planned — as this envisions — or random, adds to the spice and joy of everyday life. Consider this: the frequency of face-to-face interaction is inversely proportionate to advances in communication technology. With each technological advance in email, Skype, Facetime, Slack, etc., we move further away from true personal connections. More technology leads to fewer faceto-face interactions and, we submit, a need for more meaningful human connections. Here are the stats from studies done at UCLA: 93% of all communication effectiveness is determined by non-verbal cues. To further break this down, how your message is heard is determined by just 7% by words used. Where does this leave content if solely delivered by email and/or text? Face-to-face interactions build trust, understanding, and in the context of business, are often the difference in getting to ‘yes,’ or in coming together on a shared ideal or mission. Imagine how difficult it would be to hire top talent if you simply used written words to qualify or communicate with the candidate. Face-to-face interactions are often a commitment to the phrase, ‘You’re important enough for me to be with you.’ In a work environment, we struggle with younger generations not being sensitive to the best way to communicate with their targeted audience, defaulting to texting and email when a persuasive or emotional message might best be delivered with a 16
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telephone call, video conferencing, or even faceto-face interaction. According to the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, personal communication, whether you are communicating to a friend or a stranger, handwritten or spoken, is more effective than email, text or any tech-supported communication. We happen to agree. The meaning and gratification that results from connecting on a personal level is not rocket science: nothing beats a good, old-fashioned letter, handwritten card, or face-to-face meeting. Consider the following benefits of face-toface engagement: r F2F connection helps to form bonds which lead to longer relationships r F2F can unearth relevant opportunities r F2F fosters engagement and keeps you in the moment r F2F cuts through the clutter – emails, texts, and voicemails are easy to ignore r F2F promotes preparation. In business particularly, we are more likely to develop a plan or agenda for F2F meetings and are less likely to wing it r F2F allows us to recognize and gauge reaction through body language r F2F reveals our PASSION Not that email or texting is always bad or inappropriate, but written words can shelter true meaning and you can’t see someone’s soul unless you can see their eyes. Seek real face time and embrace humanity. ❖
Ben Jones is an industry enthusiast. He shares his perspectives each month through Boomer Blog and invites your feedback. He may be reached at boomerblog2@gmail.com.
Kay Anderson has spent much of her career providing financing solutions to small business owners to help convert dreams into reality. She has a keen interest in working with colleagues to develop exceptional communication and people skills.
FEATURE By Sean Krainert
P
owerhouse entertainment company MGM Resorts, with 27 properties worldwide and growing, isn’t exempt from the effort all FECs must make to remain relevant in the entertainment industry. With the 20-year success of MGM Resorts’ worldwide dining and entertainment concept, the new TAP Sports Bars in Springfield, MA, called for a unique twist to appeal to the wider region. Expanding on an already-successful formula, MGM Resorts added bowling to the layout of TAP Sports Bar. The venue features 10 bowling lanes, split by an aisle that accommodates rows of bowling balls, seating to
BOWLING TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
AT
MGM
SPRINGFIELD MGM’s TAPS Sports Bar becomes destination entertainment.
view the balls roll down the lanes, and a DJ stand for nighttime entertainment. The arcade section includes six vintage arcade games, all free of charge for patrons of any age. The sports bar/dining section offers classic menu items, while the pool tables, shuffle board, and air hockey are all perfectly nestled in a warm, vintage décor that reflects the vibe of the city of Springfield.
The Relationships That Built Springfield When MGM Resorts opened their first TAP Sports Bar location in Detroit in 1996, they searched for the experts in hospitality design to make a good first impression. Studio McCormack, a design company in Costa Mesa, CA, driven to bring inspirational, innovative, and imaginative design to hospitality venues, shared their portfolio with MGM Resorts, and the rest is history. After Detroit, the two companies worked together again to create dynamic layouts 18
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FEATURE
The design team at Studio McCormack
that merged functionality and practicality for the Vegas, Maryland, and Springfield venues. In 2015, when MGM Resorts was ready again to wow their target audience, they turned to Studio McCormack with a fresh idea. MGM Resorts director of communications, Saverio Mancini, confirmed that the ongoing goal with each TAP Sports Bars is to create regionspecific destinations, with all of the trademark amenities they have become known for. With the ground-up plans in Springfield, MGM Resorts was ready to raise that bar with the help of their trusted design partners. “MGM Springfield is the first TAP Sports Bar to have bowling within the MGM Resorts portfolio. It was designed as a destination for everyone in the region. Our focus was on the revitalization of Springfield, and entertainment plays a significant role in that,” says Mancini.
A Thoughtful Design When the general public sees the branded name MGM Resorts, they picture massive casino floors paired with premier hotel accommodations. This vivid image couldn’t Eric Lindfors, director of new be closer to the heart of what MGM Resorts business at Brunswick
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FEATURE
Expanding the Reach of Bowling with Infinite Possibility What does it mean for the sport of bowling when one of the largest casino chains in the world incorporates bowling into one of their venues for the first time? It means that there is no limit to the opportunities that the sport of bowling has in reaching the world. It means
has built as part of their brand presence. However, digging a little deeper, their TAP Sports Bars have gained recognition as the destination for dining and entertainment alongside their other offerings. “TAP Sports Bar Springfield is a great addition to the fabric of downtown Springfield’s vibe. It’s not a big Las Vegas hotel. Rather, it blends in almost seamlessly with the architecture and style of the main street,” said Britni Flores, designer at Studio McCormack. In step with MGM Resorts’ efforts to make Springfield TAP Sports Bar a place for its residents, they reached out to their own experts in helping incorporate 10 bowling lanes into the plans. Working with Brunswick’s new business director, Eric Lindfors, the team was able to weave the standard-length bowling lanes into the design that reflected the rich history of the Springfield area. “Springfield is the birthplace of basketball. The whole theme behind the arcade and bowling was to create the authentic feeling of one of their renowned YMCA basketball gym locations. Brunswick helped us maintain the integrity of this theme when carefully selecting the materials, while looking for the lanes and approach, as well as the layout of the lanes within the establishment,” said Rick McCormack, president of Studio McCormack. Staying with the theme of the region, the design team repurposed floorboards from a local YMCA. They also sourced over 300 hand-selected vintage bowling and sports memorabilia items from one of the largest antique fairs in the nation.
stretching the imagination as far as it can go. It means extending network circles once thought unreachable. The bowling industry is more aligned with the entertainment business than previously thought. “MGM Resorts partnered with the people of Springfield to write the city’s next exciting chapter in its storied history. The property celebrates the city’s rich history and landmark architecture with the opportunity to rebuild its historic urban center by preserving and reimagining its story. Our design and architecture weaves the property into the culture of Springfield, a community we are proud to join,” said Mancini. ❖
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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COVER STORY
JUST GETTING
STARTED
Tim and Kim Denny reinvent an OKC classic and vow it’s only the beginning.
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COVER STORY By Sean Krainert hen bowling puts down roots in our lives, it tends to stay and grow. For some, it’s an activity from our childhood that grows into something we enjoy throughout life. And for others, the enjoyment turns into a passion fueling a rewarding career on the lanes. When Tim and Kim Denny began bowling in youth leagues, they never could have imagined that the sport they loved would evolve into the beacon around which their lives revolved, both on and off the lanes.
W
A Spark That Never Dies After moving from SoCal to Oklahoma at the age of 13, Tim started bowling in youth leagues. It wasn’t just the start of his lifelong connection to bowling, it was also where he met Kim. The two grew up bowling together, and quickly started dating. By the age of 19, Tim and Kim began a new stage of their life as husband and wife. Tim continued bowling competitively as they started their family, but as the kids grew, his relationship with bowling changed. Still competing in weekend tournaments and leagues, Tim’s focus turned toward spending more time with his family. Still, the spark that ignited his love for bowling burned bright. Tim moved on to pursuing a career as the VP for Chesapeake Energy Corp. and then CEO for Bob Moore Auto Group, while Kim’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to running her own small business while still finding the time to volunteer in the community. When the kids moved out of the house and on to their own lives, the Dennys were charged with a new idea: both having been successful in running businesses, they decided to pursue purchasing a business together. And that is when bowling again brought them together and took center stage.
From Passion Grew Life Excited to put their energy into purchasing a bowling center and recreating some of their same memories for others, Tim and Kim put their bets on a 16-lane center in early 2017. Unfortunately, they could not come to terms on it with the owner. With the universe and their faith telling them it just wasn’t meant to be, they took the highroad and let it go, all the while knowing that a better opportunity would come their way. And it did. In March 2018, Holiday Lanes in OKC was closing its doors after a 59-year run. It just so happened that Tim and the original owner, John Freeman, already had crossed paths many times when Tim was bowling competitively and frequenting Holiday Lanes. After starting a conversation with Freeman, it took only moments for Tim to know that this was the opportunity the Dennys had been waiting for. “I would have purchased that bowling center on a handshake with Mr. Freeman. A very rare occurrence,” says Tim. While Tim’s attorney advised against the handshake option,
“The most important thing to me is the consumer experience. This is the only thing that truly differentiates us from everybody else.”
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COVER STORY the process of acquiring Holiday Lanes was swift, with both parties eager to move forward. By May 29, 2018, Holiday Lanes became the pride and joy of Tim and Kim Denny.
An Ambitious Transition Using their sharpened business acumen and shared love for bowling, the Dennys did what some would consider unthinkable: the dynamic couple kept the doors of Holiday Lanes open while reimagining the center’s underlying potential. The split layout of the center allowed them to completely revamp one side. To begin the renovation, the Dennys selected products from US Bowling: synthetic lanes, approaches and pin decks; Reflections ball returns, hoods and racks; Pulse Entertainment scoring system; and custom masking unit graphics. Bill Snoberger, US Bowling’s national sales manager said, “It was a pleasure to work with Tim and Kim. They really care about bowling and giving their bowlers a wonderful experience. We look forward to helping the Dennys continue the excitement and growth of their new center.” On the other
“I learned a long time ago that the success or failure of any business is all about the people. You put the right people in the right spot, and [it’s] going to work.” side of the house, the Dennys decided to maintain the original wood lanes, the only remaining wood lanes in the OKC area. Staffing took a high priority as the Dennys reshaped the reputation of Holiday Lanes. While some of the long-time original staff decided to stay on, Tim and Kim knew that they needed to recruit in order to meet their standards. “The most important thing to me is the consumer experience. This is the only thing that truly differentiates us from everybody else. When people found out that we purchased Holiday Lanes, we were flooded with applicants. People knew that we were investing in the center and investing in people. They knew our expectations, and people wanted to be a part of that,” said Tim. Other upgrades included relocating the pro shop and enclosing a space for a bar and lounge, for which they obtained a full liquor license. Tim’s knowledge of the restaurant business, coupled with his dedication to quality, influenced the snack bar 28
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“Before” photos of Holiday Lanes
COVER STORY
Time Well Spent
Renovated side of the center
made changes and upgrades to the menu. Since then, the Dennys have also incorporated a pizza oven into the kitchen, sourcing fresh handmade dough from a local.
Fueling Boundless Opportunity The Dennys didn’t stop with aesthetic upgrades, food, and staffing. Once the shape of the center started to take a solid form, the league bowlers started coming in flocks. In less than six months, Holiday Lanes had more than doubled in adult league bowlers. Of course, with a drive that comes from a focus on people, plans to recharge their youth and senior programs have begun and will be the next focus for Holiday Lanes. Holiday Lanes has quickly become a deep part of the OKC community. Owning their own business has broadened the opportunities for the Dennys to give back to their community. With a deep commitment to and previous work with a number of nonprofit organizations, Tim and Kim have offered Holiday Lanes as a platform to their various charities: Tim is the board chair for MakeA-Wish Oklahoma and on the board of directors for Special Care, while Kim has spent over two decades volunteering her time throughout the community. Holiday Lanes now holds leagues and tournaments catered to raising money for these organizations, allowing the Dennys to use their investment for more than one purpose. Side of the center with original wood lanes
It takes more than finances and vision to make a dream come true, and the Dennys are a perfect example of this. They know that beyond the passion and the plans, it takes time. While maintaining his 60-hour work week at the Auto Group, Tim spends at least 20 hours at his new business venture. Kim still holds a place in the beating heart of the community while she manages the day-today at Holiday Lanes, putting in nearly 60 hours a week. Together, they make a schedule that works to benefit not only their thriving new business, but their hearts’ desire. “I learned a long time ago that the success or failure of any business is all about the people. You put the right people in the right spot, and [it’s] going to work,” said Tim. With basic renovations complete and a higher-thanexpected flow of customers coming in the doors, the Dennys are able to continue using their time to evolve the business. Although the real estate of Holiday Lanes
Refurbished side of the center
is compact, the Dennys are on the brink of incorporating a gaming aspect into the center. With small pockets of space available, it is something on the front burner, waiting for the perfect vendor relationship. The momentum for Tim and Kim at Holiday Lanes is gaining steam. As they improve the model at Holiday Lanes, they hope to expand with more centers in the future. “Our focus is ensuring the best consumer experience possible. While we have done a lot, we are always going to continue to strive to make improvements. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have been given, and the revenue reflects that. We are local owners committed to the customer experience, and we are just getting started,” said Tim. ❖
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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LEAGUES 42 customers from West Seattle Bowl all traveled together to Las Vegas.
With the Jackpot Classic, Greg Olsen transformed Washington state’s BPA all-league tournament. By Mark Miller
W
hat began as a way for one Seattle bowling center to fill league slots that opened up after fall leagues started, has spread throughout the state of Washington and beyond. Now in its 25th year, the Jackpot Classic is among the nation’s longest running travel leagues of its kind. The 2018-2019 season will peak in June, with a three day event at The Orleans in Las Vegas. Like most leagues, bowlers compete in their home centers each week. But instead of a season-ending banquet and cash, the prize fund here pays for a trip to Las Vegas. Greg Olson, executive director of the Washington State BPA, manages the logistics including booking the airfare and hotels. “The first few years I would get on the phone – you really couldn’t get on the Internet at that time – with Alaska Airlines, and I would charter planes to take our customers to Reno the first three years, and then [the league] migrated to Las Vegas,” he said. “It was fun to hand out airfare vouchers. Back then,
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we were working with the National Bowling Stadium [in Reno]. They were just great hosts the first couple of years. Then we decided to take the event to Vegas.” That decision to move the tournament to Las Vegas grew it
Team Paradise poses for the camera
LEAGUES from 100 competitors to 424 in 2018. 2019 should be the biggest year to date, with a prize fund of $105,000 and $20,000 in bracket money. Since its inception, the Jackpot Classic has awarded more than $1.2 million in prize money – all in cash. “The fantastic thing about this promotion is when we set this up, the tagline was ‘Every bowler is a winner,’ meaning, when you sign up and come to the check-out room, we hand [bowlers] $40 in cash,” Olsen said. “When they ask what it’s meant for,
From left to right: Terri Brelsford; Misty Harrison; Amanda Harrison; Lavon Coleman from Zeppoz Lanes in Pullman, WA.
It all began in 1995 at the iconic and long-ago closed Leilani Lanes, and has since grown to as many as 50 centers, primarily in Washington and Oregon but also in California, Mississippi, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Olsen expects that to increase by 30% with new leagues in California, Colorado, and Oklahoma. “Bowlers who we treated really well in the Seattle market moved, transferred, or went to live where their grandchildren From left to right: Gail Nash; Kelsey Nash; and Wayne Druffel. Druffel is the owner of Zeppoz Lanes in Pullman, WA.
we tell them, ‘Well, you look like a pretty bad bowler, congratulations for last place!’ They smile, and then many people bowl four to five events; it’s like a savings account. That’s really been the glue. Everyone’s a winner. It doesn’t matter if you are a 100 average bowler or a 230 average bowler, you get $40 bucks. And the quality of the event has been marvelous. It’s been pretty cool to see new people every year come into this event and get $40 bucks. They go home and say, ‘I just bowled this tournament and got $40 for coming in last.’”
Desiree Barnett from Glacier Lanes in Everett, WA, with Norm Duke and Chrisey Buoy from AMF Windsor Lanes in Oklahoma City, OK.
Team event champions from Lakeshore Lanes in Albany, OR, from left to right: Jason Marruffo; Keith Gerger; Michele Melton; Joe Rhinehart 36
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live, and asked if they could still bowl the tournament,” Olsen said. “We said only if the bowlers recruit other people and get a league going at their local center.” When it moved to Las Vegas, the Jackpot Classic was first held at Sam’s Town. It then moved to Gold Coast before moving to The Orleans in the mid-2000s. It features competition in singles, doubles, and team, plus random draw mystery doubles, 9-pin, scratch shootout and all-events, and is handicapped at 100% against highest average person entered in the tournament. The Jackpot Classic also offers a bowler recruitment incentive program where securing just one new bowler nets $50; two new
LEAGUES bowlers results in an entry into the Mystery Doubles Tournament; six new bowlers nets $100 in cash; 12 new bowlers earns a $100 dining certificate, 24 new bowlers equals a free hotel night, $100 and $100 dining certificate; and 32 new bowlers earns airfare, lodging, and $100. To be eligible for the events in Las Vegas, bowlers must be members of a Jackpot Classic league at a BPAA member center in the states where they are conducted. “It’s been good also from the bowling association standpoint,” Olsen said. “I work on this every week of the year, and some of that is social media to [make and] keep bowlers aware. Like any tournament, there’s a small management fee we take out, but the fee
Candice Ailport from Glacier Lanes in Everett, WA, was the 2017 Shoot-Out champion. She smiles big with tournament director Greg Olsen, executive director of the Washington State BPA.
helps with our association [and] keeps the guys bonded.” Until a few years ago, Olsen served as master of ceremonies for the awards show. More recently, pros Randy Pedersen, Walter Ray Williams, Marshall Holman, Parker Bohn III, and Norm Duke have all MC’d the event. In 2018, the Jackpot Classic featured 212 doubles teams, 63 four-person teams, 214 singles, 96 bowlers in the NoTap, 70 bowlers in the Shoot-Out, 62 bowlers in the Mystery Doubles, and 178 bowlers in all events. Greg is estimating that at least 375 bowlers will be coming to the June event. Olsen is hopeful the Jackpot Classic keeps growing. The 2019 event is scheduled for June 4-6 at The Orleans. Celebrities attending the 2019 tournament include Norm Duke, Josh Blanchard, Leanne Hulsenberg, and Bryanna Cote. Signing up is easier than ever thanks to the new online registration portal at jackpotclassic.regfox.com/jackpotclassic-xxiv. Make your league a classic with the Jackpot Classic. ❖ 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.
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FEATURE
THE BIGGEST SAVE
Gerry St. Cyr, a resident and former pro hockey player, who knew little about the bowling business at the time. What he accomplished may have been the biggest save of his career, and he didn’t have to stop any flying pucks. Fortunately St. Cyr was an experienced manager of sports facilities and was already
How a mayor and a former NHL star saved a Canadian bowling center. By Robert Sax
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angford, British Columbia is one of the fastest-growing, small cities in Canada. Located in the greater Victoria area of Vancouver Island, between 2011 and 2016, it grew almost 20% to a population of 35,000. Many are families with young children, and they love Langford for its natural beauty and bountiful recreational facilities. Its City Centre Park is a family favorite, with all-weather sports fields, two ice arenas, fitness rooms, a splash park, mini-golf, and more. There is also a bowling center, which is unusual for a city park. It was a popular attraction, so when the operators unexpectedly shut it down after just three years, the city had a crisis on its hands. They turned for help to 40
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General manager and former NHL star Gerry St. Cyr
running most of the other activities in City Centre Park. After a nine-year pro career that saw him play for hockey and roller hockey teams in several different leagues, he began managing ice hockey arenas in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. After a few years he decided he had had enough of traffic and the rat race and returned to Vancouver Island, where he grew up.
FEATURE
Stewart Young, mayor of Langford, BC, Canada
“It’s just a beautiful, beautiful place to live,” says St. Cyr. “I was lucky enough to travel a good chunk of the world and got to see some great cities and towns [but] I chose to come home.” Langford, which was just a small place when St. Cyr left Canada, had developed into a thriving yet livable community where he could raise a family. St. Cyr gives Mayor Stewart Young and the city council much of the credit for the success of the city. “Mayor Young has got a great vision and makes things happen,” he says. “The amount of infrastructure that’s been built here in this small town is
amazing. It’s a great place to live.” It was the mayor who hired St. Cyr to manage Langford’s Family Entertainment Centre in City Centre Park. Open since 2005, it started with one ice arena at the end of a dirt road. Since then the city has expanded around it, and the park’s facilities have grown; that dirt road, says St. Cyr, is now a major thoroughfare. The mayor had not originally envisioned a bowling center, but when the city decided to expand the park’s services, they polled residents about what they wanted. To the city’s surprise, 20% of the respondents asked for a bowling center and that was a large enough group to be taken seriously. “As a politician, I just had to say, okay, let’s think outside of the box and say bowling is recreation,” says Young. “And we’re very fortunate that we did, because we have many people down there; it’s good for all ages. It’s actually brought more people to our park.” The city contributed the land and built the building, then made a deal with a private company to put in the
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BOWLING TOUR OF VICTORIA The Greater Victoria area is extremely popular with tourists, with close to 4,000,000 seasonal visitors a year. There are lots of reasons to visit this scenic part of Canada, of course, but if you want to get in some bowling, here are some additional places to roll in the area. MIRACLE LANES Sydney, B.C. This small, retro family-run center offers six lanes of 5pin, Canada’s gift to the bowling world. It’s located about 15 miles north of Victoria. www.miraclelanes.ca DUNCAN LANES Duncan, B.C. This family-run center is a “split house” offering 12 lanes of 5-pin and 8 lanes of 10-pin so you get the best of both worlds. Also offers a full-service pro shop. It’s located about 29 miles north of Victoria. www.duncanlanes.ca bowling equipment and run the center. In 2012, an operator from Vancouver opened Langford Lanes, the only all-10-pin house on the island. Two other 10-pin centers in Victoria, Town and Country Lanes and Mayfair Lanes, had been closed since 2007, so Langford Lanes quickly became popular and drew lots of league bowlers. “It was something that the city hadn’t had for a while, and it was busy,” says St. Cyr. But despite a lack of nearby competition, the center started to lose bowlers due to poor management and the operator went into receivership (a Canadian form of bankruptcy) just three years later. St. Cyr thought he could turn things around, so he made a bid to take over operation of the bowling center. “Our vision was to take it over and to run it the way that we think it should be run,” says St. Cyr. “The first thing we did was drop prices across the board because it was too expensive.” He then reached out to the league bowlers who had left and asked them what would bring them back to the center. “It took us a year and a bit to get them back,” says St. Cyr. “Doing simple things right, making sure they felt welcome. All our leagues are completely full now.” League play is about 40% of St. Cyr’s business, with the
FEATURE remaining 60% casual play. Learning how to run a bowling center was definitely something different for St. Cyr but he enjoyed the challenge. “It was a lot of fun to tackle it,” he says. “With an arena you’re dealing with one ice rink, compared to twenty lanes. You groom the ice for 10 minutes, and then you have one group that goes out there. With the bowling alley, your lanes are constantly turning over ... and you’re dealing with 10 times the [customers] a day compared to an ice arena.” Manager St. Cyr during his hockey career It was a steep learning curve, because St. Cyr’s goal was to reopen the center quickly. There was no handbook to follow, and he had to walk in and reopen in three months with new staff. Only a few key members of the previous staff were still available: a mechanic; a manager; a server in the restaurant; and a front desk attendant. These were augmented with staff from other operations at the park, including some handymen who St. Cyr sent to Brunswick for training as bowling mechanics. Langford Lanes also had a restaurant that St. Cyr thought was a bit too upscale for his clientele, many of whom are at the park for sports activities, including numerous tournaments that draw people from around the area. He changed the name from Galloping Goose Grille to City Centre Grille, lowered prices, and turned the restaurant into a sports bar and grill decorated with sports memorabilia. “We’ve opened it up and put in big screen TVs, pool tables, shuffleboard. [It’s] more
friendly and welcoming for everyone, including kids.” The change has been a positive one for the city. “Gerry’s been able to raise it up and make it a great place to go with your family. We get quite a good revenue stream from the bowling [and restaurant],” says Mayor Young. “I can tell you recreation rarely pays for itself, but in this case, we actually make money on it.” Langford regularly plays host to international sports tournaments, especially rugby, and visiting coaches and officials are always intrigued with the bowling center. After games, the mayor likes to invite them to the restaurant to have a beer or two and watch sports on TV. Mayor Young takes his international guests to the center. “It actually is great when somebody [international] comes,”says Young.“It makes it a fun event for them.” Officials from other cities have asked Mayor Young why Langford built a bowling center and how they
might duplicate its success in their community. “It was maybe a bit of a risk to go and do that, but I think when you look at [public] recreation, things are changing,” says Young. “It’s not just hard sports. You’ve got to have it sort of casual to where [people] can go in and go bowling, go and have a beer, watch a sports game. So [we’re] just trying to make something for everybody.” ❖
Robert Sax is a writer and PR consultant in Los Angeles. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, the home of five-pin bowling.
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SHOWCASE/CLASSIFIEDS DOWNSIZING IS A GOOD THING
Steltronic has done it again! Its Vision-NEX lane computer has been downsized to a height of only 4 inches (10 cm). But, it still packs the punch with its patented, exciting, 3-D graphics over HDMI cables with HD video. Existing customers with VGA connections can upgrade to the new Vision-NEX computer for the higher resolutions to bring the exciting new HD graphic system to the next level of entertainment. For more information: (800) 942-5939 or info@steltronicscoring.com.
HARD SURFACE CARPETS
Omega Pattern Works’ Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) hard surface collection compliments any center by adding durability and style. With an array of patterns to add to and enhance any décor, this collection allows for a worry-free life, where spills are no problem and cleaning is easy. Plus, this hard surface collection is a breeze to install. Call today for more information and up your center’s game. Kristin @ (800) 554-7007.
REDEMPTION SUCCESS
BMI Merchandise, the nation’s largest and leading redemption merchandise distributor, has recently completed the new Lucky Strike Social Wrigleyville’s redemption area for Lucky Strike’s new venue in Chicago. Through their on-site set ups, just-in-time POS-based inventory management, BMI is transforming redemption merchandising. Dave Schwartz, BMI VP of sales, said, “Lucky Strike is the destination market maker for Gen Z players, families, and soon, Cubbies Fans in Wrigleyville. We are thrilled to feature the trending items Lucky Strike players expect in a redemption area that’s a grand slam.” Contact BMI at (732) 363-0212 or (800) 272-6375.
CARPETS THAT POP!
Astro Carpet Mills, a leading manufacturer of printed carpet and artificial turf, can brighten any center in no time. With a fully-staffed design department, Astro can make your center POP! with customized carpets. All carpets are made with an exclusive tufting, super-fuse technology
and have Stain Away stain protection for long-lasting durability. Call Stefanie for additional information, samples and/or pricing at (800) 542-4189.
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CLASSIFIEDS
SELL YOUR CENTER OR EQUIPMENT
FAST! (818) 789-2695
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
www.tuckerbowling.com
SELL YOUR CENTER
(818) 789-2695
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CLASSIFIEDS
WWW.TEXTBOWLING.COM
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CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Equipment for Sale: 16 converted A-2 pinsetters; 16 lanes, overlayed w/ Brunswick Anvilane; 16 lanes of gutters with pull-up bumpers; 16 ASK scorers w/ Evolution conversion; Large inventory of pinsetter parts; Brunswick/Kegel Kustodian lane machine; 4 Brunswick Gold Crown, 9’ standard pool tables. Equipment currently in use. Available May 1, 2019. Contact Gary at fiestabowl955@gmail.com or fax (815) 842-4159.
PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming. Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
CANADA, Carman, Manitoba: 8-lane, 5-pin center with 6 Brunswick 81 5-string pinsetters & 2 Double Diamond 2B freefall pinsetters. Includes snack area, alcohollicensed, and 5,950 square-foot building. $250,000. Call Kos Realty (204) 745-7710.
REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751.
EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Call (608) 764-1464.
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@sbcglobal.net Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/
LOCKER KEYS FAST! All Keys done by code # Locks and Master Keys E-mail: huff@inreach.com TOLL FREE
1-800-700-4539
SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE u 20 Lane Package 82-90 XLi Edge Pinspotters u Full Qubica/AMF SPL lanes package with extras u BESX Qubica scoring system with a 10 station Micros POS system interfaced u Advanced audio and video package u
For more info call 843-367-4490 CENTERS FOR SALE
MILLION DOLLAR STRIKE FOR SALE
NE PENNSYLVANIA: 8-lane center. Includes commercial rentals, great location & great opportunity. Owner retiring. Center4sale@yahoo.com. MASSACHUSETTS: 6-lane Duckpin business ONLY for sale in historic North Chelmsford. Automatic pinsetters & many spare parts. Owner retiring. (978) 808-7029. NEBRASKA: 16-lane center in a nice town, Ogallala. Remodeled bar and kitchen. Asking 250K. Contact Jacob. cornhuskerlanesNE@gmail.com. NE IOWA: 8-lane, upgraded center on 1.1 acres. Includes: 82-30 Golden Edition pinsetters, AccuScore Plus with Purrfect Desk; new flat screen monitors & carpet. Also, kitchen, snack bar, lounge, game room, lockers, & ball drilling equipment. TURNKEY sale. roncyndi@hotmail.com or (641) 485-1752.
Leroy Neiman’s MILLION DOLLAR STRIKE (1982) depicting the iconic Earl Anthony. This authentic original limited edition AP serigraph (1 of only 50 Artist’s Proofs) by Neiman, known for his brilliantly colored, expressionist paintings, is hand-signed. The painting is in perfect condition encased in a frame that has maintained its integrity and is waiting to be displayed and enjoyed. Image Size: 37.5" x 28". Frame Size: 53.5" x 42 ¼"
WWW.TEXTBOWLING.COM 52
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Contact info: Sean@BayAreaCopywriting.com
CLASSIFIEDS
BEST DARN DEAL ON THE MIDWAY!!!!! For your average sized center, I can bring 2,000 open bowlers over 5 months. I have dozens of topnotch references. Kevin Malick since 1991 Bigk2u@yahoo.com |(863) 602-4850 Leave an email address for more info
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REMEMBER WHEN
1949
BAYER ASPIRIN
I
t’s 1949, knocking on the door to another decade, one that will show bowling soaring to greater popularity. People bowl; men bowl; women are beginning to bowl even more; and leagues are cranking up. What a perfect vehicle for the highly visible, predominant pain reliever to get out the word. Life is moving fast; it’s moved from waiting minutes to only waiting seconds. Speed is everything. I had no idea that a bowling ball, my bowling ball because I am average and a woman, travels 3.6 seconds down the lane. It seems to me it takes eons for my ball to get to the pins. Little do I know. Bayer Aspirin was THE aspirin. There were very few competitors. And, since more and more people were bowling, it just made good sense to compare bowling ball speed with Bayer’s fast acting tablet. Side note: that is a very old looking ball return for 1949. I guess nostalgia was important then as it is now. ❖ - Patty Heath
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