BCA Insider Expo Edition 2024

Expo Edition | March 1, 2024

All You Need to Know for the

GET TO KNOW BILLIARD STAR

Margaret Fefilova Styer

Creating a Successful

WEBSITE

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

Sabrina Catalan

Get to Know Billiard Star Margaret Fefilova Styer

IN THIS ISSUE

08 14

BCA Staff

22 28 40 32 36 42 48 60

All You Need to Know for the 2024 BCA Expo

Charles S. Donnavan

Creating a Successful Website

2 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

Brunswick & Valley Dynamo to Host Installer Seminars at the 2024 Expo

By BCA Insider Staff Building on the C.P. Dean Legacy

By Anthony Stoeckert Mike Howerton Named BCA President’s Award Recipient

By Keith Loria One-on-One with Paul Sheck, Creator of “Humans of Pool”

By Keith Loria 2024 BCA Expo Map and Aisle Listings Amusement & BCA Expo Schedule BCA Expo Exhibitor Directory

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charles S. Donnavan Skip Maloney Anthony Stoeckert Alan Pearce Warren Webber

ADVERTISING Steve Mathias steve@bca-pool.com (303) 243-5070 x124

DESIGN/LAYOUT ART DIRECTOR Julie Snee julie.snee@gmail.com

BCA Board of Directors CHAIRMAN Philippe Singer, The Predator Group

Welcome to the 2024 BCA and Amusement Expo! It’s easy to understand why everyone is so excited for this year’s annual industry gathering. This is the first year since the pandemic that we have all the major billiard and home leisure industry influencers under one roof again and, when you couple that with our rambunctious co-location partner (the Amusement Expo) this year’s Expo will have a synergy unlike any other trade show.

This year, we’re excited to bring back our Business of Billiards Education Series with a focus specifically on billiard installer training. Having attendees able to look under the hood of iconic tables such as the Valley Dynamo and the Brunswick Gold Crown VI in an educational setting the day before the Expo opens allows enough time to learn about these products without taking away your time on the Expo floor.

We are also thrilled to announce the exhibitor sponsored Denim and Diamond industry party, Wednesday 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Stirling Club. The venue is a short 5-minute walk and right across the street from the LVCC.The party will feature live music from the Killer Dueling Pianos, raffle prizes, party games, free drinks, and appetizers for anyone with a red attendee badge.

Along with the industry social, we are delighted to announce the BCA General Membership Meeting and breakfast on Thursday morning, March 21. Free breakfast and coffee will be provided to the first 125 attendees starting at 8:00 a.m. At the meeting you will learn more about the BCA and our initiatives to support our membership and industry.

We hope you make the extra time to attend all the events taking place in and around the BCA and Amusement Expo. Besides, this is more than an Expo, this is your industry’s annual gathering and the best opportunity to learn what the association and industry can do for you, meet and mingle with industry big wigs, and enjoy a few days out of the store while “working” in Las Vegas!

Thank you again for attending the BCA Expo! We hope you enjoy your time in Vegas!

VICE-CHAIRMAN Shane Bouchard, Maine Home Recreation

SECRETARY Ed Liddawi, Sandcastle Billiards

TREASURER Trey Stites, Champion Shuffleboard

BOARD MEMBERS Jacklyn Ady, The Brunswick Billiard Group Debbie Corvey, Boynton Billiards Maria Martinez-Trent, Beyer & Brown/ Pool Tables Plus Robbie Selby, R and R Outdoors

4 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

SHANE TYREE,

BCA CEO

P.S. – I’d be remiss if I didn’t congratulate AZBilliards’ Mike Howerton for winning the 2023 BCA President’s award. His decades of service to the industry from behind the curtain is finally acknowledged and highlighted with this award. Keep up the great work Mike!

BCA Insider is published by Billiard Congress of America © 2024 bcainsider.com

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GET TO KNOW BILLIARD STAR

Margaret Fefilova Styer

By Sabrina Catalan Margaret Fefilova Styer’s journey as a professional pool player started when she was a toddler, crawling on her grandparents’ Russian pyramid table in their home in Minsk, Belarus. Russian pyramid is a popular billiard game in Eastern Europe, but it’s played on a much larger 12-foot table compared to the 9-foot American table. Her parents and grandparents played pool for fun and even had competitive weekend tournaments with each other.

Attracted to the game for its complexity, Fefilova Styer met with a coach when she was 12 years old to develop technical skills and proper fundamentals in the sport. She aimed to play Russian pyramid, but the larger table made that difficult. Instead, she went into

8 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

American pool after seeing a match on TV. The table was smaller and easier for her to move around and play.

“The idea was that I would go back to playing Russian pyramid to participate in more tournaments going on in the area,” Fefilova Styer says. “But it turned out that I really enjoyed playing American pool and fell in love with the game.

I never went back.”

TAKING A SHOT After Fefilova Styer took group lessons, her parents saw that she was getting serious about pool. She says they decided to see it more as a career than a hobby for her. However, they didn’t see her growing with her coach anymore. Since

her father was in the military and her mother was a teacher, they created a structure that allowed for their daughter to play pool.

“They did tons of research on the internet and read several books and created a training program for me with different exercises,” Fefilova Styer says. “My mom’s familiarity with education and my dad’s discipline from the military was a good combination, and I started playing really well.”

It worked so well that after seven months, Fefilova Styer won her first tournament in 2010 for the Billiards National Cup in Belarus. She was 13 years old, and while American pool Margaret Fefilova Styer and her husband, Tyler Styler.

wasn’t popular at the time, it soon grew over the years. Now, 100 players from her country compete in the national tournament.

Fefeilova Styer became one of the best pool players in Belarus, a 32-time National Champion.

Her parents say they were proud of her passion and talent, and they worked as a team to overcome difficulties together.

FUNDING A FUTURE In 2015, Fefilova Styer and Yana Halliday (Shut) became the first billiard players in Belarus to receive government funding.When she started playing, Fefilova Styer didn’t even know about all the programs the government had.

“The better I got, the more I realized I actually had a chance to go to the European Championships,” she says.

Then, Fefilova Styer found out if young athletes bring a medal from the European Pool Championships, either first, second or third place, the National Olympic Committee will award them until the age of 25.

“It’s pretty much a yearly salary that the committee pays depending on each medal you bring, so it’s a really strong support. It really helped me a lot because I wanted to start off as a professional,” Fefilova Styer says. “I definitely think it was a really good push for me.”

The first time she brought home a medal was in 2014. She won third place in 8-ball for the European Youth Pool Championships at Kyrenia, Cyprus. And in 2015, she won in the adult European Pool Championships, where she took third place in 9-ball at Algarve, Portugal.

Both of those years, Fefilova Styer received government funding, and she says she’s grateful for that support.

From there, she received funding every year until she turned 25. Her last

year competing in the European Pool Championships was in 2021 at Antalya, Turkey. She finished strong and took home a second place medal for 8-ball and a first place medal for 9-ball.

INDEPENDENCE

“I got first and that was pretty amazing,” she says. “But then I turned 25, unfortunately.”

The 26-year-old Fefilova Styer now has sponsors to help support her pool career, including Predator Cues, KAMUI Brand, and Jam Up Apparel. They help her cover for equipment, billiard clothing and salary.

Nevertheless, Fefilova Styer says she was grateful for the funding from the National Olympic Committee and believes it is a big motivator for young athletes.

“I’m getting really great support from them, and they help me with travel expenses all over the world, and I’m very grateful for that,” she says.

“You keep practicing and playing because you know if you do well in the European championships, you are going to be taken care of for the next year by the government,” she says.

Fefilova Styer also coaches on the side. She’s been coaching for eight years already and started in Belarus, when her parents opened a pool academy. Although most of her stuBCAINSIDER.COM | 9

The couple will celebrate their second wedding anniversary in June.

dents are from Belarus, some are international students.

“It’s funny because my parents never thought of it as a job opportunity,” Fefilova Styer says. “But pool players in Belarus started asking them to teach them. Fast forward 10 years, they quit their jobs and opened up a pool academy, where a lot of different students from the age of 8 to the age of 65 practice. Right now, they own a private academy with four pool tables,” Fefilova Styer learned a lot from the people in her country, especially from her mother.

“The emotional support from my family has always been so great,” she says. “Since my mom has a degree in psychology, she knew a lot of mental techniques that helped me cope with pressure, anxiety, all the emotions that come with sports, winning, losing. She helped me so much going through different stages of my career emotionally.”

Fefilova Styer says she always felt like she had a good circle of family and friends, and now her husband, Tyler Styer. They will celebrate their second wedding anniversary this June.

10 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

FINDING A BEST FRIEND The Fefilova Styer couple first met in 2019 in Beijing, China while working on their pool careers.

They had heard of each other but never really spoke.

It wasn’t until the two played against each other in a virtual pool tournament during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that they finally began to see each other as Margaret and Tyler.

“He kicked my butt,” Fefilova Styer says. “And after that, he mentored me, and he was very nice and very respectful. He says, ‘If you ever need any help don’t hesitate to ask or reach out about your career.’”

Tyler randomly met me in Belarus. We really liked each other at that point already. And he flew across the world to meet me, and it showed me how committed he is, and it was really important for me to see that,” Fefilova Styer says.

“We spent the whole month together in Belarus. It was pretty awesome, and it’s one of the best memories. He went back home, but returned two months later to Belarus and proposed, and we’ve been best friends ever since.”

Tyler Styer began playing pool when he was 14 years old, and four years later, he reached 13th position at the 2013 WPA World 9-ball Junior Championships. He earned the title of a Mosconi Cup Champion in 2018 and 2019, while also becoming a Kremlin Cup Champion in 2019. Most recently, he achieved success as a 2023 Texas Open Champion.

Afterwards, they found conversation easy. They were both pro pool players, had mutual sponsors and mutual friends, and soon they built a strong friendship.

Fefilova Styer says she thinks their relationship worked out so well because in the beginning they never wanted to date each other. They weren’t trying to act perfect to get the other to like them.

“And we never thought it was going to move anywhere past friendship, but then after New Year’s Eve in January 2021,

“When you’re on a date, you just want them to see the best part of you, but we never had that,” she says. “We’ve

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always been super open, super real.

We were 100% ourselves with each other. Having this friendship foundation is so important.”

hours if she’s completing a maintenance routine or eight hours if she’s in her preparation stage of getting ready to compete.

The two didn’t just understand each other, they believed in one another.

“I practice keeping my body in shape to help put myself at the top of the game before a tournament,” she says.

“I have always admired her work ethic. I saw huge potential when we just started talking. I knew that the sky is the limit for her,” Tyler Styer says.

Fefilova Styer says she was happy to have someone who understands how challenging her travel and training schedule could be. She worries that from an outside perspective people may mistake her career for a vacation.

“Sometimes, it’s really exhausting because you travel for so many hours, then you get over the jetlag and then compete and that demands so much mental energy,” she says. “Most of the time, we don’t get to see those beautiful places. Having a person who gets it, a soulmate, it’s so important.”

When the couple isn’t training for their next tournament, they spend time together in the great outdoors.

“We both are really into archery. It’s our biggest hobby.We are very competitive, and it’s great to have something we love besides pool,” Tyler Styer says.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES The couple resides in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Fefilova Styer says she enjoys the weather very much, as it reminds her of Belarus. She says they chose this city because her husband was already living there, and it has an amazing pool hall for the couple to practice.

She starts her morning with meditation, yoga, and a trip to the gym. Afterwards, she’ll have breakfast and then begin training at the pool room for two 12 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

Having earned titles as a European Champion and a two-time Euro Tour winner, Fefilova Styer is ready to make her mark in the United States.

“Her career has already taken off strong.

She reached the top four in the Women’s Professional Billiard Association ranking after her first year of playing in the U.S. in 2023,” Tyler Styer says. “I’m very excited to see what the next five years will bring for her and her career.”

Fefilova Styer offers coaching lessons, alongside her husband, as well. Mostly, they coach from Oshkosh, but they also spend a few days in a city after a tournament to meet students locally. They call it a “coaching tour.”

The best piece of advice she likes giving her students is to always remember to set goals. She says her manager has a great phrase that goes, “you cannot hit the target if you can’t see it.”

“A lot of the time, it’s hard for people from different states to travel to Wisconsin for lessons. It can be expensive, so they wait until there are tournaments in the area,” Fefilova Styer says. “We would fly there anyway, so might as well stay and help a few people there.”

Many pool players inspire Fefilova Styer to continue practicing. One of them is Niels Feijen from the Netherlands. She admires him for being one of the first players to bring physical training into the sport. Another player that motivates her is Allison Fisher from the United Kingdom, who won several Women’s World Snooker Championships and continues to play at a high level.

“People ask me, when I get older, am I going to stop playing, and I think look at Allison, she is over 50 years old, and she’s still kicking everyone’s butt. She is still at the top,” Fefilova Styer says. “I truly believe as you get older, as long you take care of your body and your mind, there is no limit.”

Fefilova Styer says she continues to gain love for pool, finding the process of getting better exciting. She faces some challenges, such as learning to be calmer and understanding that some things are out of her control without worrying about it. She says she is building a strong support system with Tyler Styer’s family, and they give excellent hugs.

“Moving to a different country is very scary and you never really know what to expect. His family has made my journey so much easier,” Fefilova Styer says. “The U.S. has been warm and welcoming to me as an athlete and it helps me to grow as a person and as a player in my journey to become world champion.”

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Brunswick & Valley Dynamo

TO HOST INSTALLER SEMINARS AT THE 2024 EXPO

By BCA Insider Staff One of the highlights of the Billiard, Amusement and Home Leisure Expo is the array of seminars hosted by industry insiders that can help home recreation retailers build their businesses by learning about industry trends and developments from leading experts.

This year’s big event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature two excellent seminars presented by Brunswick Billiards. The first, Brunswick Gold Crown VI, will take place at 1 p.m. on March 19, and will teach attendees the secrets of installation success. The program is tailored to billiard dealers and installers, and will feature a post-seminar social event that will offer attendees networking opportunities and the chance to qualify for giveaways and exclusive discounts.

Then at 3:15 p.m., Brunswick will host a Brunswick Dealer Training seminar. During that program, participants can immerse themselves in expert sales training, product positioning, differentiation, and game-changing strategies.You’ll also have the opportunity to build on installation skills through insider tips on slate leveling that will satisfy even the most discerning customer.

“During the first session, we’re mostly going to talk about the Gold Crown VI,” says Jacklyn Ady, director of product devel14 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

opment for Brunswick. “There are a couple specific points on that table that can be a little tricky that we’ve had dealers ask us about in the past, like how the corner castings connect. I think we’re going to do some slate-leveling tips at that time as well.

And then we have a couple other tables that we’ve been asked some questions about, or tables where we’ve had a lot more installation requests from our dealers. So, we’re going to bring some corner pieces or some rail pieces to show the best way how some of those go together, just to give a little bit more of a secret behind-the-scenes look at how our Brunswick installers put them together. Ideally, the easiest way.”

That program will be led by Randy Smith, who is Brunswick’s quality technician lead and product expert.

“He’s been with Brunswick for many, many years, 15 years at least,” says Nick Baron, president of Brunswick. “He goes out on installs as well, and he is on our QC team, so he has a really intimate knowledge of all our products and how to set them up perfectly.”

Ady says that one of the best things about hosting seminars is how they allow Brunswick to work directly with retailers, face-to-face.

“The more our installers like putting together our product, or have a good experience putting together our product, the better that product is represented out in the world,” she says.

“And the better it reflects on our brand, the more tables they can put together, which at the end of day means more money for them and will feed back into our business. So we’re constantly looking at different ways of how to support our dealers. And we’ve had a lot of requests for things like installation videos. Taking advantage of the time that they’re visiting us during the BCA and actually doing an installation seminar where we can do a Q&A, have a little bit of back and forth, maybe learn something of how we can improve the product moving forward and incorporate that into the new product development process, is a really good engaging way for us to get in front of our dealers and also get some feedback from them.”

“

In addition to providing retailers with information that can help boost their sales, the seminars also benefit Brunswick.

“It’s a great opportunity for feedback and to hear from the dealers directly too, which we love to take advantage of because the better we can support our dealers, the better all of our business is in the end,” Ady says.

Baron says that Brunswick is especially excited about this year’s event, as the BCA Expo is again teaming up with the Amusement Expo International (AEI) to present the most influential conference and trade show dedicated specifically to the amusement entertainment industry.

WE’RE CONSTANTLY LOOKING AT DIFFERENT WAYS OF HOW TO SUPPORT OUR DEALERS.”

Ady says that Brunswick’s second seminar will focus on expert sales training.

“There’ll be some product positioning and we’ll go through the whole product portfolio – how do you sell? What are the game changers for Brunswick?” she says. “And we’ll basically try to help dealers level up their sales pitch and maybe give them some new ideas or questions to think about and challenge certain consumers.”

That seminar will be presented by Ady and Baron, and may feature some guests as well.

“It’s something that we’ve done for specific dealers around the country as well, and it’s done really well,” Baron says.

“We’ve seen positive results from sales because of it. So when we had an opportunity to 1) have all the dealers in one place, and 2) get an opportunity to have a room and a dedicated space, we thought it would work out pretty well to bring the road show and do it all for our Brunswick dealers and try to get them reinvigorated with the branding and answer any questions that they have.”

16 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

“It’s going to be nice to have everybody back together in that area that we’re in,” he says. “It’s going to look really great that we’re all together and have our section of the AEI show.We’re looking forward to that and we always look forward to seeing dealers and we have some really cool stuff that we’re going to be showing at the show as well. Some neat, innovative products that Jacklyn and her team have really put a ton of energy behind. So we’re always looking forward to getting out there and showing off our products.”

One product the team at Brunswick is especially excited about is a new cue line inspired by Óscar Domínguez and his expertise with cues.

“That’s going to be our low-cost pro line, and then we also have new shafts that are coming out that he uses and that also Savannah Easton is using that feature our new carbon fiber-infused technology,” Baron says. “So we’re gonna have quite a bit of energy around those. And then a few Brunswick and American Heritage products sprinkled around as well, but we’re all excited about rolling out these cues and some of the technology that’s new.”

And the Billiard, Amusement and Home Leisure Expo is excited to be presenting these not-to-be-missed presentations from Brunswick.

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VALLEY DYNAMO Valley Dynamo will also be conducting a seminar on March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Ballroom G of the Westgate Hotel.

Entitled, “Under the Hood with Valley Dynamo,” the seminar will be led by industry veteran Mike Prendergast, technical customer service manager for the company.

“We’ll have a couple of tables set up in the room; our new Pro Cat table and our Panther table,” says Trey Stites, national sales manager for the Richland Hills, Texas-based gaming manufacturing company.

The seven-foot Pro Cat boasts 24 reinforced steel slate bolts, one-piece premium Brazilian slate, and championship worsted cloth, and the company considers the table its most sophisticated one created in its nearly 80-year history.

“Mike is going to be doing most of the education,” Stites says.

“We’ll also be bringing in a couple of guys from Championship to re-cloth the slate for us.”

The day will start with boxed tables, and the Valley Dynamo team will take them out of the box, set them up, level them and show how easy the process can be.

“We’re going to show how to remove the cushions off the table, how to remove the rails after the cushions are taken off, and a couple of new things we have done to the tables,” Stites says. “Then Championship will help with showing how to re-cover the cushions, and how to re-cover the slates.”

18 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

“

WE’LL ALSO BE BRINGING IN A COUPLE OF GUYS FROM CHAMPIONSHIP TO RE-CLOTH THE SLATE FOR US.”

On the existing Panther table, Valley Dynamo will show how to level the table, how operators can clean out the ball separator and how to adjust the ball gate and get to it for repairs.

Prendergast will also explain how to replace some typical items like the springs, hinge bar, and coin mechanism if operators want to charge a different amount for the game.

“Mike will also show how to program the games on a card-reader table, so things can be changed and adjusted for happy hour or league night,” Stites says. “He’ll also talk about the best way to flip the table up and move it somewhere else.”

Valley Dynamo will also be bringing one of its parts team members, so anyone who has questions about any of the parts can learn more.

“We’re excited that everyone is going to the same show again and we look forward to this year’s Expo,” Stites says. “We are debuting some things that I think will be very popular at the show and exciting.”

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C.P. DEAN LEGACY

By Anthony Stoeckert To say that the C.P. Dean Company has a long and rich history is something of an understatement. The business’ beginnings date back to the 1800s, and its impact on the Richmond, Virginia, area is immeasurable. And though it has grown and evolved over the years as it has preserved and thrived through countless changes and challenges, Sarah L. Ball, the company’s President, says C.P. Dean is still as it was many years ago.

“We are the local guys,” Ball says.

“Most people in the area know that they can come to our store to be able to touch and feel lots of cue sticks and seek out our team as experts on all things home billiards.”

Billiards is just one aspect of C.P. Dean’s business, as it also sells shuffleboards, ping-pong tables, foosball, air hockey, game room furniture, and a full line of darts supplies. It also re-covers, 22 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

restores, moves, and stores pool tables and other games and creates personalized trophies and awards.

“We put the same level of care into an order for one plaque as we do an order of 12 and have no setup charge,” Ball says. “One of our team members who specializes in awards has been with us since 1988; he knows his people and he crafts each award like he, himself, would be giving it to someone he cared about.”

It is a store that has something for just about any price point, from preowned pool cues priced at $10, to $1,400 cues. A recent Saturday saw C.P. Dean sell a $379 poker table and a $6,000 pool table.

“We have such a broad base of customers, and we aren’t one of those companies with a well solidified ‘target market’

at this point,” Ball says. “If I had to pick a target market, I would pick parents with kids in homes larger than 3,000 square feet within a 20-mile drive of the store.

However, we even had a family fly from Thailand and buy products and have us drive two hours and drop off the items in a shipping container.”

And C.P. Dean began a new chapter of its incredible story when it expanded and opened its new store near Virginia Beach in February. Indeed, it also began a new era when the Ball family bought the business just a few years ago.

A LITTLE HISTORY C.P. Dean was founded by Charles Preston Dean in 1886 and specialized in bank fixtures and furnishings for saloons and clubs, including pool tables, with most of its creations made from

mahogany. In 1903, Maggie Walker chartered the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, becoming the first Black woman, in fact the first woman, to charter a bank in the United States.

A woodworker named William Selden III was working on Walker’s bank, using C.P. Dean fixtures. After Dean passed away, Selden bought the company, and kept the name as it had already built a strong reputation.

The company grew and thrived, even during Prohibition, as it furnished speakeasies that opened in Richmond.

The company also created beautiful woodwork for theaters, and by the start of the Great Depression, there were 18 billiard parlors in the city, most of which had C.P. Dean tables.

Selden died from a heart attack in 1940, leaving C.P. Dean to his son William Selden IV, but the business was put on hold as William IV served during World War II. After returning home, he got back to work at the family business and focused on billiards, working on tables at military bases throughout Virginia. Another line of the business came with selling radios and televisions.

William IV’s son, William V, joined the store in 1972, and established a sporting goods division that served youth and school teams. While that arm of the business thrived throughout the 1990s, the store directed its focus back to billiards and awards as big box stores began to creep in on the youth sports market.

William IV passed away in 2003, after working with C.P. Dean for 63 years. In 2012, William V opened a satellite location, and in 2014, he moved the company fully to its current manufacturing and warehousing facility, adding a showroom element to the building.

In 2021, the Ball family – Sarah, Melissa, and Jonathan – acquired C.P. Dean, and they also bought and remodeled the store’s building. Sarah Ball has led the development of creating a larger online presence, adding new products to the lineup, and a re-design of the facility.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE C.P. Dean’s Richmond location features 16,000 square feet that houses a showroom, a billiard workshop, an area for awards service, office space, and a warehouse with a dock door.

“Our showroom combines a front area displaying cue sticks, a significant-sized dart wall, bowling balls, billiard accessories, shelving of awards – Jefferson cups, old school trophies, engraved dog collars, acrylics, keychains, and lots of other things – a wall of plaques, C.P. Dean T-shirts and knicknacks, and a front counter space with lots of small billiard accessories,” Sarah Ball says. “We also have two rustic poker tables, a rustic air hockey, and three rustic pool tables up front.”

Another section of the store is home to two bars, bumper pool tables, and an array of pub tables and stools, shuffleboards and various pool tables.

“We have a television table where we can meet with customers and discuss their spaces, arcade-like items, such as skeeball and 60-in-1 upright arcade machines, ping-pong tables, another poker table, and a few foosball tables,” Ball says.

Head to the back room, and you’ll find pre-owned pool tables, including a 9-foot Olhausen Waterfall, a Brunswick from the late 1800s, and a Olhausen Oak Classic from the early 2000s.

“We have spectator chairs, cue racks, art, and lights scattered throughout the whole showroom,” Ball says. “We have a back area we really want to transform. It is filled with a combination of junk, unique things we should keep from C.P. Dean’s past, damaged inventory, and good inventory we have not found the right place to store. Our goal is to turn the place into more of a gathering place whether that be for events or a pool school, we are not necessarily sure yet.”

LISTENING TO CUSTOMERS Darts is a key area that C.P. Dean has grown, and that has led to the store becoming a destination for darts devotees.

HOW IT STARTED / HOW IT’S GOING

BCAINSIDER.COM | 23

“Our dart wall used to be quite small,” Ball says. “When my family acquired the company, I surely read the reviews.

I saw one that said, ‘While the selection of darts isn't massive, what they carry is varied and quite good.They allowed me to try a few types on the house board, which helped me solidify my selection.

Will definitely recommend.’”

Sarah took that review to heart and devoted about 20 feet of additional space to darts, multiplying C.P. Dean’s darts inventory by about 10.

“We now have five different types of dart boards, at least 100 standard flight designs, 100 unique flights, 30 shafts, and over 100 packs of darts,” she says.

And in fulfillment of the company’s goal, Ball says selling darts allows people to spend about 10 dollars and bring more fun to their lives.

“Sometimes it can feel somewhat frustrating to constantly sell items that are thousands of dollars and require ample staff work to receive the final product – a pool table,” Ball says. “With a set of darts, a person comes in, gets to feel how lots of different options throw, select an option, and leave happy. Sometimes, a darts sale could end up being as high as $600 or so.

“I always say that our goal as a company is to reduce the barriers to having fun,” Sarah adds. “Darts has a low barrier, both cost-wise and time-wise. As a former ski racer, it takes high dollar and a large amount of prep to be on the race hill. A true darts aficionado can have a full setup for $100 and have a great time with limited setup time to start playing daily.”

AT YOUR SERVICE Between C.P. Dean’s warehouse and the dock door, is a station where the company’s experts service tables.

“Our lead installer has been with us since 1982,” Ball says. “He has a wealth 24 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

of knowledge and has serviced most of the pool tables that he touches two, three or four times. He can recall which pool tables in the area are 8 overs and what tables take a specific style of pocket. So not only do we service a table we sold 20, 30, and even 40 years ago, but the same sales person can schedule it and the same person who installed the pool table also can still service it.

We also have another team member who re-joined our team in 2022 after parting ways in the mid ’70s and he spends a lot of time covering pool table rails during the day. During Christmas week, I think he covered over 100 billiard rails in one week.”

With such a long legacy, there are times where C.P. Dean’s experts will come across a table that was purchased at the store decades ago.

“Back in the day Brunswick would supply the company with pool tables and we would add our name to the table,” Ball explains. “People always come in and attempt to sell us a ‘C.P. Dean’ original table.There is always a small bit of excitement as there must be a true C.P. Dean table out there somewhere from when we made tables before 1900, but most of these tables are after 1900 but before 1960. People think they have a gold mine and we think they have a money pit.”

The business has also added cue repair to its offerings “We had been sending customers to the local pool hall south of the James River and we were losing income, not only from replacing a cue tip, but also from the pack of darts that people buy when they are waiting for their cue tip to be replaced,” Ball says. “I learned mostly from YouTube but did have a local guy who used to make cues encourage me and show me the ropes for an hour.”

Awards are another big part of C.P. Dean’s offerings. The awards production area features four electronic scratch engravers; one hand scratch engraver; three CO2 lasers; two subli-

mation setups; a metal-cutting station; a trophy saw; a sandblasting machine, and a large workbench with lots of space for assembly of items.

As the Ball family are relatively new owners of a business that has been around for well over a century, there are some weird days, including one when Sarah was organizing a storage area and came across an inflatable pizza float, a large shipping wheel, an old cookbook, a Christmas tree, and some tennis shoes.

“I stick with the motto – one step at a time on those days,” she says.

WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTER The members of the Ball family are hard at work in order to build C.P. Dean and make their mark on this institution.

“Just a couple years ago our showroom did not have walls,” Sarah says. “We had thin, worn-out carpet and a team sig-

cue rack, but alas, it has happened. Is that something we could have done five years ago or is it a trend?”

Sarah is “fairly fresh out of college” and is an economics graduate with a master’s in policy. She is particularly interested in building on C.P. Dean’s darts business and invested in a new point of sale system. She likes studying data and is enjoying learning more about trends.

She has noticed customers gravitating from darker to lighter finishes, and something she has particularly enjoyed is seeing how the popularity of cloth colors changes with the seasons.

“We sell blue during June and July – summertime with pools and beaches – and dark reds during December around Christmas time,” she says. “It is almost like people are going to be changing their cloth color by the season – it always makes us laugh.”

nificantly smaller than we have now.

Revenues have more than doubled and we now have a barcode scanner. How cool is that!”

They are still following the vision of C.P. Dean’s founders and three generations of Seldens by selling quality products at a fair price with the kind of customer service that makes this family-owned businesses so special. William Selden V worked at C.P. Dean until September of 2022, and mentored the current owners on the company’s reputation.

“I have been in the industry less than two and a half years,” Sarah says. “I feel like I am just now starting to be at a point where I am noticing trends. Much of the past two years has been me figuring out who our company is and what products truly sell. Our team surely never thought anyone would spend $35 on one piece of billiard chalk or a mom with six kids would spend $550 on a

Sarah took over the business when she was just 22, and notes that’s an unlikely step for someone her age to take. She has grown and leaned immeasurably over the past few years.

She has had some moments where her youth and gender have thrown off some customers, such as the woman who wanted to sell a table, but didn’t know the brand or style, or have any photos of the table.

“When I started explaining that we would need this, she said, ‘That is why I wanted to speak with a manager.’ I said, ‘Well, ma’am I am the owner.’ She seemed very caught off guard. It’s funny, and the likelihood that we end up buying her table in three months is quite low.”

Then there was the time where she called a representative from a pool cue brand, and asked about having their cues in the showroom. Sarah was turned down.

“One of my mechanics called with a male voice about an hour later and they were excited and looking forward to the

opportunity,” she says. “This situation was the first time I really saw sexism in the industry so blatantly. It is fun every time we are able to have someone ask for their cues, and we flip them to another brand that actually cares about local business and supports stores like us.”

There is no doubt that Sarah is ready to bring C.P. Dean into the future. In addition to her business background, she also has experience in politics.

“It is much harder to sell a candidate as a product than it is to sell a set of $40 darts,” she says. “Especially in my fundraising specialty – selling a candidate and convincing people to give over $450,000 to a Congressional candidate who has never run before in a primary in an off-year election? Man, am I glad I get to do what I do now.”

She has also fostered a team spirit among C.P. Dean’s staff by, for example, making them gift bags before Thanksgiving and arranging a team dinner, after which a lot of the employees stuck around to play pool on a table in the showroom. Moments like those make Ball proud of her team, and it encourages her to make C.P. Dean even better. She continues to love and appreciate those she works with every day.

“I feel as if I am one of those people who will never be one to call myself ‘successful,’” she says. “What is success and how is it defined? Is it being able to go home into a comfortable bed at night, hug someone you love, and get slobbered by your family dog? Is it being able to pay off your credit card and not feel the need to check your bank account before doing it? I will never have a solid answer and I will always feel like I can do better. I am working regularly on making sure that I fit in where I have come as a person and find solace in how far we have come as a company in just the past two-and-a-half years.”

And she’s only just beginning, and that points to a bright future for C.P. Dean.

BCAINSIDER.COM | 25

MIKE HOWERTON

Named BCA President’s Award Recipient

By Keith Loria Mike Howerton, CEO of AZBilliards, has been named the recipient of this year’s BCA President’s Award.

“I was pretty shocked,” he says. “It wasn’t even on my radar that I could win something like this. I was blown away. I went to the BCA website and saw the list of those who have won, and to think my name is among that list now is mindboggling.”

When he founded the website AZBilliards.com in 1998, Howerton was only looking to cover the Arizona pool scene. It didn’t take long for billiard enthusiasts to take notice, and his web traffic began soaring. That’s when he made the decision to transition from a local site to a national site, and it’s since gone international.

The site has the go-to database of players, tournaments results and plenty of 28 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

features and stories of players and topics those in the industry care about.

“When he created AZBilliards, he brought pool news into the computer age,” says Jerry Forsyth, long-time billiard journalist and commentator, who partnered with Howerton at AZBilliards and even did a podcast with him.

“The marriage of Accu-Stats into the AZB family, it now serves as a library of historic matches that go back five decades. In short, fans and researchers have a one-stop source to study the game, a source that will continue to grow for many years to come.”

Shane Tyree, CEO of the BCA, has always appreciated Howerton’s support of the organization.

“Mike volunteers his time as a BEF board member and for other groups whenever it’s requested, and he al-

ways lends a hand to BCA whenever asked,” he says. “Mike has been instrumental in assisting the BCA with managing and maintaining the BCA Pro Player ranking system. And he continuously supports the BCA with free promotions and advertising on his website AZBilliards.com.”

Additionally, the AZBilliards forums are the most interactive platform billiard aficionados have today to share ideas and opinions as well as to trade, buy and sell billiards equipment.

“The AZBilliards forums still have the largest collection of voices chattering about the industry on a daily basis,” Tyree says.

Philippe Singer, BCA chairman and vice president of marketing for the Predator Group, notes Howerton has always been there when the BCA need-

ed help and shares the same vision of growing the sport.

“Mike’s passion for the sport has led him to build a community of pool players, and build an archive of the game’s history in terms of competition, players, videos of matches with his recent acquisition of Accustat’s YouTube channel,” he says. “The information he makes available to all for free is unprecedented. While he often works in the background and prefers to stay away from the spotlight, his legacy is to have made a significant contribution to build today’s vibrant pool community.”

Forsyth is happy to see his friend get this honor.

“Mike has dedicated himself and AZBilliards to growing the game,” he says. “He has never been afraid to get his hands dirty while assisting with BEF and many other tournaments. He has promoted youth in pool for over three decades now and publicizes regional, national and international competitions in an effort to stoke enthusiasm around the sport.”

Howerton started playing pool as a youngster and it was something that his whole family did together.

“I just loved every part of it,” Howerton says. “I followed the pro game long before websites were in existence. I was going to the local pool store and getting Billiards Digest and other magazines and 30 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

following the greats. To think this was a sport and they were making money competing in tournaments, I really just wanted to put a website together for Arizona pool and it blew up from there.”

Howerton’s philosophy has always been to get the most coverage possible out to as many readers as possible.

“He accomplished this by never charging his readers for any current coverage,” Forsyth says. “Instead, he allowed this to grow his audience into the hundreds of thousands and then let nature take its course as advertisers were always drawn to the size of his reader base. He also created a forum where fans gather to opine on all manner of subjects.”

The one aspect of Howerton that stands out to Forsyth is that he never sought any fortune or glory or even thanks for all he has done to promote the game.

“He was always happy with just getting results. And that he did,” he says. “Folks the world over now have a source to read and write about all forms of billiards.”

Singer watched as AZBilliards grew as a place to get information about what was happening in the pool world, became a place to exchange with fellow pool players, and eventually grew into a place to watch some of the best pool games of all time.

“When a pool players starts to get interested in pool, AZ Billiards and now it’s Accustat’s YouTube channel, have been long-time favorites and helped fuel many players’ passion,” Singer says. “It is time to thank Mike and recognize him for his contributions to the billiard industry.”

Humbled by his award, Howerton thanks the BCA and those who helped him get to where he is today.

“Before I even got into pool, my tagline was always like the Wizard of Oz, and ‘pay no attention to the man behind the curtain’; for the most part, I’ve tried not to put myself out there,” Howerton says. “I feel AZBilliards stands for itself, and of course, Accustats does. This was a nice acknowledgment of the things I’ve done. I’m very, very proud.”

And for those who have known him, the award is well deserved.

“Mike has always been a behind-thescenes kind of guy; he works relentlessly preserving and promoting this sport and industry we all love,” Tyree says.

“From Accustats to AZBilliards, Mike has always been a keyboard warrior with an unparalleled love for the sport, and now for him to be recognized with the BCA President’s award truly says how impactful his work and dedication mean, not only to the BCA, but for the entire industry.”

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ONE-ON-ONE WITH

Paul Sheck, Creator of Humans of Pool”

By Keith Loria If one were to go to Google and search for billiard videos, it’s a good bet that most of the first ones that pop up would be trick-shot videos or final shots of tournament wins.

MEET THE FILMMAKER

“There are videos that try to make pool look fun or interesting, but the truth is, it’s really not that fun to watch,” says Paul Sheck, owner of Playcraft, which is the sponsor behind the videos. “I think the more interesting side of the game is why people play it, what they love about it, and what it does for them personally. So, we wanted a way to capture that.”

Gabe Dinsmoor is a Baltimore-based documentarian, content creator for Playcraft Pool Tables players and amateur pool player.

That’s why Sheck created a video series known as “Humans of Pool,” which are available on YouTube, and are intended to bring interest into the sport.

“Humans of Pool” contains episodes that focuses on one participant, filmed playing the game, with a voiceover talking about their unique billiard story.

“There is a real love of the game that is shared by players but, in our view, is not being adequately communicated,” Sheck says. “This series seeks to capture that passion, and also explain what is behind it.”

For instance, the first video, which has racked up more than 1.3 million views, highlights D’Angelo “Jawz” Spain, a 13-year-old junior athlete who talks about his journey and love of the game.

32 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

Over the last year, the filmmaker has created this series of short videos that examine the love of billiards from the personal perspective of different billiard players.

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“One of the biggest lessons pool has taught me is if you want to look good in front of thousands, you need to outwork thousands,” the young phenom says in the video. “I strive to reach every goal I set for myself. One day, I would like to be called the greatest of all time.”

Other videos feature junior Skylar Hess, Jaws’ mom, Angela Spain, and “regular guys” who have been involved in the game for decades. One inspirational story follows Bruce, a billiard player who lost his leg but continues to play and compete.

“The focus is on the individual and how the game has impacted their lives,” Sheck says. “This is in contrast to the more traditional drill or trick videos. The objective is to connect with the human elements of the game such as socialization, precision, practice, achievement, and how these affect our feelings about ourselves.”

So, even though there are more to the stories, these videos are a great way to get an introduction into the billiard players and people can learn more about them on their own.

“If you love something and are part of a community, I think it’s nice to hear something from others in that community and what their experience is,” Sheck says. “Each one of these individuals has a different experience. This is an effort to broaden that community and create more connection.”

MORE VIDEOS TO COME As of now, there are eight videos created, but plans are to continue adding to the series and telling these interesting stories. In 2024, at least one a month will be posted.

There’s even a video entry for Dinsmoor himself, and he explains where his love for the sport came from and why pool is so important to him.

“We’re really trying to get into the more emotional side of the game and into what it means in people’s lives,” Sheck says.

“We want to show how regular pool players find meaning in the game.”

“He plays a lot and last year went to Las Vegas as part of a 9-ball team, and really knows the game,” Sheck says. “This is part of his local community, so he really knows these players.”

And though Playcraft is bringing this project along, the vignettes have nothing to do with the company’s tables, it’s really all about the company reaching out and bringing a look of the game through a more human level.

GETTING NOTICED Each videos starts its life on Instagram, where they are cut down to 30 seconds or less, and the idea is to draw people in to the longer videos.

“We know the attention span on the internet keeps getting shorter and shorter and shorter,” Sheck says. “The longer versions are on YouTube, and Bruce even exceeds the current standard for a reasonable length of attention span, so we tried to keep them all at around two minutes. But we want people to know these stories.”

34 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

“We want to show why people love this game, what are the social elements, the skill elements, what is the satisfaction of playing well? That is the compelling human story,” Sheck says. “This is all about the game. We want people to feel the connection with their own love of the game.”

To check out any of the “Humans of Pool” videos, visit http:// tinyurl.com/humans-of-pool PREVIOUS: Angela Spain BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Skylar Hess, D’Angelo “Jaws” Spain, Chris Shaw

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VA N C O U V E R COLLECTION

All You Need to Know for the

By BCA Staff After last year’s successful collaboration with the Amusement Expo International (AEI), the BCA Billiard & Home Leisure Expo will once again share a space at the Las Vegas Convention Center for a co-located show March 20 and 21.

The 2024 Expo will be a huge industry celebration as it’s the first time since the pandemic that there is only one industry trade show to support BCA members and serve the industry, with major billiard and home leisure manufacturers all under one roof.

“The BCA Expo is back and better than ever, building bridges and driving business,” says Jacklyn Ady, Expo committee chair. “We are showcasing all the best brands all under one roof and have amazing events planned throughout the week of the trade show, including informative installer education sessions, great giveaways, and an amazing industry party.

There will be a special industry celebration on March 20 to commemorate the opening night of the Expo. See the entire schedule on page 42 and check out the important things to know below.

DATES March 19: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Business of Billiards present Installer Seminars and Education at Westgate Hotel Resort and Casino (see page 14)

ADMISSION You can’t get into the BCA Expo without an official badge.

Badges must be worn at all times and are essential for entrance into all scheduled events, programs and functions.

Badges must also be worn during set-up and teardown of all booths. Badges are nontransferable and are the property of BCA Expo management.

ATTENDEE BADGES A simple color system will be utilized to assist attendees in properly identifying the business classifications of all BCA Expo 2024 attendees and exhibitors.

Blue: Exhibitor

Red: Attendee/Dealer

Badges for Children

Children can be registered onsite but an adult must accompany children under the age of 18 at all times. Badges for children 12-17 are $25 each. There is no charge for children under the age of 12.

March 20-21

RIBBON CUTTING

Expo Hours

Wednesday, March 20: 9:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Entrance Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center

BCA Expo at Las Vegas Convention Center Wednesday, March 20: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, March 21: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHO CAN ATTEND? The Expo is a business-to-business event, and is open to qualified professionals of the billiard and home leisure industries exclusively. The Expo is not open to the general public.

40 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

BRUNSWICK DEALER PARTY 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Westgate Hotel

MEMBERSHIP MEETING BCA will host its annual membership meeting, sponsored by Iwan Simonis, at the membership breakfast, Thursday, March 21. This is an opportunity to learn about current BCA initiatives and provide input regarding the association’s strategic direction and priorities.

DENIM & DIAMONDS INDUSTRY PARTY Wednesday night, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Stirling Club in Las Vegas (right across the street from the LVCA). The BCA Expo exhibitors are hosting a party for all registered attendees, with free drinks, appetizers, games and live entertainment featuring The Killer Dueling Pianos. Raffle prizes will be drawn, and winners announced starting at 6:15 p.m.

HOTEL INFO The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is located just a block from the Las Vegas Strip, and is home to the largest race and sports book in the world. The Westgate has a monorail stop onsite for easy access to the rest of the excitement on the Las Vegas Strip. 3000 Paradise Road: Phone: 702-732-5111.

REGISTRATION INFO Education registration will be at the Westgate Hotel. Main registration will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

MARKETING TOOLKIT The BCA has put together some amazing assets for members to let your colleagues and customers know you’ll be at the BCA Expo including Canva templates for those without a graphic design team. Find it here: https://bcaexpo.com/ exhibitor-marketing/

QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION? Reach out to Shane Tyree at 303-243-5070 ext. 123, or email shane@bca-pool.com.

BCAINSIDER.COM | 41

AMUSEMENT & BCA EXPO SCHEDULE Monday, March 18 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

People Management…Keys to Creating a Highly Effective Team

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

VR Arcade Game Summit

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Marketing Trends for FECs

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

The Power of Connecting Games

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Laser Tag Operator Perspectives: A Roundtable Discussion

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

“I Have Space, NOW WHAT?” LIVE! Game Room Design

1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

VR Arcade Game Summit

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

VR Reception

2:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Industry Roundtables

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Brunswick Dealer Training

5:15 PM - 7:15 PM

AEI’s All-Industry Gala Reception

Tuesday, March 19 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Advanced Arcade Operations: Games, Card Systems, and Redemption

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Making the Case for a Laser Tag Champion 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Payment Options for Your Street Locations 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM

VR Arcade Game Summit

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Learning the Ins and Outs of the New Valley Dynamo 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM AI 101: A Beginner’s Primer for the Amusement Industry 10:15 AM - 11:15 PM Upgrading The 3 E’s of Laser Tag: Equipment, Environment, and Experience 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Keynote Presentation by Herm Edwards 42 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

1:00 PM - 2:45 PM The Secrets of the Brunswick Gold Crown VI 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM ATM Update 2024…What You Need to Know 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Food and Beverage Concepts for FECs

Wednesday, March 20 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AEI’s Beers & Cheers Reception/ Industry Awards Presentation 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM BCA’s Denim & Diamond Industry Party

Thursday, March 21 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM AMOA Breakfast and Membership Meeting 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

BCA Membership Meeting

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Registration Open

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN

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2024 EXHIBITORS A.E. SCHMIDT BILLIARD COMPANY

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ARAMITH BALLS

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COMPANY CONTACT: Felice Rentner felice@simoniscloth.com 1-847-549-6109

ARDOSIAS NACIONAL

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COMPANY CONTACT: Silmaria Loch Pereira silmaria@ascslate.com 55 31 3714 1489

COMPANY CONTACT: Stephanie Schmidt sschmidt@aeschmidtbilliards.com 1-314-645-7565

ANDY CLOTH

ARDOSIAS SANTA CATARINA LTDA Rua Da Mata, 147 Paraopeba MG 35774-000 Brazil

CALIFORNIA HOUSE

1527

3316 51st Ave. Sacramento, CA 95823 www.californiahouse.com

1639

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COMPANY CONTACT: David Start dstart@californiahouse.com 800-251-3597

COMPANY CONTACT: Luciano Machado luciano@ardosia.com +1 443 930 5813

ABOUT: The premier manufacturer of made-to-order game room furniture.

ABOUT: Located in Brazil’s main area of slate mining operations, Pompéu, Minas Gerais. ARDÓSIA NACIONAL came into being because of its founder, Tomaz Duarte Machado, considerable experience and technical knowledge in the slate field, and his active participating in the mining operations of his own slate deposits since its beginning, in 1975.

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CHAMPIONSHIP

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CUESTIX INTERNATIONAL 1541

840 Industrial Dr Bensenville, IL 60106 www.champbilliards.com/

1380 Overlook Dr. Ste 104 Lafayette, CO 80026 www.cuestix.com

COMPANY CONTACT: Bill Dunne billd@champbilliards.com 847-677-4085

COMPANY CONTACT: Joel Garcia joel@cuestix.com 800-645-9803

ABOUT: Championship offers multiple grades of woolen and worsted fabrics for pool and billiard applications, Silver Cup chalk, Championship Chalk, NTC, MBS cushion rubber, pool table and shuffleboard covers, leather &amp; plastic pockets, components and an array of supplies for table mechanics.

CORNILLEAU GAME TABLES

DARAFEEV 1501

6832 E Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066 us.cornilleau.com

ABOUT: Table tennis specialists for more than 50 years, renowned among casual enthusiasts and top-level competitive players. At Cornilleau, we’ve never stopped innovating. Always on the lookout for ways to improve our products and meet the needs of all players. This capacity to innovate, to manufacture ultra-sturdy outdoor products, along with our rigorous quality standards, have guided the creation of a broader recreational range. Convertible Outdoor pool tables, outdoor foosball tables and, more than ever table tennis: there’s something for everyone and all ages.

ABOUT: Darafeev is a luxury furniture brand designed and manufactured in the U.S., since 1959, specializing in crafting high-quality, customizable tables, chairs, and stools for both commercial and residential spaces. Offering a diverse product lineup featuring classic designs, top sellers, and modern creations, Darafeev allows customers to choose their preferred wood, finish, upholstery, and metal finish. With numerous options for table size, height, and custom heights for chairs and stools, clients can also collaborate with the factory to bring their unique, fully custom concepts to life.

DIAMOND BILLIARD PRODUCTS, INC.

1400

DaTian Village, DaTian Street Linhai Taizhou China www.cueleesintl.com COMPANY CONTACT: Regan Rey cuelees@126.com +86-15900271327 ABOUT: At Cuelees, we believe in the fusion of art. Our cues are designed with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, making them a work of art that you can be proud to play with.

46 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

1345

12142 Central Ave. 128 Chino, CA 91710 www.darafeev.com COMPANY CONTACT: Tim Moreno info@Darafeev.com 909-613-1818

COMPANY CONTACT: Pierre Hormiere support@cornilleau.com 678-257-4350

CUELEES / ZHEJIANG YICHEN BILLIARDS CO., LTD

ABOUT: CueStix International is a direct manufacturer of over a dozen cue and case lines along with distributing both domestic and international premium billiard products with same-day shipping guarantees if orders are placed before 2 p.m. MT.

1441

4700 New Middle Road Jeffersonville, IN 47130 www.diamondbilliards.com COMPANY CONTACT: Chad Scharlow chad@diamondbilliards.com 812-288-7665 ABOUT: Manufacturer of the world-renowned DIAMOND pool tables. “Designed By Players For Players.” Made in America

OUTDOOR GAMEROOMS

BY GAMEROOM CONCEPTS UNLIMITED

You may not be able to have the best of everything in life, but you can have the best outdoor pool table built by Gameroom Concepts.

An informed consumer is our best customer. we encourage comparison.

Visit our website: www.outdoorpooltables.com

(888) 683-5999 | (407) 831-5999 | info@outdoorpooltables.com

Made in the USA

DONG GUAN

1652

HF CLOTH / ZHEJIANG HONGFENG

COMPANY CONTACT: Jason Deng rosharchtang@gmail.com 1-714-623-2081

1609

No. 6 Longchang Rd Nanri Town,Tongziang Zhejiang 314506 China

FUSION TABLES

1531

1931 Industrial Dr. Libertyville, IL 60048 www.fusiontables.com

ABOUT: Zhejiang Hongfeng Warp &amp; Weft Knitting Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer and exporter of fabrics. We are located in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang province, with convenient transportation access.

COMPANY CONTACT: Martha Galloway martha@fusiontables.us 847-549-6109

GLD PRODUCTS

1415

S84 W19093 Enterprise Dr. Muskego, WI 53150 www.gldproducts.com

ABOUT: GLD Products is the leading manufacturer and distributor of darts, dartboards, table games and home casino products.

1601

4825 South 16th St. Lincoln, NE 68512 www.muellers.com COMPANY CONTACT: Nick Maser nick@muellers.com 402-423-8888 ABOUT: Since 1935, Gorina Cloth has manufactured the finest pocket billiard and carom cloth in the world. Mueller‚ Recreational products is proud to be the exclusive U.S. distributor of Gorina Cloth. Mueller‚, established in 1955, also manufactures the Willard tip tools, Q-Wiz‚ and Q-Wiz shaft conditioner, Porper tip tools and accessories, and many molded products such as the ‚ÄúPractice Pro‚Äù pocket reducers, plastic bridge heads, dart tips and much more!

48 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

HUIZHOU DOUBLE STAR SPORTS GOODS CO., LTD

1644

Qiankou Village, Dongfeng Village Xinxu Town Huiyang District, Huizhou City Guangdong China COMPANY CONTACT: Yunhai Xue xueyunhai@szzl.com +86 13802554394

COMPANY CONTACT: Brian Igielski briani@gldmfg.com 262-679-8730

GORINA CLOTH / MUELLER RECREATION PRODUCTS

COMPANY CONTACT: Penny Zhu penny@hfwwk.com +86-15968398591

ABOUT: Mr. Xue treats the company’s development as his whole life perspective pursuit. Having been in the same field for more than 30 years, his goal is more than a number. He experienced five failures before finally building the state-of-the-art factory in use now. With this 45,000-square-meters factory, more than 300 workers are working, and living here. Though there is a long way to go, his goal is to lead the company to be a worldwide brand in the sporting goods field.

IMPERIAL

1727

303 Paterson Plank Rd Carlstadt NJ 07072 www.imperialusa.com COMPANY CONTACT: info@imperialusa.com 800-526-6261 ABOUT: Imperial is more than just a distributor. With our own line of pool tables, cues, and pool table accessories, Imperial is a long-trusted brand in billiards. As experts in the industry, we design, develop, and deploy exceptional products that customers are proud to display on their floors or in their homes. Stylish, fun, and versatile, our products are crafted from top grades of lumber found in trees throughout North America including the Maple, Ash, and Douglas Fir. Most of our pool tables are carved from solid wood and are guaranteed for life. We take pride in offering sturdy and beautiful sporting equipment that is functional, fun, and designed for the perfect game. Contact us to learn more.

ARE YOUR INSTALLERS

BCA CERTIFIED?

Benefits of having a BCA Certified Installer on your staff:

Scan Here

Sign up your installers today!

• Inspires consumers confidence • Additional sales tool • Customized listing on Billiard Congress of America Website (BCA-Pool.com) • Free admission to the BCA Expo including installerspecific training and seminars • Free subscribtion to BCA Insider magazine

Use Promo code BCAInstaller24 to get a 50% discount on 2024 Installer annual dues!

IWAN SIMONIS

1531

1931 Industrial Dr. Libertyville, IL 60048 www.simoniscloth.com

KETTLER INTERNATIONAL, INC.

1741

1355 London Bridge Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23453 www.kettlerusa.com

COMPANY CONTACT: Ivan Lee ivan@simoniscloth.com 847-549-6109

COMPANY CONTACT: Scott Kramer sales@kettlerusa.com 757-427-2400

ABOUT: Iwan Simonis Inc., North American home of Simonis Cloth, Aramith balls, Strachan cloth, and Fusion tables. Premium brands, premium products, premium service.

ABOUT: Manufacturer and distributor of leisure products, including game tables, fitness equipment, outdoor furniture and children’s ride-on toys.

J. PECHAUER CUSTOM CUES

KODA SPORTS 1341

4110 Velp Ave. Green Bay, WI 54313 www.pechauer.com

COMPANY CONTACT: Wes Bond wes@playkodasports.com 1-888-308-5632

COMPANY CONTACT: Scott Douglas sales@pechauer.com 800-934-7735 ABOUT: American-made custom pool cues. Family owned for more than 50 years.

KESTELL FURNITURE

1615

190 Cumberland Park Dr. Augustine FL 32095 www.playkoda.com

1349

PO Box 176 New Holstien, WI 53061 www.kestellfurniture.com COMPANY CONTACT: Alex LeFave alexl@kestell-furniture.com 920-898-4251 ABOUT: For more than 65 years, a leading manufacturer of the finest in 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.

ABOUT: KODA Sports is a leading manufacturer and distributor of home game room products. A family-owned business with more than 50 years of combined experience specializing in high-quality pool cues, billiard accessories, darts, game tables, and table tennis.

Our goal is to give you better service, better pricing, and better products to make your buying experience a breeze. We back it up with our tailored accessory programs, same-day shipping, risk-free buying and price match guarantees. Core brands include Bull Carbon, K2, Koda and Xcel.

LEGACY BILLIARDS

1401

851 Progress Road Collierville, TN 38017-2776 www.legacybilliards.com COMPANY CONTACT: Cris Gould cgould@legacybilliards.com 866-953-4272 ABOUT: Legacy Billiards has earned the distinction as one of the fastest-growing brands of billiard tables, shuffleboards and game room furniture in the industry. Legacy’s billiard tables, bar stools, and other game room furniture offer 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 game room furniture and game table industry.

50 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

LOU, POWERED BY EVOSUS

1636

MANAGED INSTALLATION SERVICES GROUP LLC

1635

7414 NE Hazel Dell Ave., Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98665 www.evosus.com

8407 June Burn Rd. Alcolu, SC 29001-9111 www.misg-us.com

COMPANY CONTACT: Dan McManus dmcmanus@evosus.com 360-244-4136

COMPANY CONTACT: Michael Laney mlaney@misg-us.com 843-530-5370

ABOUT: Evosus is a tested and proven business management software solution specifically designed for the billiard and home leisure industry. We encourage you to check our references and hear how Evosus has changed the lives of our customers.

ABOUT: It is our MISSION to provide the best quality installation services at a reasonable cost to our clients and their customers. MISG’s services allow our clients to focus more on the sales of their products rather than the mechanics and time-consuming challenges of the installation process. It is our goal to provide safe installation services to commercial and residential customers alike with the highest level of professionalism and customer satisfaction.

ROLLING IN A DIFFERENT LANE PETERS BILLIARDS IS THE #1 SKEECH DEALER IN THE COUNTRY. OVER 80 SKEECH TABLES SOLD IN THEIR FIRST YEAR AND A HALF.

WHY SKEECH? -BEST TABLE GAME IN DECADES

-SLEEK DESIGN TO CONSERVE SPACE

-A SHOWROOM STOPPER

-FAMILY FRIENDLY

-INCREASE ANNUAL REVENUE

-FAST-PACED GAME PLAY

-MOTIVATE YOUR STAFF

-LOW MAINTENANCE

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR EXCLUSIVE SHOW SPECIALS! VISIT OUR BOTH (1453) TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE ORIGINAL SKEECH SO YOU CAN START ROLLING IN A DIFFERENT LANE.

BCAINSIDER.COM | 51

MCDERMOTT CUE MFG, LLC 1227 N84W13660 Leon Road Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 www.mcdermottcue.com

NEON WAREHOUSE

1700

COMPANY CONTACT: Matthew Abbott neonbymatt@aol.com 810-499-4421

COMPANY CONTACT: Greg Knight greg@mcdermottcue.com 262-251-4090

NODOR INTERNATIONAL INC

ABOUT: McDermott Cue has been manufacturing pool cues in Menomonee Falls, WI since 1975. McDermott Cues and high-performance shafts are some of the most recognized products in the billiard industry.

MEUCCI CUES

1630

3709 HWY 302 Byhalia, MS 38611 www.meuccicues.com

ABOUT: Meucci Cues is a leader in the design and manufacture of American Made Pool Cues. Since 1975, our cues have stood out for their quality, playability, and beautiful designs.With new ownership in place, Meucci Cues is committed to providing customers with excellent service, improved quality, and responsiveness. See us and learn what’s new and exciting with Meucci Cues.

MR. BILLIARD INTERNATIONAL

COMPANY CONTACT: Harry Bluck Harry@nodor-darts.com 520-420-5809 ABOUT: Recognized as one of the largest and most advanced manufacturer of darts equipment in the world, including Nodor dartboards.

LONGONIGROUP

COMPANY CONTACT: Seth Randall sales@meuccicues.com 662-895-3220

1600

170 West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON Canada www.mrbilliard.com

52 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

1736

Via Spaino 2 Mariano Comense 22066 Italy longonigroup.com COMPANY CONTACT: Cinzia Teso cinzia.teso@norditalia.it +393755725571 ABOUT: Norditalia Ricambi s.r.l., as part of Longonigroup, is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors throughout Europe of billiard accessories, cues, billiard tables, soccer tables, darts, touch screens and more.

OLHAUSEN BILLIARD MFG., INC 1327 & 1427

COMPANY CONTACT: John Haddock jh@mrbilliard.com 905-707-5992 ABOUT: Mr. Billiard was a dream by snooker player,Terry Haddock, who adored the game. His dream was to cater to billiard players by providing quality tables, cues and accessories; all the while giving every client his undivided attention and meeting their every need. Already the owner of several successful billiard clubs,Terry took the first steps towards making his dream a reality.

1653

1525 Capital Drive, Suite 103 Carrollton, TX 75006

1124 Vaughn Pkwy Portland, TN 37148 www.olhausenbilliards.com COMPANY CONTACT: Brian Rosselli brosselli@olhausenbilliards.com 615-323-8522 ABOUT: Family-owned manufacturer of American Made game room products founded in 1972. Leader in the manufacturing of the highest quality Pool Table, Shuffleboards, Foosball, Air hockey and Game Tables. Proudly made in Tennessee.

K2’s True Path Low Deflection Technology instantly gives any player the upper hand. The power packed front end construction features a low deflection core filled with our state-of-the-art Feedback Control Foam, a 15” pro taper, and is topped off with an Everest Tip. K2’s accuracy, playability and forgiveness is unmatched. K2 when performance matters!

Feel the Performance of K2 at BCA booth #1615 or Call Now 888-308-5632.

PADISHAN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

1611

7F., No.149-16, SEC.2, Keelung Road Xinyi Dist. Taipei 110005 Taiwan www.padishan.com

COMPANY CONTACT: Elaine Gerber egerber@presidentialbilliards.com 866-728-2253

COMPANY CONTACT: Ruby Lin ruby@padishan.com.tw +886227361097 ABOUT: Since 1987, Padishan has been engaging in tables, cues, balls, cases, accessories, table parts and dart games. We are a professional exporter and professional manufacturer and have a rich experience of more than 35 years in the field.

PLANK AND HIDE

PRESIDENTIAL BILLIARDS 1405 20221 Caroline Way New Caney, TX 77357 presidentialbilliards.com

1505

ABOUT: Presidential Billiards offers a variety of fine products including a large selection of pool tables and game-room furniture encompassing models from entry-level to heirloom quality and featuring exotic hardwoods and hand carving. Tomorrow’s Heirlooms Today.

QBLIS POOL CUE TIPS

1347

COMPANY CONTACT: John Tamsey swingsandbilliardsetc@gmail.com 1-770-252-2050

COMPANY CONTACT: John Kazik john@plankandhide.com 1-847-736-5034 ABOUT: Plank & Hide is a lifestyle entertainment furniture design and distribution operation based in Cincinnati, OH. Our product team spans the globe, leaving no stone unturned to bring you the very best in Outdoor lifestyle and Indoor entertainment furniture. Our mission is simple: To consistently and effectively deliver functional, luxury furniture at bestin-class value to market each year. We thrive on designing and manufacturing beautiful furniture and support that goal every step of the way.

PREDATOR GROUP

1513

7255 Salisbury Road, Ste. 1 Jacksonville, FL 32256 www.predatorgroup.com COMPANY CONTACT: Philippe Singer psinger@predatorgroup.com 904-448-8748 ABOUT: Predator Group, an international billiard industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiard players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, Predator Group‚ core brands include: Predator Cues - professional level cues and shafts featuring classical design and revolutionary, performance-enhancing technology; Poison Billiards - recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for the best-in-class playability; and Uni-Loc-precision engineered components for billiard products.

54 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

QCO: VIKING CUES AND TRIPLE-60

1627

2228 Pleasant View Road Middleton, WI 53562 vikingcue.com & Triple-60.com COMPANY CONTACT: Joey Niklas sales@vikingcue.com 608-271-5155 ABOUT: Viking Cue is a legend in the billiard industry and has redefined the art of custom pool cues over its 50-year history. Every Viking Cue is 100 percent 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.

Triple 60’s Whyte Carbon shafts offer the latest in composite tubular process technology and materials. Backed by over 30 years of experience in sporting goods and now bringing seamless shaft construction with uniform bending properties and superior radial symmetry to the billiard world. Lower defection. More predictability. Feels like wood, performs like carbon.

R & R OUTDOORS MANUFACTURED BY OLHAUSEN BILLIARDS

RAM GAME ROOM 1335

1124 Vaughn Pkwy.

Portland, TN 37148 www.RAndROutdoorFun.com COMPANY CONTACT: Korie Gower Sales@RAndROutdoorFun.Com 239-594-0693 ABOUT: Quality custom manufacturer of pool tables, shuffle boards, table tennis, foosball, and cornhole. One of the few ‘American Made’ companies using the highest-quality materials and built to withstand all of the outdoor elements. All of the R&amp;R products are built in Portland, Tennessee, leveraging the hundreds of years’ experience found in Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing.

1605

290 Bronte St. South Milton, On L9T1Y8 Canada COMPANY CONTACT: Scott MacArthur scott@ramgameroom.com 1-905-864-4769 ABOUT: As a leading innovator and producer in game room furniture and entertainment solutions, RAM Game Room is set to unveil its 1930s inspired game room furniture series, aptly named Prohibition. Drawing inspiration from the clandestine charm of the 1930s speakeasies, this series exudes timeless elegance with a modern twist, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of sophistication and contemporary flair for their gaming spaces. Attendees can expect to experience the luxurious craftsmanship and innovative designs first hand, as RAM Game Room showcases the Prohibition series alongside its extensive range of other premium game room products. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to witness the debut of RAM Game Room’s Prohibition series and immerse yourself in the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience in The RAM Game Room booth at the Billiard, Amusement, and Home Leisure Expo.

EASTERN BILLIARD SUPPLY, INC. Certified, Authorized Distributor of Andy Cloth and How Products

Over 700 sets of high-quality billiard cloth in stock and ready to ship from Florida, with more arriving all the time.

Place your order today!

Ruth & Gary Lucchesi 407-932-0005 ruth@easternbilliards.com www.easternbilliards.com

BCAINSIDER.COM | 55

ROCKET BALL

1552

SKEECH GAMES

COMPANY CONTACT: John MCDonough johnfive48@yahoo.com 1-701-936-4875

SHAANXI ZHONGSHEN TIANZE FRP TECH CO., LTD

COMPANY CONTACT: Zach Dowling zach@skeechgames.com 1-404-786-7395

1641

A-1202 room, yuheng international building, Weiqu street, Xi’an city Shaanxi province, 710100 China www.okhealing.com.cn

ABOUT: The Original Skeech! A new table game for your home where you face off with your opponent in a head-to-head battle. This sleek, one-of-akind design requires little to no maintenance and is certain to set your game room apart. Skeech offers something fresh and unique to your entertainment space. A simple but engaging game, Skeech can be played by just about anyone who can roll a ball!

COMPANY CONTACT: James Wang hzhj@zhongsheng-frp.com.cn +86 02-984193387 ABOUT: Billiard fans, please let us know all your requirements for cues, cases, bags, and other billiard accessories. Our experienced research-and-development group and our exquisite technology will allow us to create ideal products for you and your customers.We take tremendous pride in our work, and we want to develop exciting products together.

SHOT DARTS

1453

2762 Canby Way Fort Collins, CO 80525 www.skeechgames.com

1708

3218 Beltline Road Suite 546 Dallas, TX 75234 www.shotdarts.com

SPIDER360

313

6210 Material Ave. Loves Park, IL 61111 www.spider360.com COMPANY CONTACT: Chris Beall cbeall@spider360.com 1-815-639-7676 ABOUT: Spider360 is the creator and innovator of soft-tip electronic dart machines and a leading manufacturer since 1976.

COMPANY CONTACT: Pete Edmondson petere@shotdarts.com 642-145-6604

TERRABALL

ABOUT: Arguably the worlds 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.

SKEE-BALL

1444

1077 E. Glenbrook Dr. Pulaski, WI 54162 skeeball.com COMPANY CONTACT: Lance Treankler hello@skeeball.com ABOUT: Over the last 115 years, Skee-Ball has become a timeless tradition, igniting the kid in everyone, inspiring friendly competition, and creating memories that span across generations. Visit booth B1444 to check out our latest alley lineup and newest home alley game, SuperShot by Skee-Ball!

56 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

1447

5500 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559 www.terraballtables.com COMPANY CONTACT: Vincent Connors vincent@terraballtables.com 1-415-595-6574 ABOUT: TerraBall is a new game from the Napa Valley. Created by artist Vincent Thomas Connors, TerraBall combines elements of billiards, shuffleboard, mini-golf, Skee-Ball, and bocce into an entirely new table sport.

TerraBall is a new addition to the game room market. Presented at this year‚ BCA Expo is a first look at this concept game and an introduction to the sport of TerraBall. Sure to be a new classic and live alongside traditional billiard sports, TerraBall is entertaining and interactive. It will delight users and open up a new market for manufacturers. Come by our booth (B105) to experience this new game for yourself. Follow us on Instagram @TerraBallTables.

FURNITURE FOR THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

FEATURING: Real maple & oak hardwood Multiple finishes and coverings available Choose from different sized tables to fit your needs Kestell’s own Sur-Loc leg mechanism for safety and stability Matching wooden folding chairs are available and sold separately

P.O. Box 176 | 1311 Milwaukee Dr. New Holstein, WI 53061 (920) 898-4251 sales@kestell-furniture.com www.kestell-furniture.com

TIGER PRODUCTS

1546

VALLEY-DYNAMO

175 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank CA 91502 COMPANY CONTACT: Tony Kalamdaryan tony@tigerproducts.com 1-818-238-9906 ABOUT: Manufacturer of quality pool & billiard products. Cues, laminated cue tips, leather wraps, accessories, care and maintenance.

TOTLEC LIGHTING

1551

COMPANY CONTACT: Mike Prendergast mike@valley-dynamo.com 972-595-5300 ABOUT: Manufacturer of American-designed and built Champion Shuffleboard, Connelly Billiards, Tornado and Dynamo Foosball, Valley Pool and Dynamo Hockey tables crafted with care and quality for home and commercial applications. Manufacturer and supplier of Sun Glo shuffleboard products and accessories.

COMPANY CONTACT: William Gregory william@toltecltg.com

WPA

Z-LITE

ABOUT: For more than 100 years, our family-owned business is the manufacturer of the world’s finest billiard, pool, and snooker chalks, cue tips, and accessories.

58 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2023

1301

130 Eaton Dr. Shelbyville, TN 37160 www.z-lite.com

TWEETEN FIBRE CO., INC. 1548

COMPANY CONTACT: Skip Nemecek opiks@msn.com 312-733-7878

1649

COMPANY CONTACT: Stuart Rogers stuart@wpa-pool.com +61 411 226 335

ABOUT: Lighting the home gameroom. Billiard Lights, matching mini pendants for over the bar, game table lights, wall sconces, and bathroom lighting.

The Toltec line is a mix and match line so the possibilities are endless.

Please visit our booth and learn more about what’s made Toltec Lighting the lighting choice in gamerooms for 42 years.

1756 W. Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60622 www.tweeten.us

427

7115 Belton St. Richland Hills, TX 76118 www.valley-dynamo.com

COMPANY CONTACT: Cody Zimmer cody@z-lite.com 1-800-681-9943 ABOUT: Z-Lite has been supplying high-quality decorative light fixtures for game tables and homes for the past 36 years. Many styles and finishes to choose from including stained glass. Mix-and-match and custom orders welcome.

JUNIOR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM Creating Tomorrow’s Champions

THE BREAK AND RUN PREMIER JUNIOR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM OFFERS: ā Free coaching/instruction to youth nationwide. ā On-going, individualized instruction tailored to junior players at all ages and skill levels. ā Structured instruction at no cost to junior players who wish to play competitively.

ā Support to local coaches and instructors of players who are playing, or wish to play, at a competitive level. ā Training materials, regular feedback and assessments of participant progress. ā Regular instruction in person or via video exchange, such as Facetime or Skype interaction.

PBIA instructors associated with this program do so as a service to the PBIA and in furtherment of the sport. They receive no compensation for their participation. Each instructor has gone through extensive training and has a verified background check to participate.

If you are a junior player interested in this program, please email questions to info@pbia-instructor.com.

Creating a Successful

WEBSITE

By Charles S. Donnavan

We’ve entered 2024, and if your business doesn’t have a website already, it’s way past time for you to get one up and running. And for those who do have one – which is the majority of BCA’s membership – it’s still important to update the site and ensure you are presenting your business in the best way possible.

When building a website for billiard retailers and manufacturers, the key is to create a seamless and engaging user experience. Prioritizing easy navigation and a clean layout helps visitors find products without confusion.

After all, a website is a billiard business’ 24 /7 shop front. It brings you out to a wider audience than any physical store can do and helps introduce visitors to your business and the products/services that you offer. It is the best form of lead generation.

Before creating a new website for your billiard business, the first step is to work out the why – are you looking to offer a simple brochure website to showcase your business or is it a full ecommerce website selling directly to consumers or businesses?

60 | BCA INSIDER • EXPO ISSUE 2024

GETTING STARTED

Once you work out the “why,” then it’s time to turn your attention to the “who?”

“Who is your target audience? What are they looking for from your business?” says Andrew Spiers, founder and owner of Lens Digital, which helps businesses with their websites. “The next part is the ‘what.’ What is it that your business is offering to your prospective clients?”

Leslie Gilmour, founder and CEO of BeFound, a digital marketing agency, notes an initial step for creating any kind of website – including the ones tailored to billiard enthusiasts – should

start by choosing a domain name that accurately represents the brand and is very easy to remember.

And thanks to WordPress, setting up a website is as easy as ever, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to have a great-looking website.

Ari Krzyzek, CEO & head of strategy for web agency Chykalophia, notes research is important and recommends analyzing competitor websites and identifying gaps and opportunities.

“Pick your top three competitors in your industry or local area,” she says.

“What are some of the things you think that they do well on their website and what are some of the things you don’t think are working? You can put this together so you can share it with your web designer/developer and discuss areas that could work for your own website.”

Work with your web developers and designers to bring your vision to life. From the strategy, design, development, and website maintenance, having support on this will help you maximize the use of the website and gain ROI that can impact the growth of your business.

THE IDEAL WEBSITE A good website should include genuinely informative content that provides actual value to those who visit the website, whether they’re potential buyers or not. Besides that, you will also want to use crisp, high-resolution images and make the navigation as easy as possible.

“You’ve probably already quit dozens of websites in a matter of seconds due to their messy interfaces,” Gilmour says.

“Put that experience to good use and make your website in such a way that the visitors can easily find exactly what they’re looking for.”

When it comes to creating a solid website, Spiers believes that less is more.

“I always believe that a good website starts with the same five web pages – Homepage, Products/Services, About, Testimonials and Contact,” he says.

“This gives you a good foundation on which to grow your business online.

Once you have established a basic website, you can then start to expand it by adding, for example, a blog.”

“

Toby Dao is a web expert for Tigren, a website development agency with more than a decade of experience, notes most mistakes people make when it comes to websites are related to design. This includes things like confusing navigation, unclear call to action (CTA), and too many elements.

WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING A SOLID WEBSITE, SPIERS BELIEVES THAT LESS IS MORE."

Place high-quality photos, details about tables including dimensions or materials used, descriptions for cues and balls, and delivery options in context with availability.

Gilmour notes that the biggest mistake people make when creating a website is, without a shadow of a doubt, ignoring the basics of search engine optimization (SEO).

Krzyzek notes you should include reviews and testimonials, recognitions, certifications, awards, and billiard player endorsements.

“If your website is not well-optimized for search engines, then nothing else matters,” he says. “Also, keep in mind that almost everyone today visits websites via mobile devices, so incorporating a mobile-friendly design is an absolute must.”

“Gathering customer feedback and using data analytics helps continuously improve the website by addressing concerns and enhancing user satisfaction,” she says.

COMMON MISTAKES The most common mistake that businesses make when creating a website is to have too much content.

“Website visitors are not going to trawl through pages and pages to find out that you are the business that they can work with,” Spiers says. “Ensure that every webpage on your website has no more content than it needs and each web page has a focus.”

UPDATE REGULARLY Another key to a successful website is to regularly review your website and make sure that the website is functioning and that the content is still relevant.

If you have details of your staff on your website, have any of them left? Are your prices still current? Have you updated your product line? Is the website still in line with your brand?

“This should be checked at a minimum once a year but should really be checked every quarter,” Spiers says.

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As for updates, Gilmour notes the only component you’ll want to update on a regular basis – at least a few times a week – is the content on your website.

Also, all the product info should be kept up to date.

“The design of the website itself should be refreshed only once in a three-year span, just to keep it as relevant and modern as possible,” he says.

If you have a blog on your site, then the key is to publish regular content. What is regular depends on your business.

“The key is to make sure that you get into a routine for adding content. It could be daily, weekly or monthly,” Spiers says.

“There is nothing worse than a blog that hasn’t been updated in three years.”

By focusing on providing an exceptional user experience while being attentive to customer needs, billiard retailers and manufacturers can create an engaging digital storefront that attracts and retains customers in today’s competitive e-commerce landscape.

“The most important benefit that a website brings to retailers is the ability to reach more people,” Dao says. “With a presence online, they can build their brand and sell to customers on the internet, something that will complement a brick-and-mortar store nicely.”

Remember, finding businesses online is expected so a website is expected by your customers.

It’s your brand’s nexus, a place where you can sell your products and build the cornerstone of your reputation.

EXPERTS WEIGH IN We asked the experts to look at websites of three of our members, and here’s their opinions, plus tips and suggestions to improve things.

Peter’s Billiard

www.petersbilliards.com “This site has a lot to offer. The first thing I see when I visit is a sale for fire pits. This is confusing as the initial screen needs to showcase all of what you have to offer. The best content is hidden down the page. Don’t make your visitors scroll to find out about you. Put it directly in front of their nose.”

– Andrew Spiers “I like this one the most, the design is very clean.” – Toby Dao

Greater Southern Home and Billiards www.greatersouthern.com

“This business has some great history and brands associated with it but that information is hidden in the footer. When you can trace your history back nearly 100 years, then this is something you should be shouting about.

Again, the focus on the homepage is on sale items, I believe it should be showcasing the history and the brands, highlighting what makes it unique from other businesses.” – Andrew Spiers “Too many similar CTAs on the homepage, so can be a bit confusing.” – Toby Dao

Billiard Factory

www.billiardfactory.com “The first thing I see is a special offer. The website hasn't introduced itself and what it can do for me. Save the special offers for later on. As I scroll down the page, there are some good sections, for example, ‘Get Started Right Here’ and ‘Ready for Delivery Right Now.’ I would look to bring these up to the initial screen. Showcase the products that are on sale and include a link for those that need help with choosing. The blog has some really good content. Is it possible to split it into different categories? For example, if you are buying your first pool table then these are the blog posts you should read. If you are experienced, have you thought about trying this?” – Andrew Spiers “A pretty well-design website, however the elements on the product pages seem a bit too big.” – Toby Dao “This one sports the cleanest design of the three, which, when combined with the fact that it’s probably the oldest out of them, and therefore has better backlinks, is the reason why it has more traffic than the other two.”

– Leslie Gilmour “The good is it has seamless navigation, it looks great on multiple devices, it clear and concise, has high-quality visuals, and quick load times; the bad is that it’s missing the social proof – reviews and certifications.” – Ari Krzyzek

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