Page 8 - BCM July 2024

MESSAGE FROM BPAA

One Thing We All Share

Regardless of the business model, proprietors have a single primary focus.

here are many di erent business models that utilize than others; however, all business owners experience
T bowling to attract the public today — far more than government involvement.
in years past. In some models, bowling is the focus. In oth- Whether it’s a matter of interacting with regulatory agen-
ers, bowling might be one component among a multitude cies or dealing with issues such as payroll, tax codes and
of recreational o erings. Some bowling centers feature making sure to comply with laws and ordinances, these
traditional leagues and tournaments, things combine for a ubiquitous experience. Choosing to
while others might be geared more for be proactive by getting involved in politics at the local or
recreational and promotional bowling, or even state level can be extremely bene cial to businesses.
they may o er a swanky, upscale nightclub What does “getting involved” mean? It can be as easy as
atmosphere. contacting a local o cial such as a city or county commis-
But regardless of the model that the busi- sioner and inviting them into your center for a cup of co ee
TYLER ness uses and the issues speci c to each and a brief meet and greet. Such connections could prove
HERREMAN individual business, there are many things to be invaluable when a business owner wants to convey
the operators have in common that make
what impact an impending law, tax, fee or ordinance
their experiences quite similar. would have on their business should it go into e ect.
One common denominator among all proprietors is Bowling’s various business models often share another
customers. After all, what is a business without customers? common trait when they meld into their communities
Each business is trying to craft a customer experience that through various contributions. Whether it involves overt
caters to the wants and needs of their clientele in order to charity work with organizations such as BVL, Big Brothers
build a brand loyalty that results in converting rst-time Big Sisters, St. Jude, Susan G. Komen and so on, or hosting
guests into repeat visitors. events for local schools, daycares, churches, youth pro-
Providing a safe, clean and friendly atmosphere is the grams, senior centers or corporations, bowling centers are
bedrock on which the foundation of each business should places for people to get together and enjoy good fun.
be built. With that solid foundation of a welcoming envi- ink for a moment about all the di erent people
ronment, proprietors can then endeavor to identify what who have shared fond memories from having hosted or
other factors would set them apart from other recreational attended birthday parties at your bowling center. How
businesses and, ultimately, make them successful in their many families over the years have enjoyed an afternoon
market. or evening of bowling together? en multiply that by the
Another commonality with which all proprietors are number of centers you have in your state, your region and
familiar: distributors and vendors. Whether it’s a foodser- across the United States. at’s a lot of happy memories
vice distributor, beer or spirit distributor, or the company that we, as bowling proprietors, make possible.
from which one purchases balls, pins, lane conditioner and e types of individuals that bowling centers welcome
rental shoes, proprietors must engage with and develop on a regular basis run the gamut from the exceptionally
good professional relationships with their distributors and competitive to the most casual of recreational players. e
vendors. sheer number of people who have interacted with bowling
It just so happens that events like BPAA’s International is staggering.
Bowl Expo and the midwinter Bowling Summit provide e business model for bowling centers and the activi-
excellent opportunities to get to know di erent distribu- ties they o er may have evolved in many market areas, but
tors and vendors, many of whom are speci c and exclusive there’s one thing that every center has in common regard-
to the bowling industry. Walking the trade show oor at less of size, location, demographics or the number and mix
either event can be a great opportunity to put a face to a of amenities: the opportunity to provide people of all ages
name, or to say “thank you” to a company representative with a platform to have fun.
with whom you do business.
An unfortunate fact of business that proprietors know Tyler Herreman is part of the family that owns Centen-
all too well involves dealing with and abiding by the local, nial Lanes, a 16-lane center in Hays, Kansas (population:
state and federal government agencies and representa- 21,136). He serves as vice president of the Bowling Propri-
tives. Admittedly, some areas command more interactions etors’ Association of America.

6 • BCM • JULY 2024 www.bcmmag.com

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