CONTENTS
VOL 20.6
8 ISSUE AT HAND
36 PROFILE
The Greatest Show
From Tanks to Lanes
By Scott Frager
Todd Makovsky’s love of all things mechanical leads him to the world of bowling By Mark Miller
10 SHORTS • “Men in Black III” is back… and bowling • Skylark Lanes flies high at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland • Latitude Global, Inc.’s vision is three new centers in 2012
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40 PHOTO ESSAY Bowling in Black and White Photographer Donnas Schaeffer focuses in on bowling centers
62 REMEMBER WHEN
Gary Beck The buzz around the Killer “B” Promotions founder
1940 Hollywood’s Earl Carroll Theatre: Showgirls’ night out
By Mark Miller
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By Patty Heath
22 COVER STORY On Their Terms BPAA Past Presidents, then and now, share candid thoughts
48 Showcase 50 Datebook 53 Classifieds
By Mark Miller
34 OFF THE CLOCK The Artist Within
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Chris Holmes holmes@bowlingindustry.com
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Gregory Keer keer@bowlingindustry.com
OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath
Patty Heath Anna Littles 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: 888-424-2695 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders. POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, 12655 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2012, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
From cotton to canvas, sock guy Larry Cutler expresses his artistic side By Anna Littles 40
Cover photo taken by Foster Garvin. June 2012
frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager
CONTRIBUTORS
16 MARKETING
IBI
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager
heath@bowlingindustry.com
By Anna Littles
6
THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
THE ISSUE AT HAND
The Greatest Show As Bowl Expo draws closer, I am more excited about this year’s event than ever. It’s certainly not because I’m missing my 16th of 17 wedding anniversaries. It’s not because my experience in Reno will be a fun-filled vacation. It’s also not because my workload at the office is lighter this year vs. previous. On all accounts, quite the contrary. The fact is I’m expecting to work my silly butt off as soon as I land in Reno on Saturday morning until I take off Thursday evening. It’s going to be tough being away from the business of running a magazine, a trade association and a bowling center. However, for me, Bowl Expo is a week long three-ring circus with purpose and mission. It is impossible not to get caught up in all the excitement once you enter the big-top. In the right ring, you’ve got hours and hours of top-notch leadership and educational seminars and presentations to keep your mind sharp as a tack. In the left ring, your senses will be mesmerized by the lights, sounds, and smells wafting through the exhibits and trade show floor. All around, at every turn, you’ll be tempted to change direction and check
out this corner or that meeting. It’s just not possible to walk a straight line when you have so much to choose from. But like any amazing circus, there’s always a center ring where the activity reigns supreme. For everyone fortunate enough to attend Bowl Expo, the center ring is a sacred place where chaos seems to come together in fun and entertaining and unexpected ways. Since every person attends Bowl Expo for different reasons, the center ring can represent different things to different people. And the beautiful part about that is that it’s quite all right! For me, the center ring is all about the people. Of course, I love doing business at Bowl Expo. However, to be able to see and meet so many old friends, while making new ones in such a short period of time is truly magical and the secret that keeps me coming back over and over. What do you want to find this year in your center ring? It’s my wish that whatever it is, you find it and it brings a grin to your face. And, when you make it to Expo, please remember to take a few minutes out of your busy days to thank the volunteers and staff who spent countless hours putting a show like this together. I have a feeling that even the great P.T. Barnum would be very proud of this circus we call Bowl Expo.
– SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR frager@bowlingindustry.com
THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com What’s in a number? 1876 is the total number of members who have currently joined IBI’s online community. As a date in time, 1876 was full of firsts: root beer was invented by Charles Hires; the National Baseball Association was established; and the first telephone call was made. IBI is proud of its 1876 too—putting bowling business people together. Now it’s time to bring 1876 up to 2012. You can help by joining today and/or sending an invitation to your friends in the bowling business to come online. Then 2012 will not only mean Summer Olympics, but it will be 2,012 resources at www.bowlingindustry.com comprising your own “go-to” site for knowledge, sharing and networking to all corners of the business world of bowling. As a thank you for joining Bowling Industry Online by June 15, IBI will place ALL new members in a drawing to receive a free 2012 Bowl Expo registration ($350 value). What’s in a number? For IBI it is 2,012 managers, proprietors, entrepreneurs, association members, manufacturers and pro shop owners plus others in the bowling business that make up our online community. 2012. Now that’s a great number! 8
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SHORTS
DON HENLEY LIVE A T
B O W L
E X P O
This year’s Bowl Expo in Reno, NV, is hoping for “One of These Nights” when Eagles vocalist and instrumentalist Don Henley takes the stage Thursday, June 28 at the Reno Events Center. The concert will cap the week-long International Bowl Expo, the bowling industry’s premier educational and trade show event. Henley is widely acclaimed for both his work with the iconic band, The Eagles and for his solo career. The Eagles, members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have sold over 120 million albums worldwide, won six Grammy Awards #1 singles and Top-40 singles and six #1 albums. Among the hits are “Witchy Woman,” “Desperado,” “Best of My Love,” and “Hotel California.” As a solo artist, Henley is credited with 25 Top-40 singles and 4 albums. Solo favorites are “All She Wants To Do Is Dance,” “The End of Innocence,” and “Dirty Laundry.” Attendees with Club Xpo tickets will be able to exchange them for prime seating at the Reno Events Center for the Henley concert. A ticket exchange will be held at Bowl Expo earlier in the week to determine actual assigned seats.
Punk Rock Bowling Returns to Downtown Vegas Shawn and Mark Stern of BYO Records brought their annual Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival back to downtown Vegas. The three-day music party kicked off the Memorial Day weekend. Bands and music lovers came from all over, and punk rock bands from all walks of life performed. Some of the groups selected were Rancid, The Adicts, American Heist and The Bots. Sorry you missed it? Plan ahead for next year. 10
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Media
WATCH
CELEBRATION OF CHOICE Some winners celebrate by going to Disneyland. But Alfred Morris who was just drafted by the Washington Redskins said, “I’m going bowling with my friends.” In fact, the day of the NFL Draft, he was quoted, “Regardless of what happened, we were going bowling.”
A BOWLING SET TO LOVE What could be more lovable than a penguin? A penguin bowling set! Smiling Tree Toys offers a handcrafted bowling set made from lush, maple hardwoods. Perfect for every eco-minded family.
THEY’RE BAAACK Men in Black III, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, debuted May 25. In this go-around, Agent J (Will Smith) must travel back in time to save his partner, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones, the elder and Josh Brolin, the younger), the agency and the future of humankind. Wow! Check out Agent K, the younger, the guns and BOWLING!
BAD BOWLERS ARE WINNERS The latest winners of “The Amazing Race,” CBS reality-TV show, were a couple from Wisconsin who described themselves as terrible bowlers, the worst in their league. This might be true but the contest came down to a test of bowling skills and contestants Dave and Rachel Brown put their “rocky” bowling expertise to work. It was Rachel who rolled a stone across a dirt field into a makeshift goal to finally cinch the top honors. The grand prize was $1 million and bragging rights at their local center. Dave is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot and Rachel works at a software company.
GOODWILL CENTRAL
SHORTS We have hit the midway month in 2012 and charity and bowling are still going strong. Below are just a few of the centers who have stepped up to support community events and charities of all kinds. The Special Olympics are near and dear to many. In Flint, MI, Grand Blanc Lanes filled its center with family and friends showing support for Area 13 Special Olympics athletes of Michigan. It is an annual fundraiser. It should be noted that over 19,000 athletes participate in Michigan Special Olympic programs. Also, Utah Jazz forward Josh Howard had his eye on Special Olympics Utah. His celebrity bowling tournament was held at Jupiter Bowl, Salt Lake City. Those participating with local bowlers were Utah Jazz players along with Howard and the Jazz coaching staff. The Central Dakota Humane Society (CDHS) held an “Alley Cats and Dogs” bowling fundraiser at Midway Lanes in Mandan, ND, with all proceeds going toward the care of animals at its no-kill shelter. The fourth annual Save the Chimps Bowl-A-Thon was held at Saint Lucie Lanes, Port St. Lucie, FL. Many of the original “chimponauts” used in the Mercury Space Program reside on the Treasure Coast at the Save the Chimps Sanctuary in Port Pierce. All of the chimp residents were rescued from experimentation or destruction through the efforts of Dr. Carole Noon, founder of Save the Chimps. Everyone enjoyed two hours of unlimited bowling plus those bringing a bunch of bananas received a free raffle ticket. A Pajama Bowl party was hosted by two Washington state centers, Acme Bowling, Billiards & Events in Tukwila and TechCity Bowl Courtesy of The Seattle Times.
in Kirkland. This was the sixth year supporting Sleep Country USA which helps local foster children in Washington and Oregon. Over $476,000 has been raised. Teaming up to help teachers defray the cost of classroom supplies were Tulsa’s Andy B’s Family Entertainment Center and Broken Arrow Lanes in Broken Arrow, OK. The Bowling to Teachers program accepts applications from certified kindergarten through 8th-grade teachers from the U.S.A., the District of Columbia and all ten Provinces and three Territories of Canada. Eighty grants per month will be awarded from March through the end of July. Eligible teachers may apply by completing a short application online at www.BowlingToTeachers.com. Cancer and its many forms are always a popular charity event at centers. In New York, a very savvy 13-yearold, Rose-Marie Snyder (left to right) Katie Goeprich, of Jonas E. Salk Middle American Cancer Society; Kate School in Levittown Murray, Town of Hempstead honored the memory Supervisor; Regina Snyder, mother; of her grandfather who Rosoe-Marie Snyder; Gary Hudes, Councilman. passed away from Photo credit: to Megan Gaskin, prostate cancer. With Wantagh-Seaford Patch reporter the help of community businesses and AMF Wantagh Lanes, she organized a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Robin Hood Lanes in Edmonds, OK, was the site for Edmonds Community Foundation’s “Bowling for Backpacks” fundraiser. The proceeds went to providing backpacks filled with food to Edmonds public school students in need and their families. What has your center done or is planning to do? Let us know at info@bowlingindustry.com.
Air Force Chooses Best Bowling Program in 2011 The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland center, Skylark Lanes, was recently chosen as the best bowling program in the Air Force for 2011. Air Force Print News Today written by Airman 1st Class Christina Coulson stated: “Lt Col. Chad Schrecengost, 802nd Force Support Squadron commander, credited Don Freund, 802nd FSS community services flight chief, and Steve Thompson, the bowling center’s manager, with turning the program around. ‘Both of these gentlemen are bringing the cool back Air Force families enjoy cosmic bowling to the bowling alley.’” at Skylark. The awards package included the program’s financial performance, innovation and customer Photo by: Robbin Cresswell service. It was noted that the center had the greatest financial turnaround in Air Force bowling center history by doubling fiscal year 2010 for 2011. Renovations remain in the future with a snack bar expansion, new seating and creating a boutique atmosphere on eight of the lanes. 12
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SHORTS
Latitude Global and Entertainment Properties Trust join forces Latitude Global, Inc. (LGI) has announced a strategic financial partnership with Entertainment Properties Trust (EPR), an investment trust that develops, owns, leases and finances megaplex theatres and entertainment retail centers. This partnership will fund Latitude Global’s expansion into new cities as well as a parking garage at its Jacksonville, FL, location to meet increasing customer traffic. LGI is a full service entertainment corporation founded in 2009 and offers the latest in cutting-edge venues that include stateof-the-art video games, luxury bowling lanes, movie screening rooms with food service, a Vegas-style showroom, a high-tech sports bar and a variety of casual dining areas. The president of Latitude Global, Greg Garson, stated that, “Entertainment Properties Trust embraced the vision of the Latitude Global concept as the next-generation entertainment center and the opportunity it presents to investors. We look forward to a strong partnership that executes on all levels.” LGI’s flagship venue, Latitude 30, is located in Jacksonville. It has plans to open three centers in 2012 and as many as seven additional locations over the next two to three years.
EXPANSION, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS Bowl and Barrel is the brain-child of two Southern Methodist University graduates, Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz. This snazzy bowling “alley” will be part of The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas, TX, hopefully by the fall. The co-owners will transform a 15,000 square foot space into a European beer hall which will cater to the working professional by offering a full restaurant and bar serving craft beers and boutique wines.
Kinser Lanes in New Philadelpia, OH, closed about three years ago, but Aaron Shanklin, his brother Keith and mother, Candy have purchased the 1950s-era facility for $150,000 and will reopen it September 1 as Wabash Lanes. This is a family operation with lots of renovations on the horizon, including Brunswick touring the center to give direction on the bowling equipment. As reported by Roger Metzger, staff writer for the Times-Reporter, Shanklin said, “I just want to let everybody enjoy it one more time. We’re going to have the wooden lanes resurfaced and they’ll be good for three years. After that, we’ll let the local bowlers let us know what they want.”
Colorado Springs, CO, has a new family fun zone—Brunswick Zone XL. This new facility offers 36 lanes of bowling and a game room with 50+ video and redemption games. The 50,000 square foot site also includes laser tag, billiards, private rooms and a sports bar and grill. With this opening, 140 hourly and salaried positions have been added to the local economy.
REMEMBRANCES Mark T. Fleming, owner/ operator of Agawam Bowl, in Agawam, MA, passed away unexpectedly on April 21 at the age of 44. Fleming was a Pro Bowler and owned many bowling centers in Minnesota before returning to Holyoke, MA three years ago. IBI featured Fleming in a Profile, “A Journey Back to Candlepin” in June 2011. At that time, he was very excited about bringing candlepin at Agawam Bowl into the 21st century and exciting the youngsters. He said, “The crux of all bowling—not just candlepin— is adults have to get their offspring interested.” Donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association. 14
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Master
MARKETING
promoter
Gary Beck wants to create a buzz around bowling By Mark Miller
M
ention the name Gary Beck and visions of the tall, bald man behind the Teen Masters tournament may come to mind. Others may recognize him for helping put top women bowlers back into the spotlight in 2006 with the United States Bowling Congress Women's Challenge or for the views he expresses on the pba.com forum section. Some may know him from his debates with the USBC about its youth scholarship program and a few may even remember he once was a world-class competitor. What his fans and detractors should not question is his passion for bowling. He wants to bring the challenge back to the lanes and increase recognition as a sport. He tries his best in both areas with the Teen Masters. “I try to run the Teen Masters as if it is a pro event,” said Beck, 58. “I treat the kids as full board athletes from whom I expect a lot but give a lot. I challenge them. There's something magical when you see a kid mature right in front of your eyes. It's not always about who wins and who loses. Part of it is helping prepare them for the future.” Beck does this by obtaining enough sponsors to offer a $64,000 scholarship for the boys’ winner and $16,000 for the girls’ champion like in 2011. He also holds the finals in venues like New York City's Grand Central Terminal. “One of the reasons we staged the event in New York was to reach the maximum number of media outlets in a maximum way,” he said. “My goal is to continue the Teen Masters in that way.” The 2011 event proved a media success with coverage from Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. “What we wanted to prove at Grand Central is
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At 2011 Teen Masters National Finals at Laurel Lanes in New Jersey
MARKETING to defeat the stereotype of bowling,” he said. “It was a showcase of what bowling can offer.” Beck believes promoting bowling like this is the only way to stop bowling's declining prestige. “I'm a firm believer in being a partner of the future rather than an offspring of the past,” he said. “The sport is way too competitive, way too expensive. I'm trying to simplify it, like kids using the same equipment or two strike balls and a spare ball. Some like it, some don't like being told what to throw. I'm not trying to make everyone the same but allow individual talent to come out. I want it to be about how you bowled, not your choice of equipment. I'm personally doing what I love for a living but it's not always easy. No matter what obstacles are put in my way, I want to keep doing it.” Beck said his obstacles include USBC mandating all scholarships be coordinated through its SMART program and USBC not paying interest on SMART deposits. After withdrawing from SMART and saying he paid scholarships directly to athletes the past two years, he's ready to return to the program after USBC created a separate SMART board and completed an audit right after Thanksgiving. Some parents believe he wasn't spreading scholarship money to enough players. And maybe most important has been the industry's reluctance to toughen the playing conditions. “Bowling's culture is how we live in a society where we as parents are trying to make things easier for the next generation,” he said. “When I came back from Hong Kong (in 1996), I saw a story that lit a fire in me. Bowlers in the Coca-Cola (National Youth) Championships were averaging 250. Kids in bowling parties bowl 300 games. Bowling was becoming too easy. It's like when I liked the old game Asteroids. I quit because it became too easy. We have a situation now of, ‘Where does bowling belong? Is it a sport or recreation?’” The Terrell, TX, native always has viewed bowling as a sport, especially after his first time bowling at age 11 in Searcy, AR, where the family moved when his father became the Harding University intramural program director. His first time bowling was on the college's lanes where he could play three games for a dollar. When the 1. 1975 NAIA Championship. Beck being presented the A.O. Duer Outstanding Bowler Award. Mr. Duer is on the right. In 1975 Beck was a NAIA champion in team, doubles, singles and all-events. 2. Bowling in 1975 World FIQ in London, England. 3. Picture with 2009 Teen Masters Champions Brandon Fietek of MN and Danielle McEwan of NY at Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas.
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MARKETING 4. Harding College (Bisons) team that won the 1975 NAIA National Championship. Beck is 3rd from the right. 5. An article that appeared in the Searcy Daily Citizen after Beck earned a Silver medal in the 1975 World FIQ Championships in London, England.
center manager saw Beck bowling, he asked Beck about joining a youth league. Unfortunately, nobody else was interested so Beck gave up bowling to play basketball, football, tennis and track at a high school with just 24 seniors. He also earned spending money mowing lawns. His freshman year at Harding, he signed up for the golf and bowling class. Seeing his on-lanes prowess, his teacher suggested he try out for Harding's bowling team. Having never bowled competitively, he qualified for the final spot. Beck helped the Bison win the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics team title as a freshman in 1972 and as a senior in 1975. He also won singles, doubles and allevents in his final season to earn an invitation to the U.S. Team Trials, precursor to the Team USA Trials, and was featured in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd section. “I was the youngest bowler there,” he recalled. “Most college kids bowled in leagues or many tournaments. It was my first experience at that level.” Not only did Beck become the first collegian to make the national team, his 1,139 for six games helped earn a silver medal in five-man play at the World Championships in London. “That was unbelievable,” he said. “It was a whole different experience getting to bowl for your country. That's why I encourage kids to try out for Junior Team USA because it has a great impact on your life.” Once Beck returned from London, he spent a year working at a bowling center, then five years teaching middle school physical science in suburban St. Louis. In summers, he practiced with USBC and Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Nelson Burton Jr. in the hopes of becoming a pro bowler. He even led after the first day of his first PBA regional, but admittedly crashed and burned after that. “It was one thing to throw strikes in the 10th frame to win a medal for your country and another to do it to pay for groceries,” he said. He competed in some scratch competitions in St. Louis but struggled and as a teacher making just $9,000 a year, he didn't have the resources to do more. Plus, he was going through a divorce so he walked away from bowling again and moved to Denver to be closer to his children and to make a better living as a corporate headhunter. That career proved much more lucrative and longer lasting than teaching. But he began to miss competitive bowling so in 1990 he tried and won the Colorado Team USA qualifier. Soon after, he developed a business seminar called Fair Business Practices that people liked. “I found I really enjoyed putting that together, doing something that didn't exist out of thin air,” he said. Wondering if he could combine this with his renewed passion for bowling, he asked the PBA about promoting a national event in Denver. They gave him a senior tour stop and in 1991, Killer B Promotions was born. “Soon I was spending less time headhunting and more time on events,” he said. “I always loved competition and bowling had been good to me. I had many amazing opportunities because of my involvement with bowling. I switched from headhunting to bowling promotion. Whether that was a wise decision is still being determined. Beck's first event was the 1991 Mile High Matchplay Madness. Over the next five years, he promoted a variety of events for the PBA, ABC and Asian Bowling 20
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4
5 Tour. He also helped bowling centers promote their businesses. His work took him to Arlington, TX, Richmond, VA, and Hong Kong. Unfortunately the latter deal fell through when Goldman Sachs bought AMF. With no job and a new wife, he returned to the United States in 1996 to buy a wooded mountain retreat in Blue Ridge, VA, off a dirt road, 20 miles from Charlottesville where he still lives. About then, Beck started recalling his original joy in teaching youth. He also remembered how much he enjoyed competing in tough bowling competitions. Combined with his success as a bowling promoter, the Teen Masters was born in 1997. The first event was held in Akron, Ohio, and awarded $5,000 scholarships to the male and female winners. Through the years, it has expanded to regional qualifying events leading to finals on specially installed lanes in high-profile places like Universal Studios Orlando, the Las Vegas Fashion Show Mall and Grand Central Terminal. The Teen Masters remains Beck's labor of love with the 15th edition finale scheduled for July 8-12, 2012 at Grand Central Terminal. “The reason I pour so much of myself into it is I believe bowling can be a way to teach kids about life and competition,” he said. “Sports gave me a clear understanding of myself and how to deal with obstacles. Bowling is a very meaningful engagement platform.” ❖ Mark Miller is a freelance writer from Flower Mound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-Fort Worth bowling writer for Examiner.com and a columnist for the Bowling News Network.
COVER STORY By Mark Miller
The past presidents of the BPAA reflect on their tenures as president, their proudest achievements and advice for the future.
A
s Cathy DeSocio of Wichita, KS, becomes the first female Bowling Proprietors' Association of America president later this month at International Bowl Expo in Reno, NV, International Bowling Industry magazine asked some of her predecessors for advice as well as their proudest achievements and what they have done since leaving office. The past presidents came from diverse backgrounds which reflect on their answers here. We hope you enjoy. BOWLING BIO An electrical engineer by trade, Hall was Brunswick's first international employee in his native England in 1958. He moved to the United States in 1967 to become president of the Fair Lanes chain and worked his way up to chief executive officer before the company went private in the early 1990s. He spent some time concentrating on a restaurant chain before buying Annapolis Bowl in 1993, Severna Park Lanes in 1999 and Greenway Bowl in 2003 with his sons.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT His role in BPAA's continuing strategic plan and industry unity. “We were able to establish a long-range plan for BPAA, resolve differences on the three-unit lane dressing rule with ABC and WIBC and created Super Bowling Saturday which probably was the most successful promotion we ever did,” he said.
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “How you conduct yourself is very important,” he said. “It is critical the president of BPAA establish an excellent working relationship with the executive director. The president doesn't run the organization. The president is an agent of the board. Stay close to your membership and work to effectively develop a smooth relationship with the board and with the executive director.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Working with his sons on operating their three bowling centers. “I moved from being a corporate executive to being an individual proprietor,” he said. “It was an interesting situation from having all the resources of a large organization to having to be an individual proprietor. But it's been a very satisfying and rewarding time.” 22
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COVER STORY BOWLING BIO LaSpina has been part of the bowling industry since his father Peter opened Maple Lanes in 1960. Since then he's bought and sold numerous centers while serving at the proprietor level and on the former Young American Bowling Alliance Board of Directors. The 2002 BPAA Victor Lerner Memorial Award winner and hall of famer will be honored at this year's Bowl Expo with the Bowling Writers' Association of America's Mike Hennessy Award of Merit for his contributions to bowling.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT First and foremost surviving. Also working out the relationship with then-executive director Bill Blue, helping convince the American Bowling Congress and Women's International Bowling Congress to contribute to an industry marketing fund and seeing the 750 Rule passed waiving BPAA local and state membership dues for center chains beyond 750 lane beds.
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS Be inclusive. “Get members involved in the process,” he said. “Have committees and get proprietors engaged in programs. But I believe our leaders do too much, get too involved in the minutia of running the organization, and I believe that role belongs to the paid staff.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Primarily building his company and enjoying his grandchildren. He also became involved in the Bowlers to Veterans Link Fund. “We were deeply affected by the events of 9-11,” he said. “Maple Lanes is virtually a stone's throw from the Ground Zero site. We were outside that day awaiting Brunswick's delivery of new Pro Anvil lanes. They never showed that day. The Brunswick crew went back home to Shanksville, PA, and the eerie coincidence of that day was magnified. So since that day I have gotten involved with BVL.”
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COVER STORY BOWLING BIO In 1974, Brehob took over ownership of Sport Bowl that his father and uncle opened in 1941 after working there parttime beginning in 1967. Brehob was the first proprietor to serve on the American Bowling Congress Board of Directors, a position he resigned when becoming BPAA president. He was heavily involved with the formation and management of Strike Ten Entertainment and Bowling, Inc.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT Industry Renewal, as it was called then, became reality. “It was one voice for bowling,” he said. “Visiting the new bowling campus in Texas just after renovation started was justification to the long hours, unending debates, and dedication during the tough times; worth it in the end.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “Don’t do it. It will eat you up.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT The only past BPAA president not involved in bowling, Brehob sold his center in 2006 and one month later joined a partner to start Sailboats, Inc. which provides sailing charters and a cruising school. “I dropped out of the BPAA political world about 2000, tired of working for free and my business was struggling,” he said. “I traded 30+ employees for one employee and a partner, 118 weekly operating hours for 32, 10 customers at a time for one, to fulfill dreams of customers who appreciate effort.” More recently, he started Brehops.com, an organic hops farm. “The land has been in my family since the late 1800s and been utilized off and on through the years,” he said. “Once we’re established, we will be eligible for government funding for 100+ year old continuous family farms.”
BOWLING BIO Haney has been involved in bowling for nearly 40 years as a center general manager and since 1996 as a proprietor. He has held a variety of local, state and national positions, plus was a member of the United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors from 2000-04. Among the initiatives during Haney's tenure were the 20 Group for proprietors to share ideas, the start of the Bowl.com website, an enhanced partnership with Pepsi-Cola, Bowling Blastoff, College Bowling USA and efforts to have bowling recognized as a high school letter sport. He earned the BPAA President's medal in 2006 and the Victor Lerner Memorial Award and induction into the BPAA Hall of Fame in 2009.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT Changing of the industry and changing BPAA. “We changed the mission to where BPAA enhanced the profitability of our members,” he said. “We went from an all-volunteer organization to a professional staff-driven organization. We found it wasn't going to work as an all-staff organization, so we had to add back some volunteers.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “Even though we've been very successful and done a great job of enhancing the profitability of our members, we must always make sure we stay on that mission,” he said. “I know there's a been a lot of emphasis on having a financially-stable BPAA which is fine, but we must make sure what we do is to enhance the profitability of our membership.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Bowling and grandkids. Haney closed his Gage Bowl North center last year to concentrate on Gage Bowl. “I'm still involved in the bowling business,” he said. “I'm still working it on a day-to-day basis. I'm very hands-on with coaching and drilling bowling balls for my best bowlers and the high school kids. And our grandkids wear grandma and grandpa out.” 24
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COVER STORY BOWLING BIO Ducat started in the bowling industry in his native Toledo, OH, where his family owned Imperial Lanes. He opened Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven, FL, in 1988. He was BPAA's interim CEO for seven months after the departure of Jack Kelly in November 2001. Among the major initiatives during Ducat's BPAA presidency was the creation of the BowlerTrac customized marketing software, changing the Quality Connection group purchasing program to Smart Buy and sharing Pepsi-Cola revenue with state associations.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT Making BPAA more relevant to proprietors. “At that time, people belonging to groups like the Eagles, Elks and VFW were all about networking and being around people you know,” said Ducat, the 2005 BPAA President's Medal winner. “All that's gone away and BPAA at that point had to be relevant other than a networking association. We needed to run it as a business. We needed to make money for the proprietors. Now if they join BPAA and get in Pepsi, Smart Buy and one other program, they've more than made enough to pay for the membership.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “Sometimes officers are not all on the same page. They have different agendas,” he said. “It's best to come in as a group, get together and have the same goals. Do what's best for the industry. You can't be right all of the time.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Involved in investment companies that own traditional centers in Winter Haven and Sunrise, FL, a lounge-type facility in Kansas City, hotels in Toledo, 17 storage franchises in New England, Texas and Florida and some Dunkin' Donuts shops.
BOWLING BIO Moran has been part of the bowling industry for more than four decades starting as Roseland Bowl general manager in 1968 and buying the center in 1987. A member of his local and state bowling halls of fame, he has won about every local, state and national proprietor award available. He was a member of the USBC Board of Directors from 2004-2008. He was a high school bowling coach for 16 years.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT Getting BPAA's volunteer network back working for the organization. “Getting members to be a part of the volunteers serving on various committees, and making them feel a sense of awareness and connectivity to BPAA,” he said. “A sense of belonging to an organization that needed their expertise and talent. Our committees more than tripled in the number of participants, and that’s when our mid-winter meeting more than doubled in participation as well.
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “Being BPAA president certainly was a great honor, being chosen to lead such a great organization,” he said. “If someone wants to lead this organization, it is a dedication and commitment of their time and talent. The individual needs to be sure, before making that commitment, that he/she can afford the time, as well as financially secure in his/her business, because he/she will be away from their respective business. Make the center’s staff aware that their presence will be limited.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Remaining active at the state and local bowling associations. He's also been serving on the boards of directors of his local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, community college and bank. 26
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COVER STORY BOWLING BIO Bojé grew up in his father Bill's center in St. Louis where they knew the many bowler-proprietors there like Nelson Burton Sr., Ray Bluth, Dick Weber and Tom Hennessy. This helped him develop good relationships with both proprietor and membership organizations. It also served him well as he worked his way up the local, state and national bowling ladder after the family moved to Florida to open a chain of centers. USBC's president from 2007-2010, Bojé is receiving BPAA's highest honor, the Victor Lerner Memorial Award and induction into the BPAA Hall of Fame at this year’s Bowl Expo.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT Helping put the industry in one place where it could succeed at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, TX. “It was glowingly obvious that what needed to change was this feeling of apartness,” he said. “The geographical differences caused that. Heck, my two centers here are 10 miles apart and they feel competitive.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “Cathy has the same context in bowling as I do. She grew up in it. The only difference between Cathy and I is we don't always agree. She is a little more hesitant to pull the trigger on things moving forward.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Overseeing his centers in Florida and St. Louis, spending more time with his family and remaining involved in bowling at the national level. “I will still stay more involved than my family would like, but I will stay out of the limelight. The last thing I learned about leadership is a real leader needs to know when to step aside. I resigned from the boards. I was not termed out. I willingly stepped out, because I felt it was my duty.”
BOWLING BIO Schumacker has been involved with bowling since flipping snack bar hamburgers at age 15. He later held management positions for Fair Lanes, Don Carter Management Company and BPAA in addition to his Schumacker & Company which has managed and operated family entertainment centers in Florida since 1998.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT “If bowling is to survive on a national basis with both commercial and sporting aspects, it will need to have well-focused and functioning support organizations,” he said. “The International Bowling Campus came together as part of a long-term plan. It is now beginning to function in a manner that will provide the support bowling needs for the future. I am proud to have played a role in the beginning of the journey.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “It is not about you. When you take the office put your ego aside. Concentrate your time and attention on creating value to the stakeholders of the organization.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT “My business was in a difficult place when I left office. I have been working on re-positioning my business (StrikeZ Davie). A major part of this effort has been to see the business differently. In the last six months I have re-engaged somewhat on a national basis. I continue to have positions on contemporary issues and will express those positions in whatever forums are available.” 28
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COVER STORY BOWLING BIO Sturm started his bowling career in 1974 as a “floor boy” at the Dunbar, WV, bowling center he ended up buying after college in 1980. He was involved in other centers in West Virginia and Indiana before settling on his lone establishment. He was a member of the USBC Board of Directors from 2008-2012 and president at the start of the 2011-2012 season. A former Professional Bowlers Association regional member, he has rolled numerous 300 games.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT Doing his part to help BPAA and the industry move forward. “I've said before that BPAA was like building a home. John LaSpina laid the foundation and every president since has added to that,” he said. “Everybody has added to the house collectively. We all did great things for the industry and our member centers.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS “You have to look at the big picture,” he said. “Yes, you are representing your state and region, but you really are representing the whole world. You have to look at the greater good.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Initially working full-time at his bowling center and pro shop but more recently splitting time between that and his new position as executive director of bowling operations for the Reno Tri-Properties (Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus). “I'm having a great time doing some great things here,” he said. “It's a lot of fun and a lot of things I used to do with my centers but just didn't have the time recently.”
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COVER STORY BOWLING BIO Snyder and his brother Bill have owned Thunder Bowl Lanes since 1987, buying it from their father Jack who owned it since 1958. Snyder's first job at Thunder Bowl Lanes was overseeing the pool hall at age 12.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT “I've been able to stay the way I am which has caused some problems for me. I'm from the generation where proprietors can go beat up on each other, then go have a beer afterward. I didn't let politics get in the way.”
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PRESIDENTS It boils down to politics. “You need to keep them in check,” said Snyder, an admitted non-politician. “When it goes sideways, it can be irritating. Anybody can make a mountain out of a molehill. Even though there's the molehill, it doesn't have to be Mount Everest. Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to do anything with it.”
LIFE SINCE BEING BPAA PRESIDENT Going back to work at Thunder Bowl Lanes. “I plan to do it for as long as I want because for the most part it's fun,” he said. “I'm a workaholic. I'll still do a lot of work with the state and local guys, and I'm the chair of the (BPAA) nominating committee.” ❖
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OFF THE CLOCK
W
hat happens to a person when life takes its toll? What does disappointment and a broken heart look like? For 25 years, Larry Cutler doodled. But a couple of years ago, when life challenges hit and he found himself overwhelmed, he picked up a paint brush and worked the stress out on canvas. And it has paid off! Known for distributing the most comfortable socks to bowling centers around the country, the owner of BerryCutler Hosiery Distributors Inc. is also well on his way to positioning himself as an important American folk-artist. He is following in the footsteps of Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and, yes, Winston Churchill, who discovered late in life the love of painting. Larry Cutler is also traveling this unorthodox path of discovering a natural and amazing artistic gift. You would think that running a full time business would hinder the commitment it takes to be an artist; but it is just the remedy to unwind and blow off steam. With kids off to college, Larry and his wife Michelle (who is also a fine artist) relax at home with two beautiful Boxers. She works on mosaics while he draws and paints. When life throws them a curve, their art is how they chill and remain sane. The subject of human faces is what fascinates Larry. The expressiveness of a person’s eyes and emotions are what ignite his imagination. He draws and paints and his artistic
When stress gets the best of us, what comfort do we seek? Larry Cutler has found a passion that relieves his stress while feeding his creative side. By Anna M. Littles
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OFF THE CLOCK paintings of faces. Larry thinks that in a way they are self portraits, identifying him with the millions of Americans struggling with the current economic difficulties. In these painted faces we get a glimpse of fear and loss. Larry is capturing his experience on canvas of the impact of a broken dream. Yet there is a subtext of a determined spirit fighting on that explodes in bold colors and intense expressions. In addition to his Clown series, Larry has created a series of paintings he calls “Warrior.” He believes “that if you survive and live long, you are a survivor who has experienced the challenges and sudden changes of life. And life is messy!” Larry has been invited to exhibit his work in various venues throughout downtown Chicago. Even photographers are making his paintings the subject of their own portfolios. Painting is an expensive hobby, but Larry is doing well and it is paying for itself thanks to sales generated by friends. Not bad for a hobby that started out as a way of relieving stress, and now has become a pure expression from his heart. ❖
Anna M. Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and producer originally from the Bronx, New York, now resides in Santa Monica, California. You can see her work on YouTube, IMDB, or on her website at www.alittleLA.com.
gift enables him to capture moods using warm and mellow tones accentuated with color. Larry has an intriguing series on clowns. On the surface, the paintings seem whimsical. But look a little closer and you’ll see the complexity and edge to his art. All together, he has nearly 70 IBI
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PROFILE
From Tanks to
Lane Machines Love of everything mechanical fuels former Marine Todd Makovsky's role as a bowling center manager.
By Mark Miller ver since he can remember, Todd Makovsky has enjoyed anything mechanical. Whether working on farm machinery as a Minnesota youth, remodeling equipment for the Marines, or repairing bowling center pinsetters, he always has liked to fix things. Today, the 50-year-old Makovsky puts his talents to an even broader use as general manager of Sandy Hills Lanes, a 20-lane center at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, CA. He also fuels his passion by annually inspecting the 776 lanes at the 26 centers under the jurisdiction of the Citrus Belt United States Bowling Congress Association. “With my curiosity of mechanical processes I was hooked when originally introduced to pinsetters. Now as a manager in a leadership role, I remain close with mechanical processes as they relate to maintaining the high performance of the facility and the staff.” Makovsky didn't take the usual route into bowling or bowling management. He played basketball and football through his junior year in high school then joined the Marines shortly after graduation at age 18. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for his first of two tours lasting 11½ years. In between he spent four-and-a-half years at Camp Lejeune, NC, and finished with four years at Twentynine Palms culminating with his 2000 retirement. His primary duties during his 20-year military career were as a heavy equipment mechanic, but it was during his first tour in Okinawa in 1983 that he discovered bowling at the base's old six-lane center. He enjoyed his first bowling experience, but he did not find time to bowl for about another six years. That's when, in 1989, he returned to Okinawa where the mechanical aspects of the machinery truly caught his eye. He was hired to work behind the lanes and also bought his first bowling ball and joined his first league where he averaged 175. “It was the recreational thing that attracted me,” he said. “Because my background in the military was in mechanics, I always was in the back side of the center until I was picked up as manager at Palm Springs Bowl (in 2000).” He spent three years at the Okinawa center, left bowling for three years to feed a passion for scuba diving. He then returned to bowling in 1995 after transferring to Twentynine Palms. His first two years were at Sandy Hills followed by a year at an Indio
E
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center 70 miles away. Wanting a job after his military retirement, he became manager at Palm Springs Lanes. Two years later, he moved to Sandy Hills where he's been ever since in a job he truly loves. “A love of the sport and being able to cause an interest in the
at s u t i Vis Expo Bowlh #630! boot
PROFILE
sport through memorable products and services is No. 1,” he said. “Being able to meet or exceed the daily challenges and or changes with the business causes an interest to return day after day.” Not one to want to stand pat, Makovsky has immersed himself in education. He is a silver-level United States Bowling Congress and Level III Dick Ritger coach. He is a certified Marine Corps Master Level Bowling Center Manager. Early in 2012, he finished the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in organizational management from Ashford University. “If you can teach a person one thing, it's a successful day,” he said. “I enjoy teaching kids even more because if I can get a nod or a smile out of them, it's special. I also enjoy bowling with their parents.” Makovsky has put his teaching credentials to good use through such events as a three-week youth camp for military dependents on the base where last year he instructed 79 youth. He also held a Kids Bowl Free event that drew more than 700 sign-ups last summer. Summers since 2008 also have proven quite busy for Makovsky as he performs the annual lane certification inspections for centers in the 38
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Citrus Belt USBC Bowling Association. “It is a lot of work,” he said. “I put a lot of pride in my facility so I expect others to do the same.” Even with all the work Makovsky performs, he prides himself on his onlanes abilities. He has averaged over 200 in past leagues on the base, one at nearby Palm Springs Lanes and the other at Bowladium. Makovsky notes about his perfect game, “I'm right-handed and I did it left-handed. I had injured my right wrist and went left-handed. It was a year-and-a-half after I started and accomplished my lone sanctioned 300 in 2001.” Makovsky definitely is a hands-on manager. Not only is he in charge of Sandy Hills’ maintenance, but also the bowling pro shop, front desk, food and beverage, and coaching. Serving more than 20,000 troops and their families, he oversees an operation with 16 total employees that netted more than 50,000 transactions in 2011. “I have had many opportunities from upper management as an employee of the Marine Corps Community Services to recommend, change and implement programs and services that relate to repeat and continued business,” he said. “The trust and confidence from upper management in my recommendations as related to capital improvement plans have caused this facility to become one of the best. Another motivational factor is being able to move on from being a routine manager of the business and personnel to that of a leader of the same. I take great satisfaction in utilizing lessons learned as a young Marine, to coach and mentor the staff in putting forth that best effort in supporting the best fighting force in the world. A retired Marine is still a Marine 24/7.” ❖
Mark Miller is a freelance writer from Flower Mound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-Fort Worth bowling writer for Examiner.com and a columnist for the Bowling News Network.
PHOTO ESSAY
Bowling in Black & White Photographer Donnas Schaeffer captures America’s vanishing bowling alleys and their signature style. All photos and captions by Donnas Schaeffer.
By Anna M. Littles
C
aptured in grainy, contrasting black and white photos are mom and pop bowling alleys that echo all things Americana. The penetrating eyes behind the lens belong to Donnas Schaeffer. She often refers to herself as an amateur photographer, but her amazing photos tell the tale of a brilliant yet humble artist. Her work has become an evolving exhibit that is exemplary of her passion to document, in her words “America’s vanishing bowling alleys.” Donnas states that she has always been attracted to “American Pop Culture and funky road signs... a lot of times a photographer will move in a direction
Photo was taken at the West-Port Lanes in Westport, ME, August 2011. Westport is a suburb of Portland, ME.
Erie Lanes, Philadelphia, PA. Taken January 2, 2012. Center is located in “North Philly” on Erie Avenue.
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PHOTO ESSAY
Colonial Lanes is enormous! It’s a double-sided center with 32 lanes per side and a horse-shoe shaped bar in the center. Situated north of Trenton, NJ, in Lawrenceville. Taken July 2007.
This hand-carved sign is on the door leading to the lounge at Bowl-a-Rama in Rutland, VT. Taken December 26, 2007.
and will do a body of work on one theme.” Seven years ago she was struggling to find that theme then one day Donnas reviewed all her negatives and noticed that she had taken photographs through the years of these old bowling alleys. It was one of life’s “a hah” moments and there was no turning back. The work she was naturally drawn to lead her to study with her mentor, Chuck Kelton, at the International Center of Photography in New York. He would both encourage and inspire Donnas to capture the soul of these pure symbols of pop culture. And so, her adventure began with plenty of thrills along the way. Donnas lived just outside of Philadelphia when she started going around photographing the metro Philly area. She came across a striking bowling alley and was fascinated with its old school mystique. Innocently, she started IBI
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PHOTO ESSAY taking photos of the building exterior. Before she realized it, four big burly men confronted her in the parking lot and demanded to know what she was doing. She did her best to explain to them that she was taking photos for a class homework assignment. Her explanation did not settle the paranoia those men felt and their response was not pretty. Shaken up, Donnas quickly jotted down a note to self: get permission from the business owners first! But hold on, there were wonderful experiences too! On one adventure, she and a friend traveled to Shenandoah, Virginia; beautiful country. They stumbled off the beaten path when her friend spotted a sign for a bowling alley. It was closed, so Donnas took photos of the building and placard identifying it as the oldest bowling alley in Continued on page 47
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Bucksport Bowling Center in Bucksport, ME, closed a few months before I took this picture in August of 2010.
PHOTO ESSAY
There was heavy snow when I arrived at Bennington Lanes in Bennington, VT, a few days after Christmas 2007. Fortunately, there was an overhang at the take-out window and I was able to get this snow-free shot.
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PHOTO ESSAY Woman working the counter at The Gutter in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY. Taken January 2011.
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PHOTO ESSAY continued from page 42 Virginia. It just so happened that the owner came by while Donnas was shooting. He graciously opened up the place so she could take photos of the interior as well. They had a great time! Last fall Donnas had an exhibition of her photographs at a new and trendy bowling center, North Bowl, in the heart of Philadelphia. Her show was a tremendous success and now the world of photography along with the bowling industry are paying attention to the important work Donnas is doing. To see more of these photos, check out her site at www.Bowlergirl.com. Donnas will continue to travel and capture the fading symbols of America. And we hope the next stop will be a book Americana in Black & White. â?– Taken on a Friday in March of 2009 in Newington, CT.
Anna M. Littles, a screenplay and freelance writer and producer originally from the Bronx, New York, now resides in Santa Monica, California.You can see her work on YouTube, IMDB, or on her website at www.alittleLA.com.
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SHOWCASE NOVELTY GIFTS
Sierra Products, Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer and wholesaler of Novelty Bowling Stuff. If you are looking for a unique way to promote your center or something different to add to your birthday party package, they have what you need. Popular products include: bowling pin bottles, mini bowling pins (filled with candy or empty), bowling pin and ball banks and birthday party supplies. Sierra prides themselves on their quality products and exceptional service. Visit Bowl Expo booth #505 or www.noveltybowlingstuff.com / 800-900-7695.
Now bowlers can choose their own themed environments right at the lane, and themes are applied instantaneously so bowlers don’t have to wait. Choose from an array of creative new themes designed for every age and skill level—from kids to adults and from casual to competitive bowlers. For more information, contact your Brunswick Representative, call 1-800-YES-BOWL or 1-231-725-4966 or visit www.brunswickbowling.com/products/vector-plus/.
SCORING TECH SUPPORT
BARTENDER TRAINING
LED SIGNS
INCENTIVE PROGRAM
SUMMER CONCERTS
FREE WEBINAR
Do you have training questions related to your Qubica AMF Conqueror Pro system? If you don't have an immediate need, but you want to know how to better use your Conqueror Pro system and have questions about setting up price keys, lane option settings, Frequent Bowler Tracker (FBT), POS or reporting to name a few, just Ask Nikki by sending an email to AskNikki@qubicaamf.us. (U.S. customers only).
Celebrating five years of doing business in Iowa, The Lighting Store now stocks LED Coffee Shop style signs. These signs are bright, light-weight, and very energy efficient. There are currently 11 styles to choose from, with more on the way. Each light includes a mounting chain, weighs less than two pounds, and uses very little electricity. Visit www.soundandlightkaraoke.com or call 888-746-5483.
Listen to the praise for GKM’s Profit Platform: ”I am quite happy with this product and would recommend it to any other center to increase their profits during summer months and as a great addition to revenue building in winter as well. My phone is ringing off the hook with other bands that want to perform here and their fans that want to see them.” - Robert Orlowski, Facility Manager at AMF Centereach Lanes, Long Island, NY. Visit www.profitplatform.biz for more information. 48
CUSTOM SCORING ENVIRONMENT
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Alcohol Controls Inc. wants to make sure your bartenders are trained to pour different liquor shot sizes accurately. This is a fun, easy and very effective training method. Bartenders test pour while facing the "blind" side of the ProCheck so they can't see the measurements marked on the tubes and then compare real results. DON’T GET SHOT TO DEATH! Watch the video clip at www.alcoholcontrols.com/procheck.html. If you have questions, please call 800-285- 2337.
Vacation Adventures International has provided high-end promotional vacation packages to bowling centers for more than 25 years. Vacations include Bahamas Cruise Excursion (cruise & land package) and Air/Resort packages to Aruba, Cancun, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and more. Centers have increased their bottom line with Vacation Adventures and their customers love the vacations offered for $99 or less! Call today for 20% off & free vacations! Call 888-448-3980 or visit www.vacationadventures.biz. Offer expires June 25, 2012.
On Thursday, June 14 from 11:30AM – 12:30PM CST join Kurt Harz, VP Capital Equipment for Brunswick Bowling, and George McAuliffe, President of Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus, as they team up on a 30 minute presentation covering the best practices, attractions, and innovations in today’s Bowling FEC’s. A variety of facilities will be reviewed, hard numbers provided, and best practices shared. Free registration at www2.gotomeeting.com/register/838084770.
DATEBOOK
JUNE 23 Pairings Party – Bowl Expo Eldorado Hotel Casino, Reno, NV Pre golf tournament mixer for team selections Info: 888-649-5585 www.bowlexpo.com 24 Bowl Expo Golf Tournament 8 a.m. Wolf Run Golf Club 7 a.m. transportation from Eldorado Hotel Info: 888-649-5585 www.bowlexpo.com 24-29 BOWL EXPO 2012 Silver Legacy, Eldorado & Circus Circus, Reno, NV Trade Show: Reno Sparks Convention Ctr. 800-343-1329 www.bowlexpo.com
25 8th Annual Bowl Expo Karaoke Contest presented by The Lighting Store Eldorado Showroom, Reno, NV CJ Fox, 888-746-54383 email:cj@soundandlightkaraoke.com
OCTOBER
JULY
14-17 East Coast Bowling Centers Convention Revel (www.revelresorts.com) Atlantic City, NJ For info: www.eastcoastbowl.com 800-343-1329 ext. 8451
20-22 Independent Bowling Organization Show Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI Scott Bennett, 248-408-0200 Scott@bowl-mail.com 30 – 8/1 Striking Sixties Bowling Centers Association of Michigan Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant, MI Ken Prokopec, 800-833-2695
4 BCA of Ohio Executive Board Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus 2700 Corporate Exchange Dr. Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363 IBI
15-19 Brunswick European Pinsetter Training Sessions GS Series & Vector Scoring Hungary. For info email: Siggi.Hill@brunbowl.com www.brunswick.com 28-30 West Coast Bowling Convention Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa Las Vegas Sandi Thompson, NorCal Bowling 925-485-1855 IBI
29 – NOV 9 A-2 Pinsetter Maintenance School QC Family Entertainment Center Moline, IL For info call Frank Miroballi 540-325-7684 or email Frankm1441@aol.com
NOVEMBER 14-15 BCA of Ohio Fall Seminar & Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus 2700 Corporate Exchange Dr. Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
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Official magazine of the convention
CLASSIFIEDS
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751. NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-2556436 or jayhawkbowling.com.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
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CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE FOR SALE: 18-lane bowling equipment: Brunswick A-2 pinsetters, lockers, ball polisher, auto scorers. Make offer. Barber Realty Co. (334) 872-0478. FRAMEWORX SCORING PARTS: Priced to SELL. Sold by the lane or individual parts. Quantity discounts. Contact Bill Rossman @ Parkway Bowl (619) 448-4111 or email: bill-r@nd-inc.com.
ARE YOU A FAN OF BOWLING?
www.Facebook.com/BowlingFan
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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE FOR SALE: 10 lanes brand new DBA IQ, foul line forward - $1850; 24 Brunswick Anvil overlay panels, foul line thru pindeck, or fulllane with approach - can separate for smaller centers; 24 lanes like-new air-operated bumper gutter with/without Lightworxx capping & controllers for light show; 24 lanes AMF Excel automatic scoring - great condition & affordable. (970) 946-9933 or Knotrite@gmail.com.
EQUIPMENT WANTED 17� Magic Score tabletop monitors. (419) 668-9933.
CENTERS FOR SALE CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 12 lanes, auto scoring, Anvilane synthetics, 82-70s. Great food sales. Yearly tournament. Attached, large 3 bedroom apartment w/ fireplace. $550K. (715) 223-8230. 16-lane center in Southern Colorado mountains. Great condition. 18,000 s/f building w/ restaurant & lounge. Paved parking 100 + vehicles. Established leagues & tournaments. $950,000 or make offer. Kipp (719) 852-0155.
CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE
CENTERS FOR SALE SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained 8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant. Includes business and real estate. Nice, smaller community. Owner retiring. $212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828. NEW YORK STATE: Thousand Island region. 8-lane Brunswick center w/ cosmic bowling, auto scoring. Established leagues + many improvements. $309,000. Call Jill @ Lori Gervera Real Estate (315) 771-9302.
UPSTATE NEW YORK: 8-lane center/ commercial building built in 1992. Synthetic lanes, new automatic scoring, kitchen and room to expand! Reduced to sell @ $375,000. Call (315) 376-3611. NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor & Bowling. Established 8 lanes between Mpls & Duluth w/ large bar, dining room, banquet area. Two large State employment facilities nearby. High six figure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089. www.majesticpine.com. NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s, Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game & pool rooms. See pics and info @ www.visitcolby.com or contact Charles (785) 443-3477.
CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane center and restaurant in central Idaho mountains. Small town. Only center within 60-mile radius. Brunswick A-2 machines; Anvilane lane beds; automatic scoring. (208) 879-4448. EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA: 6-lane Brunswick center, bar & grill, drive-thru liquor store in small college town. Also, 3 apartment buildings with 40 units, good rental history. Call (701) 330-7757 or (701) 430-1490. CENTRAL ILLINOIS: PRICED TO SELL!! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, full service restaurant, pro shop. Plus pool tables, karaoke machine & DJ system. Asking $125,000.00 with RE. (217) 3515152 or toms-uvl@sbcglobal.net.
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CLASSIFIEDS MINIATURE GOLF COURSES Indoor/Outdoor. Immediate Installation. $5,900.00 & up.
"Bowling Center Construction Specialists" New Center Construction Family Entertainment Centers Residential Bowling Lanes Modernization Mini Bowling Lanes Automatic Scoring CONTACT
BRIAN ESTES
(866) 961-7633 Office: (734) 469-4293
Toll Free:
Email: build@capitalbowlingservice.com
www.CapitalBowlingService.com
SERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL
AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • Frameworx NEW KEYPADS • FRONT DESK LCD MONITORS
Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849
291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940 on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: mike@bowlingscorer.com
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2021 Bridge Street Jessup, PA 18434 570-489-8623 www.minigolfinc.com
CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE
CENTERS FOR SALE GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, real estate included. Great location in one of fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta. 5 years new with all the amenities. Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751.
CENTERS FOR SALE WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One of the top five places to move! Remodeled 32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1m gets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828) 253-0362.
NE NEVADA: New 2001. 16 lanes, 19,200 square feet, 1.68 acres paved, sound & lighting, lounge w/ gaming, arcade, full service snack bar & pro shop. Call (775) 934-1539. CENTRAL MINNESOTA: 8-lane Brunswick center, 18,000 s/f, with restaurant, game room & banquet facility for 400. Turnkey operation. $235,000. Averaging $250,000+ last 5 years. Call Dave or Cindy @ (320) 8434040; cell (320) 808-6521.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
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CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE MINNESOTA: 8-lane Brunswick center w/ liquor license. Good condition. Great opportunity. $99,000. Call Ray, Xtreme Trophy Properties, (218) 790-1468. SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN: medium/large center in excellent physical condition. Strong revenue. Due to unique situation, priced at only $469,000. Perfect turnkey opportunity. Email: bowlingcentersales@gmail.com or Contact (248) 252-1427.
SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com. See a list that will help centers fill lanes w/ 1200+New Bowlers, Birthday Parties & Corporate Outings that generate $15,800— a 600% ROI from 4 payments starting at $378. Visit mcprs.bmamkt.com or call (888) 243-0685. BOSS Scoring packages & component repair. (712) 253-8730.
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SERVICES AVAILABLE AMF 5850 & 6525 Chassis: 5850 chassis owners—we can now help. Exchange your tired or damaged chassis for an upgraded, rewired, cleaned, painted & ready-to-run chassis. Fast turnaround. Total satisfaction guaranteed with prices owner friendly. References available. We make sick chassis better! CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.
MANAGER WANTED Don't miss your chance to grow with an Industry Leader! Looking for Experienced, Service-Oriented General Managers for our U.S. bowling retail center locations. Please check us out at www.brunswickcareers.apply2jobs.c om for more details on our current openings. Act Now! Apply Today!
SELL YOUR CENTER
(818) 789-2695
CLASSIFIEDS
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
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CLASSIFIEDS AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC board repair/exchange. 6-month warranty, fast turnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service 5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695) Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon) E-mail: wb8yjf@earthlink.net Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/
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
We could not have gotten our loan without him. Max Cook and Fred Kaplowitz North Bowl Spokane, WA The leading source for real estate loans with low down payments
Ken Paton (503) 645-5630 www.kenpaton.com kpaton@kenpaton.com 60
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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
CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OPERATING PARTNER WANTED! PA OR NJ. Experienced, skilled and energetic person looking for a challenge. Full-service, Entertainment Facilities. Must have great customer service skills, smile and ability to grow business. Own a piece of the Rock! Send resume to: PartnerWantedNow@gmail.com.
MARSHALL ELECTRONICS • Foul Units • Electronic Scoring Repair • Chassis Boards • AMF Accuscore Plus • Curtain Wall Chassis - $285 • Brunswick Scoring We repair all types of monitor boards. Call for a complete price list. 593 Loxley Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753
POSITION WANTED
732-240-6554 • 800-782-9494
www.merepair.webs.com
Seeking managerial position: EXPERIENCED manager/district manager of single & multiple unit centers; specializing in turn around centers; great customer service skills, inventory and payroll controls and P & L controls. References and resume available upon request. Email: schronce.tony@yahoo.com or leave message @ (817) 232-2219.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN
Former center owner with 15 years all around experience as GM, league promoter, A-level Brunswick mechanic, scoring system installer and lane technician. Well suited for many positions. Call Mitch at (808) 443-3868.
LOCKER KEYS FAST! For FLORIDA CENTERS Call DAVID DRISCOLL & ASSOCIATES 1-800-444-BOWL 3800 Lake Center Loop, Suite B1, Mount Dora, FL 32757-2208 AN AFFILIATE OF SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES
SELL YOUR CENTER
(818) 789-2695
•Keys & Combo Locks for all Types of Lockers. •One week turnaround on most orders. •New locks All types
All keys done by code #. No keys necessary.
•Used locks 1/2 price of new
E-mail: huff@inreach.com FAX YOUR ORDER TO US AT:
530-432-2933
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-700-4KEY INT’L 530-432-1027 Orange County Security Consultants
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REMEMBER WHEN
1940 E
ven showgirls need a night out and what better place to get some publicity shots and have some fun than a bowling center. These lovely ladies were part of Earl Carroll’s theatre show in Hollywood on iconic Sunset Boulevard. The 20-foot neon silhouette sign on the front of the building stating,“Through these portals pass the most beautiful girls in the world,” has remained famous even after the theatre disappeared. Earl Carroll Theatre began in the 1930s in New York and then moved to Hollywood and remained there until the 1950s. It was a very high-end, glamorous supper club-theatre offering shows on a massive stage with a 60-foot wide double revolving turntable and staircase plus swings that could be lowered from the ceiling. To this day, in Hollywood, this theatre which is now Nickelodeon headquarters for its live-action television production, is a big part of entertainment history. Bowling night was a great way to create camaraderie, publicize the show and just generally have a good time. The lanes were right next to an at-the-time famous night spot called the Radio Room where the likes of Nat King Cole and Eddie Fisher were featured. Oh, by the way, the lovely young lady second from the right was Judith Woodbury, my still beautiful, 90-year-old Aunt Judy! ❖
By Patty Heath 62
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