BCA Insider - 2022 Fall Edition

CLOWNING AROUND

AT THE 2022 THE WORLD GAMES, BIRMINGHAM, AL

AN NFT PRIMER

BUILDING A SOUND SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY TIPS FOR HOLIDAY SUCCESS

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Keith Loria billiardskeith@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Charles S. Donnavan

Anthony Stoeckert

Richard Webber

ADVERTISING

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Shane Tyree shane@bca-pool.com

(303) 243-5070 x23

DESIGN/LAYOUT

ART DIRECTOR

Julie Snee julie.snee@gmail.com

BCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN

Shane Bouchard, Maine Home Recreation

VICE-CHAIRMAN

Ivan Lee, Iwan Simonis

SECRETARY

Stephanie Schmidt, A. E. Schmidt

TREASURER

Nick Kroll, Viking Cues

BOARD MEMBERS

Debbie Corvey, Boynton Billiards

Ed Liddawi, Sandcastle Billiards

Philippe Singer, The Predator Group

Robbie Selby, R and R Outdoors

Trey Stites, Champion Shuffleboard

OPENING LETTER

Recently, I went to Birmingham, Alabama for 10 days as the cue sports competition manager for The World Games. Safe to say, it was one of the coolest experiences of my 13-year career in this sport.

To clear up any confusion as to why I went to Alabama, the International World Games Association hosts a quadrennial global multi-sport event called The World Games (first held in 1981). The World Games has 39 sports federations in its membership and this year featured 44 sports competing across 30 venues throughout Birmingham.

In 2001, cue sports (9-Ball, Carom, and Snooker) were included in the multi-sport extravaganza and represented an historic step forward as we are now a part of an incredible international event providing global exposure for our sport. So, when the opportunity arose for the Billiard Congress of America to oversee and lead in the direction of the cue sports event, it was simply something I could not pass up. It was an ominous task overseeing the logistics for an event I had never witnessed, but as I watched the event come to life, it was well worth all my energy and effort.

Ultimately, the greatest possible outcome of our participation in The World Games is that our sport gains entrance to the Olympics. However, the value of the positive exposure received during this event ultimately helps promote the sport for our entire industry.

All the cue sport athletes competed very well and were amazing ambassadors for our sport. Not only is this type of exposure excellent for our game, but the overall comradery between all the cueists was great to witness.

Now, I can get off my “look at me” high horse and get you back to this edition of BCA Insider. There’s a lot of great content I’m sure you’ll find useful, and, as always, if you ever have any ideas or suggestions for future editions, please contact us anytime.

Regards.

P.S. I’d like to thank Erwin Dionisio for the photographs from The World Games and for helping show everyone that it was alright to take a breath, relax, and clown around a little as well!

SHANE TYREE, MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

AN NFT

Most people have probably heard of NFTs by now, but many –especially those who are older than the millennial generation –have a hard time understanding what they are or how they can help a business grow.

Some savvy billiard retailers are getting involved with NFTs, and it’s something that others should be considering if they want to increase business and grow their customer base –especially among younger consumers.

NFTS 101

NFTs stand for “non-fungible tokens” and are forms of cryptocurrency that demonstrate what you own in digital assets. Fungible implies “replaceable by another identical thing,” hence a non-fungible digital identity is a one-of-a-kind.

Because digital assets are often fungible, meaning that a digital code, photograph, or video can be quickly replicated, it is

By Keith

PRIMER

difficult to ascribe uniqueness or ownership to them. NFTs assist in resolving this issue by identifying each unique asset, whether digital or physical, and thereby granting possession to these fungible resources. NFTs therefore can be compared to a digital certificate of authenticity.

They’re made with blockchain technology, which are public digital ledgers that cryptographically assign and establish

ownership of digital assets, and they can’t be stolen or duplicated. Like stocks, you can use NFTs to raise funds and allow customers to own part of your digital assets.

NFTs, like cryptocurrencies, can be purchased and traded on blockchains, and because they can only have one owner at a time, their ownership can be validated publicly.

Keith Loria

HOW TO IMPLEMENT NFTS IN YOUR BUSINESS

NFTs can help you improve your client engagement and raise brand awareness in your business.

One way to set yourself apart from the competition is to utilize NFTs in the shape of GIFs. You can enable your audience to buy NFTs for a set period. This aids in the formation of a network around your company.

NFTs can also be used as loyalty/reward programs to increase business, giving customers and clients an incentive to remain loyal and continue doing business with your company.

“This is a great way to take advantage of the NFT craze,” says Erin Ptah, who specializes in blockchain tech for non-technical audiences. “By offering them to your most loyal customers, they can be used instead of the traditional loyalty rewards structure, with cryptocurrency being the incentive. NFTs also can be used to distinguish customers from top to bottom, with NFTs assigned to them based on rarity and value.”

As NFTs require a crypto wallet installed on a smartphone to use, that means payments can also be accepted in crypto. This could include discounts for premium customers, specials, discounts and so on.

Some retailers even create store competitions where the awards are NFTs. This will encourage customers to spend your NFTs and allow customers to purchase your things in NFT form. This will assist you in expanding your business.

You can also use NFTs to track resource shipments or offer them as part of your company’s reward program. Since NFTs exist digitally and have unique markers, you never have to worry about losing ownership of these assets.

Now, maybe you’ve heard stories in the news about NFTs selling for high prices, and that’s what many people are really interested in.The problem is that blockchain marketplaces aren’t regulated.

“It is dirt-common for people to make multiple accounts and buy their own blockchain tokens from themselves,” Ptah says. “There’s a reason that one highly publicized blockchain token with an art URL that sold for $69 million had an anonymous buyer. Eventually it came out that he was, in short, the seller’s business partner.”

But that doesn’t mean that NFTs can’t become valuable and that customers won’t be itching to get them. You just have to do things fairly and honestly.

“YOU CAN ALSO USE NFTS TO TRACK RESOURCE SHIPMENTS OR OFFER THEM AS PART OF YOUR COMPANY’S REWARD PROGRAM."

STILL CONFUSED?

In a nutshell, an NFT is a tiny piece of a cryptocurrency blockchain that is exclusive to who owns it. Usually they come in the form of pixelated 2D or sometimes 3D characters with an assortment of funky colors. Whether they are different cues or a logo created for the store, each one of them has value based on rarity and how they look. They can also be bought or sold on blockchain marketplaces such as OpenSea and MagicEden.

NFTs certainly have a place in billiard retailers of the future, as they can serve as membership cards, wallets and even a form of identification.

For many (this writer included!), all the talk of crypto and NFTs is still foreign, and the idea of someone wanting to own a digital token instead of an actual product might not make much sense, but it’s what many younger generations are attracted to so it’s something everyone should be considering.

Thankfully, there are NFT experts out there you can hire to help create a program for your business, and you can always ask your kids and grandkids for help. This is all normal for them.

To see how one billiard company is making the most of NFTs, check out the emerging NFT brand that J Pechauer Custom Cues has partnered with.

POOL SHARK BILLIARD CLUB — BRINGING NFTS TO THE SPORT

By Keith Loria

Joe Pechauer is a world-renowned pool cue maker dedicated to delivering superior American-made products. One of the ways his company has remained successful is by keeping up with the times.

Case in point, the third generation of Pechauers is bringing NFTs to the sport. Riley and Jake Pechauer, along with two close friends, formed the Pool Shark Billiard Club. This is an emerging brand that utilizes the latest innovations in technology to grow and expand the reach of billiards across the globe, focusing on the next generation of players and enthusiasts. To expand the culture of the sport, Riley and Jake are creating an online billiard game that will utilize NFTs as a way for holders to generate revenue through online matches and tournaments.

When asked, why NFTS? Pechauer explains, “NFTs are great for the industry because they let us connect with people interested in the sport from around the globe, while giving them a part to play in growing pool and billiards for the next generation.…We are doing things for the sport that have never been done before.”

There will be 8,888 Shark NFTs in the collection, and each will be unique from the others.

“Purchasing one of these Shark NFTs gives you full access to our project and what we provide,” Pechauer says. “It’s your own, truly unique ticket into all the amazing things we will offer.”

Each Shark will be able to be resold on online marketplaces. After buying a Shark, owners receive a free pool cue NFT as well. Holding both a PSBC Shark and PSBC pool cue NFT will allow the holder full access to all the features in the game that will be developed.

The game will allow users to compete for tokens that can be transferred into U.S. dollars or be exchanged for real-life products such as pool cues, pool tables, or many other items.

“The game will allow us to back a lot of the physical, real-world elements of our brand, such as hosting tournaments and the PSBC Academy that we are creating,” Pechauer says.

Through the PSBC Academy, Pool Shark Billiard Club is establishing a foundation to support the up-and-coming juniors. This will involve many aspects, including funding, sponsorship, and coaching.

The company recently partnered with Scottish billiard star Jayson Shaw, a passionate supporter of their vision and ambassador of the PSBC Academy.

“It’s another way for these pros to promote the sport and help us facilitate some assistance for the next generation,” Pechauer says.

One final exciting aspect of the Pool Shark Billiard Club is gifting over 100 pool cues to holders, 88 of which are a limited edition, serialized Shark cue with over 100 inlays, made custom by J Pechauer Custom Cues. The first edition of these cues will only be given to 88 lucky holders of these Shark NFTs.

By holding a Pool Shark Billiard Club NFT, you not only help transform the sport, but you have a stake in its transformation. For more information, visit www.poolSharkbilliardclub.com and join the discord at https://discord.gg/psbc.

BUILDING A SOUND SOCIAL

By Charles

Social media has come a long way over the last decade, and billiard retailers should work on creating a savvy social media marketing strategy as a guide to help them stay on track during the planning and execution stages of campaigns and promotions.

The first piece of any social media strategy is to determine your target audience. Think about the demographics of your typical billiard customer and where that person spends their time online. Is it Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or somewhere else? Those are the social media platforms you should be using.

Next, you'll want to think about the content you will include on social media. What will be valuable information to your audience that they will find informative, entertaining, or both? Look to some other similar social media accounts

for inspiration. Then, build out a content calendar to help you plan ahead on the type of content you’ll post every day. That will help create variety in your content and eliminate the struggle of thinking about what to post on the spot.

And always define your goals. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or promote special offers? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you create content that is aligned with your objectives.

Billiard retailers should focus on retargeting interested users on social media. Rather than posting specific things about products or reviews, just get in front of people who are already interested in the sport of billiards. The technical approach is to add a pixel to your website which tracks the user through to Facebook. Then set up a

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

campaign to advertise billiard items to that person to stay in front of them.

Billiard retailers should think about their target audience and what they want to achieve with their social media strategy. Always remember that the secret to all strategies is always meeting the needs and wants of your customers.

Of course, using social media for retail is more complicated than simply posting offers and discounts. Customers will follow stores searching for a deal, but your long-term strategy should be to sell your brand rather than just your items.

Here are 10 tips to help your social media strategy thrive

1. KEEP THINGS RELEVANT

When creating content for social media, make sure that it is relevant. Research your audience. Who are your target customers? What platforms do they use most often? What type of content do they respond to? Answering these questions will help you determine which platforms and strategies will most likely reach your target audience. For example, since you’re targeting billiard players, your content should focus on topics like tips for improving their game, the latest news in the world of professional billiards, and so on. Post videos of pro players using the equipment you’re trying to sell. Add stories of billiard players who did something noteworthy or interesting interviews billiard pros may have given. Use some funny billiard memes that will make customers stop and take a look at your

S. Donnavan

social media channels. And be personal as well. Post about the store and what’s happening, whether it’s a sale, event or just a new product that’s come in to the store. Add lots of photos, because that’s what’s going to get people to stop scrolling and look to you.Your social media followers will quickly lose interest if all you post is self-promotional content. Make sure you’re sharing a mix of interesting, informative, and entertaining content that will appeal to your target audience.

2. CREATE A BRAND PERSONALITY

Billiard retailers need to use social media to create a brand that is widely known. You should find out what kind of content your audience enjoys and then create it on a regular basis. Your social media followers come for your products and services but will stay for your style, substance, and personality. Social media is an extension of your brand voice, tone, and personality, so let your postings reflect your brand’s distinct personality and dictate how your business is viewed in the community. You might switch between user-generated content, photos of products, or memes while maintaining a strong brand color scheme to help create familiarity and connection with your channel. Always create engaging content. Post regularly and mix up the types of content you share to keep people interested. A good way to reach a wider audience is by using hashtags and @ mentions. And -

er than posting multiple times a day, focus on creating high-quality content that will capture the attention

who haven’t done much with social media, most experts believe you should start with Facebook. Start by pulling together a list of your customers who made previous purchases or who opted in to your email list. Upload the customer list to Facebook and create a lookalike audience for that customer list. Next start a targeted advertising campaign for that lookalike audience that advertises your current promotional discounts. If you do online sales, you could target a store or product discount. If you only do retail sales, you could promote an in-store coupon code. The key is to tie the promotion to a limited-time offer to encourage people to take immediate action.

4. CREATE VIDEOS

With the increased consumption of videos online, we have seen them become the most useful forms of content. Social videos are exploding with new apps like TikTok and new features like Instagram Reels. Both short-form and longform video creations continue to be a dominant social channel because of their high engagement rate and ability to get high-value information across. Videos should be your priority if you are planning to drive social media growth in 2022.

5. BUY SOCIAL ADS

Another way to laser-focus your social media efforts is to buy social ads that target your ideal retail customer. This is one of the prime benefits of social media for billiard stores and companies. A traditional print or TV advertising campaign puts your advertising in front of many people who have no interest in your products. However, on social media, you can maximize your advertising spend by focusing your ads on the people who are most likely to convert. So, rather than making media buys based on a publication’s overall demographic base, you can zero in on social media users based on demographics, online behavior, existing connections to your brand, location, language, and much more.

You don’t need to create accounts on all social media channels if that doesn’t make sense for your business. For example, if you’re looking to reach a wide audience, Facebook or Twitter may be the best options. If you’re targeting a more niche market, consider Instagram or Pinterest.

For billiard retailers

6. GET TO KNOW YOUR COMPETITORS

While your company must be distinctive, you can still get ideas from other excellent businesses on social media. Chances are, your competitors are already utilizing social media, which means you may learn from their actions. Perform a competitive analysis. A competitive study lets you learn who your competitors are and what they do effectively and not so well. Check out the numbers of followers they have, and the ones with the most are probably doing something right. You’ll gain a precise feel of what’s required in your business, which can help you define your own social media goals.

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7. DON’T JUST POST AND GHOST

You need to stay active and responsive to create a community. Take the time to respond to customers’ comments and messages and even try to spark a conversation in your comment section.You can create a customized hashtag to improve brand recognition and engage your customers. Hashtags are a great way to help potential customers find your content. When creating content for social media, be sure to use relevant hashtags that billiard players are likely to search for. The right type of content coupled with attention-grabbing promotions and offers on social media is going to work wonders for your business. Moreover, conduct social media contests to spur a wave of interest among the customers and stay active. When customers participate, it will increase audience engagement and create organic word of mouth about your billiard business.

8. LIVE STREAMS, STORIES, AND PODCASTS

Stories are here to stay, so capitalize on your followers’ FOMO (fear of missing out) by creating fleeting interactive content. According to published statistics, millions of people listen to podcasts every week, with weekly podcast listeners being more likely to follow companies and brands on social media. It is possible to get new listeners or other podcast producers if you strategically promote your podcast via social media. Many social media apps also allow you to stream live videos, such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and often only require just a few clicks to set up. A word of warning however, your social marketing efforts must align with your company goals and your consumer personas if you are to maximize your social media presence through these channels.

9. BRING IN INFLUENCERS

One of the most valuable ways to attract people to your social media is by bringing in influencers, be it a popular player, notable billiard professional or even someone at a local college or pool hall who is well known among the billiard community. If you could get a celebrity to endorse your store or products, even better. Finding appropriate billiard influencers will require some research, and you’ll want to find someone with a track record of success, a stellar reputation, large social media following, who can authentically live your brand values and who is not overexposed. When you engage the right influencers, research shows that people trust them more than their friends, advertising or press. Instead of just focusing on the most popular individual influencers, include internal experts, nano and micro-influencers, niche experts prospects

and customers in your influencer marketing mix. Getting multiple perspectives and insights always enriches the discussion and generates more activity online. Remember, this shouldn’t feel like a paid opportunity. You want to give influencers the freedom to create their own content, but ensure it’s still getting the message across about your business.

10. IDENTIFY SOCIAL BENCHMARKS

Finally, it’s important to have a plan for how you’ll measure the success of your social media strategy. This could include tracking metrics such as engagement, reach, or website traffic. By setting up measurable goals, you’ll be able to track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed. No matter what industry you are in, your social media strategy needs to be data driven. It is important to focus on the social media metrics which matter and leave gut feeling out of the conversation. Instead of focusing solely on vanity metrics and ignoring data that supports your goals, you should look at data that aligns directly with them. Monitor your progress. Keep track of your metrics to see how well your social media strategy performs. Be sure to adjust your content and approach as needed based on what is working (and not working) for you and tailor posts to customers’ demands and interests. From there, you can build on your social media strategy, through avenues like adding Facebook advertising to your strategy.

BCA HALL OF FAME WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS

By Keith Loria

The Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame will welcome Filipino star Dennis Orcollo and legendary instructor Jerry Briesath into the sport’s most prestigious club in 2022. The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia, in conjunction with the 2022 International Open pool tournament.

The 43-year-old Orcollo was the clear choice of voters in the Greatest Players category and will be the fourth player representing the Philippines to be inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame, join-

ing Pinoy legends Efren Reyes, Francisco Bustamante and Jose Parica.

Over a stellar career, the man nicknamed “Robocop” won the WPA World 8-Ball Championship in 2011; the BCA Open 9-Ball Championship in 2007; the Qatar World Open in 2008; the World Pool Masters in 2010; and the China Open in 2012.

He’s also been a dominant force at the annual Derby City Classic, winning the 9-ball division twice (2011, 2017), the Banks division twice (2014, 2020), and

the Master of the Table crown twice (2017, 2020). Orcollo also holds major titles in 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool, 10-ball, one-pocket and banks.

Jay Helfert, a notable expert in the billiard world, notes one only needs to look at Orcollo’s record over the last dozen years to see that he’s won more money in tournaments than anyone.

“Every year, he’s either the first- or second-leading money winner,” Helfert says. “And he’s probably won more tournaments than just about anyone,

Dennis Orcollo

with the only one who might be close is Shane [Van Boening] and I’m including tournaments held in pool rooms, because many of them are big events with strong fields of players.”

He also calls Orcollo the “Money Game King” of the Philippians, the “Money Game King” of Southeast Asia, and the “Money Game King” of the planet.

Outside the game, Helfert notes Orcollo is a fun-loving guy, likes to sing karaoke and will partake in a few beers with the guys, though never at an event.

“He knows when it’s business, but he likes to enjoy himself and go out at night with his buddies or family,” he says. “He lives good in the Philippines. He’ll go to the spa and spend the full day, and he’s taken me before. He’s a

good man and if he’s your friend, he’s your friend for life.”

Sadly, Orcollo was deported from the United States in early January for overstaying and is now reportedly banned from entering the country for five years. A large number of billiard friends are fighting for a reprieve for him.

“We have another hearing in September and I wish him the best,” Helfert says. “We have the best lawyers and politicians fighting on his behalf. The only good news is he can play anywhere else in the world, and there are a lot more events happening around the world.”

The 85-year-old Briesath was a unanimous selection in the Meritorious Service category. The legendary instructor is considered the father of formal billiard instruction in America, having helped develop and guide the program from concept to its current roster of more than 300 professional instructors across the globe.

Briesath was an active pro player in the ’60s and ’70s, a longtime poolroom owner in Madison, Wisconsin, and helped launch the BCA Certified Instructor Program (now known as the Professional Billiard Instructors Association) in 1992 and the BCA Summer Youth Cue Camps in 1993. He also helped create the BCA’s “How to Play Pool Right” book and video.

“Do I deserve it? I’m just doing something I love to do,” Briesath says, when asked about what the Hall of Fame means to him. “I was stunned when I got the call. I know it’s so hard to get in and they take so few, and I know a lot of others deserve it.”

Come November, Briesath and his family will be heading down to the ceremony, something he has done almost every year the Hall of Fame has held its annual dinner – almost a half a century.

“It’s really exciting to know that this is happening; holy cow,” he says. “I love

to teach pool, and when I teach at the kids’ tournaments and hear about their accomplishments, it just means the world to me.”

The same is true when he helps professionals, such as Jeanette Lee, who credits Briesath with getting her game back after falling into a slump.

Briesath played golf in high school and first entered a billiard room on the Marquette campus in Milwaukee after graduating.

“I fell in love with it and started playing every chance I could,” he says. Briesath was so good that when he entered a tournament, the director thought he was hustling everyone. Eventually, everyone realized just how amazing a player he was – despite being new to the sport.

After about four years of playing, his friend, Willis Covington had a stroke, and when he went to visit him in the hospital, Covington told him he had to teach his class at the YMCA.

“I had no idea what I was doing, so I went scared to death, and there were about eight people in the class,” Briesath says. “It was three weeks for two hours that cost $7.50 a person. I got half the money.”

He found he was good at it, and soon his classes were attracting more and more people – and soon Briesath was making more than any of the YMCA employees.

“By that time, I was the best player in Wisconsin,” he says.

Briesath will be sharing more of his favorite stories from his career at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Voting for the 2022 BCA Hall of Fame was conducted by the USBMA Hall of Fame Board, which consists of USBMA members, elected at-large members and living members of the Hall of Fame.

“I’M JUST DOING SOMETHING I LOVE TO DO.”

Jerry Briesath

PORT ROYAL COLLECTION

TIPS FOR Holiday SUCCESS

By Warren Howard

What a two years it’s been for billiard and home recreation retailers! In the spring of 2020, the world was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned out to be a boon for the industry because people canceled vacations and spent less money on entertainment and going out to dinner, so they focused on their homes, including buying pool tables and other games to give families a fun activity as they quarantined.

But that good news came with some difficulties, mainly in not being able to keep up with demand because many customers had to wait to get their table because of supply chain issues. We spent much of 2021 in quarantine, and in 2022, as we’ve made significant steps in returning to normal life, the world is dealing with inflation and talk of a recession. As a result, billiard and home recreation retailers are once again heading into a holiday season that promises to be something other than normal.

“I expect the 2022 holiday season to compare favorably to the 2021 holiday season,” says Charmaine Chan, a retail expert. “The domestic retail market continues to grow in line with an expanding economy. The home recreation sector will see an increase in holiday shopping, as more Americans make purchases as gifts. Consumers are also buying more expensive items. The season will be healthy, with an increase in sales volume and average spending per consumer. It will not be as healthy as the 2021 holiday season when the economy was much stronger.”

Here are some simple tips to follow that can help make your holiday sales more robust.

KNOW THE TRENDS

Succeeding in business requires knowing what’s going on in the business world, and the world in general. Obviously, anyone who owns a business knows what’s going on in terms of the supply chain and inflation, because they are the people who have been having trouble getting the products that their customers want. And they know about inflation because customers are putting a lot of thought into how they spend their disposable income. You can expect people to put even more planning and budgeting into their holiday spending this year. Keeping yourself informed about forecasts and trends in the economy can give you knowledge that will allow you to better serve your customers.

“For retailers to be prepared for the upcoming holiday season, they should familiarize themselves with the market trends and forecasts,” says Brigitte Hodge, a retail expert at Fit Small Business. “As we have seen over the last few months, inflation is rising and is anticipated to continue to do so through the 2022 holiday season. Inflation is currently at 8.5 percent, and research suggests that holiday spending is not supposed to outpace it–only rising by 3.5 percent over 2021. Billiard retailers should prepare by lowering their holiday inventory volumes to avoid excess stock.”

There has been some good economic news as we headed into fall, when there were reports that gas prices are starting to

go down. That’s not to say people will be paying $2 a gallon anytime soon, but it’s something you should pay attention to. If gas prices go down significantly, people will suddenly have more money to spend on holiday gifts. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be spending thousands more on a table, but they might spend a few hundred dollars more on a pool cue a family member really wants.

PREPARE FOR THE RETURN OF IN-STORE SHOPPERS

While holiday spending is not forecasted to outpace inflation, retailers can still look forward to a robust season as shoppers are expected to actually walk into stores this year, most likely to a degree not seen since the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

“As the pandemic lifts, consumers are craving to go back into stores,” Hodge says. “Billiard retailers can capitalize on this craving by decorating their stores for the holidays and making them interactive.”

Decorating your store for the holidays doesn’t mean you have to make your business look like Santa’s workshop. Start with a nice tree, and for fun, add some pool-themed ornaments, like miniature pool balls and tables, or even cue chalk. Set a nice, warm scene by hanging lights, and make your store inclusive by also adding decorations for other holidays.

Fill your store with the sounds of holiday music, and provide customers with snacks like cookies or cider. Not only will those treats add to the holiday spirit, but a cookie just might be what a hungry customer needs to hold them over until lunch, which might keep them in your store a little longer. And while we are making steps toward a post-pandemic world, COVID isn’t completely gone, not by a longshot –wrap cookies or other treats individually, so that customers feel safe eating them. And also buy a few boxes of candy canes, there’s no cheaper way to lift the mood of a grumpy kid whose parents have been taking them from store to store for a day of shopping.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS

The pandemic led to a lot of people buying pool tables, foosball, ping-pong tables, darts, and other games, and if you saw a boost in sales in 2020 and 2021, that creates an opportunity to reach out to those new customers. Think about an email blast for people who have bought tables from you over the past two years and offer them a discount on accessories, such as cues, chalk, and balls. Another idea is to give them a store

credit if they make a purchase, it’s an incentive for them to buy, and to come back to your store.

GET AHEAD OF SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES

Supply chain issues made a tremendous effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the higher demand for goods and the impact the pandemic made on the workforce led to a shortage of shipping containers, which resulted in long delivery delays.

“While certainly in a better place than last year, the supply chain is still not quite in full swing,” Hodge says. “Billiard retailers should aim to have their holiday inventory orders placed as soon as possible to avoid out-of-stock items and shopper frustrations.”

Ismail Kuden, a retail expert, says that the supply chain, along with other economic woes, has been a major headache for retailers, but he noted that smart and proactive retailers can put themselves in a position for success this year.

“Technology has helped most retailers overcome these obstacles by providing consumer-centric solutions,” Kuden says. “The retailers with their deep understanding of consumer buying behavior are concluding that value-priced goods and services have an important role to play in winning consumer loyalty in the year 2022.”

SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTS

The harsh reality is that there is nothing any one person can do to stop inflation and ensure that every industry has all the shipping containers it needs to thrive. But there are things you can do to put your store in the best possible position to succeed.

Chan suggests getting creative in order to provide your customers with an ideal shopping experience.

“Your customers expect a wide selection of products, competitive prices, and excellent customer service,” she says. “So try to meet their expectations and make the holiday season memorable. The shop should be well-lit. When customers walk into a billiard retail shop, they should feel comfortable and not feel like they’re in a dark shop. There should be plenty of light.”

Also be sure that all of your display tables are in top-notch condition. Simple steps, such as making sure display tables are clean and that the pool balls on it are in excellent condition can be the factor that ultimately leads to a sale. Cus-

tomers who walk into your store are already thinking about buying a table, or other game. If they see a beautiful table in pristine condition, they’ll picture that beautiful setup in their home, and that could lead them to actually buying it.

You can also encourage people to visit your store by hosting an event. If members of your staff are excellent players, have them play a match against each other. Or, have a question-and-answer session with your expert staff, or even with a local pro who is willing to visit your store. An in-person event like this will be a lot of fun, but a virtual session can also be effective for people who don’t have time to make it to your store.

FOCUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

One way to engage with customers, and to get potential customers interested in your store, is through social media. So be sure to keep your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts active. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, post regularly about hot products and your most popular tables and games. Host giveaways and flash sales during the holiday season and highlight those on your socials.

Keep in mind that your social media platforms don’t have to be all-business – show off photos of your store all decorated for Christmas. Also post pictures of the store when it’s busy and hustling. Share photos of you and your staff helping customers and having fun. If you host an event, take pictures and post those. Be sure to include a hashtag with your store’s name and a catch phrase, like #holidayfun.

Then there’s your website. So many people are focusing their time and energy on social media platforms, but websites are still important, lots of people will go there for the basics about your store – address, hours of operation, phone number, email, etc., so be sure all of that information is up to date and displayed prominently on your home page, it can be frustrating to have to scroll and click on different pages to find something basic like contact information.

Make sure the pictures and graphics on your website fit the season. If the main photo on your website is of a summer scene, like a barbecue and people playing pool on an outdoor table, it’s time to update it. And remember to switch your website from a Christmas and holiday theme shortly after Christmas.

Times are indeed challenging, but the good news is that because you own a successful home leisure store, you know you have the knowledge and work ethic to succeed as we head into the festive time of year.

NEW PRODUCTS SHINE AT BCA EXPO

By Keith Loria

With 223 booths, 70 exhibitors, 22 new exhibitors and more than 700 attendees, the Billiard & Home Leisure Expo, which returned to the South Point Hotel, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas, was a huge hit this year.

As always, a who’s who of the industry were on hand, including specialty billiard and home recreation retailers, manufacturers, installers and billiard room owners, all learning about the buzz-worthy products that retail customers are talking about and purchasing this year.

One of the highlights was the New Product Showcase, where companies were able to present some of their buzziest new items and services.

Here is a look at some of what was presented on the Expo floor.

KETTLER USA

At the show, Kettler USA displayed two new outdoor table-tennis tables, an outdoor foosball table and an indoor foosball table, all of which drew great interest.

The made-in-Germany Kettler Outdoor 15, with an MSRP of $3,299, is the heaviest table-tennis table available in the market in terms of both being for outdoor use and one that folds and rolls away for storage.

“The gauge for the steel tubing used is 50 percent thicker than the industry average,” says Scott Kramer, national sales manager, sports division, for the company. “The KETT-TEC15 top, as a high-pressure laminate, is also the thickest of its kind in our industry. The chassis/transport base is also the most robust design one will find.”

The model incudes Kettler’s patented Smooth Trax operating system which provides fully controlled opening and closing of the table top halves, as well as a permanent net system and enclosed storage compartments for table tennis accessories.

Kettler also introduced the Outdoor 10 with an MSRP of $1,899, which shares most of the same features as the Outdoor 15, only slightly scaled down.

Also on display were Rene Pierre foosball tables made in France, which Kettler is the exclusive distributor of in the U.S.

“The Match Noir model has all the features the brand is well known for, such as hand-painted and die cast aluminum players, telescopic playing rods, playing handles that thread onto the playing rods and playfield designed with slopes in the corners to help keep the ball in play,” Kramer says. “It has beautiful accents including metallic scoring abaci.This model is also available in white –an appreciated option by both interior designers and the general public.”

For more information, visit www.kettlerusa.com.

SKEECH GAMES

For the BCA Expo, Skeech Games LLC, showcased its new table game, The Original Skeech.

Skeech is played by facing off with an opponent in a head-to-head battle on a sleek, one-of-a-kind table design. Players roll steel balls into differently sized holes at opposite ends of the table where the first to 21 points wins, unless opponent ties, taking the game to sudden death.

“Skeech is the best table-in game in decades and it’s a great alternative to a shuffleboard table or a pool table,” says Josh Dowling, owner and founder of Skeech Games. “The reception we received at the BCA this year from billiards and gaming dealers was incredible.”

Another great benefit to Skeech is its size. With dimensions 8’x20”, Skeech

is conducive to tighter spaces, giving homeowners a great option if a game room or basement is too small for shuffleboard or pool.

“Billiards retailers love Skeech because it’s something new and something different for their showroom floor,” Dowling said. “All of the current table games have been out for decades, or even centuries, so people are ready to experience a new game. Kids and the younger generation are really drawn to Skeech because it’s so easy to play. While parents are perusing the billiard tables at the store, the kids are playing Skeech.”

For more information, visit www. skeechgames.com.

Opposite: Kettler Outdoor 15.; Below Left: The Original Skeech on display at BCA Expo.

Right Top: Kettler’s Match by Rene Pierre foosball table; Right Bottom: The Original Skeech

COCONUT PADDLES

Alex Evans, co-founder of Coconut Paddles, notes this was the company’s first show and interaction with BCA, and all of the BCA Expo team couldn’t have been more welcoming to the budding startup.

“We made quite a few connections with retailers and attendees, but our time spent with the BCA Board, as well as the other exhibitors, provided us with opportunities to collaborate and ideas to leverage each other’s strengths that my partner, Tom Kowalke, and I believe will forge long-lasting relationships among the billiards and home recreational community,” he says.

Coconut Paddles designs and produces a suite of table tennis products, currently, with two patents that make

up its flagship offerings – both precision-style gripped table tennis paddles.

“The thought with this invention was to take fingers off the playing surface and create a handle that an individual can slip their hand into with comfort and ease,” Evans says. “The ergonomics of the unit make the paddle a natural extension of one’s arm. Likewise, the ability to maneuver and hang onto the paddle during play is done more effortlessly with our design against a traditional club-style paddle.”

The company also manufacturers a traditional table tennis paddle called, Evil Jungle Prince.

“Although it maintains an overall look to any other table tennis paddle on the market, we have given it a unique twist in terms of angles, shape, size, etc.,” Evans says. “We have three other tra-

ditional blades in the prototype phase which will also carry unique characteristics and branding that we think will gel with our vision of continuing to create unique offerings that are comprised with a brand and identity of their own.”

For more information, visit coconutpaddles.myshopify.com

Top and Bottom: Coconut Paddles

BANKSHOT POCKETS/ BANKSHOT ANTIQUES

Donald Bartholomay and Dave Grunenwald from Albany, N.Y.-based Bankshot Antiques / Bankshot Pockets, have been restoring antique pool tables for more than 25 years, usually doing half a dozen or so a year and installing them personally all across the country.

This was the duo’s first BCA show and they were interested in coming to highlight that they now offer pocket repairs to all dealers across the country.

“When Hood closed up a few years back, everyone did two things – bought a supply of parts- and waited to see who would take over the business,” Bartholomay says. “When no one did, since I had been buying raw parts from Hood, dying and hand-sewing our pockets for years, we started looking into making parts for our own tables and that grew into doing it for the industry.”

He explains that when you buy readymade-on-new-iron pockets, they are inexpensive, but chances are they won’t fit the table.

“There is a wide variety of irons out there on the old tables and putting new leather on your existing irons keeps the originality of the table and ensures they will fit,” Bartholomay says. “Our leather is high quality, dip-dyed, waxed and buffed (not painted) and the pockets are assembled with a combination of machine and hand-stitching, riveting and gluing.”

At the Expo, the company showed how they refurbish pockets for individuals as well as dealers and offered dealers discounted prices.

“You can buy the leather parts or send in your irons and have us do the whole job,” Bartholomay says. “The vast majority of our customers send us their irons instead of doing the sewing themselves. We are also now making an all-leather, upgraded version of the bucket pockets used in the currently popular modern-style enclosed pocket tables.”

For more information, visit www. bankshotpockets.com.

BBO POKER TABLES

At the Expo, BBO Poker Tables, the leader in customized poker tables for the in-home recreation segment, showcased three custom poker tables, two of which were from its signature line collaboration with WSOP poker champions Joe Cada and Jamie Gold, as well as a custom table commissioned by the World Poker Tour for Steve Aoki.

“Besides our stunning products that bring friends and families together to share unforgettable memories,” said George Chao, CEO and founder of BBO Poker Tables. “We have strong logistics in terms of delivery, customization and short lead times. Many of our products have dual-use capabilities, that is, offered with optional dining tops to turn a professional poker table into a dining table when not in use.”

BBO Poker Tables have some of the most customizations available with the shortest lead times, which means that retailers have the opportunity to select from a basic table all the way up to a fully customized final table.

For more information reach out to wholesale@bbopokertables.com.

Top & Middle: Bankshot Pockets/Bankshot Antiques

Bottom: BBO Poker Tables

A TRADITION IN THE MAKING

By Anthony Stoeckert

While a lot of billiard stores have been around for decades and have been passed down from family member to family member, Kevin Henderson takes special pride in the fact that he has built his business, Prestige Billiards, from scratch.

“I basically started it out of my garage,” Henderson says. “I was an installer-subcontractor, just doing pool table setups, and I sold used pool tables out of my garage.”

But the roots of Prestige Billiards date back to years before that, when Henderson was a kid playing pool on his fa-

ther’s table. When he answered a Help Wanted ad for a local billiard store seeking someone to work on installations, he did not think he was embarking on a career. In fact, he was planning on going to college and becoming an architect. But he took the job out of curiosity.

“I wanted to see how pool tables were put together, I wasn’t thinking about doing it forever,” Henderson remembers. “That’s why I went to work for that company, and they taught me the trade. But if I didn’t grow up on a pool table, I probably wouldn’t have ended up in this industry.”

He started out doing installations, making $4.75 an hour working weekends and summers while he was in high school. That was around 1997. Then in around 1999, he started subcontracting.

“That’s when I started making money, my first year as a subcontractor,” Henderson says. “It wasn’t a bad gig for being right out of high school. That’s what kind of steered me away from becoming an architect. This job is more casual, it’s like a blue collar/ white collar mix, you get the best of both worlds.”

The company he was working for was called Wholesale Billiards, and he bought it in 2001. In 2006, he changed the business’ name to Prestige Billiards. Not too long after, the recession hit.

“We had three stores going and we had 22 employees, and the recession took us out,” Henderson says. “We closed all the stores and lost everything. But I kept with it, doing set-ups and stuff.”

Table sales started again in 2010, this time out of a storage unit because he didn’t have a storefront. To say Henderson was successful is a bit of an understatement because he started to draw the attention of people in the industry to the point that he once again was able to open a small store, a 1,100-squarefoot space. He later relocated that store to Scottsdale, Arizona, in a space of about 2,300 square feet, and then opened a second location, in Mesa.

“We started to make some noise in the industry as far as our sales,” Henderson says. “We were selling just Imperial pool tables and we ended up becoming their No. 1 West Coast dealer.”

BUILDING A REPUTATION

Prestige Billiards is owned and operated by Henderson and Tenille Brice, his partner in business and life. A big step for the business came in 2016, when Brunswick approached Henderson and Brice about the store offering Brunswick tables.

“Once we got the Brunswick name, I felt like all the other brands wanted to be part of it too,” Henderson says. “We were approached by everybody at that moment. Brunswick also gives us exclusives in Arizona, so instead of having multiple dealers for the same product, they gave us a product line in Arizona because they felt we were the best choice. We’ve still kept our numbers up, so we’re not favoring one brand

over another, that way we keep our goodwill with all of our vendors.”

Today, Prestige Billiards sells an array of pool tables from leading brands including Brunswick, Legacy, Imperial, American Heritage, Plank and Hyde, and A.E. Schmidt.

Another key moment that underscores Prestige Billiards’ reputation is when Imperial hired Henderson to work on tables for its first Mosconi Cup.

“That was a big deal for Imperial,” Henderson says. “It was nerve-racking to do a big event without having experience in events, but I was able to pull through that. Then, as soon as I got that done, I was doing all the Mosconi Cups, pool halls, and The World Games. They definitely appreciate my workmanship on that end because they trust it’s going to be right at the end of the day. But the Mosconi Cup was a big deal for us, it really put us on the map—it’s not just the state of Arizona, pretty much the world knows about us as a company because vendors pass our name along. We have good relationships, not just with sales people, but with owners of companies, as well. They help build our brand just through referrals.”

GROWING THE PRODUCT LINE

Over the years, Henderson and Brice have expanded their offerings to include shuffleboards, poker tables, darts, and foosball. And they continue to add to Prestige Billiards’ product line and expand their offerings.

“Recently we took on barbecues and massage chairs, so we’re diversifying,” Henderson says.

Tenille says that even as Prestige Billiards offers more games and product lines, pool tables remain the store’s most popular items.

“What I have found is that pool tables are definitely becoming more of a furniture item, now that they don’t look like just pool tables,” she says. “Our trends that have been super-popular right now are still tables with that modern rustic look, I have a feeling that’s going to be sticking around for a while. And then also that mid-century modern look is making a huge comeback.”

Henderson is a lifelong Arizonian, and Brice is a longtime resident of the state, so they both know their stuff when it comes to the Copper state. When talking about the Arizona market, Brice says there is demand for any game that has a dining top.

“Arizona is notorious for having this useless dining room in your house that is not off your kitchen, it’s a couple of rooms away,” she says. “So everyone converts that.”

She adds that Prestige Billiards has also seen a huge uptick in shuffleboard sales.

“We sell a ton of shuffleboards, and I think that’s because they don’t take up a lot of room,” Brice says. “We also do a lot of outdoor furniture—pool tables, game room items, just because of the weather. It gets brutally hot here for three months, but nine months out of the year it’s so nice here. Our winter here is 70 degrees.”

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The last 10 years or so have also seen the growth of the outdoor living room trend, which in many ways is ideal for Arizona.

“We’ve picked up some really good brands for that, we just brought in RR by Olhausen, so I think those are going to kill it here, we’ve already sold a few of those,” Brice says.

According to Tenille, despite the ideal weather that Arizona offers for much of the year, outdoor products in Ar-

izona need to be able to withstand some extraordinary hot temperatures in June, July and August. Tenille says that means products need to be made of steels and aluminums.

“Our seasons are different from other states,” she says. “I learned this when we were at BCA, because I sit on the next gen advisory committee and we were talking about it. It’s very different for us because Arizona is such a hodgepodge of people. Everyone comes here.”

SUCCEEDING IN ARIZONA

Henderson and Brice said their busy season starts in the fall, right when football season starts to kick in, and that their stores stay busy through May. Summer is active, but slower, and online sales also get a boost during the hot months.

Kevin at the 2022 The World Games with 2022 Gold medalist and 2021 Hall of Fame inductee Kelly Fisher | Photo Credit: Erwin Dionisio

“That was one of the big things during COVID,” Brice says of online sales. “We had been test piloting a lot of online stuff for vendors. Kevin is always pushing the envelope, so we are usually ahead of the curve, and we had a good online presence before COVID hit, and that kept us going. We were shipping out so many tables a week. People would say, ‘Oh, you have that? It’s not

exactly what I wanted, but I’ll take it because I know my kids are going to be home for the next year.’

“I think that was a huge thing, that we had such a good online presence. Even though people couldn’t come into the stores, they were already familiar with our site; we already had so many sales on there, so people were comfortable

with us and we were a trusted website. I think that’s helped us as well.”

Prestige Billiards began to see a significant increase in cue sales after the owner of one of Arizona’s largest cue distributors passed away during the pandemic.

“We are selling cues like there’s no tomorrow right now,” says Brice. “And

TOP: Kevin sitting up snooker table at The World Games BOTTOM LEFT:: Kevin with Florian Kohler

BOTTOM RIGHT: Kevin's orginal sketches for Brunswick's Henderson model

“ I DEFINITELY WANT TO PASS IT ON TO THE KIDS … I WANT IT TO LAST FOREVER.

we definitely had to educate ourselves. We’re selling tons of cues, our clients who come in for those know what they want and they know what they’re talking about. We had to invest in pool cue lathes and things like that to amplify that part of the business.”

A STELLAR REPUTATION

Henderson is so renowned throughout the billiard industry that companies often reach out to him for feedback on products. For example, a company may have a new product, but its team doesn’t like the way it goes together, so they will send him pictures of the product and ask him for his opinions.

“That’s part of the reason he has such a good relationship with these companies,” Brice says.

Henderson’s relationship with Brunswick also includes his designing a table for the company, called the Henderson. He also sits on Brunswick’s DAC Board.

“That’s a pretty important position for me, because we help decide what the new product lines are going to be for the next year, or what renderings we want to go with,” he says. “It’s a pretty big deal because there are 300-plus dealers and they pick just eight to sit on the Board. It’s definitely a privilege for me.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

The story of Prestige Billiards is one of perseverance. Over the years, Henderson and Brice have dealt with a recession, a pandemic, and now, an era of tremendous inflation. But their expertise has helped them to succeed. Henderson said one challenge he faces these days is the difficulty with keeping employees on board. He said that when Prestige Billiards posts job listings, they get few applicants, even though they are offering an hourly wage of $18.

“You think someone would call, but it’s like crickets,” he says. “We can’t really take on more work and that’s been a bummer, too, because customers we’ve sold tables to, who need service, we can’t get to them in time and they call somebody else.”

ARIZONA AND BEYOND

In addition to establishing a successful business in Arizona, Henderson and Brice have also made a name for themselves in the community by donating games for an annual contest held by local radio station 98KUPD. They also make personal donations to various causes in their community.

And Prestige Billiards’ reach expands beyond the areas of Scottsdale and Mesa.

“With our online presence, we definitely grab everywhere in Arizona, and we also have customers outside Arizona,” Brice says. “With the internet, we’re able to capture sales across the country, and that’s been like having multiple stores. Sometimes our online sales top our stores 10 to 1.”

As for future plans, Henderson said that while it wasn’t his goal, Prestige Billiards is dominating Arizona, and that he would like to build on that.

“We definitely want to keep that position,” he says. “If we can get a couple of more stores, I think we’ll have Arizona locked down for a while.”

And while Prestige Billiards is Henderson’s creation and is not a business that has been passed on from generation to generation, he would like it to become that, as he hopes that one day, he and Brice’s kids, Collin, Jace, Kevin, and Presley, one day run Prestige Billiards.

“I definitely want to pass it on to the kids and make it an heirloom,” he says. “I want it to last forever.”

FORT WORTH BILLIARDS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS

By Keith Loria

Founded by Lloyd N. Miles, Fort Worth Billiards Supply originated in downtown Fort Worth on Houston Street in 1952. In 1988, the city of Fort Worth purchased his property, and it moved to its second location downtown.

Fort Worth Billiards then moved into its third location on Montgomery Street, alongside the Cultural Arts District, where it would call home for the next 30 years.

After getting established in the new location, Lloyd Miles passed away one year later. In 1991, Albert Trujillo, Ernest Lazo, and a third partner took ownership of the business. By 1994, Trujillo and Lazo bought out the third partner.

“Our focal point in the business was to diversify by adding a broader selection of billiard accessories and furnishings,” says Trujillo, president of the company. “We knew our selection of products was somewhat stagnant, but to be competitive, we needed a change.”

After 30 successful years on Montgomery Street, it was time to make the most significant decision that would change the business forever.

“Due to a new arena built within three blocks from our location, our rent increased significantly, which prompted us to explore the option of moving to a new lease or possibly buy-

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ing a new property, “Trujillo said. “After one week of searching for a property, we found our dream location one mile down the road. The property search and building process were seamless. Three years have passed since our new site opened in August 2019, and we are fortunate enough to say that our business has been growing exponentially ever since.”

LONG-LASTING SUCCESS

In 2022, Fort Worth Billiards is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Several key elements have contributed to this long-lasting business.

“First, we discovered over the years that building meaningful relationships with your employees is essential to a successful foundation,” Trujillo says. “Acknowledging all employees for their achievements creates longevity and sustainability, which retains our employees and keeps our overall morale high. My vision and philosophy have always been to focus on one store and provide the best service a customer can experience.”

Another key is knowing customer service begins with leadership.

“Ernest began his tenure in 1956, and I began in 1978, with both of us starting to work for the company while attending high school,” Trujillo says. “With currently 15 employees, we’ve been blessed to have a consistent crew as passionate as we are in the business.”

In addition to co-owners Trujillo and Lazo, Deryck Gildon serves as general manager and plays a big part in running the business.

“Setting an example for your employees to emulate will create an environment that will keep customers returning,” Trujillo says. “Lastly, I believe participating and being completely involved in your business is the ultimate key to the success of any business.”

COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY

This past June, Fort Worth Billiards celebrated its 70th anniversary with a $200 per ticket, sold-out VIP evening benefit featuring two billiard stars, Earl Strickland and Jeremy Jones.

“The night was filled with excitement as Strickland and Jones provided entertaining exhibitions while our

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guests enjoyed dinner and drinks,” Trujillo says. “Ultimatly, we reached our goal and raised $5,000 for a local charity, A Wish with Wings. This particular organization graciously helps terminally ill children make their wishes come true. As a locally owned business, giving back to our community is a vital part of our mission, and we vow to do so in everything we do.”

LESSONS LEARNED

The nature of business will always have unpredictable swings, and Trujillo has learned to be prepared for any situation and not to put all his eggs in one basket.

“In a world dominated by change, especially over the past few years, my job as a leader includes accommodating all of the latest changes,” he says. “To adapt to change, one must become aware of the situation, take time to understand it, then build upon your skills and knowledge.”

Since day one, the company has given purpose to its employees and customers.

“By establishing and communicating our core values to each other, our company has prospered significantly throughout the years,” Trujillo says. “I believe what makes us unique is our company culture.”

Fort Worth Billiards is also known for its top-notch customer service.

“Being a small, locally owned business allows us to create a more personal connection with our customers,” Trujillo says. “To make the best experience for our customers, we invest every ounce of our combined wisdom into them. We welcome everyone with open arms, no matter who enters our doors, in hopes of leaving them with the confidence they received the best knowledge they can carry with them.”

Looking ahead, Fort Worth Billiards hopes to establish its name as a staple business in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond.

“However, our main objective is to grow and invest within our industry,” Trujillo says. “We strive to continue to support youth players, promote the sport, and spread knowledge regarding the billiard industry.”