BCA Insider - 2016 Expo Edition

BCA Expo Issue | July 1, 2016

ATLANTIC

CHALLENGE CUP ALL YOU

NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EXPO

BCA Insider — A BCA Member Publication Dedicated to Businesses in the Billiard and Home Leisure Industry.

IN THIS ISSUE

Charles S. Donnavan

Atlantic Challenge Cup

10 2016

Effective Store Signage Alexia P. Bullard

12 6 JULY 8-11 Renaissance Schaumburg 16 Hotel 18 26 22 38 42 44 46 68

Junior Nationals Keith Loria

Keith Loria

Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel John Tuttle

Navigating The BCA Expo

McDermott Factory Tour Joe Dyton Riding For A Good Cause Anthony Stoeckert

UC

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BILLIARD

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2016 Exhibitors

2016 BCA Expo Seminars Joe Dyton Hiring A Web Company Brian Offenberger Marketing To Millennials & Boomers Lynn Switanowski

The Retailers Speak Keith Loria

2 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Keith Loria billiardskeith@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexia P. Bullard Charles S. Donnavan Joe Dyton Brian Offenberger Anthony Stoeckert Lynn Switanowski

ADVERTISING MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Shane Tyree shane@bca-pool.com (303) 243-5070 x23

DESIGN/LAYOUT

WELCOME TO THE All of us here at the Billiard Congress of America are thrilled that you have joined us for the 2016 BCA Billiard & Home Leisure Expo, as we return to the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. Once again, we have an incredible array of seminars, live play and other activities on tap for this year and of course, the best exhibitors in the industry.

The 2016 Expo offers the most diverse selection of companies in the billiard and home leisure space ready to do business. You’ll see more than 15 new exhibitors during this year’s Expo! So get ready to connect because as attendees, it’s your job to test drive the hottest and most innovative products and feel the excitement in the air. It’s also your opportunity to take advantage of the myriad “show only” specials offered on the exhibit hall floor.

The 2016 BCA Expo also presents an opportunity for attendees to gather information on future industry trends, take advantage of free educational opportunities, network with industry peers and just have fun in the Greater Chicago area.

Julie Snee julie.snee@gmail.com

By joining us at the Expo this week, you are showing your commitment to our industry and a shared desire to increase business and help everyone in the industry grow. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributer, retailer or room operator, be sure to pay a visit to each of our exhibitors and say hello.

BCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We want to also thank the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, which has been a perfect host.

CHAIRMAN Mike Serra, Championship Cloth

On behalf of the Billiard Congress of America Board of Directors and headquarters staff, enjoy your time in the Windy City. Also, it’s never too early to start making plans for next year’s Expo when we return to Las Vegas!

ART DIRECTOR

VICE-CHAIRMAN Chance Pack, Champion Shuffleboard

SECRETARY Jonathan Goudeau, Indoor Recreation

TREASURER Tony Stick, The Billiard Factory

BOARD MEMBERS Dave Barry, Legacy Billiards Carl Galante, Classic Cue Ivan Lee, Iwan Simonis Brain Rosselli, Olhausen Mfg

4 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

ROB JOHNSON, CEO

BCA Insider is published by Billiard Congress of America © 2016 bcainsider.com

MEET THE ATLANTIC CHALLENGE CUP’S U.S. TEAM

By Charles S. Donnavan After a successful launch of the Atlantic Challenge Cup last year in Rankweil, Austria, the top junior players from the U.S. and Europe will once again square off in the second annual event—July 8-11 in Schaumburg, Illinois, leading up to this year’s BCA Expo.

Last year’s Mosconi Cup-style battle between junior teams representing the Billiard Congress of America and the European Pocket Billiard Federation, respectively, saw some brilliant pool gamesmanship by both teams, with Team Europe winning the tournament at 11-9.

The starting 2016 U.S. team consists of Atlantic Challenge Cup Team USA MVP April Larson, reigning Junior National 9-Ball Champion Christopher Robinson-Reinhold, Shane Wolford, Ryan Ponton, Serena Black and Ricky Evans. Alternates are Zachary Gurganus, Tyler Howell, Sierra Reams and Emily Herpel.

MEET THE TEAM SERENA BLACK 17 | WARRENSBURG, ILLINOIS For Black, representing her country while competing for the Atlantic Challenge Cup is an absolute honor.

“I know athletes that spend their entire lives dreaming about accomplishing something so monumental, and the opportunity is now before me,” Black says. “I am so grateful that I get to stand alongside nine of the greatest juniors in America. Being selected for this event was a great boost of confidence and determination. The bond between Team USA this year is fierce. We are so hungry to defend our home turf.”

She has been playing pool since she was 12, joining leagues and competing regularly, and her only 6 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

regret is that she didn’t start when she was younger.

She has approached preparation for this event from multiple angles.

“I am re-reading a book called ‘Mental Toughness Training for Sports: Achieving Athletic Excellence’ to remind myself how important it is to be mentally prepared as well as physically,” she says. “I have also taken to specifically practicing on nine-foot tables.”

RICKY EVANS

15 | ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Evans, who started playing when he was nine, has watched the Mosconi Cup year after year, hoping to one day make the team. That’s why he’s thrilled he gets the chance to take part in this tournament.

“It means a great deal to me to be able to represent the USA in such a great matchup and I can't wait to play my heart out for our fabulous country,” he says.

“When people see the youth participating in such a significant event it makes people want to learn more and help out. Also, I think it’s an amazing experience to be able to play with and against some of the best juniors in the world.”

APRIL LARSON

16 | BLOOMINGTON MINNESOTA Larson has been playing pool for seven years and loves the excitement and pressure of the game. She calls being part of the Atlantic Challenge Cup Team a dream come true.

“My dream has always been to make it on the Mosconi Cup Team USA at some point in my life so when I heard that a junior type of the Mosconi Cup had been made, I was like a kid in the candy store," she says. I couldn’t believe I would get to experience something like that

Proud Sponsor of

at this young of an age and I am forever grateful I have been able to experience it.”

To prepare for the match, Larson is watching videos and just going back to the fundamentals to make those as strong as possible.

“I think this is a great competition for the sport because it gets young children involved in the pressure pros are exposed to,” she says. “If we juniors get exposed to that pressure at this age, if we go pro just imagine how much stronger we will be in those pressure situations against possibly the best in the world. Also we are getting to play against the best Europeans at this age who are definitely Europe’s up and coming pros.”

RYAN PONTON

19 | BRADLEY, ILLINOIS

Although it took a while for it to sink in that Ponton was going to be representing the entire nation in the sport, once it did, he realized how important it was.

“I think that representing an entire nation is a large responsibility that needs to be handled appropriately and with undying dedication. In the future, being able to say that I was part of Team USA will be one of my greatest accomplishments,” he says. “Not many people are given this amazing opportunity so I intend to make the most of it and enjoy every second until the very end.”

Ponton has been playing pool since he was around three years old and the thing he has come to love the most is the unpredictability of the game.

“Almost anything can happen at any given time. No two layouts or shots are ever exactly the same. Even after 16 years of playing, I still find myself learning new things and seeing things I never thought I would every day,” he says. “One thing I am really focusing on is being mentally prepared. Anyone can make balls and perform the physical part of this game. The real challenge is conquering who you look at in the mirror every day. You have to be able to control your emotions and your thought process in a high-pressure situation such as the Atlantic Challenge Cup.”

CHRIS ROBINSON-REINHOLD

18 | VENTURA, CALIFORNIA

Upon hearing the news that he was among the finalists to compete in the match, Robinson-Reinhold was ecstatic.

8 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

“The fact that I have the awesome opportunity to even have a chance to represent my country in this prestigious tournament means that all my hard work is paying off. Yet, the hardest work is yet to come,” he says. “I am preparing for this tournament by practicing as much as I can, and putting myself in those pressure situations needed to gain experience for this tournament. I’m playing in as many tournaments as possible and playing as many professionals as I can, to give myself that edge over everyone else competing in this tournament.”

He first picked up a pool cue when he was 14 and he was hooked from the start.

“There isn’t one thing I dislike about the game. It was only a few months before I realized that I was going to pursue this as hard as I could, because the passion for the game is there,” he says. “This passion is now more of an addiction, and knowing that I can just get better and better fuels my desire to do so.”

“Hopefully when other kids and their parents see what I have been able to accomplish with this sport, they will find the love for the game that I have,” he says.

“I am honored to have some of the world’s greatest pool players teaching and mentoring us through this process. I am so pumped to compete with and against the world’s best junior players.”

To prepare for the event, Wolford is working on drills and playing in as many tournaments as possible, as well as continuing his online training from Dr. Cue. OPPOSITE: Ryan Ponton, Chris Robinson-Reinhold, Shane Wolford, April Larson, Ricky Evans, and Serena Black

THE ALTERNATES EMILY HERPEL

SHANE WOLFORD 16 | TROUTVILLE, VIRGINIA

16 | FREEHOLD, NEW YORK

Even though there are very few young people in his area who play pool, Wolford has been a champion for the game since he was six.

“It means so much to be a part of this prestigious event and represent our country. For as long as I have been playing this game I have dreamt about playing at this level and now I have gotten my chance.”

ZACHARY GURGANUS

18 | MARIETTA, GEORGIA

2016 JULY 8-11 Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel

“I love playing pool, so being able to do it for my country is an amazing experience. I have been working with Johnny Archer as well as doing drills to work on my cue ball control and pattern play.”

TYLER HOWELL

19 | DAVENPORT, IOWA

“It feels electrifying to be a part of the most elite team the USA has to offer for the 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup. I, along with the other nine great players on the team, am setting a prime example for juniors all over the country and the world on how professional pool should be played.

This means more to me than I can form into words.”

SIERRA REAMS

18 | RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

AT I O N

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BILLIARD

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“There’s not much that any athlete wants more than to be able to represent their country. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity to do so.”

BCAINSIDER.COM | 9

EFFECTIVE IN-STORE SIGNAGE THAT GETS RESULTS

By Alexia P. Bullard

You have less than five seconds to grab a customer’s attention. One of the best ways to do this is through quality signage that gives voice to your brand.

on from that aisle without checking your product. Graphic designer Chet Brown recommends clean, highly readable fonts such as Helvetica and Gotham.

clearance items in the back aisles. This makes them walk past the more tempting displays and newer, full-price products before finding the deals.

Following an effective signage strategy will create a positive experience for the customer and boost product sales.

It’s also important to keep in mind that older customers are more likely to have trouble reading smaller signs. Keep the fonts readable, large, and easy to look at.

5. Put Yourself in Their Shoes

In order to do this, it’s important to remember five key things: 1. Keep It Simple and Consise Clear, compelling language makes all the difference between quality and mediocre signage. Different types of signage serve different purposes, and a retailer must convey these messages in a clear, informative manner. Directional signage, for example, should be concise and instantly readable. Creative signage should tell a story about the product.

2. Use Readable Fonts Just as the copy itself should be easy to read, so should the fonts in which the text is written. Signage that employs clear fonts with just one or two colors grabs the reader’s attention, and then diverts that attention to the product. If figuring out what your sign says is too much effort, or if it doesn’t really impress customers, they are going to move 10 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

3. Give Incentive The most effective in-store signage states the benefits of the customers purchasing the product or service that is being offered. Is the focus on the luxurious build of the table? Would your solid wood rails give a livelier play? The focus of your product should be reflected in your signage.

4. Give Direction Once your customer is in your store, signage should direct their shopping experience. Have in-store signage identifying aisles or displays. Hang signs from ceilings, put displays on the shelves, or use floor decals. Direct customers to the “New Product!” the “Father’s Day Ideas,” the “On Sale” items, or the “Clearance” section.

Get customers to browse through the entire store by putting the sales and

What does your signage look like from further away? Take a walk through your store, and look at all of it from different angles. Make sure the most important signs stand out among the aisles and tables, and can be seen from across the store.

It’s best to place a display approximately 10 to 15 feet back from the front door.

Make sure this display gives customers a feel for the types of products they can expect to find throughout your store.

Nesting tables are perfect for entry displays, and work well for virtually any product.

Window signs, especially animated, are great for grabbing attention. They also work well when announcing special sales, new products, seasonal promotions, and special events.

Effective in-store signage is one of the most salient aspects of retail. By following these tips, you can create and position signage that will engage customers and significantly improve sales.

JUNIOR NATIONALS

READY FOR BATTLE

By Keith Loria

The Billiard Education Foundation will host the 28th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships, July 13-16, at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, alongside the BCA Expo.

The BEF Junior Nationals remains the only youth billiard event in the nation that qualifies student-athletes to compete in junior events all around the world, such as the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and the Atlantic Challenge Cup. In fact, last year’s Junior Nationals qualified its largest group of 16 players to represent the U.S. at the World Junior Championships.

“The future of the game lies in our ability to develop tomorrow’s players.

For this to occur, we need to develop and support youth initiatives, including the BEF Junior Nationals, Atlantic Challenge Cup and WPA Junior 9-Ball Championships, that make kids want to

play the game,” says Rob Johnson, CEO of the BCA. “It’s our entire industry’s job to help our youth discover the great game of pool.”

The tournament, which brings in young players from throughout the U.S. to compete for scholarships and prizes, will feature young billiard players competing in four divisions: 18 and under boys; 18 and under girls; 14 and under boys; and 14 and under girls.

“The year 2015 was a great year, jampacked with junior state championships and an amazing Junior Nationals,” says Samm Diep-Vidal, BEF executive director. “This year, we are anticipating our largest field ever, filling all four divisions with a total of 196 players and a waitlist to get in.”

Colorado’s Amanda “The Ripper” Campbell is looking forward to the

event because she wants to play the best and see how far she’s come.

“Since Nationals has so much competition, I love playing against them and seeing what I can learn and take from the experience,” the 12-year-old says.

“The things that I love most about pool are it’s a very fun sport in general because of all of the new things you can learn and all of the people you meet.

I love the feeling of when you make a ball and it drops in the pocket. Most people would think, ‘well you hit the ball a certain way and it goes in.’ I like to think that all the things that you learned go into that shot. You’re able to make that shot because of how much time and effort you spent practicing until you got it right.”

Campbell is preparing for the competition by practicing her weaker shots and playing with more difficult opponents.

“When you play with people that are better than you, a lot of people underestimate how much you can learn from them. When you play even just a single game, there’s a lot you can learn,” she says. “A lot of people think it makes you worse because all you do is get beat, when actually you get better. I practice a lot of drills and really focus on my weak spots.”

Tatum Cutting, 13, from Diamond, Ohio, is most looking forward to seeing the people she met last year and rekindling those friendships. Of course,

12 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

she is also interested in meeting new competitors as well.

should consider putting billiards in the Olympic Games.”

“I am really looking forward to playing against people I know and those who I don’t know,” she says. “To prepare myself for a competition like this, I practice almost every day doing drills and also playing the game that is going to be portrayed at the tournament.”

Nathan Childress, 13, from North Chesterview, Virginia, is the defending boys 14-and-under champion, having won the National 9-Ball Championship in Las Vegas last year, defeating Hunkins in a close 9-6 battle.

Cutting feels the next generation of pool players is going to be one of the best ever, and that the Junior Nationals is a great way to show the world how good these youngsters can be.

“It gives us juniors a chance to show that we are capable of competing in an event such as this,” she says. “I love that the game of pool doesn’t just offer me a hobby but also a future life. Pool is the one sport that I am able to play with many people that are important to me.”

with them and encouraging them,” Johnson says. “We wanted to create an environment on the floor with play, and we thought youth was the perfect group to team up with because they’re the future of the game. We wanted the industry to see these kids, and to energize the industry with the kids that are playing.”

“I like competing against other people.

I am excited to defend my title and see the friends I have made over the years in the pool world,” he says. “I’ve been practicing hard, up to eight hours a day to get ready. You have to, because this tournament brings out the best ready to compete.”

Another winner last year, Ashley Fullerton, 13, from Lake Park, Minnesota, who took the 14 & Under Girls Championship by besting Cutting, is also keen on trying to defend her title.

“

THE FUTURE OF THE GAME LIES IN OUR ABILITY TO DEVELOP TOMORROW’S PLAYERS.”

Kaiden Hunkins, 14, from Waukesha, Wisconsin, is excited to be heading to Chicago to play in this year’s Junior Nationals event.

“I’m really looking forward to hanging out with my pool friends from all over the United States,” says the ninth grader from Waukesha STEM Academy. Hunkins is considered one of the top young players in the country. “I love how the game makes me feel, like I can control the game. When I get into pool playing mode, nothing can stop me.”

While Hunkins has some friends in his area that play, he doesn’t get the competition that he feels is necessary for him to get better, which is why he thinks an event like this is so vital to the game.

“Since you are competing with the best from all over, it really keeps you on your toes,” he says. “Billiards is an up and coming sport. The United States

“I love that pool is so challenging and you can learn so much from the game,” she says. “The Junior Nationals is important because it gives kids a chance to compete with others their own age and learn things they didn’t know.”

Also last year, the title of 18 & Under Boys champion went to California Jr. State 9-Ball winner Chris Robinson of Ventura, California, who defeated fellow Atlantic Challenge Cup U.S. team member Josh Franklin; and in the 18 & Under Girls division, 15-year-old April Larson went undefeated to continue her reign as girls champion.

This will be the third year in a row that the tournament is held in conjunction with the Expo, which is great for both the kids and the game.

“This allows for these kids to feel like heroes of the trade show, with many of the attendees watching them, talking

OPPOSITE: Ashley Fullerton, Nathan Childress, Tatum Cutting ABOVE: Hailey Fullerton, Amanda Campbell, Kaiden Hunkins PHOTO CREDIT: JP Parmentier, BEF BCAINSIDER.COM | 13

2016 JUNIOR NATIONALS SCHEDULE BUSINESS UNUSUAL EMBRACING THE UNEXPECTED. At Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, we believe every stay is an opportunity to discover something wonderfully new. Our imaginative urban design and unbeatable location lets guests view business travel as an adventure. Defying conventional travel for those who crave unexpected experiences.

It’s everything you need and nothing you’d expect. It’s Business Unusual.

RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL 1551 N. Thoreau Dr. | Schaumburg, IL RenaissanceSchaumburg.com

/RenaissanceSchaumburg @Ren_Schaumburg

SUPPORT THE CUP!

TUESDAY, JULY 12 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Optional adult-youth scotch doubles for early arrivals

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 8 a.m.-Noon

Player Check-in

Noon-1 p.m.

Mandatory Players Meeting

1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Group Photo

2 p.m.-3 p.m.

Draw/Practice

3 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Competition

THURSDAY, JULY 14 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Competition

Noon-6 p.m.

Junior Artistic Pool Prelim Rounds

FRIDAY, JULY 15

The Atlantic Challenge Cup

Team USA vs. Team Europe July 8-11 2016  Chicago, Illinois Contact the Billiard Congress of America for Details (303) 243-5070

14 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Competition

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Junior Artistic Pool Prelim Rounds

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Expo Open to JNC Attendees

5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Banquet

9 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Practice

SATURDAY, JULY 16 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Competition

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Junior Artistic Pool Finals

3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Finals

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Awards & Photos

e D d L I i W S SHOW YOUR

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By John Tuttle The BCA Expo will keep you plenty busy this year with informative seminars, great competitions and the chance to meet the movers and shakers in the industry who help keep our industry growing, but during those times you need a little downtime, the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg has a lot to offer, as well.

Our host hotel is not only a great place to hold a large event like the Expo, it’s also the perfect place to socialize, relax and have fun. Rooms are stylish while making you feel at home, with 32inch flat panel HDTV’s and high-speed Internet access.

Plus, the hotel is the ideal spot for the Expo, with a convention center that provides more than 100,000 square feet of flexible, pillarless space. There’s no doubt you’ll need to get some work done while away, and the 24-hour business center has what you need to get the job done. Its services include copy service, fax service, messenger service, overnight delivery and pickup, and post/parcel.

Services available for meetings include wired and wireless Internet access, messenger service, and more. Meeting equipment available includes a 35-mm projector, AV equipment, film projects, LCD panel, polling devices, a portable PA system, and more.

When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast, continental breakfast or full American breakfast. Sam & Harry’s Steak House is renown for its USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood and selection of vintage wines. For a tasty quick bite, check out the Wintergarden Café, which sells Starbucks beverages (both hot and iced), along with pastries, sandwiches, 16 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

and light salads. For some casual socializing, you and your friends will want to head to the Gather Bar to “gather” for delicious food and great cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere, the perfect spot to wind down after a busy day at the Expo.

After eating all of that delicious food, you’re going to need some exercise. The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel Fitness Center has cardiovascular equipment, free weights, along with treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool and a whirlpool.

Feel like a little pampering while you’re away? Asha By Aveda is a spa located two miles from the hotel, offering body scrubs, body wraps, facials, massages, manicures/pedicures, foot baths, and more. Other spas in the area include Mario Tricoci, and Season’s Salon and Spa. If sightseeing is your thing, you can take an architecture tour through the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise.

Other options include Mystic Blue Cruises and the Spirit of Chicago Cruise, which offer views of the city via Lake Michigan.

And if you’re looking for the best in dining and shopping, The Renaissance Schaumburg provides shuttle service to the Woodfield Mall, a top destination for upscale shopping and delightful dining. Another famed shopping destination is the Arboretum of South Barrington.

Attending the BCA Expo means traveling to an exciting event, but thanks to the Renaissance Schaumburg, you’ll also feel right at home.

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DINING INING & ELEVATED PLAY

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McDERMOTT HANDCRAFTED CUES TO OFFER FACTORY TOUR FOR EXPO GUESTS

By Joe Dyton manufacturing facility, as each aspect of the cue-making process will be explained, with plenty of time for Q&A along the way.

“We do not want this to be a, ‘look at that machine, isn’t it cool?’ type of tour,” Werner says. “We hope our guests will learn and appreciate what goes into making each and every McDermott cue. Lunch will be provided and we have a surprise event planned for the return trip to Schaumburg.”

Anyone who’s ever been curious to find out how McDermott Handcrafted Cues makes its products will get their chance to see the process up close and personal. The cue manufacturer will be giving a pre-BCA Expo tour of its factory, located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin on July 12. This will be the first time McDermott will be holding such a tour, but it’s not out of the question that it could be done again.

“Could we do it again? Possibly,” says Andy Werner, McDermott’s director of sales and marketing. “It worked out well for us to offer it this year with the BCA event being just an hour and a half away from our facility. We often hear how people wish they could see how our cues are made.”

The McDermott factory tour will be free to attend for Expo attendees, with shuttle service provided from the Renaissance Chicago/Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, leaving around 9 a.m., and returning at 2 p.m. Lunch will be served.

The showroom is stocked with the company’s latest products and there will be several pool tables available for guests to try out some of McDermott’s cues or high-performance shafts. McDermott will also be offering several “hands on” cue-building opportunities that guests can partake in if they so choose. Safety goggles will be provided, but guests are encouraged to wear proper attire and footwear—and of course ask questions!

Before this tour, people could only get an idea of McDermott’s cue-making process through videos, but now that process can be seen firsthand. Attendees will see how McDermott cues are built. Plus small groups will be guided through the 18 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

Most of the McDermott staff will be involved to some degree, whether it is a hands-on demo or description of what is being done to a cue.

“The bulk of the tour will be handled by our management, sales and marketing staff with some manufacturing staff sprinkled in,” Werner says. “My role in the tour itself will be more of a host to answer questions and get everyone where they need to be. This is definitely a team effort.”

For the McDermott team, the hope is guests will understand how a pool cue is made and for them to appreciate the amount of skill, time and effort that goes into each one. Although McDermott cues are thought of as “production cues,” they are made to order in the United States, which the company wants to make sure its dealers know.The factory tour will also be a chance to show dealers how McDermott can customize a cue to each player’s specifications.

“How often do you get an opportunity to see how the products you see and use every day are made? Very rarely,” Werner says. “This is a dealer’s opportunity to know and understand our products more thoroughly, which will help them educate their customers in the same way. At the very least, you’ll get a free lunch out of it.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:    

(800) 666-2283 SALES@MCDERMOTTCUE .COM MCDERMOTTCUE.COM @MCDERMOTTCUE

T G N I T A G I NAV The Billiard & Home Leisure Expo, this year held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, is an invaluable source for people in the billiard business, whether you’re a veteran in the industry or have just opened up your first store. For 33 years, the Expo’s mix of speakers, exhibitors, tournaments and events has helped people stay up to date on products and trends so that their businesses can be at their very best.

With so many activities, and so much information available, it’s vital that Expo participants find just what they’re looking for, and that’s where this handy fact sheet comes into play. It’s designed to make the Expo simple and enjoyable, so that you can learn the things you need to help your business grow.

As always, the Expo will offer a who’s who of specialty billiard and home recreation retailers, as well as manufacturers, installers and billiard room owners and operators.

THE EXHIBITORS With an audience mix of 83 percent billiard retailers, 10 percent home leisure retailers, 5 percent billiard room operators and 2 percent representing some other segment of the industry, the BCA Expo is the perfect 22 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

opportunity for exhibitors to meet these movers and shakers, and display products the retailers’ customers will be seeking and purchasing during the upcoming year.

Of those attending, 85 percent make purchasing decisions and 12 percent make recommendations to those doing the purchasing. There is no other event in the billiard industry that can boast that kind of potential.

For a complete list of exhibitors, turn to our handy guide in the pages ahead.

8-BALL AMATEUR TOURNAMENT After last year’s successful debut of the BCA Expo 8-Ball Amateur Tournament, the second annual event will occur with the first 32 registrants and will once again take place on the exhibit floor during show hours on Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14. The entry fee to participate in the tournament is $100 with all tournament proceeds going to Billiard Education Foundation initiatives. The event is open to all 2016 BCA Expo exhibitors and attendees who are amateur players. Professionals and junior BEF competitors are not eligible to compete.

QUICK FACTS WHO CAN ATTEND THE EXPO?

This Expo is a business-to-business event, and is open to qualified professionals of the billiard and home leisure industries only. This Expo is not open to the general public.

BCA MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES

If you would like information about BCA membership, contact Shane Tyree at 303-243-5070, extension 23.

BCA MEMBERSHIP DESK

The BCA Membership Desk will be located at registration, and available to answer any questions or help those who wish to join the BCA. For those with questions about their membership status, reach out to Lynda Bradt or Shane Tyree in the BCA Booth (#927).

LOST BADGES

Any lost or misplaced badges can be reissued at a cost of $10 per badge.

No exceptions.

ATTENDEE BADGES

A simple color system will be utilized to assist attendees in properly identifying the business classifications of all BCA Expo 2016 attendees and exhibitors.

O P X E A C B E TH

By Keith Loria

Retailer/Operator

Exhibitor

Manufacturer (non-exhibitor)

Distributor (non-exhibitor)

Media

Instructor

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel......... 847-303-4100 American Airlines.................................................. 800-433-7300 Southwest Airlines.................................................. 800-435-9792 United Airlines...................................................... 800-241-6522 Delta Airlines........................................................ 800-455-2720 Windy City Limousine............................................ 847-916-9300 O’Hare Int'l Airport............................................... 800-832-6352 Midway Int'l Airport............................................... 800-832-6352 American Taxi....................................................... 847-255-9614

Guest/Speaker/Child

BADGES FOR CHILDREN

WHERE TO EAT

There is no advance registration for children under 18. You can register your children on site but an adult must accompany children under the age of 18 at all times. Badges for children 1217 are $25 each. There is no charge for children under the age of 12.

There are a host of great food options nearby the Convention Center for Expo attendees and exhibitors who want to wander out for a bite.

BASEBALL SCHEDULE

2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg 847-805-0257 | level257.com

With the All-Star Game scheduled for July 12, both the Cubs and White Sox are off for most of the Expo’s run. However, the Cubs will welcome the Texas Rangers in a three-game interleague matchup Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 15-17), with all games starting at 1:20 p.m. For those who may come in early for the Expo, the White Sox will host the Braves the weekend before the show (July 9-10) with 1:10 start times for both contests.

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FUN THINGS TO DO AROUND CHICAGO Field Museum of Natural History..................................... amnh.org Navy Pier............................................................. navypier.com Shedd Aquarium.............................................. sheddaquarium.org Art Institute of Chicago..................................................artic.edu Willis Tower Skydeck............................................. heskydeck.com Lincoln Park Zoo......................................................... lpzoo.org Millennium Park............................................. millenniumpark.org

BCAINSIDER.COM | 23

24 | BCA INSIDER • SUMMER 2016

TUESDAY, JULY 12 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Social Media Boot CAMP Speaker: Shari Stauch, Pool & Billiard Magazine

4 - 5 p.m.

BCA Annual Membership Meeting

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Unlocking the Key to Growth for Your Billiard Business Speaker: Lynn Switanowski, Creative Business Consulting Group, LLC

9:50 a.m.

Expo 2016 Ribbon Cutting

10 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Opens

2 - 3 p.m.

Social Media Success Stories Speaker: Shari Stauch, Pool & Billiard Magazine

5 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Closes

5:15 - 6:15 p.m.

BCA 2015 Industry Social

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10 Tips for Better Business Results Speaker: Brian Offenberger, RightOn - NoBull Marketing

10 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Opens

2 - 3 p.m.

15 Secrets of Top Performing Websites Speaker: Brian Offenberger, RightOn - NoBull Marketing

3 - 5 p.m.

Free Beer in the BCA Booth

5 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Closes

FRIDAY, JULY 15 10 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Opens

2 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Closes

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CEEDS TO SUPPORT PR O

RIDING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

By Anthony Stoeckert Championship is offering bikers the chance to take an amazing adventure during the BCA Expo, while also helping to save lives.

A leader in billiard cloth manufacturing is sponsoring its inaugural Rally for the Rack motorcycle ride, July 14. Participants can ride their own motorcycles or for a donation of $125 (plus $25 if you bring a passenger) can ride a bike Championship is leasing. The ride will head to Lake Geneva, where Championship has rented a restaurant, for a campfire and barbecue before a night ride back to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

Fred Cohen, the owner of Championship and an organizer of the Rally, believes that the billiard industry should be like other sports and unite behind causes as a way to promote the sport and, more importantly, do something good for a worthy cause. And when he didn’t see it happening, he decided to step forward.

“Leaders lead and leaders show leadership,” says Cohen, whose company is based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

“I felt that when you look around the industry on the trade show floor, not 26 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

by monetarily in size but by market share dominance, Championship is a pretty big leader in the billiard industry. Granted, all we sell is billiard cloth, but we can make an impact.”

Cohen decided to do something for breast cancer as his mother and sister are survivors. So Championship created a pink kit, featuring a pink cue ball, pink racks (a 15-ball triangle, a 9-ball triangle), a pink bridgehead and a pink tray. The items are sent to bars and commercial pool halls to be used during the month of May to raise awareness of breast cancer. The kits were sold at no profit, and the hope was that halls would make a small donation to a breast cancer charity.

Meanwhile, Championship made donations to HIS, which raises awareness and offers education about breast cancer in men.

“When I discovered the HIS breast cancer awareness program, I realized their mission statement was to educate men first, and women second, about the risks of breast cancer, which I thought was rather strange,” Cohen says. “But after looking into it, I realized a lot of men do actually get breast cancer. But unfortunately, they don’t catch it like

women do, because why would they?

They’re not looking for it.”

“

I REALIZED A LOT OF MEN DO ACTUALLY GET BREAST CANCER.”

Championship also has made several donations totaling around $12,000, to HIS. “I felt that regardless of what we sold, we’re promoting them and promoting the cause,” Cohen says. “And as a leader in the industry, we should donate to the cause.”

Cohen is a big sports fan and drew his inspiration from what he saw other leagues do to raise awareness for breast cancer.

“They all try and figure out some way to honor moms in May for Mother’s Day,” he says. “Whether it’s the pink armbands and baseball bats and bases, or whether it’s October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the NFL where the guys wear pink shoes and the referees wear pink hats.”

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This was the fourth year Championship has provided the pink kits, and with the Expo being in Illinois this year, Cohen wanted to do something that raised money for a cause and also brought people from the billiard industry together.

“It just so happens that a number of us in the industry ride motorcycles, and in Vegas last year, we rented motorcycles and went on a motorcycle ride,” Cohen says. “We wanted to do something different than playing golf or going out to dinner, or whatever we would normally do as an industry to socialize. Everybody talked about how much fun it was to go out to Vegas, rent a motorcycle, and drive around the dessert. I said, ‘Why don’t we rent motorcycles, ride them to Lake Geneva and make a ride out of it?’”

He contacted some people who went on last year’s ride, talked with them about the idea for the Rally, and everyone thought it was a great idea.

“We all got excited and I said, ‘Let’s make it an industry event, and let’s invite everybody in the industry who wants to rent a motorcycle, or have a motorcycle provided to them, join us for the ride,’” Cohen says.

Championship reserved 25 motorcycles in Chicago—Indians, Harley Davidsons, Hondas, BMWs, Triumphs and others. By late May, 15 to 20 people had signed up, but most of them owned their own motorcycles, so it’s still not known how many motorcycles will be available to rent.

The bikes will be delivered to the center on Thursday. On Friday, after the show ends around 5 p.m., the group

28 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

will drive a route between Schaumburg and the restaurant.

“It will be a nice social event, benefiting breast cancer,” Cohen says, adding that Championship will make donations to HIS. “For every person who goes, we’re making a $100 donation for the driver, and a $25 donation for passengers.” He adds that the actual cost of renting the motorcycles is $200.

“100 percent of the event is going to be underwritten by Championship, but we’re just looking for the stakeholders who are attending to make a nice donation to the charity,” he says.

And if you don’t ride a motorcycle, you can still participate. A bus will travel with the ride, and for a $25 donation, people can ride the bus, support the riders, and enjoy the barbecue.

“We want it to be an industry social event where we can make some money for a good cause,” Cohen says. “Regardless, Championship is going to make a donation to the breast cancer group anyway, so why not try and get some additional support from our industry?”

He says one of his motivations is the responsibility of being a leader in the billiard industry.

“It’s about showing the industry that leaders lead, and if you’re going to be a leader, I think there’s a social consciousness that you should have to want to give back,” Cohen says. “We’re lucky enough to be a successful company within this industry, and I think it should be part of our charter to be charitable and give something back.”

Cohen’s other charitable endeavors include sitting on the board of Suzanne’s Friends for Life, a chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation, named in honor of an Illinois woman who died from Leukemia after having a baby. He also sits on the board of Maccabi USA, which supports Jewish athletes, and sends athletes to the World Maccabiah Games in Israel. Those two groups and his work with HIS are the three areas where most of his philanthropy goes. As his father passed away from Lymphoma, Cohen also does some work with the Lymphoma Society in Chicago.

He adds that he and his partners are devoted to philanthropy and donate tens of thousands of dollars a year to charities.

Cohen says he hopes the ride becomes a regular event at future Expos, and he also would like to see the billiard industry form a charitable arm, similar to organizations such as basketball’s NBA Cares.

“It has to come from industry leaders,” Cohen says. “Championship will continue to lead the way and will always be a charitable company, that’s just ingrained in me.

Giving back is an important aspect to me.

And I think the industry ought to adopt some of that. There’s a lot to be said for Karma. I think you have good Karma if you do good things for other people, and I think it’s important to have that in life and it’s important to have that in business.

For information on the rally or to find out how to purchase the pink kits to raise awareness of breast cancer, go to www.champbilliards.com.

For more information on HIS, go to www.hisbreastcancer.org.

SEMINARS TO PROVIDE EXPO ATTENDEES WITH MARKETING TIPS, SALES STRATEGIES AND MORE

By Joe Dyton The BCA Expo is a great opportunity for those in the billiard industry to network with one another, check out new products, and more. However, the Expo also offers opportunities for its attendees to learn something new through educational seminars.

This year, the seminars include learning how to improve business profits with 10 Tips for Better Business Results and how to get more out of a company website with 15 Secrets of Performing Websites.

Also on this year’s seminar roster is a Social Media Boot Camp along with tips on how to market your business both to Baby Boomers and Millennials.

10 TIPS FOR BETTER BUSINESS RESULTS; 15 SECRETS OF PERFORMING WEBSITES Keynote marketing and sales speaker Brian Offenberger will give not one, but two seminars at this year’s Expo.

The first, 10 Tips for Better Business Results, will provide the audience with 10 ideas that are important for growing sales and profits; it’s ideal for business owners and those who are in charge of profits and losses.

38 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

“I wanted to conduct this seminar because lots of business owners and managers have the wrong ideas about how to get the right things,” Offenberger says.

“I saw too many small business owners struggling to grow and earn a comfortable living and wanted to share the foundational concepts necessary for growth and a good living.”

Offenberger, who owns and operates three businesses and has helped hundreds of business owners grow their sales and profits, hopes attendees will get excited and motivated to take the right actions to increase their sales and profits with less stress.

“People should attend because they’ll get proven successful tips to improve their business,” Offenberger says. “This is a fast-paced session full of practical tips anyone can use right away for better results.”

Offenberger’s second seminar, 15 Secrets of Performing Websites, is geared to teach people how they can use their website to convert a higher percentage of visitors into customers. The seminar is perfect for business owners or anyone responsible for their company website or company sales.

“Most websites only convert about three percent of visitors into customers or desired business actions,” Offenberger

says. “Others, however, convert at substantially higher rates. Since websites are so important in sales and marketing today, I want to help businesses grow sales, and this is a foundational way to make that happen.”

Attendees will gain more leads and sales from their website if they apply what they learn from the seminar, according to Offenberger.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOOT CAMP Social media and website coach Shari Stauch will help seminar attendees increase their online presence and bring in new customers.

“I see plenty of untapped potential among billiard businesses to excite and engage their customers and as a bonus, grow pool’s audience, just by using free online exposure,” Stauch says.

Stauch has worked with hundreds of social media and website clients and has more than 30 years experience in the billiard world as an owner of Pool & Billiard Magazine, room proprietor, league operator, professional player, promoter and author, which makes her uniquely qualified to help other billiard businesses find success.

Brian Offenberger

Shari Stauch

Lynn Switanowski

“Businesses are often intimidated by online marketing and we’ll take the fear factor out of the equation with useful, actionable tips and tricks that can have them sharing new content and attracting new audiences the very same day,” Stauch says.

Attendees should also bring their laptops or mobile devices as the workshop will be interactive and hands-on.

They should also bring their own login information for their current website and social media platforms so they can implement tips and tricks that are discussed in real time.

An experienced BCA show presenter, Switanowski wanted to present this seminar to meet the needs of the audience. By connecting with her audience directly, Switanowski has learned this group can use marketing tools to help modernize their business, regardless of size, and they’re always eager to learn new ways of doing things.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or expert, Stauch’s Social Media Boot Camp will provide new information in a nurturing environment.

Over the past year, Stauch has worked in partnership with the BCA to offer four free teleconference seminars. Anyone who’s attended at least two of the four teleconferences will receive a free lunch at the Expo.

“Getting together for four hours of training and networking will let each (attendee) share insights with others as to what’s worked with their own businesses,” Stauch says. “Fostering connections with other businesses is just as critical as forging new customers. As we tell folks, it’s not the CON of Content, but the CON of Connection that makes social media efforts truly successful.”

The next day, Stauch will lead another hour-long session specifically to let billiard businesses share their social media success stories as practical examples to others still feeling their way through or looking for creative alternatives to their current digital strategies. Stauch also encourages BCA members to take advantage of the free access to calls and live gatherings at the Expo.

“We hope the early enthusiasm and success of this program, both the teleconference calls and live get-togethers, will be the springboard to ongoing training and continued conversations about how to best use social media and online tools to grow billiard businesses,” she says.

MARKETING TO BOOMERS AND MILLENNIALS Lynn Switanowski, retail expert from the Boston-based Creative Business Consulting Group, will host a seminar that focuses on marketing to the Boomer generation and Millennials alike and is geared to give billiard businesses information on what today’s consumer wants, needs and expects from the retail businesses they interact with.

“As consumers’ needs change on how they want to be marketed to, it’s critical for billiard business owners to understand how to create messages that resonate with their target customers,” Switanowski says. “I love sharing this critical information with show attendees.”

The combination of her 30 years of retail experience and being a constant student to keep up with changes in consumer trends has helped her put together this seminar.

“What I hope attendees get out of the seminar is different ways of creating messages for these two critical purchasing groups, Boomers and Millennials, so they can connect more effectively, meaning they get more customers into their stores and locations to generate sales,” Switanowski says. “People should attend to keep up to date with current consumer behavior information as well as to walk away with tactical advice that can be implemented immediately to help their businesses connect with customers.”

Marketing to Boomers and Millennials attendees will not only learn about consumer behavior trends and get marketing ideas for their billiard business, they’ll also get a chance to network with other billiard owners who may be using different marketing tactics. It’s a golden opportunity to learn from industry peers and walk away with ideas that can improve your business, according to Switanowski.

BCAINSIDER.COM | 39

SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE HIRING A WEB COMPANY

By Brian Offenberger

You need a new website and there are loads of web companies that would love to do it for you. How do you find the right one who’ll get the work done on time and on budget? The place to start is by asking the right questions.

1. What happens if you’re not satisfied at the end of the project?

Don’t be fooled by claims of money-back guarantees. A savvy web company will assure you that it won’t come to that because you’ll get regular progress reports during the website design.

You’ll be able to make adjustments as needed, long before the completion of the project.

2. Who is actually doing the work?

The company you are contracting with for your website redesign may not be the ones actually performing the writing, programming and other services. Find out exactly who will be working on your project and learn about the qualifications of each person. If you are talking to a one-person shop, make sure there is a backup in case the original consultant can’t finish the job.

42 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

3. Does the web company have alliances with other vendors?

Many websites involve content management systems, shopping carts, email software and other software necessary for business operations. Find out if the web company has any affiliations with vendors that would prevent them from presenting a range of solutions from different providers. Make sure you clearly understand any commissions the web company may get from any software sales.

4. Has the web firm worked with smaller companies?

It’s quite the fashion for web companies to tout their impressive lists of Fortune 500 clients. What matters to most of you however is that the web company understands the marketing needs of smaller firms with smaller budgets. It’s quite helpful as well if they know your industry along with fundamental concepts behind running a successful enterprise.

5. Who is the project manager?

Run in another direction if there isn’t a clear answer to this one. It’s this per-

son’s job to get your new website done right, on time and on budget. Make sure this person is easy to reach, recognizes your needs and speaks in a language you can understand.

6. How will the new website be supported after it is complete?

Lots of web companies move on to other projects after your new website is done, making them hard to reach. Find out early the type of long-term support offered by the web company and nail down the specifics. Again, beware of being passed along to a third party.

7. What is this going to cost me?

Insist on a flat fee for the website and set up a payment schedule tied to the progress of the project. Many companies accept 30 percent upfront, portions as the project achieves certain milestones, and the balance paid upon completion. Get the details in writing, including interaction and evaluation dates, and insist on a reduction in payment should the project not be completed on time.

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MARKETING TO MILLENNIALS AND BOOMERS

By Lynn Switanowski Marketing for business works if you’re able to tell the right story to the right people—at the right time. So let’s ask the question—Who are you trying to attract with your billiard business’ marketing messages and what are you saying in order to help drive sales this year and beyond?

Retail sales in 2016 and the immediate future will be driven by two consumer groups—Baby Boomers and Millennials—who will have the majority of the buying power for consumer goods and services for the next 20-plus years.

This presents your business with an opportunity to deliver marketing messages specifically targeted to the needs and likes of these two groups that can help create loyal customers for years to come. So what do you need to say—and do—to get these shoppers in your doors?

The Millennials: Born between 1980 and 2000 currently make up one third of the total population. This generation has grown up shaped by technology, and uses it for everything.

Creativity in their work and in their life is a powerful driver for influencing purchase decisions, including looking to connect with brands that share their creative approach to life.

Millennials use mobile devices 84 percent of the time to shop, even when 44 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

they are in a store. They access the Internet more through their phone then through a computer, which means your marketing and marketing outreach activities must look good when delivered via a mobile device.

This generation is very comfortable interacting with their peers on social media, often folks they've never met. They are also willing to share personal information with companies in exchange for something they value. To maximize this opportunity, you should create marketing programs that ask for information and then deliver them something for doing so. Running contests, offering coupons for signing up for things or for coming into the store and trying out equipment are perfect ways to engage Millennial shoppers.

Keep in mind that millennials are just as eager to share negative experiences so make sure you pay attention to what they are saying about your brand at all times and respond accordingly, and quickly.

The Boomers: Born between 1946 and 1964, they currently represent 44 percent of the population and control 70 percent of the country’s disposable income today.

As consumers, Boomers have a shared sense of commitment and camaraderie, and have been shaped with their spend-

ing habits by a depression-like mentality—frugal in nature and always putting saving at the forefront. In order to market effectively to the Boomer shopper, it is important to focus on the value proposition as it relates to long-term quality and care. Integrity and honesty about the brands they're buying in the stores they're buying from is a critically important message to deliver.

While Boomers did not grow up with technology, they have certainly embraced it as a tool for getting information.

Boomers are the second-heaviest users of the web behind Millennials, constantly searching for products and services information with the intention to buy.

When marketing to Boomers, make sure to use a personalized approach.

Send thank-you notes, birthday cards and holiday greetings as a way to show your appreciation for their business.

Whatever you do, don't call Boomers old! They have young personalities and do not respond to marketing messages aimed for seniors.

Whether your customer is a Boomer or a Millennial, your billiard business must make it as easy as possible for both groups to shop via the channel they want to, at the time they want and how they want to.

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46 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

ARAMITH/FUSION/SALUC 237 1931 Industrial Drive Libertyville, IL 60048  847-549-6109 |  847-549-6110  martha@aramithna.com www.aramith.com www.fusiontables.com

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BANDAI NAMCO AMUSEMENT 951 Cambridge Dr. Elk Gove Village, IL 60007  847-264-5610 |  847-264-5611 www.bandainamco-am.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Erik Gilly, Sales Manager egilly@bandainamco-am.com ABOUT: Bandai Namco is the premier manufacturer of home and coin-operated arcade games and attractions.

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CANADA BILLIARD & BOWLING, INC. BUTTERFLY NORTH AMERICA 4482 Technology Drive Wilson, NC 27896  252-291-8202 |  252-291-8203  cburner@butterflyna.com www.butterflyna.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Rob Johnson, BCA CEO rob@bca-pool.com • Shane Tyree, Membership Manager shane@bca-pool.com • Lynda Bradt, Bookkeeper lynda@bca-pool.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Chris Burner, Sales Manager cburner@butterflyna.com

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BILLIARDS DIGEST 55 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60604  312-341-1110 |  312-341-1469  mikep@lubypublishing.com www.billiardsdigest.com 48 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

315

ABOUT: Butterfly – The official ball and table sponsor of the World Table Tennis Championships.

813

901

4050 Industriel Blvd.

Laval, Quebec, Canada H7L 6C3  450-963-5060 |  450-963-4500  info@canadabilliard.com www.canadabilliard.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Michel Lemyre, President info@canadabilliard.com ABOUT: Canada Billiard is the largest manufacturing unit and distributor of billiard tables and accessories in Canada.

CARROM COMPANY 218 E. Dowland St. Ludington, MI 49431  231-845-1263 |  231-843-9276  sales@carrom.com www.carrom.com

726

Westwoodʼs menu is a testament to honest American cooking done well.

(10 MINUTE WALK FROM THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL)

1385 N. MEACHAM ROAD SCHAUMBURG, IL 60173 Phone: 847.969.9500 Fax: 847.969.9501 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-1am • Friday-Saturday 11am-2am • Sunday 11am-11pm © 2015 Westwood Tavern and Tap. All Rights Reserved.

Proud Sponsor of

Cue & Case Sales leads the industry in billiards, darting, table tennis, game room furniture, lighting, basketball, and outdoor games. We are your true one-stop shop for gaming supplies, providing industry leading warranties, risk-free buying and price match guarantees. Core brands include: Lucasi, Lucasi Hybrid, Players, PureX, Rage, Rawhyde, Dufferin, Pro Series, HJ Scott, Stiga, Winmau, Arachnid and Unicorn.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Norman Rosen, President sled2@earthlink.net ABOUT: Carrom is a 100-year-old domestic manufacturer of Family-Board-Action Games and sports related Table Games.

CUE CUBE

CHAMPIONSHIP, LLC

537

1001 Morse Ave. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007  847-677-3200 |  847-674-5245  mikes@champbilliards.com www.champbilliards.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Fred Cohen, President seyaltr@aol.com ABOUT: Leading manufacturer of billiard cloth and accessories. Custom fitted covers made in the USA.

CUE & CASE A GLOBAL DIVISION OF ESCALADE SPORTS 401 & 501 190 Cumberland Park Dr. Saint Augustine, FL 32095  904-824-9997 |  904-824-8233  sales@cueandcase.com www.cueandcase.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Jamie Lucas Bond, President jamieb@cueandcase.com ABOUT: 50 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

1008

617 Laack Street Plymouth, WI 53073  888-283-2823 |  414-541-5644  sales@cuecube.com www.cuecube.com

319

1380 Overlook Drive, Suite 104 Lafayette, CO 80026  800-645-9803 |  303-926-2679  info@cuestix.com Web: www.cuestix.com

337

COMPANY CONTACT: • George and Paul Darafeev gdarafeev@darafeev.com pdarafeev@darafeev.com ABOUT: Darafeev is a maker of fine furniture since 1959. Darafeev specializes in chairs, barstools, game tables and bars. Our specialty is seating which is built to last. All items are custom available in any finish or upholstery to meet your clients' needs.

DART WORLD INC.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Kathy McFarland, Owner info@cuestix.com ABOUT: Your one stop-shop for billiards and game room supplies. We are the manufacturers of 11 cue lines including Action, Katana, and Outlaw. Service is our specialty with same day shipping, and a hassle free return policy.

10332 Back Plains Drive Las Vegas, NV 89134

ABOUT: CutShots has developed and patented a set of spotted pool balls enabling new players to quickly learn how to aim and then pocket cut shots. “See the Spot, Sink the Shot.”

Produced for CutShots by Aramith™, for focused practice, successful play, and lifetime enjoyment.

5075 Edison Avenue Chino, CA 91710  800-227-7866 |  909-627-5119  info@darafeev.com www.darafeev.com

ABOUT: Since 1982 we have been providing billiard cue accessories to improve shots and minimize miscues. Our procuts, the original Cue Cube® and Shaft Slicker®, are proudly made in the USA.

CUTSHOTS BILLIARD BALLS

COMPANY CONTACT: • Bill Herbert, Partner-Development bill@cutshots.com

DARAFEEV, INC.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Scott J. Thomson, Owner/GM sales@cuecube.com

CUESTIX INTERNATIONAL

 210-275-9807  bill@cutshots.com www.cutshots.com

333

719

140 Linwood Street Lynn, MA 01905  781-598-9955 |  781-592-8760  info@dartworld.com www.dartworld.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Don Amirault, President damirault@dartworld.com ABOUT: Since 1970, Dart World has been the leader in the dart industry with innovative product design, packaging, and service.We offer licensed products from Harley-Davidson,

F i na l ly a b i l l i a rd cl ot h c l e a n e r th a t d o e s n ’t s u ck

The truth about most billiard cloth cleaners is most suck in one way or another. A vacuum cleaner sucks up chalk dust but can damage your cloth. A traditional brush just moves chalk dust around the cloth and other maintenance products can stretch or discolour the cloth. The truth is theres only one way to truly clean your billiard cloth and that's with the new Simonis X-1. The Simonis X-1 removes chalk dust and conditions your billiard cloth by creating its own static charge lifting chalk particles out of the cloth and trapping them in its revolutionary high tech design. Keep your cloth playing truer longer. The Simonis X-1.

ÂŽ

A u t h e n t i c. A c c u r a t e. A l w a y s.

Anheuser-Busch, and Sons of Anarchy.We are the US distributor for Harrows of England.

DEER PARK DISTRIBUTORS

200

P.O. Box 370 Brownstown, IL 62418  618-427-3761 |  618-427-3088  sales@deerparkdist.com www.deerparkdist.com

ABOUT: Excel Sports Co. Ltd. specializes in table tennis. Its company is located in Richmond B.C. Canada. Our products are good in quality and reasonable in price and short lead time. Wholesalers and retailers are welcome to visit us.

GLD PRODUCTS

419 & 437

S84 W19093 Enterprise Drive Muskego, WI 53150  262-679-8730 |  262-679-8738  markh@gldmfg.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Scott Bingaman, President scott@deerparkdist.com

837

4700 New Middle Road Jeffersonville, IN 47130  812-288-7665 |  812-284-9748  admin@diamondbilliards.com www.diamondbilliards.com

GAMEROOM CONCEPTS

ABOUT: Manufacturer of the world renowned DIAMOND brand of pool tables and accessories. “Designed by Players for Players”

EXCEL SPORTS CO., LTD. 8900 Minler Road Richmond, B.C. V7C 3T9 CANADA  778-316-9378  excelsportsca@gmail.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Long, Quanzhao, President excelsportsca@gmail.com 52 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

218

111 N. Longwood St. #125 Longwood, FL 32750  407-831-5999 |  407-831-6670  info@outdoorpooltables.com www.outdoorpooltables.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Greg Sullivan, President greg1849@aol.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Joe Grasso, V.P.

215

ABOUT: Manufacturers of outdoor game room tables – pool tables, foosball tables, shuffleboard tables, bumper pool tables and coin op tables for outdoors.

GOLD STANDARD GAMES/SHELTI 627 333 Morton St. Bay City, MI 48706  989-893-1739 |  989-893-1809  info@gold-standard-games.com www.gold-standard-games.com

231

12839 Corporate Circle Place Holland, MI 49424  800-423-1903 |  888-391-7468  ldolendi@hollandbarstool.com www.hollandbarstool.com

ABOUT: GLD Products has been the leading manufacturing and distributing company for over 30 years. A leading innovator in the darts, billiards, table game and home casino categories.

DIAMOND BILLIARD PRODUCTS INC.

ABOUT: Michigan-based manufacturer of highquality recreational games for coin and home, including air hockey, pool, foosball, darts, and dome hockey.

HOLLAND BAR STOOL CO./ HOLLAND GAMEROOM

COMPANY CONTACT: • Derek Voden, V.P. Operations derickv@gldmfg.com

ABOUT: Exclusive Crosley Jukebox Distributor.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Paul Jacobs, V.P. Sales pjacobs@gold-standard-games.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Arie Vink, National Sales Manager arievink@hollandbarstool.com ABOUT: As an Industry leading manufacturer of upscale commercial grade stools, tables & chairs, Holland Bar Stool prides themselves on principles, fine quality, craftsmanship and service. Our Licensed Logo line is the most complete home and recreation line offered in the market place. Visit us today and see the difference.

HOOD LEATHER GOODS

831

4180 N. Lydell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53212  800-962-9695 |  414-962-9658  ghammill@hoodleather.com www.hoodleather.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Gordon Hammill, President ghammill@hoodleather.com ABOUT: We are the only domestic manufacturer of leather pool table pockets in the U.S. We also produce high quality pool table covers and grill covers. We are officially licensed by 30+ schools to manufacture NCAA logo’d billiard balls, covers and cues. Visit our website at www.hoodsportsproducts.com

IMPERIAL INTERNATIONAL

301

303 Patterson Plank Rd. Carlstadt, NJ 01748  800-526-6261 |  201-288-8990  info@imperialusa.com www.imperialusa.com

Company Contact: • Ivan Lee, President ivan@simoniscloth.com

 920-898-4251 |  920-898-4253  sales@kestell-furniture.com www.kestell-furniture.com

ABOUT: Home of the world’s finest cloth for pool, carom, snooker and pyramid, Simonis is the global standard for excellence in cuesport cloth. Now featuring the STRACHAN Snooker Cloths! Unmatched quality, value and innovation are our hallmark.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Terry Kolb, President

COMPANY CONTACT: • Michael DiMotta, President mdimotta@imperialusa.com ABOUT: Imperial International offers a full line of billiard tables and accessories to the billiard, game room and billiard hall industries. With over 60 years of experience and leadership in the billiard industry, we can help you supply your customers with some of the best products available today.

INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES

819

200 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061  847-870-7027 |  847-870-0120  smorrison@itsgames.com www.itsgames.com

J. PECHAUER CUSTOM CUES

637

4140 Velp Avenue Green Bay, WI 54313  800-934-7735 |  920-434-7757  sales@pechauer.com www.pechauer.com

KORALTURK BILLIARD MFG.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Joe Pechauer, President sales@pechauer.com

JACOBY CUSTOM CUES

ABOUT: Manufacturer of long lasting coin-operated video games for both the street and FEC market. Game titles include Golden Tee Golf, Silver Strike Bowling, PowerPutt, LoonyTIX, MixMatch and Tickle Monsters.

809

309 Market St. Nekoosa, WI 54457  715-886-2900  sales@jacobycustomcues.com www.jacobycustomcues.com COMPANY CONTACT: • David Jacoby, Owner dave@jacobycustomcues.com

IWAN SIMONIS CLOTH 1931 Industrial Drive Libertyville, IL 60048  847-549-6109 |  847-549-6110  info@simoniscloth.com www.simoniscloth.com 54 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

237

1311 Milwaukee Dr., P.O. Box 176 New Holstein, WI 53061

COMPANY CONTACT: • Hakan Koralturk, Company Owner hakan@koralturk.com.tr ABOUT: Manufacturers of pool, Russian Pyramid and snooker tables since 1989. Since 1996, we have produced the most unique dining pool tables in the World Market. Our company is focused on 100% customer satisfaction.

LEGACY BILLIARDS

ABOUT: Maker of Pool & Billiard Cues, Break Cues, Jump Cues, Hybrid (Low Deflection) Shafts.

KESTELL FURNITURE CO., INC.

426

Organize San Bol Akdeniz Bulvari No 14 Antalya, Turkey 07190  90532-2637626  hakan@koralturk.com.tr www.diningpooltables.co.uk

ABOUT: Custom two-piece pool cue maker family owned and operated in Green Bay, Wisconsin for over 50 years.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Elaine Hodgson, President/CEO

ABOUT: For over 65 years, a leading manufacturer of the finest in affordable folding wooden poker, game and card tables for home and recreation use, as well as matching folding chairs. Our products are sold through a nationwide network of billiard, bowling and furniture retailers, as well as many e-commerce retailers across the web.

614

851 Progress Road Collierville, TN 38017  866-953-4272 |  901-854-1504  sales@legacybilliards.com www.legacybilliards.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Jere Duffey, President jduffey@legacybilliards.com

631

ABOUT: Over the past decade, Legacy Billiards earned the distinction as the fastest-growing brand of billiard table, shuffleboard and game room furniture in the industry.

Legacy’s billiard tables bar stools and other game room furniture offers consumers high-quality, distinctive style and value with dependable, superior customer service.

Customer satisfaction continues to fuel Legacy’s exponential growth and leadership in the industry.

MARION & CO., INC.

515

6001 Stirling Road Davie, FL 33314  954-272-0730 |  954-929-9644  sales@marionco.com www.marionco.com

of Star and Lucky cues. In addition to manufacturing and distributing pool cues, McDermott offers a complete line of cases, ball sets and accessories.

MEMPHIS WOOD FIRE GRILLS

ABOUT: Marion sells only top quality gaming supplies. This includes dominos, bingo equipment, 100% plastic playing cards, Mah Jongg sets and accessories.

601

N84 W13660 Leon Road Menomonee Falls, WI 53051  262-251-4090 |  262-251-9290  sales@mcdermottcue.com www.mcdermottcue.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Greg Knight ABOUT: McDermott Cue has been manufacturing pool cues in Menomonee Falls, WI since 1975. McDermott cues and highperformance shafts are some of the most recognized products in the billiard industry. They are known for their quality construction, exotic woods, intricate inlays and limitless customization options.

McDermott is also the exclusive distributor 56 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

706

900 South Main St. Hampstead, MD 21074  410-374-8057 |  410-374-8056  sales@neonetics.com www.neonetics.com

ABOUT: Memphis Wood Fire Grills. The best high performance outdoor cooking appliance EVER! The grill is designed, engineered and manufactured in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Smoke, convection roast and bake and HIGH temperature for searing – indirectly or over open flame for a perfect finish.

Come see the latest in high performance cooking, booth #827.

METROLINE PRODUCTS

ABOUT: MISC Sports is the exclusive distributor for the full line of Cornilleau table tennis products in the US. Cornilleau has been manufacturing premium table tennis equipment for over 45 years and are sold worldwide.

NEONETICS INC.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Rick Price, National Sales Manager rickp@memphisgrills.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Linda Weinstein, President linda@marionco.com

MCDERMOTT CUE MFG. LLC.

827

9111 Grand Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55420  652-703-3670 |  952-703-3618  rickp@memphisgrills.com www.memphisgrills.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Scott A. Grimm, President custserv@miscsports.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Evan Obligin, Vice President sales@neonetics.com ABOUT: Since 1989, Neonetics has offered thousands of different neon products. Neon lightsand LED accents provide a colorful edge to our signs, clocks, sculptures and lighted pictures.

Licensing partners include Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Mopar and Texaco.We bring the fun of neon into your home or business!

822

P.O. Box 342, 3188 Bowling Green Lane Suamico, WI 54173  800-876-1368 |  920-434-6661  stevewagnitz@midwesttextile.com www.metrolineproducts.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Steve Wagnitz, President stevewagnitz@midwesttextile.com

OB CUES

ABOUT: Manufacturer of USA made dart and pool cue cases. Largest selection in the industry.

MISC SPORTS-CORNILLEAU 3780 Rippleton Road Cazenovia, NY 13035  888-647-2778 |  315-655-2033  custserv@miscsports.com www.miscsports.com

519

607

961 N. Ave., Suite 700 Plano, TX 75074  972-578-9100 |  972-426-6980  sales@obcues.com www.obcues.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Shane Sinnott, President ABOUT: OB Cues manufactures high-performance pool cues and pool cue shafts 100% made in the USA with lifetime warranty. Including Warpage warranty.

OFFICE STAR PRODUCTS

818

1901 S. Archibald Avenue Ontario, CA 91761  909-930-2000 |  909-930-5419  sales@officestar.net www.officestar.net COMPANY CONTACT: • George Maniscalco, Sales Manager george.maniscalco@officestar.net ABOUT: Office Star Products is a leader in highvalue furniture paired with one-stop selection and in-stock availability. Our assortment includes gaming entertainment centers furniture, commercial and residential office seating, casegoods, training tables, cubicles, hospitality and educational furniture, as well as residential and accent furniture.

ABOUT: The mission of the Professional Billiard Instructors Association (formerly the BCA Instructor Program) is to provide quality billiard instruction to individuals at all levels of proficiency, as well as offer training and certification programs for persons wishing to become qualified billiard instructors.

More information on the PBIA can be found at playbetterbillards.com

ONE80 INDUSTRIAL LTD.

729

Unit F, 4/F, Effort Industrial Bldg., 2-8 Kung Yip Street Kwai Chung, New Territories Hong Kong, China  886-20-22003882  886-20-22003883  sales@one80dart.com www.one80dart.com

519

1124 Vaughn Parkway Portland, TN 37066  800-866-4606 www.olhausenbilliards.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Donald Olhausen, President ABOUT: American-based manufacturer of pool tables, shuffleboards, foosball, air powered hockey games and related accessories.

PBIA – PROFESSIONAL BILLIARD INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION 923 10900 West 120th Avenue, Unit B7 Broomfield, CO 80021  303-243-5070  rob@pbia-instructor.com www.PlayBetterBilliards.com 58 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

ABOUT: Established in 2005, One80 Darts specializes in producing high-quality handmade darts as well as best bristle dartboards for professional players.

Investing heavily in innovative concepts, One80 is setting new standards and able to present Gladiator III, Intelite Shaft, Reflex Point in the Show.

PADISHAN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

PHOTO FILE, INC.

230

333 North Bedford Road, Suite 130 Mt. Kisco, NY 10549  914-301-9664 |  914-375-6009  ssamagaio@photofile.com www.photofile.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Chuck Singer, Owner

COMPANY CONTACT: • Lucas Liang, Sales Manager lucas@one80dart.com

OLHAUSEN BILLIARDS

impressive and comprehensive supplier of recreational equipment. 25 years in the field of sporting goods proves that we are capable of providing with the excellent quality product at the most competitive price.

313

6F, No. 93, Lo Li Road Taipei, Taiwan 10679  866-2-27366114 |  866-2-27362312  ruby@padishan.com.tw www.padishan.com www.billiard.imb2b.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Jack Lin, President jack@padishan.com.tw ABOUT: Padishan is the respectable exporter and professional manufacturer of billiard cues, tables, cases, accessories and dart games. Since 1987, we have grown into a well-constructed,

ABOUT: Introducing Photo File Inc….for every pool room or man cave. We are the largest sports licensed photo manufacturer in the USA with over 1 million images. Photo File is officially licensed by the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and Music properties. From current stars to the Hall of Fame players we build the best wall décor with high resolution photography.

POOL & BILLIARD MAGAZINE

910

115 East Main Street Summerville, SC 29483  843-875-5115 |  843-875-5171  poolmag@poolmag.com www.poolmag.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Shari Stauch, Executive Editor shari@poolmag.com ABOUT: The original monthly magazine of the sport – Pool & Billiard Magazine, plus our monthly digital editions – The Pool & Billiard EZine and the Pool & Billiard Dealer.

BUILT BY PLAYERS 4 PLAYERS

Valley Dynamo Companies

See more products from all of the Valley Dynamo Companies at builtbyplayers4players.com

7115 Belton Street, Richland Hills, TX 76118 | 817.284.3931

COMPANY CONTACT: • Chris Kuntz, Vice President chris@ramgameroom.com

Pool Mate MADE IN THE USA

EST 2014

POOL MATE

725

PRESIDENTIAL BILLIARDS

3379 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326  404-479-5702 |  404-479-5703  milo@thepoolmate.com www.poolmateusa.com

20221 Caroline Way New Caney, TX 77357  866-728-2253 |  281-572-4922  egerber@presidentialbilliards.com www.presidentialbilliards.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Milo Cavalcante, CEO milo@thepoolmate.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Elaine Gerber, President

ABOUT: Manufacturer of billiard accessories.

PREDATOR GROUP

737

11764 Marco Beach Drive Jacksonville, FL 32224  904-448-8748 |  904-448-9151  sales@predatorgroup.com www.predatorgroup.com KEY PERSONNEL: • Paul Costain, Owner ABOUT: Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiard players worldwide.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands include: Predator Cues-professional level cues and shafts featuring classical designs and revolutionary, performance enhancing technology; Poison Billiards-recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability; and Uni-Loc® - precision-engineered components for billiard products.

ABOUT: Manufacturer and distributor of quality pool tables. We offer a range of game room furniture & accessories including play kits, cue cases, table tennis, shuffleboard & fooseball. One-stop shopping for all your billiard products.

PRIMO CRAFT BARS

743

2130 107th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449  763-786-4141 |  763-786-4646  david@primocraft.com www.primocraft.com

ROCK-OLA MANUFACTURING COMPANY 234 2335 W. 208th Street Torrance, CA 90501  310-328-1306 COMPANY CONTACT: • Glenn Streeter, CEO gstreeter@rock-ola.com ABOUT: Nostalgic jukebox manufacturer for home, office and theme style restaurants.

COMPANY CONTACT: • David Challman, Owner david@primocraft.com

SHOT! DARTS

ABOUT: Manufacter of complete line of bars and custom bar, entertainment centers and pool tables.

730

c/o 5154 Auburn Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95841  64-7-549-0253 |  64-7-549-1553  info@shotdarts.com www.shotdarts.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Peter McCormick, Managing Director info@shortdarts.com

RAM GAME ROOM 430 Industrial Dr. Milton, Ontario Canada L9T 5A6  905-864-4769 |  905-864-4773  info@ramgameroom.com www.ramgameroom.com

60 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

219

ABOUT: RAM Game Room offers a large selection of billiard lighting, game room furniture and billiard accessories including cues, cases, cue holders, billiard cloth, game room themed wall décor and statues. RAM also distributes several of the largest brands in the industry including Championship Cloth, Simonis Cloth, Aramith and Tweeten.

RAM is also the exclusive North American distributor of Falcon cues and RAID cues by Falcon. One-stop shopping says it all!

201

ABOUT: Shot Darts – Arguably the world’s fastest growing global dart brand. Intended to reach as many corners of the globe as possible this quality brand and its products are designed in conjunction with our North American players, providing casual home to tournament players with the tools to play the best game.

SILVER CUP CHALK, INC.

514

PO Box 14129 Macon, GA 31203  478-742-1972 |  478-746-6943  stevehobby@msn.com www.silvercupchalk.net

ABOUT: Billiard chalk, cone chalk, talc.

828

1212 Cleason Court Wake Forest, NC 27587  919-554-1292 |  919-554-1292  norman@sirjoseph.com www.sirjoseph.com

TWEETEN FIBRE CO., INC.

412

1756 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, IL 60622  312-733-7878 |  312-733-0767  opiks@msn.com www.tweeten.us

COMPANY CONTACT: • Norman Brown, President norman@sirjoseph.com ABOUT: Three fingered billiard glove.

STERN PINBALL, INC.

ABOUT: The leader in full dye sublimation performance apparel.

ABOUT: Lighting the home gameroom. Billiard Lights, matching Mini Pendants for over the bar, game table Lights, wall sconces, and bathroom lighting. Our line is a mix and match line so the possibilities are endless.

Please visit our booth to learn more about Toltec Lighting.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Steve Hobby

SIR JOSEPH CUE GLOVES

COMPANY CONTACT: • William Gregory william@toltecltg.com

908

ABOUT: World's best chalk, tips, and accessories for pool, billiards, snooker, and all cue sports.

ABOUT: Manufacturer of coin operated amusement machines – pinball.

ULTIMATE TEAM GEAR

P.O. Box 325 Burnsville, MS 38833  800-722-0601 |  800-875-9526  sales@toltecltg.com www.toltecltg.com 62 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

613

731

2228 Pleasant View Road Middleton, WI 53562  800-397-0122 | 608-271-5155  608-271-5157  sales@vikingcue.com www.vikingcue.com

COMPANY CONTACT: • Gary Stern, CEO gary.stern@sternpinball.com

TOLTEC LIGHTING

COMPANY CONTACT: • Chance Pack, Domestic Sales chance@championshuffleboard.com

VIKING CUE MANUFACTURING LLC

lighting

701

7115 Belton Street Richland Hills, TX 76118  817-284-3499 |  972-595-5380  chance@championshuffleboard.com www.builtbyplayers4players.com

ABOUT: American manufacturer of quality pool, shuffleboard, foosball and hockey tables.

Manufacturing a full line of tables and supplies including Valley Dynamo and Sun Glo.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Skip Nemecek, President opiks@msn.com

2001 Lunt Avenue Elk Gove Village, IL 60007  708-345-7700 |  708-345-7976  info@sternpinball.com www.sternpinball.com

VALLEY DYNAMO, LP

27 91st Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448  415-297-0786  Charles@ultimateteamgear.com www.ultimateteam gear.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Charles Peterson, CEO charles@ultimateteamgear.com

1001

COMPANY CONTACT: • Mark Larson, President mark@vikingcue.com ABOUT: Viking Cue is a legend in billiards and has refined the art of custom pool cues over its 50 year history. Every Viking Cue is 100% made in America and handcrafted from the finest materials. Viking’s strict quality control allows us to offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY against manufacturing defects and WARPAGE.

WEILU CUE MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.

841

Building No. 12, Xinmao Industrial Zone, Xinqing District, Tianjin City, China Tiajin, 300380 China  86-15620778805/86-13886322919  86-022-5833057  weilucue@126.com weiluproducts.com COMPANY CONTACT: • Zhongjun Qi, President laili@lailitq.com ABOUT: Weilu is a professional, independent research and development enterprise that manufactures billiard cues and tips. With our advanced equipment, professional manufacturing team, rich experience in production and management, we are growing rapidly with the world’s top customer group since 2011 in Tianjin China. We do OEM for many world famous big brands. Quality is our culture.

Z-LITE JENAMEES INC.

COMPANY CONTACT: • Scott Zimmer, President scott@z-lite.com ABOUT: Since 1987, Z-Lite has been creating quality lighting fixtures combining modern methods & materials with old world craftmanship. Whether you are searching for the perfect light for your home game room or for your pool hall, Z-Lite can help you with your selection. At Z-Lite, we pride overselves on our quality, selection & customer service.

CHECK OUT THE 2016 BCA EXPO MAP ON PAGE 34 64 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

801

85 South Edgeware Road St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5P 2H7  519-631-5300 |  519-631-5330  info@z-lite.com www.z-lite.com

MADE IN THE USA

CUE MATE CLASSIC FEATURING A NEW AND EXCITING PRODUCT, THE “CUE MATE CLASSIC”.

IT'S MODERN DESIGN AND EXQUISITE LOOK IS LIKE NO OTHER ACCESSORY IN THE BILLIARDS INDUSTRY. CUE MATE WAS INVENTED TO STORE A SINGLE CUE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION TO ELIMINATE LEANING AND PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR YOUR CUE DURING PLAY. COME VISIT US AT BOOTH #725.

PoolMateUSA

404.479.5702

thecuemate.com

A DAY IN THE LIFE: BILLIARD RETAIL HOME LEISURE DEALER, HOW CAN I HELP YOU ?

THIS IS AGENT SMITH & JONES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SOUTHWEST DIVISION...ARE YOU THE OWNER?

FREE CHALK

YES

every friday

WE’RE CURIOUS AS TO WHY A HOME LEISURE STORE WOULD ATTEMPT TO IMPORT 500 LBS OF TACOS FROM MEXICO WITH NO AUTHORIZATION?

AGENTS, THE SPANISH WORD FOR CUESTICK IS TACO...OUR STORE SPECIALIZES IN BILLIARDS.

I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE FLUENT IN SPANISH?

COMING NEXT ISSUE...

IMPACT OF AN ELECTION YEAR ON RETAIL SALES

*SPECIAL THANKS TO KIM MORRISON-HEACOCK OF INTERNATIONAL BILLIARDS IN HOUSTON FOR SHARING A DAY IN HER LIFE

Come see us in booth 631, We’re stocked up for you!

1.866.953.4272 851 Progress Road Collierville, TN www.legacybilliards.com 66 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

THE RETAILERS SPEAK Each edition BCA Insider will pose a question to BCA members to get their insights on trends and issues affecting the industry.

Q

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ATTENDING THE BCA EXPO?

A KIMBERLY HEACOCK

International Billiards, Houston, Texas

“While it should be seeing the new products, I confess, my favorite thing is seeing my friends. My grandfather started our family business in 1940, consequently I grew up in the billiard industry and some of my billiard relationships started almost 40 years ago. I remember seeing my father Al Morrison palling around with Charlie Bailey, Irv Nemecek, and Devon Griffin as I visited with Skip Nemecek, Mike Panozzo and Mike DiMotta. I love so many of our industry folk, it would take a whole page to list them all.”

A SCOTT AND LISA MELLON

Games & Things, Knoxville, Tennessee

“Seeing new products for the game room – pool tables and game room furniture; and existing products that we presently have presented in other ways…i.e. different finishes and fabrics.”

A DON & JUDY KUCERA

Cedar Rapids Billiards, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“Our favorite thing is that we get to talk to our suppliers face to face and take advantage of the show specials.”

A

DAVE CHRISTIE

D&L Billiards, Providence, Rhode Island

“Seeing new products and talking with the sales reps.”

68 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO 2016

A CIARRA MCINTIRE

Universal Billiards, Inc, Dallas, Texas

“The BCA Expo offers a host of benefits, from seeing new products to supporting our industry, but the best thing is building relationships. At the Expo we have the opportunity to meet new business connections, build relationships with our current vendors, and reconnect with old friends.

In an industry where distance dictates how many of us communicate, the BCA Expo allows us the opportunity to reconnect face to face.”

A BRIAN ROEDER

Blatt Billiards, New York

“Our favorite thing about attending a BCA Expo is the networking and building of relationships. In an industry that is relatively small, it is important to have quality and passionate partners. These strong relationships and quality products are what will help you push through slow economic times and stand out amongst competition.”

A CATHY CARTER

Boessling Pool Tables, Inc., New Braunfels, Texas

“Meeting all the people!”

If you’d like to be part of next issue’s The Retailers Speak survey, please send a reply to the following question to billiardskeith@gmail.com by September 1.

Q

WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS DECISION YOU'VE MADE THIS YEAR?