International Bowling Industry Magazine October 2013 by International Bowling Industry Magazine

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

CONTENTS

VOL 21.10

8 SHORTS • Professional sports teams and bowling: Oakland A’s; New York Giants; L.A. Clippers. • 66 Bowl’s Jim Haynes remembered. • Tom Stephenson and Sunlite Bowling Center come to the aid of stranded teens. • Coram Country Lanes’ Bowling Blast Off grows leagues.

28 ADVERTORIAL Casio LampFreeTM Laser LED Hybrid Projector

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Chris Holmes holmes@bowlingindustry.com

By Mark Miller OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com

CONTRIBUTORS

30 COVER STORY Blending Craft Beer and Bowling Just like proprietors, craft beer brewers are small, independent and traditional, and it’s prime time to combine them.

Compiled by Patty Heath

By Robert Sax

Fred Groh Patty Heath Paul Lane Mark Miller Robert Sax

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com

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

FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)

18 CENTER STAGE

38 FEATURE

Strike Lanes Lounge Bowling

Hidden Treasures

The new center has Berliners shouting, “Ich leibe Bowling!”

Kelli Thomerson takes us inside the inner workings of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

By Paul Lane 30

22 PRO SHOP SERIES

By Fred Groh

44 REMEMBER WHEN 1964

PRESENTED BY

Miller High Life By Patty Heath

Talking Shop Gary Parsons has grown his Washington, D.C. pro shop business into a three-location powerhouse.

47 Datebook 48 Classifieds 38

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www.BowlingIndustry.com

HOTLINE: 888-424-2695 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders. POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, 12655 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2013, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.

MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:

46 Showcase

By Mark Miller

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

SHORTS

Media

WATCH

BOWLING PARADISE Here is another digital bowling game released by InnoLab which is an update to their innovative 3D bowling, simulation game. Players now have full control over the ball’s initial placement behind the foul line, its velocity and direction on release, and left or right spin as it travels towards the pins. Bowling Paradise is FREE and includes six exotic lane locations/styles, including undulating lanes and those in outer space where the ball flies onto the lane. The other sites are on a beach, in a garden and in a faerie mushroom garden. Schrooms? Paradise 2.4 is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category; there is also a paid version.

BACK TO SCHOOL Good commercials can run quite a while. This Ross commercial ran a year ago but popped up again. Why? It is back to school time and back to social activities. Bowling captures the style and fun for young teens.

Countryside Lanes Clearwater, Florida (40 Lanes) We congratulate John LaSpina on his purchase of this fine center and thank Bud Socia for trusting David Driscoll to handle the sale. We wish John and Bud all the best in the future.

Bowling’s Only Full-Service Brokers, Appraisers & Financial Advisors 28200 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076

(800) 222 • 9131

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Historical

Tidbits

The Germans have a bowling back story which started around the third and fourth centuries. Leben, a Christian history and biography magazine, pointed out that the modern form of bowling we know today probably grew out of a German religious ceremony, introduced to the masses by monks. “At that time, every German peasant carried a wooden club, similar to the Irish shillelagh, for protection. It became a customary test of faith in many churches for the parishioner to set up his club, called a kegel, as a target, which represented the heathen. He would then roll a stone at it in an attempt to knock it down. If he succeeded, he was deemed to be free from sin.” Bowling is still termed kegeling in some areas of the U.S., as well as in many parts of Europe. This “knocking down heathens” vanished as the “sport” moved out of the churches. True, we don’t knock down heathens today, but I bet there have been a lot of bowlers anthropomorphing pins with their bosses, exes, and anyone else who could use a good “knocking!”

SELL YOUR

CENTER OR EQPT.

FAST!

(818) 789-2695

SHORTS

BOWLING: THE UNIVERSAL EQUALIZER

Bowling seems to be the go-to sport for every other sport. The NFL’s New York Giants went en masse to Frames Bowling Lounge in New York City. Practicing hard, playing hard and preparing for a new season demands some down time, and bowling is the logical answer. Note that 1) Coach Tom Coughlin bowled without bowling shoes, not quite as disciplined off the field as on; 2) quarterback Eli Manning concentrates, one, two, three, throw the ball; 3) others fling it out there and 4) others still show off! Sounds about right for a football team or for anyone else for that matter.

DUBLIN BOWL WELCOMES THE OAKLAND A’S To springboard their Community Fund, the MLB’s Oakland A’s visited Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl in Dublin, CA. This inaugural event attracted 275 participants and lots of bowling. The A’s Community Fund supports charitable organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area endeavoring to improve education programs, aid the underprivileged, assist in crime and drug prevention, promote health awareness and champion children and senior welfare. A study in style: A’s outfielder Coco Crisp puts a little more English on the ball while owner/managing partner Lewis Wolff shows a lot of determination.

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Photos from Frames Bowling Lounge NYC

L.A. CLIPPERS SUMMER CLINIC SERIES Community involvement includes learning to bowl “Go Clippers!” was the collective cry from over 250 participants at 48-lane Keystone Lanes in Norwalk, CA. It opened the last of three clinics held by the Clippers in the surrounding L.A. area and Orange County during the summer months. These bowling clinics are not just for fun and exercise but also for the inclusion of the Clippers’ Read to Achieve program. Each participant left the clinic with a goodie bag filled with a book, courtesy of Read to Achieve, pencils and a Clippers bracelet. Dawn Weldon, a local league bowler and volunteer coach explained the importance of getting youth involved in the sport. “It shows them that you don’t have to be running or in total physical shape. Anybody can bowl. It’s not limited to just the tallest or the broadest, the fastest or the most physically fit. These kids can do it and be successful at it.” With the help of volunteer coaches and an accommodating staff, kids get a chance to learn the basics of bowling in a structured manner. One little participant, Madison, 10, said, “They taught us a lot of things. They taught us how to hold the ball and how to not cross the line, which is really important.”

SHORTS

TALE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN What would you do if you were shuttling 47 rambunctious teenagers to Arizona when your bus breaks down in Blythe, a small desert town on the California/Arizona border? Call ghost busters? Nope. You would try and reach the owner of the town’s only bowling center, Sunlite Bowling Center. The window of time was five hours to get a mechanic from Los Angeles to bring parts and fix the bus. Youth minister from St. Raymond’s Catholic Church in Downey, CA, Lupe Salgado, relates her story. The first thought was food; McDonald’s lobby for two hours. No need to describe how that went. Anyone with kids can paint a pretty good picture of idle hands and minds scrunched together in a fast food joint. They needed a safe, engaging place where the teens could expend energy and the chaperones could take a breath. Salgado said that by using the internet, they found Sunlite Bowling Center. And, that is where the story The center became a wonderful haven from the heat and the long wait gets good. while their bus was being fixed. The owner, Tom Stephenson, just happened to have come in early when Salgado called. He opened the center four hours ahead of time, offered cosmic bowling and bowling shoes to the excited teens, and brought out ice cold, bottled water for everyone. While fun was all encompassing, Salgado began to wonder how she was going to afford this blessing. Our Good Samaritan was way ahead of her; there was no charge. Salgado felt that getting her “kids” into a safe haven until they could continue their trip was a blessing in and of itself. She was in tears with how far Stephenson’s generosity went. How could she repay him? Tell people to come bowl at Sunlite Bowling Center was his response. So Salgado wrote an open letter to the Palo Verde Valley Times sharing her story. “I highly recommend that everyone stop by Sunlite Bowling Center and tell them St. Raymond’s sent you! This experience definitely restored our faith that there are great people out there.” It restored ours as well! Kudos to you Tom Stephenson and Sunlite Bowling Center! 12

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GOODWILL CENTRAL

SHORTS

The Puppy Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization uniting soldiers who served abroad with the animal friends they made during their missions, held a bowling fundraiser. The event, Battle Buddy Bowling, took place at Fox Bowl in Wheaton, IL. The annual PAW, Protecting Adult Welfare, fundraiser took place at a private, vintage center on September 1 in, of course, the greater Los Angeles area. PAW describes itself as a charitable outreach organization “aimed at improving the quality of life for the workers in the adult entertainment industry” through health training and awareness programs. Moving from one entertainment region to another, Sam’s Town in Las Vegas was the venue for the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) event, Out of the Gutters. More than two dozen Las Vegas celebrities and entertainers bowled. Anthony Cools, Paris Las Vegas hypnotist, toyed with the idea of wearing bowling shoes during his show. Poverello, a food pantry that predominantly serves HIV/AIDS families at or below the poverty level, held its longest-running charity event, 23 years, at Sawgrass Lanes in Tamarac, FL. Nathan Earl, Poverello’s director of development, stated that the bowlathon had updated its core mission. “In essence, all participants are literally bowling to fight hunger in our community.” On a more personal level, Rainbow Lanes in Paw Paw, MI, invited the community to come out to “Bowl for Connor.” Connor Smith, a 10month-old, has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 which has no cure. Kristen Smith, Connor’s mother said that 80 percent of the babies with SMA do not make it to their first birthday. Chipper’s Lanes in Fort Collins, CO, linked up with Denver-based social network for philanthropy, SoRewarding, to host an event for Realities for Children, an organization dedicated to serving the unmet needs of abused and neglected children in Colorado’s Larimer County by creating a safety net of services when these children have no place to turn. What is your center doing? Email Patty Heath at heath@bowlingindustry.com.

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PEOPLEWATCHING Performance Entertainment LLC, an indoor recreation management company that owns and operates The Summit brand of indoor entertainment venues, announced that Don MacBrayne has joined the company’s leadership team as Chief of Don MacBrayne Operations. MacBrayne previously served for over 35 years in management with Brunswick Bowling and Billiards, most recently as VP of the Brunswick Zone XL Entertainment Center Group. “I’m excited to be a part of our new organization and look forward to bringing my operational knowledge.” He will be responsible for developing and overseeing center operations and will also support the Performance Entertainment site selection and design teams. MacBrayne will join partners Dennis Schavietello, Gary Upperman and Nick Cashion. The Summit brand facilities include a casual dining restaurant, sports bar, bowling, laser tag and video and redemption game arcade all under one roof.

R E M E M B R A N C E Jim Haynes, proprietor of the famous 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City, passed away over the Labor Day holiday and was laid to rest September 3. As Dicki Ward, ED for the Oklahoma BPA, said, “The Oklahoma bowling community has lost one of its pioneers.” Jim worked as an AMF bowling salesman until 1978 when he Peggy and Jim Haynes in became owner of the legendary front of the iconic Bowl 66 Bowl maintaining it until he 66 sign. retired in 2010. In 2005 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Bowlers Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Peggy along with his daughter, Cori Osborn and sons, Trey and Mike. Memorials may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in OKC or to the Youth Bowling Grand Prix Scholarship, c/o OKC Bowling Association, P.O. Box 21012, Oklahoma City, OK 73156.

SHORTS

BOWLING BLAST OFF

targets new bowlers

Building a league base takes constant effort on the part of a center and its staff. Nothing good comes without hard work and good tools. Coram Country Lanes, a 32-lane center, in Coram, NY, has taken a very proactive approach to building its leagues and encouraging bowling in general. With Joe LaSpina heading the marketing plan, BPAA’s Bowling 2.0 program was used again this year to entice families to come, have fun and learn. Bowling Blast Off was met with great enthusiasm and success. To give more impact, local news feed News12 Long Island was invited to view the activities. Working from the outside in, a fair atmosphere surrounded the center with games and a waterslide. Joe LaSpina, vice president Families then moved inside of Maple Family Centers, is interviewed by to bowl and were encouraged Christina Regnault of to sign up for the free family News12 Long Island. bowling program one hour a week with lessons from the center’s coaches to make the whole experience not only fun but a stepping stone to graduating to the next program and then, hopefully, to regular league bowlers.

Kids and their parents bowling during Bowling Blast Off

EXPANSIONS, OPENINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS April 2013 was a bad month for Cesar and Grace Canonigo. A flood devastated their 32lane bowling center, Lisle Lanes in Lisle, IL, and they were forced to close. The flood was not the only culprit; the Federal Government rejected their claim for FEMA relief money. Undaunted, the Canonigos pushed forward with their own money hoping that all would work out. September designated the reopening after the input of $1 million which covered gutting the building and totally renovating the center. Bowling people are a sturdy lot. “We have put almost 20 years of our life into Lisle lanes,” Cesar Canonigo said. Cesar and Grace Canonigo on “Were we just supposed to destroy the building and call their new lanes. it quits? We still believe in our business model and the sport of bowling. Our decision to renovate Lisle Lanes was based on our convictions and the years of family history entrenched in the business.” The relief aid is on appeal.

Belfast, ME, is on the verge of having a candlepin bowling center again. Donald Benson and his wife Kelly, who own ALLPLaY Family Entertainment Center in Waldoboro, are applying to the Belfast Planning Board for an indoor candlepin center along with going through the process of getting financing to create a family-friendly, 8-lane center with a video arcade, pool tables and a snack facility. We will keep our fingers crossed.

18-lane West Milton Lanes in West Milton, OH, has a new name, new owner and new life after having been shuttered for eight years. The name, Miami Lanes, is a tribute to new proprietor Adam Arnold’s grandparents who bowled at a Miamisburg center back in the day. It has been a challenge to say the least, but the center is up and running while renovations continue. Starting a new business is always iffy, but Arnold said that the more he thought about it, the more he realized “that if I didn’t give it a try, I might spend the rest of my life thinking ‘what if.’ So, I’m giving it a shot!” Adam Arnold, we hope you spend the rest of your life bowling and working at Miami Lanes!!

Rule 3 in Pickerington, OH, has new owners. Bob McCracken, a 30-year industry veteran, and partners acquired the four-year-old center. Rule 3 is now one more center under their umbrella including Gahanna Lanes and Holiday Lanes. Although no major changes are planned, Sean Smith, general manager and marketing director, said the space and the menu will get some makeovers. According to McCracken, Rule 3 represents much of what today’s customers want – patios, music, volleyball, an arcade, a restaurant and a place for private and corporate events.

John La Spina of Maple Family bowling Centers and former BPAA president has purchased Countryside Lanes, a 40-lane center in Clearwater, FL. The seller was Bud Socia. LaSpina owns and operates six centers in the New York City area. David Driscoll, an associate of Sandy Hansell and Associates, Inc., served as the broker in the transaction. An inflatable water slide added to the fair atmosphere. 16

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CENTER STAGE By Paul Lane

he city of Berlin, with a population of 3.3 million, is Germany’s largest city. Known as one of the most vibrant cities to be found anywhere in the world, Berlin is famous for its upscale shopping malls and streets (especially the Kurfürstendamm, as elegant a shopping street as you will find anywhere) to its nightlife, theaters, galleries, and historic landmarks — not to mention the friendly charm of the locals and bustle of tourists that flock to the city from all over the globe. Famous landmarks tourists go to see include the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral, and Gendarmenmarkt (considered Germany’s most beautiful square) to name but a few. Another and more recent landmark is Strike Lanes Lounge Bowling, located on the third floor of the Alexa Shopping Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in Berlin and the biggest shopping center in the City East. Strike Lanes Lounge Bowling houses 18 Brunswick-equipped lanes with automatic scoring, three bars, a restaurant offering California cuisine, a dance floor, children’s bowling, a smoker’s lounge, a VIP area, and a 200seat cinema. The website describes the center as “70s West Coast retro Guido Paeske, GM

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combined with modern accents, from high quality fabrics to precious woods, all of which combine to create an upscale comfort zone with a ‘WOW’ effect. And our spectacular light and sound effects, big screens and dance floor DJs give the right touch of nightlife and the pleasure and excitement of Berlin and Germany’s capital metropolis.” This decidedly upscale entertainment facility caters exclusively to non-competitive, recreational, “fun-bowlers,” similar to Lucky Strike in the U.S. The primary source of revenue is derived from corporate reservations and private parties, including children’s birthday parties. There is no activity for league or club players. At different times during the day, the price for bowling at Strike Lanes is anywhere from €12 Euros ($16.00 USD) on weekday mornings, to a high of €28 ($37.00 USD) after 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (see sidebar for full range of prices). Pricing compared to other centers in Berlin is much higher at Strike Lanes, but there are no other centers in the marketplace that have the vast array of quality upscale offerings as available at Strike Lanes. The facility is absolutely unique. When bowling is compared to alternative forms of

CENTER STAGE entertainment in the Berlin area, Strike Lanes says, “In a vibrant market like Berlin just about every form of recreation and entertainment imaginable is available, each of which runs the gamut from being less to more expensive with no real middle ground.” Strike Lanes is not inexpensive, but not surprisingly, it enjoys a high percentage of repeat business from corporations and private parties alike. Its reputation, generated by word-ofmouth from customers, goes a long way toward promoting new business. The customer experience is, in their words, “absolutely positive” and starts with a friendly “hello” at reception. After reserving lanes, a Strike Lanes employee will escort customers to the lanes, assist in setting up the automatic scoring, explain a few simple bowling etiquette rules to newcomers, and offer instruction to beginners. As the center has no plans to develop league or club bowling, they do not employ instructors. But 100% of their employees are qualified to teach the fundamentals of bowling to beginners — which management considers to be important to ensure that every customer’s first experience of bowling is as enjoyable and favorably memorable as possible, thereby encouraging their return. Quality food and beverage play a very important role in the overall business at Strike Lanes, especially since there is competition from a multirestaurant food hall close by. Hence the center’s focus on the three bars and full service restaurant, which caters to bowlers and non-bowlers alike. Shoppers discover the attractive and inviting entrance to Strike Lanes on the third floor of the ever-busy Alexa Shopping Plaza, which is home to close to 180 shops. There is a steady flow of traffic through the center

as curious shoppers walk in to explore the facility and, at the same time, discover the three bars and restaurant (which are two floors below the shopping plaza’s food hall). Many shoppers stay for a beverage or meal while they watch the bowling and absorb the atmosphere and energy of this lively entertainment center. The menu in the 75-seat restaurant leans towards California cuisine, but also includes one or two more traditional German dishes, and offers a variety of six open wines (by the glass) and five bottled red and white wines, as well as a full range of fine German beers and pilsners and soft drinks. The average cost per person for a meal including beverages is about €12 to €16 Euros ($16.00 to $21.00 US). Strike Lanes also has full-time professional event planners on staff to assist and work hand-in-hand with corporations and private party organizers to help create the perfect “custom” party package with a theme that matches the special needs of any given group. This service can range from dinner proposals, drinks specials and party packages for the VIP Lounge with bowling, to children’s birthday parties. The service provided by the event planners helps to drive the business . In addition to planned corporate and private party activities, Strike Lanes offers at least one on-going promotion activity every day of the week. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday the “Happy Day Specials” are offered from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. On Wednesday, the “After Work Parties,” with live video DJ and specials on food and beverage, bring a large crowd. Friday and Saturday, from 8:00 p.m. to close is the night for live

Pricing at Strike Lanes Lounge Bowl Exchange rate as of 8/16/2013 (slight rounding up and down) Day Mon. - Thurs. Friday

Sat. & Holidays

Sunday

Times 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – to Close 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. – Close

Price (£) £12 £20 £16 £25 £28

Price($) $16.00 $26.50 $21.00 $33.00 $37.00

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. – Close

£16 £25 £28

$21.00 $33.00 $37.00

10:00 a.m. - Close

£16

$21.00

£1.9

$2.50

Rental Shoes and Socks (Pair) A game consists of 10-frames IBI

October 2013

CENTER STAGE

video DJ bowling games and dancing. Sunday is a day for family and friends at €16 ($21.00) a game from 10:00 a.m. until close. Strike Lanes Lounge Bowling has it all: “location, location, location,” a variety of well-designed restaurants, bars, VIP and smokers lounges, dance floor, 18-lanes and, most importantly, a highly motivated and well trained staff that offers dynamite service. This all combines to enhance the customer experience. It’s no wonder they are hugely successful. Their success also has them planning ahead. According to their website, they have plans for expansion to other markets in Germany, including Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf, Dresden,

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Koln and Frankfurt. ❖ Credit: A special thank you to Ralf Mosig and Guido Paeske (Strike Lanes Lounge Bowling GmbH) for their help in providing information and photos for this story. 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.

Gary Parsons’ natural curiosity has help him build a three-location pro shop powerhouse.

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By Mark Miller

he revelation came to Gary Parsons when he was 6 years old. It was December 1955, and he was sitting in the living room of his parents' home in Fredericksburg, VA. On the black-and-white television was the final match of the 1956 BPAA AllStar Bowling Tournament, won by Hall of Famer Bill Lillard. “I remember it was the first time automatic pinsetters were on a national show,” Parsons recently recalled. “Until then it always was pinboys. I knew about as much as a 6-year-old could know. I just knew I would be involved in bowling from watching that show.” Parsons acted on that vision the next year when he joined a youth church league at Dupont Lanes near Washington, D.C., where his family had moved. Soon thereafter, he switched to an American Junior Bowling Congress league at Bowl America Silver Hill in nearby Maryland. Ensuing years saw him compete and coach at the collegiate level and at a high level in his home area. It never, however, materialized into a pro career because he didn't want to subject himself to that nomadic life. But his natural curiosity helped him accumulate about as

much knowledge as anyone in the industry. Today the 64-year-old's involvement revolves around his Guru Enterprises company that includes three pro shops he coowns in the Washington, D.C. area, as a bowling consultant and as one of the nation's top-rated coaches. For the past 20 years, Parsons has been providing that knowledge to bowlers at Red Nelson's Bowlers World, a freestanding pro shop in Camp Springs, MD. For the last ten years, he's been part of a fiveperson corporation that operates World Class Pro Shop inside AMF Capital Plaza Lanes in Hyattsville, MD. And since 2012, he's been the silent partner with former longtime employee Eddie Curtis in The Pro Shop at Bolling, Joint Base AnacostiaBolling Air Force Base in Washington. Fortunately for Parsons and his partners, business has gone well. “I do numbers most pro shops would be envious of especially after the center at Andrews Air Force Base (about five years ago) and AMF Clinton (MD) (about seven years ago) closed,” he said. The secrets to success? He's entertaining and his style is popular with his customers. “I have a reputation of being serious but I can be quite entertaining,” he said. “People who come into my shop are not a dollar sign. I treat you like you want to be treated. I like to consider myself one of the most knowledgeable people in bowling. I do a lot of explaining to people. I can do it very simple and I can do it all the way to advanced. I like to make people feel comfortable. I have a teaching certificate so I know how to teach. I can relate to people. I always strive to be upward and communicate at the same time. I try to make it simple to understand on the level they are doing it.” Parsons credits his teaching philosophy to something he did as a teenager. After his homework was finished, he'd span the radio dial where he'd listen to a wide variety of music. It taught him to be flexible and be open to anything. He learned not to be tied down by any one methodology. “I'm probably the most qualified teacher in bowling because I can perform a meta24

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analysis of anything in bowling,” he said. While he knew he'd be involved in bowling, it took quite awhile to determine exactly what journey he'd take. Though high school bowling didn't exist in his home area, he was good enough to compete at Harding University in Searcy, AR, where he and his teammates won two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics titles. An admitted prolific reader but not a great student, Parsons earned his history and political science degree at Harding. Then after going home to substitute teach, bowl and work part-time as a center laneman, he returned a few years later to earn his teaching certificate. He also coached Harding's team where one of his players was Gary Beck, who won a silver medal as part of Team USA in the 1975 world championships. Parsons came home for good and spent the next six years bowling for a living while again working as a part-time laneman. Then in 1980, he went back to school to earn a second bachelor's degree in philosophy at St. Mary's College. Three years later, he added a Master's degree in liberal studies and philosophy from Georgetown University. While Parsons had every confidence in his game, he didn't think it was good enough to join the PBA tour. “I was like a good, solid Triple A baseball player,” he said. “Plus, I never had any great desire to live out of a suitcase. The tour lifestyle on that competitive level appealed to me but living out of a suitcase didn't.” After accumulating college degrees and reading what he terms to be between 8,000 books from age 13 to 35, Parsons accidentally returned to bowling in 1983 when he was asked to mentor a local bowler named Jim Lewis. His lessons obviously worked as Lewis eventually crafted a local hall of fame career that included nine PBA regional titles. Parsons also was an early

Eddie Curtis, Parsons’ partner in the Pro Shop at Bolling.

coach to Danny Wiseman and Richie Wolfe. Wiseman has since won 12 PBA national and 12 regional titles and was elected to the PBA Hall of Fame this year. Wolfe has appeared on eight TV finals while still looking for his first win. “Danny was kind of my hero because he took B+ athletic ability and became one of the top 50 PBA players ever,” Parsons said. Yet it wasn't until the early 1990s that Parsons made bowling a full-time career. The timing was right with his family's toy business having its troubles, and the opportunity to connect with Red Nelson, a pro shop owner since the early 1970s, arose. As with everything else, Parsons set out to learn everything he could about the coaching and pro shop businesses. Among those he listened to and studied were Mo Pinel, Bill Hall, Dick Ritger, Ron Hoppe, Mark Baker and the late John Jowdy. “I've worked with the best coaches in the world, and I've worked with the best pro shop technicians in the world,” Parsons said. He earned his Silver-level certification from the former USA Bowling coaching program and attained Level III in the Dick

Ritger coaching program. He recently was named as a top 100 coach by Bowlers Journal International for the eighth straight year. Parsons, whose shops collectively employ eight people, currently spends six to eight hours every Monday through Saturday at his pro shops, primarily at Bowler's World. At night, he visits World Class while Sundays are spent teaching which leaves little time at The Pro Shop at Bolling. About the only thing Parsons hasn't done in recent times is bowl. A bum left knee has kept him off the lanes for a dozen years after bowling numerous 300 games and winning scratch tournaments from the 60s through the 90s. He cashed regularly in PBA regional events and missed the finals of the 1991 ABC Masters by two pins. Even if he were healthy, Parsons has been too busy with his businesses to compete. In addition to coaching and his pro shops, he has written articles for various bowling publications. And he's also been on a personal campaign to change bowling's image which he believes has been tarnished since the 1970s when the industry put too much emphasis on recreation and not enough on the sport. While retirement age is on the horizon in 2014, the single Parsons has no intentions of slowing down or leaving the workforce. “I can't imaging retiring,” he said. “People say do something you like. I don't think about it. I tell people this is what I do. Since 1956, other than the late 1970s and early 80s, I've done it on every level. I didn't go on tour and I've never owned a center. But I've been a laneman three times, I've worked with the best coaches and put everything I've learned into what I've done.” ❖ Mark Miller is a freelance writer, editor, and public relations specialist from Flower Mound, Texas. He's the author of "Bowling: America's Greatest Indoor Pastime" available at Amazon.com or directly from him at markmywordstexas@gmail.com.

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October 2013

ADVERTORIAL

M By Mark Miller

Casio LampFree™ LASER & LED Hybrid Projectors

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October 2013

ain Event Entertainment™, a leading family entertainment center based in Plano, Texas sought out SAVE Electronics - a leading solutions provider of presentation, entertainment and communications systems components and support for business and home systems based in Dallas – to help find a less expensive and low maintenance projector for wall-to-wall entertainment. Keeping Main Event’s needs in mind, owner Tim Boyd recommended using Casio’s LampFree ™ LASER & LED Hybrid projectors. Shortly thereafter, SAVE Electronics installed and tested Casio’s Signature XJ-M250 projectors at the end of all bowling lanes, right above the pins, from floor to ceiling inside Main Event's new San Antonio location over the course of one year. The results were nothing short of spectacular. “After Main Event saw what Casio’s projectors could do, they said 'you've got to do this for all of our locations,'” Boyd said. More than 100 units later, new centers in San Antonio and Houston opened their doors with Casio’s LampFree™ projectors installed, while existing locations were retro-fitted as part of an overall makeover. “For us, it offers a great visual experience socially for our guests, especially during football season,” said Main Event Director of Marketing Amy Johnson. “All of our locations right now are in Texas so both college and professional football are a pretty big deal for us along with all the other sports. If there's something else going on like American Idol or any top-rated show, guests can pretty much have an in-home experience at Main Event. We want Main Event to be an extension of their home environment.” Each projection screen measures 12 x 10 feet and covers two lanes; they also connect with other screens to run the length of the bowling lanes. An additional two or three projection screens are installed in the bar/billiards area. From the entire bowling, bar and billiards area, guests are able to view some sort of big screen video experience typically tuned to sports. Previously, Main Event locations had no screens

ADVERTORIAL above the lanes so Johnson said Casio’s projectors truly elevated the entertainment experience. The equipment change also helped spur Main Event into additional renovations such as new floors and seats and enhanced bar/billiard areas. Boyd said the biggest benefit of using Casio LampFree™ projectors is the longevity of the units: each projector features a LASER & LED Hybrid light source with an estimated life of up to 20,000 hours. This means users do not have to replace lamps every 2-3 months, which typically costs almost as much as the original projector cost over one year. With the projectors having an estimated lifespan of 20,000 hours, Main Event can now provide on-going visual footage, since the projectors typically run 14-16 hours a day. Another great feature for Main Event is that all of the projectors in all of its locations can be monitored and managed remotely from its support center located in Plano, using the projectors’ built in network (LAN) connection. “Before there were some inconsistencies in what people were seeing across the board, so for us to manage it from our corporate office was key to creating the [best] experience for our guests,” Johnson said. “And we also integrated it with Bowling Music Network so we can play videos during certain times of the day. During our peak times on the weekends, we'll put videos on that coincide with the music you hear. It's a fun environment.” Each location does have some customizing capability available. Screens can be tailored to customer desires including company logos during corporate events. When a location hosts a tournament, individual team logos can be displayed. “It has been great for us, especially at the bar,” continued Johnson. “It's really elevated the brand for us.” ❖ Mark Miller is a freelance writer, editor, and public relations specialist from Flower Mound, Texas. He's the author of "Bowling: America's Greatest Indoor Pastime" available at Amazon.com or directly from him at markmywordstexas@gmail.com.

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October 2013

COVER STORY

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October 2013

COVER STORY ert Sax By Rob

eer and bowling go together like, well, beer and bowling. There’s probably no other beverage as strongly identified with the sport. Now, after a period of decline for both, this classic American combo is enjoying a revival. Craft beer, a renaissance in beer-making that is sweeping the country, offers bowling center owners a refreshing way to “tap” into a hot trend and bring in new customers.

there to socialize with their friends.” They are looking for friendly, professional staff, new or upgraded centers, and better quality food and beer than many centers are used to offering. That means you will have to up your game, but in return you will get a customer who is willing to spend more to get what he or she wants. Craft beer lovers are more concerned about quality than price. They will spend money on craft beer because it has a higher perceived

WHAT IS CRAFT BEER?

Craft beer is made by independent brewers in small batches and sold locally, the way it was done across the country before the giant brewing companies cornered the market and formulated their beer to please the lowest common denominator. Aficionados prize craft beer for taste, quality and an independent spirit that revels in products made the old-fashioned way. Although craft beer held just 10.2% of the beer market by dollars in 2012, its sales grew by more than 15% from 2011. That’s far better growth than the mega-brewers, whose market share is enormous but whose sales have been as flat as day-old beer. According to the Brewers Association trade group, the number of craft brewers has gone from 8 in 1980 to 537 in 1994 to more than 2300 in 2012. The number of breweries in planning is skyrocketing, with more than 1,500 breweries in development as of June 1, 2013. With the majority of Americans living within 10 miles of a craft brewery, the association claims “There has never been a better time or place to drink beer than in the U.S. right now.”

Maybe it’s time for you to sell craft beer?

WHO DRINKS CRAFT BEER?

Peter Starkel of FUN Advisors has consulted on several successful craft beer implementations at FECs. He describes fans of craft beer as primarily Generation X, Y and the Millenials, a group that falls roughly between the ages of 25-45. These are the people today who are most likely to have the discretionary dollars to spend in your bowling center and they are looking for a premium experience when they go out. “[Craft beer drinkers] are not traditional sports bowlers,” says Starkel. “They may take part in a recreational game, but they're not there for the bowling; they're

Consultant Peter Starkel, FUN Advisors, Traverse City, MI.

value than the big domestic brands. They will accept a range of prices if the choices are interesting, as opposed to expecting all beer to be the same price. While the cost of craft beer is higher, you can make more gross profit on each beer sold. That’s good for your revenues, and a great hedge against reduced consumption in an era of tougher drunk driving laws and stricter enforcement. Upgrading your food choices is a good idea, too, because craft beer lovers like good food with their beer. In general they want healthier, more interesting choices, so your menu needs to feature healthier, fresher-tasting items and far fewer deep-fried or fatty choices. Setting up a craft beer bar in your FEC is IBI

October 2013

COVER STORY

Derek Richards of Stardust Entertainment Center is happy to serve his customers distinctly unique craft beers from his Michigan Tap Room.

similar to adding any new food and beverage operation. You have to understand your customers’ needs and commit yourself to offering the quality and service that will pull them in and keep them there. You also have to understand that you will now be competing with other bars and restaurants in your market, not just other bowling centers. Perhaps the biggest change you’ll need to make is in the way you think about beer. Fans of craft beer are seeking novelty and an adventure in taste, not just a buzz. First and foremost this means offering true craft beers and downplaying or dumping the boring old standbys. It’s important to see your tap room or beer operation as a profit center separate from

your bowling operation. By cultivating an independent and competitive spirit, you’ll be able to keep the surprises coming for your customers. An experienced bar manager who knows craft beer, or is willing to learn about it, is also a must. While many craft beers come in bottles, the centerpiece of any craft beer operation is a selection of beers on tap. Starkel recommends a minimum of twelve taps, divided equally among nationally-known, regional and local craft beers. You can also reserve a few taps for “beta” beers (brews under development by local brewers) because craft beer drinkers are

The Michigan Tap Room has an excellent layout where larger groups of six to eight people can gather.

always interested in trying something new. That also means rotating your beer selection to keep things interesting for your patrons. With the great variety of craft beers available, that part is easy.

TAPPING THE TREND ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Tony Yanow, co-founder of Golden Road Brewery in Los Angeles, sees a symbiotic relationship between craft brewers and bowling centers and other community entertainment spots, because craft beer is a “local” experience. “It’s important for me to connect to new customers in my area and introduce them to my beer,” he says. “And it’s a chance for them to tell me how they like my beer.” He’s looking to build the kind of close customer relationships that just don’t exist for giant brands, just as center owners do.

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October 2013

COVER STORY Yanow also sees craft beer as more than a fad. “I think it’s an enduring trend, even if the current rapid growth slows. The bubble won’t burst.” A growing number of FEC operators are already succeeding with craft beer. Others are planning to jump in soon. A selection of new and forthcoming operations includes:

STARDUST ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

There’s a beer revolution happening in Michigan, according to the owners of Stardust Entertainment Center in Saginaw. The Great Lakes State is home to a lot of great craft beers, and is one of the fastest growing craft beer markets. That was good news for Gary Richards and his son Derek, who were looking for a way to revitalize their business. Although Stardust is a well-appointed FEC, it was too far from the local suburbs to compete with other centers for family business including birthday parties. But with a college and a Dow Chemical operation nearby, Peter Starkel suggested Derek join his passion for beer with a growing trend that could bring in a new clientele. Inspired by successful beer-themed restaurants like The Yard House and Buffalo Wild Wings, Derek developed a concept that emphasized local craft beers. The Michigan Tap Room at Stardust features 18 taps of Michigan-brewed beer and the Richards boast that “customers will often be surprised but never disappointed.” Response has been excellent since day one, with craft beer sales doubling every month. Special programming like “tap takeovers,” in which a local brewery brings in new beers for a night, have been bringing in the crowds. Happy hours, band performances on the lanes and sports night specials have also boosted business and generated bowling sales as well.

URGE: CRAFT ALLEY

In North San Diego County, California, Grant Tondro is betting big on craft beer and bowling. Tondro, the founder of several upscale restaurants including Urge Gastropub, The Barrel Room and Brothers Provisions, is now developing Urge: Craft Alley, a combination brewpub, bottle shop and bowling alley to be housed in a 22,000 square foot former fitness center in the town of Vista. Tondro is a fan of the movie “The Big Lebowski,” and while its bowling anti-hero “The Dude” quaffed White Russians, the cult classic inspired the concept behind Urge: Craft Alley. “I like bowling because it doesn’t require a lot of skill to enjoy the game, it’s fun for all ages, and you can play it with a drink in one hand,” says Tondro. San Diego County is a center of craft brewing, with the influential Stone Brewery setting the pace for a raft of good breweries and brew pubs; Vista alone has eight microbreweries. The new center will

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October 2013

have eight to ten lanes and will offer open bowling only. The food will be locally-sourced gastropub grub, and to start there will be 51 beer taps including 6-8 house beers custom-brewed for Urge. Tondro also guarantees tap space for every local brewer. While families won’t be turned away, this isn’t really a place for kids; there won’t be an arcade or Cosmic bowling. Urge: Craft Alley is aimed primarily at males aged 26-46 who want to relax while drinking great beer and eating great food. Tondro believes the concept will do well with suburbanites, and is already looking to expand to Los Angeles. Urge: Craft Alley is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2014.

THE GUTTER

At the opposite end of the beer and bowling spectrum from Urge: Craft Alley is Brooklyn, New York’s quirky The Gutter. A bowling alley/bar/concert space, The Gutter occupies a former warehouse in the hip enclave of Williamsburg. When it opened in 2005 there were no other bowling alleys in the neighborhood. The founders installed several well-worn wooden lanes from a defunct center “somewhere in Ohio” and added vintage Brunswick A2 pinsetters. True to the do-it-yourself ethic of the neighborhood, manager-turned-owner T.C. learned to run and maintain the machines and lanes by trial and error. Now he “loves the bowling business” and is thinking about opening other locations. For T.C.’s laid-back, mostly single 20-something customers, The Gutter is a place to hang out with friends, a neighborhood bar with bowling. The all-craft beer selection includes 12 taps and eight bottles at any one time, with brands and styles rotated to suit the seasons. The Gutter regularly features tap-takeovers with local breweries, who promote the events via social media and bring in 50-100 people. “People always want to try new beers,” says T.C. Prices for beer and bowling are affordable, and there’s a bowling happy hour special of two games or two hours for the price of one. There are no lane reservations, but there are several leagues during the week. Music is featured in a back T.C., the owner of The Gutter, personally maintains the salvaged lanes.

COVER STORY

OTHER WAYS TO ROLL Looking for variety in your bowling as well as your beer? Craft beer also goes well with two older forms of bowling, bocce and lawn bowls. Bocce, played on a natural dirt court indoors or out, is also enjoying a revival around the country. Here’s a sampling of places where you can roll another way: Von Trapp’s of Seattle is two-parts German, one-part Italian with its mix of “bier, brats and bocce.” Sample a variety of German-style craft beers while playing on one of five indoor courts. www.vontrapps.com The Matchbox, a popular neighborhood bar in Denver’s River North art district, has an open beer garden, a bocce court, and a modest craft beer list. Join a bocce league or enjoy open play. www.thematchboxdenver.com Pinstripes, an upscale restaurant chain in Chicago and Minneapolis, features Italian food, wine and some local craft brews, plus bocce and 10-pin bowling. The annual “Pintastic” bocce tournament offers more than $25,000 in prize money. www.pinstripes.com Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis has four manicured grass “rinks” for lawn bowling during the summer and fall. There’s open and league play and you can rent the place for parties. A few local craft brews and lots of British standbys, plus rink-side service. www.britspub.com/ room on weekends, with three bands for a modest $5 cover. Decidedly local and low-key, The Gutter is the neighborhood alternative to Brooklyn Bowl, the glitzier, and pricier, FEC down the street. The Gutter is going strong after six years, a successful example of how to appeal to a hip, urban crowd.

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CRAFTING YOUR STRATEGY

As with any change in your bowling operation, craft beer is not a quick fix. “You can't throw in craft beer like you throw in a new video game,” cautions Starkel, “and expect that’s the magic bullet.” There are plenty of proprietors who have simply added a few craft beer taps and then wondered why the customers didn’t appear. It is a promising strategy for centers that are planning on catering primarily to collegeeducated, upper-income adults under 40 years of age. In an era of wholesale change in the industry it is well worth considering if you are in the right market and willing to work at it. Plus, if you like good beer, you’re sure to enjoy your product research. ❖

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

FEATURE The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

By Fred Groh

For Kelli Thomerson, the best part of the bowling museum is the unexpected.

he caller was not related to the lady who died. Nobody was. “She has no relatives, no family, I’m just a neighbor,” the caller said. “I volunteered and I’m cleaning out her house and she has all these bowling trophies. I don’t know what to do with them.” Most of the inquiries that come across Kelli Thomerson’s desk at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame (IBMHF) are along that line. She gets the calls—several every week—because she is the museum’s curator. Thomerson, who has a master’s degree in history and planned to be a journalist, took a temporary job in the archive at the American Airlines museum in Fort Worth and “fell in love. That’s when I decided to change my career.” She started at the bowling museum in fall 2010, about nine months after the museum and the International Bowling Campus, where the museum is housed, opened together. Thomerson makes the decisions about what donations the museum will accept. “Just about any museum will have a collection policy which mostly adheres to the mission of the museum. Helps to guide you in what to accept,” she says. Some museums will take anything that comes through the door. “Maybe they have a small collection [or] they’re just starting out.” The bowling museum has to be pickier. The policy is that donations must reflect the achievements of outstanding bowlers or illustrate the history of the game. Thomerson has to be strict in carrying it out, because there isn’t room to do anything else. On the old campus in St. Louis, the museum’s collection could spread out over 55,000 square feet. In Arlington, they’re down to 18,000. When an inquiry comes in, “Most of the time it’s ‘What do I have and how much 38

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October 2013

Kelli Thomerson, Curator of the IBMHF.

is it worth?’ We can try to answer what it is, but we don’t do appraisals,” she says. She will, however, help the inquirer locate a local appraiser. The trophies the neighbor had called about were local, so Thomerson could not accept them. “But I told her, ‘You can contact local bowling centers. Sometimes they like to have items for display for their own decorating. Or contact your local historical society;

FEATURE sometimes they like to have something like that, especially if it’s from centers that aren’t in business anymore.’” If the item sounds intriguing, Thomerson usually asks for pictures or more information before she invites the inquirer to send it. She will also consult with other people who work at IBC. “There are so many people around here who know more about bowling history than I do.” And sometimes an item is sent unsolicited and minus a return address, or dropped off at the door—“orphan” donations, they’re called. “There’s no information at all. In those cases, if it’s something we can’t keep, we might sell it during fundraising.” The items she can and does keep tally between 6 and 10 a year. They tend to be small. The museum has all the large items— pinsetters, returns, lanes and the like—it can handle. But some smaller things Thomerson is queried about turn out to be gems, such as a marble-and-metal trophy with an inset clock that was won in the first team match played with AMF’s automatic Pinspotters. (It happened in Mt. Clemens, MI, in September 1951). Or, from the same donor, gold-plated salt and pepper shakers, presented as a consolation prize in an ABC tourney in Atlantic City in 1949. “They’re beautiful. In perfect condition. The lady who donated them to us said, ‘My mother always said that if [you] didn’t come in the top five, your compensation was salt and pepper shakers, a trophy, a loving cup or a watch—none of which you could raise a family on’,” Thomerson

The grand prize awarded in the first ever match played with AMF’s automatic Pinspotters in Mt. Clemens, MI, in September 1951.

relates with a smile. “We have a section that is mostly dedicated to the beer teams but there [are] several items from that time period as well. This trophy [clock] and the salt and pepper shakers fit into that time period, so I was able to add them to that case.”

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FEATURE For variety’s sake, she changes out some items on display from time to time. Since the museum was not designed with special space for traveling exhibits or temporary displays, significant bowling-related events are marked by adding new items on a change-out basis as well. “For example, last Christmas the city of Arlington had a German Christmas market the last part of December. We were a sponsor. We have several German artifacts but they weren’t on display so we put them into the cases [and] had them spread through the entire exhibit to put more focus on the German influence in bowling. We had special stickers made to highlight that this case has artifacts to reflect that.” Visitors to the Arlington museum these days—5- to 6,000 a year—see mostly what the first visitors experienced when IBC opened in January 2010, except for a permanent gallery devoted to professional women bowlers, opened in 2011, and the items on display at IBMHF’s satellite museum in Reno. “There was a meeting room off the museum sometimes used for meetings and small events. We had a committee that wanted Gold-plated salt and pepper shakers to put in a permanent exhibit dedicated to professional women—writers Jim Goodwin and presented as a consolation prize in an ABC tourney in Atlantic City in 1949. Joan Romeo and Hall of Famers Elaine Hagin and Fran Deken. “We hired contractors, had construction done, and had that room completely made over. I did the cases. You hire a designer and the people who will do the fabrication; they built the graphics. The committee put together the text and all the content that would go onto the graphics. [This project] was already started when I came on [October 2010], so it probably took a year. We had our grand opening when the USBC convention and Bowl Expo were here, in Grapevine.” Like the rest of the Arlington floorplan, the women’s area is strongly interactive—meaning that something in the display moves, the visitor The entrance to the Women’s Hall of Fame.

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FEATURE does, or both do. Ronnie the Pinboy, for instance, is a motionless mannequin in a display on the pre-machine way of resetting the pins. But he talks to visitors while changing expressions are projected on to his blank face, and that makes the exhibit

The men’s Hall of Fame.

interactive. The displays at the St. Louis museum were mostly static, reflecting museum technology of the 1980s. Thomerson

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estimates that two-thirds of the Arlington exhibits are interactive. The satellite museum at the National Bowling Stadium, opened in 2012, began with a renovation plan by Stadium authorities that included space dedicated to IBMHF. The Stadium and the city of Reno hired a design firm and built the space to highlight a series of oil portraits of WIBC Hall of Famers. Thomerson thinks the series began in the ’50s and continued until the formation of USBC in 2005. Comparable plaques for ABC men were added to the mix. Then the designers created several large and smaller cases, just right for artifacts in storage at Arlington with nowhere to put them. Thomerson says she did a lot of digging to find out exactly what could best be displayed in Reno. “A lot of stuff was still in the moving boxes. Found many things that weren’t in the computer. That was a massive treasure hunt. We were able to find Earl Anthony’s million-dollar-strike ball. I knew we had it, but not where it was. That’s in Reno now. “It’s a like a treasure hunt,” Thomerson says, reflecting on the best part of her job. “So many times we’ll be going through

FEATURE

The IBMHF reinforces the value of equal access to recreation in the exhibit focusing on wheelchair bowling and the Special Olympics.

what we have and we’ll discover something wonderful and unique. It’s so exciting to find that.” She tells the story of going through the art and posters in the collection for the German Christmas, when a letter dated 1896 unexpectedly turned up. It read, in translation from the German, “It will be an honor for me to belong to the United Kegel Clubs of New York as an honorary member.” It was signed by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, whose plan for a government pension plan was instrumental in uniting the German states toward the end of the 19th century and started the worldwide phenomenon of Social Security-type programs.

“We had no record of it being given, we don’t know who gave it, but we found it and we were able to find somebody who could translate it for us. That was a wonderful little find. And it happens all the time, especially when you’re doing inventory—which has been most of my job since I started.” When we talked, Thomerson had just finished inventorying framed art and posters and was ready to push on to magazines. About 150 boxes worth. And she has a lot more inventorying ahead of her after that. About 1,100 items in the IBMHF collection have been catalogued, she estimates. She is sure that at least 20,000 more still need to be logged into the computer. ❖

Fred Groh is a regular contributor to IBI and former managing editor of the magazine.

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October 2013

REMEMBER WHEN

1964

ooking at this ad for Miller High Life, one would assume life was slow and easy. A night out with friends bowling and a glass of chilled beer were the highlights of the week. But this is 1964 and besides the surge in ABC membership cresting at 4,550,000 and WIBC membership at 2,736,393 and climbing, life was anything but calm.

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October 2013

The counterpoint to this scene is the Vietnam War, civil unrest and the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a 9.2 earthquake in Alaska, the most powerful in U.S. history. On the other hand, movie tickets were $1.25, the annual income $6,000 and gas was $.30 a gallon! Bob Dyan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” released in 1964, couldn’t have been more appropriate. ❖

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Tired of the backache from lifting cases of beer & liquor or struggling to stack heavy beer kegs? Well, that's all in the past with Alcohol Controls' new Keg Lifter. Simply place the desired item that needs lifting onto the stable 22" by 22" platform and with a few pumps of the hydraulic foot pedal, your item is raised to desired height (up to 51") and can be slid into place. Visit the www.AlcoholControls.com to see a video clip or call 800-285-BEER (2337).

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October 2013

Colorfully and unmistakably decorate your center with Brunswick's newly redesigned masking units, sure to capture bowlers' attention and heighten the all-around sensory experience. Massively vibrant, high-quality printed panels cover adjacent pinsetters with continuous graphics that dramatically energize your center. Choose from hundreds of Brunswick designs or custom design your own. For more information, log on anytime to www.brunswickbowling.com/products/maskingunits/ to see the latest designs.

League season is here and to help QubicaAMF has created the League Hotline. You can now email questions about setting up leagues in BLS in Conqueror Pro and you'll get a response within 48 hours. The best part–it's FREE. Managed by Otey Haden, an expert in BLS and Conqueror Pro leagues. Simply send an email with your name, center name, contact number and question to LeagueHotline@qubicaamf.us to get your leagues up and running in no time!

DATEBOOK

OCTOBER

21-25 Brunswick Training classes Vector Scorer Maintenance 800-937-2695 or schools@brunbowl.com

NOVEMBER IBI 3–5 West Coast Bowling Convention Silver Legacy Resort & Casino, Reno Sandi Thompson 925-485-1855

4-8 Brunswick Pinsetter School Pinsetter factory Szekesfehervar, Hungary Siggi Hill Siggi.Hill@brunbowl.com

6-7 BCA of Ohio Fall Seminar and Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363 pat@bowlohio.com IBI

Official magazine of the convention

1 Washington State BPA Season Kick-Off Meeting Greg Olsen 800-736-BOWL 6-9 School for Bowling Center Management Bowling University at East Coast Bowling Centers Convention Atlantic City 800-343-1329

7-9 East Coast Bowling Centers Convention Revel Resort, Atlantic City www.eastcoastbowl.com IBI

13-15 Mid-South Bowling Conference Seminars & Trade Show Sam’s Town, Tunica, MS Dwayne Hippensteel hippensteelcd@aol.com

14-18 Brunswick Training Classes GS Series Pinsetter 800-937-2695 or schools@brunbowl.com IBI

October 2013

C L A S S I F I E D S

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October 2013

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

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

C L A S S I F I E D S

See redline-products.com for replacement foul lights. Home of bowlingtrader.com. FOR SALE: (2) ZOT (completely) Reconditioned Gloss Bosses - $2750/ea. 32+ lanes AMF SPL + install. Call for quote. 24 lanes Super Helix Steltronic w/ flat screens. 24 lanes Excel Scoring w/ flat screens. Parts out the wazoo! Complete installs/packages available. Contact Knotrite LLC @ (970) 946-9933; knotritellc@gmail.com. NEED TO SELL: 12 AMF MOD-4 green masking units, candy machine, pin ball, bar signs, grill & cash register. For more info, call (217) 556-6929. FOR SALE: 32 lanes of AMF equipment. EVERYTHING except wooden lanes. Email: atabatabai3@gmail.com or call: (713) 256-6514.

EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Call (608) 764-1464.

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October 2013

C L A S S I F I E D S

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October 2013

ITEMS WANTED

C L A S S I F I E D S

“WANTED TO BUY” Older Bowling Shirts. Paying $5 - $25 for button front shirts with embroidery or ink lettering on the back. HicardVintage@gmail.com (434) 465-0099.

CENTER FOR SALE ALABAMA: 30-lane, well-established, profitable center with kitchen, lounge & pro shop. Real estate included. Located in thriving Huntsville. Russ Russell Commercial Real Estate (256) 536-7777.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One of the top five places to move! Remodeled 32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1m gets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828) 253-0362. GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, real estate included. Great location in one of fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta. 5 years new with all the amenities. Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751. CENTRAL MINNESOTA: 6-lane center. Owner retiring. $99,900. Hartmann@midwestinfo.net. (320) 760-3377.

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October 2013

CENTERS FOR SALE

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BRIAN ESTES

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

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www.CapitalBowlingService.com

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

MINIATURE GOLF COURSES Indoor/Outdoor. Portable/Pre-Fab. Black Light/Traditional/Pro Putter. 202 Bridge Street Jessup, PA 18434 570-489-8623 www.minigolfinc.com

LOCKER KEYS FAST! •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 INTʼL 530-432-1027 Orange County Security Consultants

IBI

October 2013

CENTER FOR SALE

MICHIGAN-SOUTH CENTRAL: Large center with late model equipment. Strong league base plus high-volume franchise. RE included. Sandy Hansell (800) 222-9131.

CENTER FOR SALE

C L A S S I F I E D S

FLORIDA: 36 lanes, fully remodeled. Tremendous activity. Liquor license, Food, great following with Leagues & Parties. Excellent condition. Great location on main artery. A+ feature is land with exceptional value. Growing business with Cash Flow. Seller retiring, willing to give financing. For complete package, kindly contact: Nick Kayafas, Florida Growth Realty, Inc. (800) 749-9399 or nick@floridagrowthrealty.com.

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. NW NEVADA: Retiring Owner-Financed. 12-Lanes + Leased Café + Large Bar/Lounge + Arcade. Established Bowling Leagues + Pool Leagues/Tournaments + Slots. A-2s, Synthetic Lanes, Auto-Scoring, 13,000 s/f Building, 2 Acres, All Equipment. $950K; $50K Down; 5% Interest. (775) 867-5551 or Email: oasisbowlcasino@yahoo.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

IBI

October 2013

C L A S S I F I E D S

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/

MECHANIC WANTED FULL TIME MECHANIC FOR AMF 82-70 PINSPOTTERS. TARHEELLANES@ATT.NET; (828) 6925039 OR (828) 216-1221.

HELP WANTED SALES REP: Commission. Bowling This Month is seeking an experienced outside sales representative for its print/digital magazine. Prospect, making sales calls. Email Alayne @ alayne@bowlingthismonth.com.

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!

POSITION WANTED Accomplished District Manager with unique Operational, Team Building/Leadership and Marketing skills seeking comparable position. Very organized, self-motivated, multi-task master with a “can do” attitude. Open to relocation. Johnmillen@optonline.net or (201) 657-4684.

SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com. CUSTOM INSTALL SPECIALISTS. No job too odd. Parts out the wazoo! Complete installs/packages available. Contact Knotrite LLC @ (970) 946-9933; knotritellc@gmail.com; www.tenpinartisans.com.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BOWLINGFAN

AMF 5850 & 6525 CHASSIS. Exchange your tired or damaged chassis for an upgraded, rewired, cleaned, painted and ready-to-run chassis. Fast turnaround. WE DO HOUSE CALLS! Lifetime guarantee. References available. CHASSIS DOCTORS (330) 314-8951.

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Andrew Nadler, CEO

(240) 821 - 6900 anadler@summit-strategies.com www.summit-strategies.com Clients include: 54

IBI

October 2013