IBI October 2017 by International Bowling Industry Magazine

CONTENTS

VOL 25.10

9 SHORTS • Lucky Strike opens in Hawaii. • Adventures of a Bowling Shoe tickles the fancy of young and old readers. • Woodland Lanes introduces a Bowl-A-Con. • Ohio’s SkyLane Bowling and North Dakota’s North Hills Bowl are 60 years young.

36 TOURNAMENT QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup The famous tournament turns up the heat at the classic Mexican venue, Bol 300. By Paul Lane 20

44 PROFILE

A Walk In His Own Park

By Patty Heath

How John Heuler of Irvine Lanes takes on business and life. By Evan Henerson

16 HELPING HANDS Mother Nature to the Max (Bowl)

50 FEATURE

A Port Arthur, TX, bowling center shelters evacuees from Hurricane Harvey.

Where Heroes Play Striking it big at the World Police and Fire Games.

By Mark Miller

By Evan Henerson 28

20 FEATURE

62 REMEMBER WHEN

Striking It Up

1950s

Stone Pin Company remakes an old concert venue into a space ideal for socializing and eating.

Peanuts and the Gang By Patty Heath

By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson

55 Showcase

28 COVER STORY

56 Datebook

Revive To Survive

57 Classifieds

Go mobile or they will go somewhere else. By Sean Krainert

IBI

October 2017

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 Patty Heath Evan Henerson Pamela Kleibrink Thompson Sean Krainert Paul Lane Mark Miller

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: 818-789-2695 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders. POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, 12655 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2017, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.

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SHORTS

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS

TACHI PALACE IS BETTING ON FAMILIES The Tachi Yokut tribe built the Tachi Palace on a foundation of adult gaming. However, it has now set its sights on family entertainment and a much bigger payoff. The casino in Lemoore, CA, near Fresno, has broken ground on an 88,350-square-foot entertainment center with a state-of-the-art, eight-screen movie theater, a 30-lane bowling center and a 4,000+ square-foot arcade with the latest video games. It will also include a pool room with 10 billiards tables, plus a 15,294square-foot concourse and a bar and concessions to be completed by September 2018.

ALOHA, LUCKY STRIKE! Since the first Lucky Strike location in Hollywood in 2003, there have been 20 and counting across the country. The newest Lucky Strike Social opened in August on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The goal is to appeal to the entire family with exceptional chef-driven food, state-of-the-art electronic gaming, craft beverages, the original Lucky Strike lanes and a live performance club. The 25,000square-foot space is on two levels in Ala Moana Center. Michael Smith, general manager, said, “It’s not just about one thing here. Even if you’re just a GM Michael Smith stands in front bowling fan or a gaming fan, or just love live music. of upper level bowling suite at the We want to provide a social environment for our new Lucky Strike Social. Photo credit: Craig T. Kojima, Star customers.” Advertiser.

Renderings of the new Tachi Entertainment Center coming in 2018.

CINERGY ON A ROLL IN TEXAS A new 90,000-square-foot entertainment complex has been announced for El Paso, TX, eastside, by West Retail and Cinergy Entertainment. Cinergy is an entertainment innovator with three current Texas cinema centers with bowling. Two others are planned: one on the westside of El Paso; and one in Amarillo. This latest project will have ten state-of-the-art auditoriums, 18 lanes of upscale bowling, two full-service bars, multiple escape rooms, laser tag arena, a zip line and a fully-loaded game room.

ALSO HAPPENING … Parent company Round One Entertainment Inc., is opening its first Round 1 location in Ohio. It was announced that it will anchor the updating of Great Lakes Mall, an enclosed shopping center in Mentor, OH. Round 1 will offer a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center with 14+ bowling lanes, pool tables and Ping Pong, plus a restaurant and bar. Livewire, a music venue in Scottsdale, AZ, closed its doors in July. The building’s ground level will become a Mexican food restaurant, Casa Amigos. The upper floor will become a state-of-the-art bowling center called Sky Lanes. Another mall-rooted entertainment center has opened in the Greeley Mall, Greeley, CO. Ka-Ko Jo’s will feature a 50-game arcade, a laser maze, escape rooms, mini bowling and a quick-serve café. The venue is named for the owner’s boys: Ka- for Kaden, 5; Ko- for Koen, 2; and both their middle names are Joseph. Thus…Ka-Ko Jo’s. Hydro Adventures, a premier water and amusement park in Poplar Bluff, MO, announced that its new LASERTRON laser tag arena, QubicaAMF’s classic Route 66 Mini bowling lanes, plus additional arcade games, are open for business. Main Event Entertainment is expanding its Tennessee presence with the addition of a new Main Event in West Knoxville. There are Main Event locations in 14 states, with most locations in Texas. The other Main Event location in Tennessee is Memphis.

The rendering (right) is a followup to Disney’s announcement of a new recreation destination in the Downtown Disney District in Anahaim, CA, which was mentioned in IBI in February. Splitsville will feature four dining areas, two billiards tables, more than 25 flat-screen TVs, and, of course, bowling— twenty lanes of bowling. Live music performers and DJs will also be part of the package. Punch Bowl Socialis on the move again. The latest site in Rancho Cucamongo, CA, is now open. It includes a restaurant offering breakfast through dinner, three bars and lounge, six lanes of bowling, two mini bowling lanes, an arcade, Ping Pong, plus much more. Pinstripes’ eighth location has opened at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, MD. The combo bowling and restaurant features a two-story, 37,000-square-foot space with a rustic look and 14 bowling lanes, 10 indoor and outdoor bocce courts as well as event spaces for large groups. The restaurant offers Italian fare along with a wine cellar and an outdoor patio with a fireplace. Glenn Gable’s Solon Freeway Lanes in Solon, OH, has rebranded itself. To better represent the multiple entertainment options and full range of services available, the venue will be called Rollhouse Entertainment. It now joins the other Freeway Lanes locations in Parma and Mentor which have already adopted the new brand. IBI

October 2017

SHORTS

PEOPLEWATCHING

BOWLING BOOK CORNER In August, it was the adventures of Barry, the bowling ball. This month, we have the trials and tribulations of Jim, a bowling shoe! Tom Rozek, an author since he was nine, has penned a fun read. With the help of illustrator Zach Wideman, Adventures of a Bowling Shoe will tickle the fancy of everyone, especially bowlers. Our hero is Jim. He began life as the skin of a cow and ended up as a left-foot rental bowling shoe in Bayonne, New Jersey. He puts in long hours at 12 Strikes Bowling World and puts up with a lot: sweaty-footed customers, splinters, and arrogant coworkershoes. In his heart, he longs for Sally, a piece of leather he met in his youth. Can Jim find her? First, he needs to escape 12 Strikes Bowling World. With 33 wonderful illustrations, the reader will follow Jim through his daily life and the adventures that ensue. This book is available through Boomerang Books, an Australian online bookstore.

FLOOD DOORS: EXPENSE OR NECESSITY? July was a wet month in parts of Jefferson County, Alabama. The rains came and left as much as four inches in various places. Vestavia Bowl in Vestavia Hills had invested in flood doors, and while some of the cars in the parking lot were submerged, there was only a little water that seeped inside the back of the center. Manager Angela Nance describes the doors as submarine doors. “There’s a whole system where things open up, pull out and latch down,” she said. “All of our employees know how to do it.” The flood doors just barely saved the center from flooding. There was a debris line on the outside of the door marking how high the water had been, just a half inch away from the top. There was three feet of water on the outside, plus mud galore, but dry on the inside. Sometimes those extravagances are well worth the expense. 10

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Michael Tipton

Redemption Plus has announced the hiring of Michael Tipton as its “Chief Value Architect and Head of Customer Success and Marketing.” He’ll be responsible for ensuring that every customer that interacts with Redemption Plus is central and important, all while building partner relationships and sharing insight with the industry. Previously, Tipton worked for Emfluence in Kansas City, a digital marketing platform and software provider.

Brunswick Bowling Products CEO Corey Dyskra announced three new promotions within the company. Brian Graham has been named vice president of consumer and aftermarket products. Graham previously led sales and marketing for the consumer products group. Billy Orlikowski was promoted to director of consumer product management, leading the consumer product engineering team and overseeing ball Billy Orlikowski manufacturing. Bugsy Kelly is now director of marketing for consumer products. He will be tasked with driving consumer products growth. Looking to grow Brunswick versus business as usual, Dykstra shared, “I truly believe that we have the most talented team in bowling. These promotions, along with some organizational changes, will ensure that Brunswick is positioned for growth while continuing to provide best-in-industry customer service and cuttingBugsy Kelly edge product innovation.” Kim Wheeler has joined TrainerTainment as a sales and training specialist. She has almost five years in the family entertainment industry and has an extensive background in sales and training. Wheeler said, “Getting to be a part of a team that lives and breathes their core values and has a passionate desire to change the lives of customers is a dream come true. I am looking forward to making a difference in our client’s lives by helping them achieve success both personally and professionally … and having some fun along the way!” Beth Standlee, CEO, said, “She’s a great connector and will be fully engaged in helping grow Kim Wheeler people and their businesses.” To keep up with Kegel’s growth, expansion of their pinsetter parts line, and introduction of new coaching tools, restructuring of its operations staff has taken place. John Thrift has been promoted to operations manager and will oversee all the manufacturing operations and personnel for bowling products. Tony Crews will move to a new role as materials manager, responsible for materials flow, inventory, and the purchasing department. Bob Daugherty will become the new warehouse manager responsible for transportation, storage and distribution. Dave Houser will return to his role as the quality manager, ensuring the quality of products and the entire quality system.

GOODWILL CENTRAL

SHORTS Here come those rhinos again. Bowling for Rhinos is the American Association of Zoo Keepers’ national fundraiser to support rhino conservation areas. Here are just a few more to add to our list of centers helping to make a difference: Holiday Bowl Hixson – Chattanooga, TN City Limits East – East Lansing, MI Bowlero – Woodside, Queens, NY Pinboys at the Beach – Virginia Beach, VA Green Acres Bowl—Tyler, TX Deming Animal Guardians (DAG) in Deming, NM, held a very successful bowling tournament in May to raise funds for its spay and neuter programs. Another Bowling for Fur Balls was held in August at Starmax Bowling Center. The Spare Some Love bowling event was held at Gage Bowl in Topeka, KS, by the Red Shoe Crew, a volunteer arm of Ronald McDonald House. Bowlero in Midland, TX, has begun a 32-week Roll the Brave, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Three games will be hosted every week and a portion of the proceeds will go to WWP. SAINT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in Bullhead City, NV, held Saving Animals in Need Together at Riverside Lanes in Laughlin’s Riverside Resort & Casino. The Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen held its annual bowling fundraiser, Strike Out Hunger, at Strike Force Lanes, Greenfield, IN. What is your center doing? Email Patty Heath at heath@bowlingindustry.com.

ß BITS & PIECES ß ß ß $1M and Beyond According to BVL chairman, John LaSpina, fundraising for the fiscal year reached $1,069,779.75. This is the first time since 2001 that BVL has exceeded $1M. ---------------------------------------------------------------

Kegel: A Great Place to Work Florida Trend, a magazine and website offering regionally-based stories about the business community, has selected Kegel as one of the top Floridabased companies to work for in 2017. It headlined its August issue with a comprehensive story about Kegel. www.floridatrend.com/article/22617/bowling-fordollars. ---------------------------------------------------------------

Preserving the Past Floyd’s 99 Barbershop found a way to save those iconic bits of the past that have helped establish the Costa Mesa, CA, community. The city’s development services department approved a black-and-white panoramic mural, 45 feet in length and 12 feet high, which will face the barbershop’s parking lot. One of the scenes which will be saved for all to see is Kona Lanes, a bowling center known for its Tiki-themed design which closed in 2003 after 45 years.

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS OF BOWLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE How to help a seven-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer get needed treatment. That was the challenge facing the staff at Tenpin Bowling in Dudley, UK. The answer? A 24-hour bowl-a-thon. The staff organized it and raised approximately £1,300 (US $1,690) towards the overall goal of £50,000 (US $65,000) for the needed treatment. With the help of other fundraisers, James is close to his goal with £48,000 (US $62,000). Bowler Liam Bolton shared with expressandstar.com.uk writer, Jack Averty, “It is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. If it were not for the team doing it with me, it would have been a lot worse.” He added, “Until 2 a.m., it was fine sound, we were all raving and having a great time, but after that we were dead. Agony does not even describe it… It feels like my arms have been ripped off like what happened to James Downing with his Woody in Toy Story.” mother, Cheryl Hughes. 12

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Kings Bowl America Rebrands Kings Bowl America is rebranding to emphasize its culinary offerings plus a wide variety of on-site entertainment. To spotlight this, it is changing its name to Kings Dining & Entertainment. Marking the 15th anniversary, Kings is scheduled to open a $7 million flagship venue this month in Boston’s Seaport District billed as an adult playground. According to the Boston Herald, food generates about 35 percent of Kings’ revenue.

SHORTS

Media

WATCH SHOES DELIVER FUN It’s not Good Housekeeping, but REAL SIMPLE is a magazine every woman can read through time and time again and find something new. There are clothes, shoes, ideas about décor, social do’s and don’ts, food, beauty tips. I think you get the idea. While IBI’s busy managing editor, Jackie Fisher, had a moment to browse, she came across these darling classic sneakers using a bowling motif to show off the shoes. What better symbol of activity and fun than bowling!

CALIFORNIA BOWLING Another magazine bowling op was California bowling LA style, one of the segments in the Los Angeles magazine’s August issue. An historical review included five venues, some still here and some gone: Highland Park Bowl, a retro reincarnation opened in 1927, reopened in 2016, and is a very trendy place; LA’s first center came in 1874, in downtown on North Main Street; Sunset Bowling Center took over after Warner Bros. moved to Burbank in 1937 and stayed until the 50s; Covina Bowl, a Googie iconic design à la 1956, can still be seen but not entered; and last but not least, Lucky Strike, the first of the boutique night spots for the hip and famous. Los Angeles must be a bowling town.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE: BOWL-A-CON

Unique marketing ideas are not to be scoffed at. In fact, they are to be prized. What if you take comic book fans and put them in a bowling center? A Bowl-A-Con would emerge. Comic-Con, a huge venue in San Diego, has become the platform for sci-fi television shows to hype their latest series. Costumes are not unusual for those who attend. Paul Heilman and his wife, Susan Maynard, promoters and show owners and long-time entertainers, joined forces with Mark Maxwell, marketer and experienced showrunner, to create and launch Bowl-A-Con. Vendors included comic book and toy dealers, custom crafters, and jewelry makers to name just a few. Woodland Lanes’ owners Gary and Tom Winkle in Livonia, MI, came onboard as the host venue. While Maxwell dealt with online marketing, e.g. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, Heilman went to the street in costume talking with Masterminds people, passing out fliers Mark Maxwell and generally hyping the (l) and Paul event. Heilman is well Heilman, in an known for his Freddy alter-ego. Krueger cosplay and for performing at area haunted attractions. Prior to the event, there had been 7,000 people indicating interest. This melding of two passions just might catch on.

120 years in the Entertainment Business Two centers celebrate 60 years of bowling fun.

1957 was a big time for bowling, the beginning of a decade of bowling enthusiasm. It was a happy time, with Hula Hoops and Slinkys and gas was way under a dollar. In Garrettsville, OH, SkyLane Bowling, also referred to as Garrettsville’s Family Entertainment Center, opened. The Paul family, Roy, Maurice and Murray, operated the center until the mid-2000s. Today, co-owner and manager Aaron King says, “We have something for everybody. We’re Garrettsville’s number one family fun center.” King 14

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is also responsible for the $3.4 million Queen of Hears Jackpot which captured the country’s interest in 2016. North Dakota’s North Hill Bowl, in Minot, was thought to be a long shot. Morris and Bette Anderson decided to turn their North Hill dairy farm into a bowling alley. While people never thought anyone would drive out to North Hill to bowl, after sixty years it remains a staple of the Minot community. Morris passed away in 2009, but Bette still owns the center. While the actual anniversary is in November, the celebration took place in August. They did not want the birthday events to conflict with bowling leagues.

HELPING HANDS

MOTHER NATURE TO THE

MAX (BOWL)

A Port Arthur, TX, bowling center shelters evacuees from Hurricane Harvey

By Mark Miller

t 40 lanes and the only bowling center along the southeast Texas Gulf Coast, Max Bowl is no stranger to serving as a community gathering place for Port Arthur. Some nights it’s been packed full of league bowlers and other times for major events like every weekend of the 2013 Texas State United States Bowling Congress Youth Championships. But for three nights and three days at the end of August, Max Bowl served its neighborhood and surrounding area in a time of need. Instead of hosting the final summer league sessions and the first of the fall, Max Bowl housed more than 600 people, between 50 and 100 cats and dogs, one monkey named Prince, and an iguana that sat on his owner’s head. They were gathered there when their residences flooded out in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey that wreaked havoc on the region for nearly a week. Max Bowl was targeted as a temporary shelter since the building stood on higher ground than its neighbors. Though its slanted parking lot flooded, it was used as a staging area for pontoon boats to drop off survivors and supplies. “The water came within six to eight feet of the front door,” said general manager Jeff Tolliver. “It came close but didn’t come in.” Tolliver and his wife weren’t as lucky, as their home about 40 minutes away in the town of China flooded and they had to stay with some friends. They had moved to Texas just about a year earlier to get away from the brutal winters of Michigan where, for 32 years, he managed Brighton Bowl between

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Detroit and Lansing. Even though he’d never been through a hurricane or tropical storm, living in the Midwest, Tolliver and his staff, along with a handful of volunteers, did their best to turn Max Bowl into a makeshift shelter late in the evening of Tuesday, August 29. “Around 11 p.m., the fire department broke into one of the doors, then called to get the alarm code to start letting people in,” Tolliver said. “I pulled up the camera app on my phone so I could watch the surveillance cameras to see how many people were coming in. When I got here Wednesday morning around 10:30 a.m., there were around 600 people. It was packed.” With the parking lot full of water, supplies such as clothing, toiletries, water, and bedding were brought to the center by pontoon boat. Food was prepared both at the center (pizza, French fries, and hamburgers) and at Sake, a local Japanese restaurant which dropped off hundreds of boxes of food. The center remained full until Thursday evening when officials

HELPING HANDS

Some of the supplies for the 600 people at Max Bowl.

began moving people to shelters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Port Arthur. By lunch time Friday, all evacuees had been moved and the clean-up of the center could begin. “I was surprised at how much of a mess that many people can make,” Tolliver said. “They were sleeping on small mattresses on the approaches which are synthetic. We mopped them and dried them and A man sleeps on a ball return as evacuees pour buffed them out. We into Max Bowl. should be good to go.” Once the evacuees were gone, firefighters and other first responders used the facility’s 8,000-square-foot event center as a command post. Formerly a bingo hall before Tolliver took over, it

now hosts concerts and other special events. “We’ve had a few different bands,” Tolliver said. “We’re trying to work out the kinks so we can be profitable with bands down there.” Max Bowl is owned by Max and Brittney Tribble, who also own centers of the same name in Humble and Baytown in the metropolitan Houston area. Tolliver said Brittney Tribble did come to Port Arthur to analyze the damage which was limited to water in the ceiling. That allowed the center to re-open for regular business September 3rd at noon, with sparse patronage as people dealt with their situations at home. A 10 p.m. curfew that lasted several more days forced the center to close at 9 p.m. to allow time for employees to return to their residences. Everything returned to normal by September 11, nearly two weeks after the hurricane blew through. While Tolliver looked forward to the now-delayed start of league season, he was

A man and woman pray as they find a spot together.

proud of his staff members for doing what they could do to make life a little less stressful for those who came to Max Bowl for refuge. “The employees who were able to make it and helped out did a phenomenal job,” he said. “They’re not trained to run a shelter, none of us were. But they just did a great job.” ❖

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.

Flooded parking lot at Max Bowl. 18

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FEATURE

STRIKING IT UP Stone Pin Company remakes an old concert venue into a space ideal for socializing and eating.

By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson

he former Handlebar in Greenville, SC, has been converted into an event space and boutique bowling center. The Handlebar presented thousands of concerts featuring a vast array of entertainers in a wide variety of musical genres, from rock ‘n’ roll to country to pop. Among the hundreds of performers during the Handlebar’s 18-year history was a group called Bowling For Soup, an American pop punk band, Ace Frehley (of KISS), Arlo Guthrie, Avett Brothers, Dash Riprock, Mat Kearney, Tift Merritt, John Hiatt, blues musician Taj Mahal, Ricky Skaggs, Tower of Power, and Joan Baez. Located between Greenville’s

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downtown area and the historic Earle District, The Stone Pin Company is a six-lane facility on the bottom floor of a 17,000square-foot building. The floor above is home to Revel Event Center, a space for weddings and other special events for up to 500 people. At Stone Pin Company the pins are not made of stone; the name refers to the location because the center’s address is 304 E. Stone Avenue. According to venue director Lauren Good, “The idea is that fewer lanes will make it easier for staff to concentrate on customer service. We want to create a total, unique experience and atmosphere for the Greenville community to enjoy. We’re focused primarily on entertainment and socialization, with upscale food

FEATURE and beverage offerings, and bowling as the primary form of entertainment.” In 2015, Paul Talley and Howard Dozier contacted QubicaAMF about creating Stone Pin Company. “Their idea was to combine entertainment with a restaurant and bar venue,” states Eric Weimer, district sales manager for QubicaAMF Bowling. “QubicaAMF takes a team approach to new center projects. Paul and Howard met with Wendy Smith, director of new business development, Greg Reid, project manager for new centers, and me. We reviewed the CAD drawings of the space Paul and Howard had chosen for the location. We worked with their architect and their electrical contractor to layout the equipment to best utilize the space. In addition, we made several site visits during the planning stage to take physical measurements of the space. The equipment that was chosen best fits their business model.” The six sleek, black lanes are outfitted with the latest technology, which allows bowlers to link their social media accounts to their lane, creating a live play-by-play of their bowling experience on Facebook. Though the design may look low tech/retro/rustic, the center is high tech and offers wireless chargers for phones on the lanes. “Working with Paul and Howard was great,” states Weimer. “We provided help with the planning and supplied the equipment and installation. Paul and Eric Weimer of QubicaAMF. Howard were very organized and pretty much had everything in place to do the project when they came to us. You can tell they enjoy working with one another, and they are excited about their businesses.” After a few construction delays – the project was stalled due to

some flooding issues in the basement space – Stone Pin Company opened on May 15. Using reclaimed wood and a variety of metals, TreeHugger Customs designed and fabricated the rustic industrial decor transforming the interior of the former Handlebar. Focusing on customer service and socialization, Dozier envisioned the space as interactive and social, with a large dining and bar area in the center. Stone Pin offers a more upscale experience than the standard alleys of the past. The sleek atmosphere and modern technology appeal to a new bowling clientele looking for a unique experience they can share with friends and family. Stone Pin’s food and beverage offerings will attract those who may not be serious league players. And that’s fine with the owners, who are offering a full bar with handmade cocktails. The new center has a rustic and steampunk atmosphere with black lacquer lanes, and the shoe pick-up area has been dubbed The Shoe Station. “The food at Stone Pin Company is worlds apart from traditional bowling alley fare,” shares Good. Matt Feaster and Shane Clary of Good Life Catering have created a bowlingthemed, trendy menu that includes Southern Pins and Pickles, beer-battered okra spears and pickles, served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce; I-Don’t-Roll-on-Shabbos, flatbread served with bacon-jalapeno pimento cheese, pulled pork and Kansas City sauce; and Greenville Hot Chicken Sammie, served open-faced with blue cheese crumbles. Stone Pin Company has taken a different approach and the creativity of their cocktail lounge is reflected in their menu design, which is reminiscent of bowling in its heyday in the 50s and 60s. One of their craft cocktails is called A Different Approach, continued on page 26...

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FEATURE ...continued from page 22

made with Hendrick’s gin, vermouth, agave nectar, muddled strawberries and mint. Clever bowling themed names for other beverages include: Right Up Your Alley which is a Finlandia grapefruit vodka, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup and sparkling wine; Spare Me which is a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey, peach liqueur, ginger beer and rosemary; or Split Happens which is a Sailor Jerry spiced rum, fresh lemon juice, muddled blackberries, mint and club soda. Wine and craft beer, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, are also featured.

The QubicaAMF equipment Dozier and Talley selected for Stone Pin Company includes: u TMS string machines–TMS Pinspotters u AMFlite II Pins u Bowling Entertainment System X: HD scoring system with interactive games (BES X) u SPL Boutique Series Lanes Package – custom black lacquer u Harmony Infiniti furniture u Conqueror Pro POS and Management System u Durabowl bumpers u House balls and rental shoes nights, with cosmic bowling from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Off peak rates are $20 per lane per hour; peak rates are $40 per lane per hour. “There’s something nostalgic about pins crashing with music playing in the background,” offers co-owner Dozier, who also owns Revel, Comedy Zone and Pour Lounge. He and Talley have created a spot that encourages socializing and interaction; the numerous bistro tables and

Custom cocktails at Stone Pin Company.

“Bowling is a great fit for entrepreneurs looking to enhance the customer’s experience in a venue,” states QubicaAMF Bowling’s Weimer. “So combining a restaurant, bar and reception venue with bowling is a great fit. When someone chooses to sell bowling, they are choosing to sell an experience.” With a nod to Handlebar history, Stone Pin Company hosts live music every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. A DJ keeps the party going on Friday and Saturday

Bowler’s area at Stone Pin Company.

lounge areas attest to that. Three lanes on either side straddle a generous-sized square bar that is the center of the center, encouraging bowlers to socialize before and after bowling. The split house concept and casually chic environs facilitate Stone Pin Company’s goal – to strike up conversation. ❖

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson lives in Idaho. In addition to writing, she is a career coach and scenario role player for peace officer training. Pamela worked as a production manager on the Emmy Award-winning animated series The Simpsons, where she bowled regularly with members of the crew. She speaks on career issues at conferences all over the world. You can reach Pamela at PamRecruit@q.com.

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COVER STORY

By Sean Krainert

ectors and industries around the world that offer either products or services are united by their survival instinct to keep putting one foot in front of the other. The motivation is always to keep from falling behind their competitors. But what if that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough? The most common thread among all businesses is that moving forward is intimately connected to one ultimate deciding factor: the customer. The big question has always revolved around where a business is now and where it wants to be, as businesses are often guided by what they already know. But the only igniting question that will truly catapult a business into the future is: Who is my

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customer, and where are they going? Any successful BEC will tell you that the lynchpin to that question is technological innovation.

THE CONSUMER IS IN THE DRIVERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SEAT It is no secret that your customers keep your doors open. As a business, it is your responsibility to identify your target market, attract them, and foster lifelong relationships with them. The change to this formula is that consumer expectations are skyrocketing and setting the bar high for all businesses. The

COVER STORY most successful BECs can tell you that they are answering this demand with innovative solutions at every turn, from marketing and customer retention, to laser light shows and attractions. Leading BEC owners know that it is no longer enough to meet their customers where they are, but to be there for them where they are going. And where are your customers going? They are going to their mobile devices. At Rab’s Country Lanes in Staten Island, NY, proprietor Frank Wilkinson takes this fact to heart. “We recently boosted and upgraded our Wi-Fi so as soon as customers walk in the door and open their device, our network welcomes them to the facility and offers an open Wi-Fi connection without weighing them down with requests for their personal information. It’s through things like this that we have made it as easy as possible to make what they want more accessible.” Proprietors across the nation know that as expectations of Frank Wilkinson, proprietor, Rab’s speed and automation have Country Lanes. collectively risen, consumers have developed a need for the new gold standard of interaction with brands. Considering the widespread availability of technology, companies without an integrated plan for its evolving use on the mobile platform, will be facing guaranteed hardships in the near future. Age of the Customer is here, and consumers are instinctively gravitating toward brands that meet their elevated needs.

WHY MOBILE IS THE PREFERRED CHANNEL You may not spend hours on your mobile phone, preventing you from seeing the importance of the platform for businesses. It is an inherent reaction to meet your customers where you are. Or the opposite could be true. Maybe you use your mobile device to track package deliveries, pay your bills, or consume your daily dose of news. So why wouldn’t you expect that your customers want that same connection to your business? “We have to remember that when trying to reach our customers, everything has to be mobile accessible. If it isn’t friendly and engaging, it is one less touchpoint from our brand that they are interested in. When you lose them on the mobile platform, you lose the customer,” says Wilkinson. Imagine the average consumer waking each day to the alarm on their mobile phone. Upon starting their day, they check their email, text messages, weather and traffic from their

mobile, all before getting dressed. This same consumer scans over work emails to stay on top of the day as they commute to work. By the time our average consumer breaks for lunch, they have already placed an online order for grocery delivery to their home, purchased a new shirt they’ve been thinking about and reserved two seats at the latest IMAX movie coming

Leading BEC owners know that it is no longer enough to meet their customers where they are, but to be there for them where they are going. And where are your customers going? They are going to their mobile device. out that night, all from their mobile. As they walk out the door to head home for a quick change of clothes, they book a local restaurant for dinner and pay a few bills due the next business day. Now answer one question: Why would this consumer be one of your customers, unless you had a mobile platform that let them interact with your brand on their terms? The answer is: they wouldn’t be. Mobile usage is no longer confined to calls, texts and tweets. Your customers want to engage with your BEC both from inside the facility and outside, at their convenience. Creating a mobile platform used to be something only the creatively-inclined Millennial could do with five-star connections to savvy designers. The time has come when your BEC not only needs but has to build a mobile platform that can connect you to your customers at all times.

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COVER STORY

HOW SUCCESSFUL BECS ARE RESPONDING TO THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY Jason Mitchell, head sales director at Intercard, a top cashless card solution for BECs, says it best: “It’s not really a choice, it’s a necessity moving forward.” Simply having a website and presence across social media platforms is no longer enough to sustain a business and provide a satisfying experience. Consumers aren’t waiting for businesses to catch up to their needs. On the contrary, with so many entertainment offerings, with integrated mobile platforms, consumers have options. Centers with bowling lanes are no longer competing against other bowling centers. BECs are competing with the entire entertainment industry and all of its forward-thinking, tech-enabled options. Back at Rab’s Country Lanes, like many forwardthinking BECs, technology isn’t something flashy, used to attract crowds. It is something woven into every moving part of business to make the overall customer experience more enjoyable. “We have iPads at our front counters, so we can toggle between apps and platforms in order to serve the customer better. The less they know about Jason Mitchell, head sales what we are doing behind the scenes, the easier it is for director at Intercard us to provide a seamless environment and not overwhelm them [with the technology factor],” says Wilkinson. Founder and CEO of Cinergy Entertainment, Jeff Benson, recently opened an entirely cashless entertainment facility in Odessa, TX. “When we first opened, we were concerned. But we quickly realized that being cashless was a non-event. The business has been seamless since day one. People want to come to our place because of all the fun attractions we offer. Because of that, they play by the rules and don’t ask questions.” Cinergy’s new BEC is a prime example of a business meeting their customers in the future. They have set the bar for the consumer’s expectations and presented it in a stress-free package. While many businesses get caught up in the purchase of technological innovations, Benson’s new facility took a more human approach to the utilization of tech-friendly options. By combining stellar customer service agents with technology features, they were able to create a pleasant experience for customers. “The moment customers walk in the door, they are greeted by an ambassador. The first question they are asked is if it is their first time here. From that moment on, customers are guided through the cashless experience, from loading cash onto fun cards to using their cards or personal debit and credit cards throughout the entire facility.” Jeff Benson, founder and CEO of Intercard has been able to work with businesses like Cinergy Entertainment. Cinergy Entertainment to ensure the experiences they offer exceed the customer’s expectations, essentially meeting their needs in the future. And with their new and improved customer app on the horizon, they will be able to present their customers with the option to load their cards from their mobile phone at any time. Mobile apps like this one also serve continued on page 34... 30

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COVER STORY ...continued from page 30

to send alerts to the operator when there is a problem with a game. Operators can then set the game to out of service and place a service call to a technician with their mobile phone, all from the comfort of wherever they are. Without having stepped into the BEC, a broken game can be reported, fixed and back up running. Proprietor mobile apps put operators and technicians multiple steps ahead, ultimately paving the way for a better customer experience.

The kiosks are ready for the crowds at the Cinergy game room.

as a virtual card, eliminating the need for a physical card altogether. Remember our average consumer from earlier who did everything before noon from their mobile device? This consumer will be able to reload their BEC card on their way to work, check their customer loyalty points by lunch, and custom-design their BEC experience before they walk in your door with only their mobile phone.

START SIMPLE: DATA COLLECTION. FetchRev, located in Tempe, AZ, is a company well-versed in mastering the mobile platform. They assist proprietors in driving return foot traffic and developing repeat revenue by utilizing consumer data. Companies like FetchRev can take the struggle out of reaching your target market. However, according to Brandon Willey, CEO, proprietors can go a long way in establishing a mobile connection with their customers. “At the end of the day, it comes down to data collection and maximizing the amount of email addresses collected. If there is only one thing a [bowling entertainment] center can do right now, one incremental improvement Brandon Willey, CEO of FetchRev regardless of who they use and what system they use—its data collection.” He continues, “Start today, doing nothing more than putting a sign-up sheet on a piece of paper on a clipboard at the front counter. At the same time, educate the staff to ask customers to sign up for a coupon list or birthday rewards coupon.” The key is collecting the information.

THE MOBILE PLATFORM AND THE PROPRIETOR The benefits of a mobile platform aren’t only for the consumer. Proprietor mobile apps provide operators with the ability to manage their attractions remotely from their mobile device. Apps can now preemptively alert the operator to problems before they occur, for example, when kiosks are low on cards or the bill holder is full. These apps also have the ability 34

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THE FUTURE: ARE YOU A BEACON OR PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT? Evolve or die may be a little harsh. Spend to live? Excellent advice. Meet your customers where they are going and become a beacon in the industry, rather than reluctantly planning for your retirement. Imagine this: your customer walks into your entertainment facility with nothing but their mobile device, and their mobile device not only knows that they are there, it knows what time of day it is and what attractions

Kiosks and staff help customers navigate the cashless card system at the Cinergy location in Odessa, TX.

they used and loved last time. Their mobile device knows what menu item they order every time they come to your facility at that time of day. And, as if by magic, it recommends the perfect combination of food, beverage, games and attractions for the ultimate, effortless experience with your brand. So, don’t let your customers go! It’s too fun out here! ❖

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.

TOURNAMENT

Fernando Gutierrez and his son, Daniel, proprietors of Bol 300.

VIVA QUBICAAMF

BOWLING WORLD CUP! The famous tournament turns up the heat at the classic Mexican venue, Bol 300. By Paul Lane

n November 2017, Fernando Gutierrez and his son, Daniel, proprietors of Bol 300 in Hermosillo, Mexico, will host the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup for the third time. Only one other proprietor, Sonny Lim, in Thailand, has that distinction, having hosted the tournament in Bangkok in 1979 and Pattaya in 1990 and 2001. But this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament, the 53rd annual in the series, will mark a record 6th time it has been held in Mexico, more than 10% of the tournaments held to date. Fernandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for the Bowling World Cup is unique in as much as he built Bol 300 specifically for hosting QubicaAMF Bowling World

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Cup tournaments, and he hopes the 2017 event will not be his last. While Bol 300 is a full-scale FEC, it includes all the necessary features that make it an ideal venue for the tournament: a deep concourse with varying elevations; no structural columns which maximizes spectator viewing; a well-stocked, fullservice pro-shop; a snack bar; large restaurant and sports bar; spacious meeting rooms suitable for the tournament office staff from QubicaAMF; and a wellappointed press office to accommodate local and visiting international journalists. However, Fernando is a lot more than just an enthusiastic proprietor of bowling centers. His other businesses include construction since 1976, real estate management of his own properties and, since 2012, a financial institution which he describes as a small type of bank. When we talked about construction, the scale of his

TOURNAMENT

The wide concourse at Bol 300.

projects was impressive. A few of his many projects include building a 500,000-square-foot office complex for the federal, state and local government; an aqueduct for a dam 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Hermosillo to bring water to the city; several bridges across freeways; and reconstruction of Boulevard Kino Hermosillo, a wide boulevard where many of the city’s hotels are located. Fernando says his passion for bowling started in 1957 when

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he was just ten years old. At 13 years old, he worked as a pinboy. While in high school, he organized the first university bowling league for the state of Sonora. Over the past 20-plus years, Fernando has made frequent visits to the U.S. During these trips, Fernando and his wife, Maria Del Carmen, would include visits to as many bowling centers as possible to study the business and structural features of the various centers. His wife would take copious notes and photos of what stood out as being features to consider when he would build his own centers. While in the U.S., he would also bowl in tournaments such as the High-Roller. In the mid-90s, Fernando was one of the best bowlers in the state of Sonora and still boasts a league average of 210 and 200 in national competition. Fernando hosted his first Bowling World Cup at his Bol Satélite center in Hermosillo in 1994. That’s when Fernando fell in love with the tournament, an experience which, combined with what he had observed during his many visits to the U.S., prompted him to build Bol 300, a facility custom designed for hosting a Bowling World Cup Tournament for the 2008 event. Fernando is constantly making improvements and has recently updated and upgraded the various amenities and bowling equipment at Bol 300 to accommodate this year’s event in

TOURNAMENT year’s event in November. The 32-lane center will showcase QubicaAMF’s BES X Scoring and Management System. During the tournament, through BES X, fans at home will also be able to keep up with their favourite bowlers with live, online scoring. You can view scores in real time, see what lanes bowlers are bowling on, and their standing at any given moment. You can even stay connected with your favourite bowlers through a unique Facebook feature. “We are proud to be able to provide the very best the industry has to offer to our Bowling World Cup competitors, guests and bowling fans,” added Fernando. Pat Ciniello, chairman of the board of QubicaAMF said, “QubicaAMF could not have chosen a better venue or partners to organize the 53rd QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup. I am very thankful to the governor of Sonora state, Mrs. Claudia Artemiza Pavlovich Arellano; the mayor of Hermosillo, Mr. Manuel Ignacio Acosta Gutierrez; and the Gutierrez family for this new opportunity. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite all countries to join us in November as I know it will be memorable.” These Pat Ciniello, chairman of the comments are endorsed by Anne-Marie board of QubicaAMF. Board, QubicaAMF’s tournament manager. “Hermosillo is a lovely city,” says Board, “and Bol 300 is a superb venue. The Gutierrez family will make this a very special event indeed, and I know that all our players, officials and guests will be warmly welcomed.” Hermosillo is a city of 800,000 and is known as The Sun City. It lies in the state of Sonora in the north of Mexico just 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the border with the U.S. Fernando’s son Daniel will serve as the tournament director. Like his father, Daniel is a serious bowler. He was, in his own terms, no more than a hobby or recreational bowler through the 1980s and 90s. But once he got serious in the early 2000s, he achieved a league average of 220 and has bowled four perfect games in Gold Medal and national tournaments — one in 2016, and an impressive three in the 2003 nationals. As tournament director, Daniel will assemble an organizing committee and a team of more than 100 people to assist in every aspect of the tournament, starting with meeting and greeting bowlers and guests at the airport, to concourse and lane marshals, including support from the Mexican Bowling Federation, to the grand opening and closing ceremonies and victory banquet. “No bowler, coach, official, guest or journalist will be left to 40

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their own devices. There will always be a committee member available to assist them,” added Daniel. “The grand opening and closing ceremonies, tournament finals, and awards presentations will all take place in the spacious, arena-like Bol 300,” said Daniel, “with dignitaries including the governor of Senora state, the mayor of Hermosillo, and, the president of CODEME (the Mexican Sports Federation), Dr. José Amado Agular.” Daniel says,”The level of local support is an endorsement of the level of recognition and importance of the Bowling World Cup. The city and state governments and their various departments will provide services as needed, such as medical, security, hotel services and tourism. The local tourism office will be offering tours for all visitors during downtime in the bowling schedule.” For those interested in taking tours, the cathedral in Plaza Zaragoza, Mercado Municipal de Hermosillo, Musas, and the Contemporary Art Museum are just some of the fantastic places to visit in Sonora state.

Bol 300 is built for world class events.

TOURNAMENT The list of local sponsors is a mix of what you may expect, combined with a couple of surprises including, Construplan (a construction company), Coca-Cola, Cerveza Corona and the Fundaciôn Cano Vélez—a non-profit organization providing food, health, education, sports and ecological support to local communities. Television coverage throughout the ten-day event, including the grand opening and the men’s and women’s finals, will be provided by TELEMAX, a local TV station, and TV AZTECA, a national Mexican TV network. TELMEX will provide internet services for the tournament and press offices. In the previous five Bowling World Cup Tournaments held in Mexico, no Mexican man or woman has won the tournament on their home patch. We asked Fernando and Daniel what a home win would mean to them. “It would be the icing on the cake,” said Fernando. “A dream come true.” Given the track record of bowlers from Mexico, this is certainly within the realm of possibility. Who can forget Irma Urrea’s victory at the inaugural women’s division event in Hamburg, Germany in 1972. Or the six appearances by the colorful Benjamin Corona, including his 3rd place finish in Guadalajara in 1968 and runner-up finish in Hong Kong in 1971. Or Alfonso Rodriquez who finished 2nd in 1980 in Indonesia and won the tournament in Seoul Korea in 1985. And there have been at least eight 2nd or 3rd place finishes by other Mexican men and women bowlers. This year, Mexican bowling fans will be pinning their hopes on Maribel Orozco and Arturo Estrada who won the national elimination tournament (also held at Bol 300) and who will represent Mexico in the women’s and men’s division, respectively. In addition to the organizing committee and team being assembled by Daniel Gutierrez, QubicaAMF’s Anne-Marie Board says, “The team that drives the tournament includes Bernard Gibbons and Cliff Adair (tournament director and assistant director, respectively), Julie Howlett (press office), Daniele Soverini (scoring and results), Gerry Barrett (lane conditions), the intrepid Hero Noda (official photographer) and Tina Quirke (Board’s assistant). It is hoped that veteran French journalist Bernard Mora will once again be making an appearance at the tournament, which means he will be covering the tournament for the French speaking media for the 43rd time. At the time of writing this story, Board expects entries from more than 80 countries, with 90 a distinct possibility. Regardless, the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup is well-established as the world’s largest annual sporting event of any kind in terms of the number of participating countries. For sure, the 53rd edition of the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, with the Gutierrez family, led by Fernando and Daniel as hosts, will be a wonderful experience for the visiting competitors, coaches, press and proprietors. It will be an unforgettable experience that will provide a lifetime of fond memories and a host of new friends. 42

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From the left: Luis Javier Iserte, QubicaAMF’s general manager of Latin America and the Caribbean; Bernie Gibbons, tournament director; Anne-Marie Board, tournament manager; Fernando Gutierrez, proprietor of Bol 300 with his son Daniel.

Those who are unable to attend can follow the live action by logging on to www.qubicaAMF.com, or tune in on Facebook at Bowling World Cup or Twitter at #53BWC. The tournament runs from November 4–12, 2017, with the live bowling action and scoring running from November 5-11. Luis Javier Iserte, QubicaAMF’s manager in Mexico said, “Hermosillo has always been very special for me. All the people in the city and the Gutierrez family have always made me feel at home, and I am sure their great efforts in organizing the World Cup for the third time will bring great benefits to the city, the bowling center, and the bowling industry in Mexico and Latin America. A special thanks goes to Anne-Marie Board, QubicaAMF tournament manager; Stephanie Darby, QubicaAMF marketing director; Luis Javier Iserte, manager of QubicaAMF Mexico; Pat Ciniello, chairman of the board of QubicaAMF; and Dominic Gall of TalkTenpin.net ❖

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.

PROFILE

A WALK IN HIS OWN PARK

How John Heuler of Irvine Lanes takes on business and life. By Evan Henerson

odern-day Renaissance man that he is, John Heuler can tackle a variety of questions on a myriad of subjects. Of course, when you have divided your life between operating bowling centers, commercial recreation, HVAC, electrical engineering and agribusiness, some casual questions are more easily answered than others. Whenever possible, Heuler, managing partner of Irvine Recreation, which includes Irvine Lanes, tries to keep it simple. “When I’m in a social situation, people will ask me ‘What do you do for a living?’ Really what they’re asking is did I go to school, work hard and succeed. People do that,” said Heuler. “Rather than going into a really long diatribe on that, I just tell them I’m a farmer: 40 acres and a mule.” Heuler laughs, but it’s an honest answer. Irvine Lanes, which includes the sub tenant FEC Boomers, is part of the family industry built by his father, Dr. George Barton Heuler. The same is true of the pistachio, almond and pecan ranches he operates in Central California and Arizona. For a man with a degree in business administration from Pepperdine University, who also owns licenses in electrical engineering and EPA refrigeration, Heuler knows quite a bit about growing. Heuler can run an FEC, but confesses that where bowling is concerned, he can’t even score a game. He doesn’t need to. Irvine Lanes is a high-end

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facility located on 14 acres in an affluent and fast- developing section of Orange County, CA. In order to keep the center stable as the demand for league bowling began to decline, the operators of Irvine Lanes were well out ahead of industry trends. Irvine Lanes established high speed wi-fi, HD and amenities like extensive catering capabilities amidst wood paneling and carpet. League bowling accounts for 9% of the center’s gross revenue, “and trust me,” Heuler says, “it’s not because we have suppressed John Heuler it. Everything else has gone so well.” “We provide soup to nuts,” he continues. “The demographics have changed dramatically, and, especially in Southern California, we recognize the Asian population and Latino population have been growing tremendously. If you cannot change and cater to a changing demographic, you’re going to be out of business very quickly.” The wi-fi system is lightening fast, allowing rapid payments and generating up to 1,500 hits per day. Irvine Lanes spent $250,000 on audio and digital upgrades, but Heuler maintains that the effort was worth every cent. “That’s the level of what today’s customers expect. They expect to be engaged,” Heuler says. “The idea of hoping that Millennials will adapt to an older system is not going to happen, and that’s really what continued on page 48...

PROFILE ...continued from page 44

Heuler out in his orchard.

we’re doing. Everybody is an essential customer as they come in our front door. And as they leave our front door, they are a potential repeat customer. We have to treat them that way. The vast majority of our income here is from open play, from shoe rental, and from outside catering. This is a corporate area, and that’s who we cater to.” Irvine Lanes was purchased from the Irvine Company while Heuler was still in high school. George Barton Heuler, a dentist and economist who is now 88, owned several bowling centers both in Orange County, CA (including Fountain Bowl, Regal Lanes and Sequoia Lanes) and in Ventura, CA. The Heuler family has also operated spas. If there does not appear to be an easy link between bowling centers, agriculture, and fitness and recreation, one might look closer. Heuler subscribes to Joseph Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction. More than 40 years spent working in a constantly diversifying family business has taught him the necessity of adaptation Three generations of Heulers.

and of spending money to produce and maintain a high-end product. “The company reflects stability,” Heuler says. “We look at many things that don’t make sense to us, but the few technologically advanced things that we do adopt help us tremendously. That’s really no big secret. The industry could do it. They just don’t want to. I’ve seen the rapid decline of league bowling, and I can tell you where it’s going to go in the next 10 years. Everybody knows that. Whether you wish to go down that path or go down with it, that’s your choice, but I recognize that we have to change as an industry.” The pecan, almond and pistachio ranches reflect a different market reality: people will always need to eat. Much of what his farms grow is sent overseas, and Heuler maintains that dealing with trees and growing seasons, while not inexpensive, is less cumbersome than dealing with animals. Heuler estimates that his holdings include more than 12,000 acres in two states. Heuler visits his ranches at least once a month,

Irvine Lanes

more frequently during growing seasons. Although he characterizes himself as largely a business manager, Heuler also enjoys being out among his trees. In addition to his ranches, Heuler also has his own trees spread over 250 acres, 55 of which are mature pecan trees. “I have to tell you, when you’re out wandering around in thousands of acres and trees,” Heuler says, “it’s like owning your own park.” Heuler works hard, in all of his endeavors. Walking in his own park is his ultimate reward. ❖

Evan Henerson is a features and lifestyle journalist who lives in Los Angeles. His work has appeared in TV Guide, American Theatre, Orange Coast and the Los Angeles Daily News where he was a staff writer and critic for nine years.

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FEATURE

By Evan Henerson

very other year, law enforcement and fire protection officials from around the world gather up their gear, head off for distant lands, and put on a different kind of uniform. For the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG), multi-sport athletes journey to all corners of the globe for competition, from Calgary, Canada to Adelaide, Australia and from Belfast, Ireland to Fairfax, Virginia. Los Angeles was the site of the 2017 games. Over four days in August, for the bowling portion of the WPFG, 170 bowlers from 14 countries descended on Pinz Entertainment Center in Studio City, CA, throwing five games per day forindividual, team, and even international glory on the line with every breathless toss… …OK, perhaps it wasn’t quite that dramatic. Although the format is similar, this isn’t the Olympics. At least not yet. Nonetheless, tournament veterans and newcomers alike reported that the bowling portion contained a healthy blend of competitive energy and international goodwill among all

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the participants. “The camaraderie between services is very special, police with police, fire with fire and also vice versa,” said Phil Parson, a retired sergeant with the Victoria Police Department in Australia. “We all appreciate what the other does and seem to understand when one is having difficulty.” “It was very exciting meeting people from other countries, seeing people trading pins and patches and little badges from their countries,” agreed Sonya Patterson, a police officer at Santa Monica College. “Once we got on the lanes, it was competitive but still very friendly. You win medals, not money, but Captain Daniel Curry of the there’s bragging rights. Everybody Los Angeles Fire wants to win.” Department The tournament consisted of singles, doubles, four-person teams and All Events. Each event was five games with the All Events being comprised of the five games combined. Players reported that the sheer number of games per day resulted in some sore hands and backs by tournament’s end. Winners placed in gold, silver and bronze. Los Angeles Fire Department’s Daniel Curry was in charge of organizing the event, negotiating everything from juggling the needs of players who participated in different sports to pairing up teams and maintaining the pool players. Curry also served as the master scorekeeper, meaning he couldn’t always keep track of the progress of his own team. “We finished earlier than most of the other teams and we were sitting on the bubble in 3rd, so we had

FEATURE top bowler, averaged 241 over the 15 games and 18 bowlers averaged over 200. The tournament average was 173.8 for 2,261 games bowled, with about 40% of the field entered into the top division of 190+. Fairfax’s Coburn averaged a more than respectable 200 but admitted he had hoped to do better. “I had never seen anyone average 241. That’s PBA style there,” said Coburn. “Watching all these guys using different balls, different lines and angles, it was really neat. I normally don’t get to see that.”

to sweat out the other teams taking aim at us,” Curry said. “Personally, I missed my only 10 pin of the day in the 5th game and then left a 3-10 split on my next shot. I really needed to pick up the 3-10 to regain some confidence, which I was able to do.” The WPFG is pay-your-own-way, meaning active police and fire personnel had to block out vacation time and often took their families. Billy Coburn of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Virginia made the journey with his wife and two children, the last family vacation before his son goes off to college. SMCPD’s Patterson was joined by her father, Levi, who has been living in Thailand since his retirement from the Los Angeles Unified School District Police Department. Father and daughter competed as a team, with Sonya bowling a 238 in one of her games. “We weren’t expected to medal which made it that much sweeter,” said Patterson, whose team earned a silver in the unisex doubles B division. They plan to reunite in China for the 2019 games which will be geographically more convenient for Levi. Daniel Inocencio has participated in the last four games and will also be going to China for the 2019 competition. With the WPFG being in Los Angeles, Inocencio noted a heavy concentration of American bowlers. He was one of a group of Levi Patterson and daughter Sonja Patterson show off silver medals in the doubles event. participants from Texas where Inocencio is retired from the Houston Fire Of course, scores were by no means the only part Department and still works as a of the event that got participants…er…fired up. “The captain with the Magnolia Fire shirts are unique and very colorful,” said Parson. Department. His team – nicknamed “Some have sponsors’ logos on them, but they all have Firestorm – had a blast. “My wife is their service logo and the Games’ logo on them. in graduate school so she couldn’t They are keenly sought by other bowlers and trading come this time, but she has been to is furious.” ❖ all the other ones,” said Inocencio. “We usually try to make it a family Evan Henerson is a features and lifestyle journalist vacation.” who lives in Los Angeles. His work has appeared Inocencio earned a bronze medal in TV Guide, American Theatre, Orange Coast and the Los Angeles Daily News where he was a staff in the 50 and over unisex division. Captain Daniel Inocencio of the writer and critic for nine years. Robert Harmon, the tournament’s Magnolia Fire Department. 52

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SHOWCASE ADVANCED SOFTWARE

Steltronic is proud to announce that its Focus scoring system is now interfaced with ORACLE, also known as MICROS®. With the popularity of the MICROS® terminals as a point of sale system for food and beverage, Steltronic has now interfaced to the MICROS system allowing the cashiers to open lanes, rent bowling shoes, pool tables, and POS products. Everything within the Focus software is interfaced with the MICROS terminals to process payments. “We are YOUR bowling center management specialists.” For more information: (800) 942-5939 or info@steltronicscoring.com.

HOUSE BALLS WITH PANACHE

Sometimes you just need to throw tradition aside and mix it up. QubicaAMF has introduced billiard-style house balls, designed to look like real billiard balls. Made from the same premium urethane and using the same manufacturing process as their one-of-a-kind Smart Ball System, these balls come standard with QubicaAMF’s patented Comfort Fit Grip. They are sure to add flair to any center. Available in two grip sizes per weight, the balls are a sure shot for boutique-style centers. Style, along with fast, simple selection and our exclusive Comfort Fit Grip make for happier bowlers—and more games. Learn more at qubicaamf.com.

ESCAPE ROOMS

Studio41b has recently shipped two escape rooms to Fribourg, Switzerland, which will be opening to the public this month. One is a horror room geared toward adults, while the other is a more family-friendly adventure. Already boasting other international installations, this will be Studio41b’s first foray on the European continent. Studio 41b says that the interest in real escape games is just as strong internationally

MARKETING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Brunswick Bowling offers marketing automation with Sync’s Media Manager, a powerful, automated content-creation engine, complete with a library of proven ads. Customize or create from scratch everything from in-game ads that display on the scoring monitors to tempting offers that land in customer’s email in-boxes. Media Manager offers a large library of off-the-shelf ads that are formatted to display on scoring monitors, computer screens, smartphone displays, or as printer-ready files which include kids’ birthday parties, holidays, popular open bowling events, F&B specials and promotions. All are easily modified and tagged with your center name, logo, hours, address and pricing. Visit brunswickbowling.com/products/sync/ for more information.

STYLISH & DURABLE FURNITURE

Stylish and engaging, the Brooklyn series of lounge furniture from Facility Concepts is a wonderful choice for your venue. It offers a full set of available pieces, including a sofa, loveseat or chair, sure to enhance the look of any facility and provide comfortable seating. Its durable construction is an excellent choice for bowling and/or family entertainment centers. Whether it’s the Brooklyn or another of the stylish offerings, including metal or wood-frame seating, tables, booths, millwork or interior décor, Facility Concepts can provide whatever you need to elevate the comfort and style of your center. When they say complete furniture solutions, they mean it! For more information, call (800) 915-8890 or go to facility-concepts.com.

PINK GLOW SOCKS

as it is in the U.S., and they have many upcoming projects that will be installed in America and elsewhere. For more information on escape rooms or other attractions and theming, visit their website at studio41b.com.

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month – “In October, We Wear Pink,” Expert Hosiery has pink glow socks available by the dozen: Ladies/Teens, size 9-11; Men, sizes 10-13; and Youth sizes 6-8. Last year, bowling centers experienced a lot of excitement from bowlers for Pink Bowling Socks! All socks are shipped with two Cancer Awareness promotional posters. Limited quantities still available for last minute orders. Expert Hosiery/Funtime Footwear is THE athletic footwear supplier for bowling, skating and FECs. Mix and match Athletic and Glow socks by the dozen. Call for details on how centers are using these Pink Socks in October. (919) 799-7707; support@experthosiery.com; and funtimefootwear.com. IBI

October 2017

DATEBOOK

OCTOBER 1-2 West Coast Bowling Convention Silver Legacy Resort & Casino Reno, NV Sandi Thompson (925) 485-1855 sandit@norcalbowling.com www.wcbowling.com

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10 BPA Carolinas & Georgia BPAA Boot Camp – Leadership & Time Management Stars & Strikes Family Entertainment Dacula, GA Renee Dennis, ED (919) 201-9453 bpacga@gmail.com

15-17 Texas Bowling Center Assoc. Southwest Trade Show Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino k.miller@texasbowlingcenters.org

16-27 A-2 Pinsetter Training QC FEC Moline, IL Frank Miroballi (540) 325-7684 Frankm1441@aol.com www.BrunswickA2training.com

17 Boot Camp – Outside Sales Oklahoma BPA Dicki Ward (405) 417-6416 Mimosa-usa@cox.net

23 BPA PA Annual Meeting @ECBCC Kalahari resorts & convention Pocono Mountains, PA (570) 580-6000 56

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23 Kentucky BPA Annual Meeting For info: Jack McCarthy (502) 558-3450 jmccarthy@sasfe.com

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JANUARY 2018 2-7 2018 USBC Team USA Trials U.S. Amateur Championships The Orleans Las Vegas Bowl.com

23-25

East Coast Bowling Centers Convention Kalahari Resorts & Convention Pocono Mountains, PA www.eastcoastbowl.com

14-18 Bowling Summit Marriott Phoenix Tempe at the Buttes (888) 649-5585 meetings@bpaa.com bowlingsummit.com

25- November 1 U.S. Open Flamingo Bowl Liverpool, NY PBA.com

28-30 IAAPA FEC Summit Laguna Beach, CA (703) 299-5761 Iaapa.org

NOVEMBER 7-19 PBA World Championship National Bowling Stadium Reno PBA.com

FEBRUARY

13-17 IAAPA Attractions Expo Orange County Convention Center Orlando www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo

24 – December 4 2017 World Championships South Point Hotel Casino Las Vegas Worldbowling.org

21-23 F2FEC Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Braselton, GA Ben Jones (248) 884-1700 benjones@comcast.net

BPAA One-Day Management Boot Camps Available to state associations & multi-unit centers Contact Kelly Bednar (817) 385-8462 Kelly@bpaa.com

DECEMBER 12 Boot Camp – Outside Sales Wisconsin BPA Yvonne Bennett (262) 783-4292 bcaw@bowlwi.com www.bowlwi.com

5-11 PBA Tournament of Champions AMF Riviera Lanes Akron, OH PBA.com

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Official magazine of the convention

CLASSIFIEDS Felix Erickson Company Inc. Strike Zone © Family of Industry Leading Lane Products Strike Zone KB Lane Cleaner 5 gal case $ 95.00 Strike Zone Next Generation L.C. 5 gal/case $ 105.00 Strike Zone SuperStar L.C. 5 gal/case $ 120.00 Envi-Cide II Disinfectant/Shoe Aerosol $ 89.95/case Solve-It Orange All Purpose Cleaner $ 69.95/case ®

Exclusive Phenolic Kickback Plates Front 15” x 33” Rear 19” x 23 ¾” $ 89.00 each (includes screws and instructions) FESI Solve-It Ball Wheel Liner @ $90.00 /roll 070-011-905 Waffle Distributor Belt w/ lacing $58.00 each Toll Free (800) 445-1090 | P (609) 267-2833 | F (609) 267-466 www.festrikezone.com | Resurfacing-Repairs-Supplies

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October 2017

CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

SERVICES AVAILABLE

ATTENTION! AMF 82-30 houses with 6525 & 5850 chassis with Omega Tek conversions. I have used MK 30 boards, $200 ea. with 30day guarantee. Limited time offer. Call (330) 953-8339.

Looking for an influx of new league bowlers for your center? You need THE BOWLING LEAGUE GUY! Bowlingleagueguy.com or call (757) 390-2129.

NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

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.

EDUCATION & TRAINING PRO SHOP TRAINING. Classes always forming. Jayhawk Bowling Supply (800) 255-6436 or jayhawkbowling.com.

APPRAISALS APPRAISALS: LARRY DOBBS MAI, ASA. (214) 674-8187. Bowlingvaluations@yahoo.com.

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October 2017

CENTERS FOR SALE SOUTH DAKOTA: high traffic, wellestablished center, Lucky Strike Lanes, in Spearfish. Recent upgrades: new electronics, scoring, remodeled bathrooms and new roof. Also included is mini golf course. Rick Weller, Northern Hills Real Estate Co., (605) 641-1987. NEBRASKA: 6-lane center & bar in Plainview, NE. Turnkey business. Contact Brandon Myers, Commercial Realty Group, (402) 843-0347. OHIO: Northeast. Pretty, mid-sized center w/late-model equipment, multiple profitcenters. Call Sandy Hansell (800) 222-9131. FLORIDA: Central. Attractive, mid-sized center with revenues trending up. Owner retiring. Call David Driscoll (352) 735-8065.

CENTERS FOR SALE CENTRAL IDAHO: Busy, updated, 8-lane (synthetic) center: electronic scorekeeping, league play & 50-seat restaurant with drive thru. Easy highway access. Assumable loan. Call (775) 720-2726 for more details.

POSITION WANTED CERTIFIED BRUNSWICK MECHANIC, well versed on all serial machines. AS-80, AS90 and Command Network trained and experienced. Seeking full or part time position in the Denver or Central Colorado areas. Excellent references. Steven (303) 870-5860, cstaylor1993@gmail.com.

LOCKER KEYS FAST! All Keys done by code # Locks and Master Keys E-mail: huff@inreach.com TOLL FREE

1-800-700-4539

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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October 2017

CLASSIFIEDS PROPRIETORS WITH AMF 82-70 S.S. & M.P. MACHINES Save $$ on Chassis & P.C. Board Exchange & Repair! A reasonable alternative for Chassis and P.C. Board Exchanges MIKE BARRETT Call for Price List

Tel: (714) 871-7843 • Fax: (714) 522-0576

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 60

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October 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN

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October 2017

REMEMBER WHEN

Since the 1950s Peanuts and the Gang In the June issue, we shared Snoopy’s joy of bowling. Now, it’s October and school’s back in session, so, just a little math fun! Marcie is our reluctant bowler and Peppermint Patty our enthusiast. A dream team? While Marcie isn’t the poster child for promoting the sport, the combo works. Going out on the old proverbial limb, maybe bowling enhances math skills? Okay, maybe it’s just another cute moment with these dear characters. However, like or not like, good or not good, bowling brings people together and that can’t be bad. ❖

- Patty Heath

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October 2017