RINKSIDER
May/June 2018
A publication of the Roller Skating Association International
The Official Roller Skating Business Magazine
US Roller Speed Skating to Host American Championships Sponsored by Comcast
Rinks Return to Glory Days Token Laws What’s New in Vending? Inline Hockey Association and USRSS Gaining Speed Summer Programs to Fill the Rink 14 and Under: A New Direction? 2018 Lighting Trends
Official Wristband Supplier to the RSA
WRISTBANDS RSA Me
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· strong & durable · water & tear-resistant · economical
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RSA Redemption Tickets
95
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RSA Redemption Tickets printed on recycled stock with purple ink. Front of ticket features Roo, Kooky & Koala; back features the RSA logo.
per 100,000 tickets Minimum order of 300,000
Call National Ticket Company at (800)829-0829 to order today! Available to RSA members only. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted.
P.O. Box 547 Shamokin, PA 17872 USA P: 800.829.0829 or 570.672.2900 F: 800.829.0888 or 570.672.2999
ticket@nationalticket.com www.nationalticket.com
NEWS & COMMENTARY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Rowland, Lori Lovely, Jeff Couey, Keith Loria, Sara Hodon, Brandon Willey, Dan Wortman, Susan Geary
COVER PROVIDED BY iStock Photos. Businesses are welcome to submit photos for
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
consideration for editorial use to editor@rollerskating.com.
Jim McMahon
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PUBLISHER
COPYRIGHT
Lynette Rowland
EDITOR Susan Geary
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matt Weinland
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI, Chairman Cort Wahlig, Newark, DE Jeanne Housholder, Savoy, IL Jeanne Sincavage, Reading, PA
RSA PRESIDENT Jeff Couey, Atlanta, GA
RSA VICE PRESIDENT Cort Wahlig, Newark, DE
RSA TREASURER Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI
RSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dianne Braun, San Antonio, TX Mark Christianson, La Crosse, WI Rob Gould, Wilbraham, MA Jeanne Sincavage, Reading, PA Chris Finley, Panama City, FL Chanel Bellotto, Sumter, SC Ed Hughes, Liberty, MO Shane Locklear, Richmond, VA Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI Gary Englund, Burlington, WA Joe Smith, Hermitage, PA Jeanne Housholder, Savoy, IL Jeff Warrenburg, Antioch, CA
Rinksider is published throughout the year by Roller Skating Association International. Copyright 2018 by Roller Skating Association International. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. DISCLAIMER Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the directors, officers or members of RSA. RSA does not endorse, represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content, advertisements or other materials contained herein. SUBMISSIONS Rinksider welcomes stories, art and photo contributions. All such material must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope in order to be returned. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Please contact Lynette Rowland at 317-347-2626 Ext. 107 or email editor@rollerskating.com to request a media kit and rate card. Advertising discounts available for all RSM Affiliate members. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: 6905 Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278, Phone: 317-347-2626 or Fax: 317-3472636. Presorted standard at Indianapolis, IN. Subscription is part of membership in Roller Skating Association International. Subscription rate for non-members is $45. Canada: $55. International: $75 MEMBER / SUPPORTER / PARTNER
RSA STAFF Jim McMahon, Executive Director Angela Tanner, Assistant Executive Director Tonya Crenshaw, Accountant Lynette Rowland, Director of Communications Stacy Thomas, Director of Convention & Retail Sharon McMahon, Director of Membership Services / Achievement Program / Pepsi Programming
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018
www.rollerskating.org
NEWS & COMMENTARY
IN THIS ISSUE
MAY/JUNE 2018
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
20
News & Commentary President’s Update..............................................................6 Editor’s Note.......................................................................8
Two Rinks Return to Their Glory Days
In Memoriam......................................................................9 Products ........................................................................... 10 Roller Skating Buzz......................................................... 11
24
Association Outreach...................................................... 12 Backspin............................................................................ 14 Museum Notes................................................................. 16 Anniversaries.................................................................... 18 Industry News.................................................................. 22 Free Materials................................................................... 26 Sales Ideas......................................................................... 31 National Roller Skating Museum.................................. 52
Token Laws...Not Just for Appearances
28 14 and Under - A New Direction for the Roller Skating Industry?
40 IHA and USRSS Gaining Speed
www.rollerskating.org
36
Knowing Your Membership Benefits............................ 54 Publisher’s Note............................................................... 61
Technology Customer Retention........................................................ 50
Connections Affiliate Members............................................................ 62 Classifieds......................................................................... 66
Vendor Bender
Join us online today.
46
Join more than 500 roller skating rink owners on our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/16235807289
In House Summer Programs Help Rink Operators Fill the Rink
Must be an RSA member to join.
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 5
NEWS & COMMENTARY
President’s Update
A
s members of the Roller Skating Association, you put in years of blood, sweat, tears, money, time and energy. When you join the association, you are awarded service pins for your years of belonging to the RSA. This year we had nearly 100 people receiving these awards and would like to recognize them.
• • • • • •
•
Robert Labriola - Fountain Valley Skating Center - Fountain Valley, CA - 60 Years
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Kenneth Wall - Roller Dome North - Ft. Wayne, IN - 55 Years
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Jens & Ruth Boeholt - Harborena Roller Rink - Aberdeen, WA - 55 Years
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Ray Chaput - Haygood Skating Center Virginia Beach, VA - 50 Years
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Richard Ordiway - Rollerland - New Bern, NC - 45 Years
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Virgil Ordiway - Rollerland - New Bern, NC - 45 Years
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Michael Jacques - Roller King - Roseville, CA - 45 Years
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William Sahly - Roller Garden - St. Louis Park, MN - 45 Years
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W. M. Morgan - Skateland USA Greenville, SC - 45 Years
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Linda Miner - Valley Skating Center Donora, PA - 40 Years
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Susan Loos - Royal Skateland - Canton, MI - 40 Years
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Robert Boston - Roller Cave Indianapolis, IN - 40 Years
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James Stevenson - Bremerton Skateland Bremerton, WA - 40 Years
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David Fleming - Northridge Skateland Northridge, CA - 40 Years
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Michael Fleming - Northridge Skateland - Northridge, CA - 40 Years
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Roger Krehbiel - Starlite Roller Rink Salina, KS - 40 Years
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Judy Miller - Rollero Skate Center - St. Francis, WI - 40 Years
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Delmar & Deanna Evans - Rolla Rena Harper, KS - 40 Years
•
Doug Ingles - Stadium Sports Center -
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Hillsdale, MI - 35 Years
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Gary Englund - Skagit Skate - Burlington, WA - 35 Years
James & Quessie Morton - Good Times Skate Arena - Athens, TX - 25 Years
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Kevin Baker - Interskate 91 - Wilbraham, MA - 35 Years
Larry Maynard - Skatezone Fun Center Austintown, OH - 25 Years
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Clifford Hughes - Skate World - Sulphur, OK - 35 Years
Rob & Wendy Sherman - Skate Zone Crofton, MD - 25 Years
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Mark Oliver - Allskate Fun Center Jackson, MI - 35 Years
Dana Chaput - Haygood Skating Center - Virginia Beach, VA - 20 Years
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Orvil Oliver - Allskate Fun Center Jackson, MI - 35 Years
Dave & Connie Buksyk - Fox Valley Roller Rink - Neenah, WI - 20 Years
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Chris Finley - Skaters Choice - Panama City, FL - 35 Years
Pamela Muegge - Wheels Skating Center - Odenton, MD - 20 Years
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Gerald Curran - Skate Express - Chino, CA - 35 Years
Bob Housholder - Savoy Skateland Savoy, IL - 20 Years
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Randy Kline - Skate Center - Ballwin, MO - 35 Years
Danny Poley - Adrian Skatery II Adrian, MI - 20 Years
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John Dunlap - Bell’s Roller Rink - Ft. Wayne, IN - 35 Years
Robert Taylor - Skate Odyssey of Olive Branch - Nesbit, MS - 20 Years
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Jeane Durnye - South Amboy Arena South Amboy, NJ - 35 Years
Andrew & Robert Moul - Magic Elm Skateland - Hanover, PA - 20 Years
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Patricia Burkett - Skate Station Gainesville, FL - 35 Years
Margaret & William Mosely - Skates 280 - Birmingham, AL - 20 Years
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Jon & Sue Jackson - Skatin’ Place - St. Cloud, MN - 30 Years
George Bradbury - Skate-O-Rama Shepherdville, KY - 20 Years
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Jimbo & Betty Hafner - Silver Wings Ballroom - Brenham, TX - 30 Years
Judy Bacon - Rollarena - Richland, WA - 20 Years
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Amy Sharp - B & J Skate Center - St. Joseph, MO - 30 Years
Dawn Smith - Olympic Fun Center Hermitage, PA - 20 Years
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Cindy Anderson - FunQuest - Lynchburg, VA - 30 Years
Kathleen Pattison - Pattison’s West Federal Way, WA - 20 Years
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Sherry Allen - Roller Motion - Bessemer, AL - 30 Years
Kraig & Kevin Kerwin - Rollerama West - Bakersfield, CA - 20 Years
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Susan Perkins - Roll on America Lancaster, MA - 30 Years
Carol Theise - Roller Kingdom Framingham, MA - 15 Years
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Tina Champa - Champs Entertainment Lexington, KY - 25 Years
Eric & Jean Saya - Cal Skate of Rohnert Park - Rohnert Park, CA - 15 Years
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LaVonda Carter - Trussville Playstation Trussville, AL - 25 Years
Allen Bell & Jeanne Sincavage - Fantasy Skating Center - Reading, PA - 15 Years
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Cory & Becky Hundley - Incredi-Roll West Allis, WI - 25 Years
Michael Krunick - Springfield Lake Roller Rink - Lakemore, OH - 15 Years
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Brian Rawlins - Jasper Skate Center Jasper, IN - 25 Years
Charles Cole - Skate Zone 2000 Wetumpka, AL - 15 Years
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Steve Anderson - Skate Island - Grand Island, NE - 25 Years
Jordan Trevena - Rollerland Skate Center - Ft. Collins, CO - 15 Years
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Donald & Dorothy Miller - Bonanza Roll-A-Rama - Mt. Vernon, IL - 25 Years
Jack Muransky - Youngstown Skate Youngstown, OH - 15 Years
•
Sandra Levin - Orbit Skate Center Palatine, IL - 25 Years
Cheryl Bentley - Dreamland - Pensacola, FL - 15 Years
•
Lawrence & Patricia Wise - Skate City -
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018
www.rollerskating.org
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Save the Date Sk8Expo 2018.pdf 1 4/18/2018 2:45:32 PM
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East St. Louis, IL - 15 Years
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Dan Warner - Aurora Skate Center Aurora, IL - 15 Years
Mike & Robert Penrod - Orbit Fun Center - Huber Heights, OH - 10 Years
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John Giannios - Youngstown Skate Youngstown, OH - 10 Years
Shane Locklear & Tony Kaschalk Rollerdome - Richmond, VA - 10 Years
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Len & Terry Bernardo - Skate Time 209 Accord, NY - 10 Years
Thomas & Karen Sparkman - Freedom Roller Rink - Monmouth, IL - 5 Years
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Laurie Heller - Skatin Station - Auburn, IN - 10 Years
Mike & Kathy Vouklizas - Skatetown Grapevine, TX - 5 Years
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Marlene Leer - Skate Country - Tucson, AZ - 10 Years
Harold Schaus III - Ramona Recreation Dowagiac, MI - 5 Years
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Dennis & Margie Schmidt - Melody Gardens Skateland - Marshfield, WI - 5 Years
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Rachel Tate Study - Humble Family Skate - Kingwood, TX - 5 Years
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Jeff Scott - Scottie’s Fun Center - Quincy, IL - 5 Years
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Meredith Koelliker - Northland Rolladium - Liberty, MO - 5 Years
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Breanna Bentley - Roller Motion Bessemer, AL - 5 Years
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Jim & Ashlee Erny - Latrobe Skating Center - Latrobe, PA - 5 Years
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Jason Seplowitz - Ron-A-Roll - Vernon, CT - 5 Years
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Susan Newberry - Rollarama Skating
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Sandra McKinley - Skateworld - Sulpher, OK - 10 Years
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Steven Grapentin - World of Wheels Superior, WI - 10 Years
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Phyllis Housh - Planet X Rollerworld Pekin, IL - 10 Years
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Scott Hedrick - Forum Rollerworld Arlington, TX - 10 Years
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Scott & Tricia Hiatt - Skate South Jamestown, NC - 10 Years
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Michelle Kapuscinski - Fiesta Village Family Fun Park - Colton, CA - 10 Years
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Josh & Jen Traeger - USA Skateland Chandler - Chandler, AZ - 10 Years
www.rollerskating.org
Center - Schenectady, NY - 5 Years •
Paula & Zach Hill - Rolling Hills Skate Sidney, OH - 5 Years
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Lisa Dunham - Illini Skateland - Danville, IL - 5 Years
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Emilee & Kaycee Carter - Trussville Playstation - Trussville, AL - 5 Years
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Megan Christley - Skateworld - Leesburg, FL - 5 Years
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Jamie Cortes - Roll on America Lancaster, MA - 5 Years
Congratulations to all of you on your years of membership. It is with your participation, input and hard work that this Association can continue to excel and be what it is today after 81 years. All skate forward, Jeff Couey RSA President
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 7
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Editor’s Note
A
nswering an ad for a piece of furniture on a recent weekend, I learned just how connected and intertwined roller skaters are. I had already met a lot of skaters and rink operators online thanks to social media and purposely attending conventions. But it was a weekend in April where I randomly met a local skating family in my hometown. I was searching online for a bed. The sellers were an elderly couple, Hazel and Tommy, located about 10 miles away. I made an appointment to go see it, dragging my husband along to help take it apart and carry it out of their house. While my husband was dismantling the frame, I got to know a little bit about the bed’s owner, who is Hazel and Tommy’s son, a quad speed skater who had raced on a team about 3 decades ago, at one of our 3 area roller rinks. Hazel pointed to the photos on the wall: There were several age progression shots of him taken with awards at competitions from years ago. I was purchasing a speed skater’s bed frame! The next thing I knew, Hazel was telling me about regional competitions in Southwest Virginia and the number of rinks they were always at. We compared notes on who we knew in the business, such as rink owners, coaches and competitive skaters. We even discussed the National Roller Skating Museum in Lincoln and brands of roller skates. Roller skating was the bridge that gave us an instant connection. The sport brings many people together. Sometimes it’s online. Sometimes it’s at the rink. And sometimes it’s just responding to an ad for a piece of furniture. We hope you enjoy this issue of Rinksider magazine. As always, if you have any suggestions or ideas, please email me at rinksider@susangeary. com.
FEATURE AUTHORS LORI LOVELY Lori is an award-winning syndicated writer, editor and photographer whose byline has appeared in a wide range of local, national international publications. A recipient of the 1999 AIDServe Superstar Award, Lovely is a long-standing PETA member and was a 25-year member of CARA Charities. In addition, she runs Montrose Farms where she raises alpacas and chickens. Lori can be reached at lori@montrosefarms.com
KEITH LORIA Keith is a freelance writer with more than 15 years experience writing for everything from the Bowling Center Management Magazine to Billiards Association of America. He’s met and interviewed celebrities from William Shatner and Kristen Chenowith to heart surgeon pioneer Marc Dedomenico and Pez Candy CEO Joe Vittoria. He can be reached at freelancekeith@gmail.com.
SARA HODON Sara Hodon is a freelance writer based in northeast Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family, including two very spoiled Labrador retrievers. Her work has appeared in G.I. Jobs, Pet Business, History, Souvenirs, Gifts, and Novelties, and Tourist Attractions & Parks, among others. She received her English degree from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania. Besides writing, she is an avid reader, music lover/concert goer, and traveler. Growing up, she spent many Saturday afternoons at the roller rink.
BRANDON WILLEY Brandon Willey is the CEO of FetchRev and has broad knowledge of the local digital marketing ecosystem with extensive experience in email and search marketing, social media, retargeting, geotargeting, segmentation, automation, machine learning and more. He can be reached at brandon@fetchrev.com or by calling 855979-7833.
DAN WORTMAN Dan Wortman has more than 40 years of rink management experience and advises other Rink Operators on how to boost revenues. Contact him at DTWortman@gmail.com.
Comcast Sponsors Roller Speed Skating American Championships Don’t forget to join the US Roller Speed Skating and join in on the American Championships on June 14 - 18. Visit www.usrollerspeedskating.com to register athletes, obtain your sanction and get a free team charter! With the generous support of Comcast, U.S. Roller Speed Skating will feature the Comcast Race of Champions. We will have the best inline roller speed skaters in America racing for $10,000 in cash prizes. Both the women’s and men’s Comcast Race of Champions events receive $2500 for 1st place overall, $1500 for 2nd place overall, and $1000 for 3rd place overall.
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018
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NEWS & COMMENTARY
IN MEMORIAM In every weekly issue of Roller Skating Today newsletter, we publish up-to-date information from members of those we have lost in the roller skating community. If you have information you would like to share here or in the newsletter, please email to editor@ rollerskating.com for inclusion.
Remembering a New York Rink Operator Joe Valvo, Aug 5, 1940 – Feb 16, 2018 Joe Valvo died Friday, February 16, 2018, in Buffalo, New York after a short illness. He was 77. Joe was born into a skating family. His parents, Russ and Carm Valvo, owned the Angola Rollercade while he was growing up. The roller skating rink was the center of teen life and it’s where he first met Frances, his wife of 54 years. Joe worked at the skate counter for his dad when he was growing up and also competed on skates. Later in life he became a partner in the Carousel Skating Center in Niagara Falls, where he ran it for 5 years until a developer converted the property into a factory outlet mall. His resume includes stints as a Suburban Baseball Player where he once tried out for the major leagues. He also began a career as a hairstylist, training at the Vidal Sassoon School in Los Angeles. Joe and an associate were among the first to open a Fantastic Sam’s franchise. After the skating rink in Niagara Falls closed, he briefly operated another Carousel Skating Center in Buffalo. For a while, he also owned a printing shop. In the 1960s, he worked briefly at a state camp for drug-addicted youth. Later he was a corrections officer for 10 years and was a part-time mall security guard. In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Julie Lisy; two brothers, Michael and William; two sisters, Dianne Schuh and Susan Patelunas; and two grandchildren.
60 Year Member, Martin “Marty” W. Laufer, Sr., Celebrated by Industry Friends and Family Marty passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Marlene (nee Bastian) Laufer for 61 years. Loving father of Marty Jr. (Suzanne) Laufer, Steve (Belinda) Laufer and Chuck Laufer. Proud grandfather of Nick (Anna) Laufer, Caleb Laufer, Jared Laufer, Morgan Laufer, Mitch Laufer and Grant Laufer. Loving brother of Marilyn Laufer, Patsy Laufer, Theresa “Teri” Laufer and Barbara Laufer. Dear brother-in-law of Carol (the late Jerry) Feypel of Georgia, Mary Ellen (Ken) Knoebel of Green Bay, Barbara (the late John) Becker www.rollerskating.org
of West Bend and Jacob Bastian of West Bend. Preceded in death by his parents; Aloysius and Leona (nee Ganns) Laufer, sisters; Carol (Gerald) Faber and Phyllis (the late Edward) Janke, sons; Russell and Kevin Laufer, granddaughter Sara Laufer and sister-in-law Gale Mayer. Also remembered by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marty was a member of the Lutheran Faith for 37 years, member of the Church of God for 19 years and presently, a member of Shepherd’s Chapel. Marty was a businessman all his life. He and his family built, owned and operated 4 roller-skating rinks; Waukesha Skateland, Butler Skateland, Ozaukee Skateland and Watertown Skate Express. He was a friend to many and always enjoyed helping people. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 25, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Rd., (at highways J and JJ, four blocks south of Interstate 94), Waukesha, from 4 PM until the Funeral Service at 7 PM with Pastor David Kroll officiating. “He will be greatly missed by family and friends” Church and Chapel Rudolph-Larsen Bros. Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 262-549-0659 or visit www. churchandchapel.com to view the online obituary, leave condolences or receive directions. To receive this obit/directions, text 1793101 to 414-3016422. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Martin Laufer, Sr., please visit our Tribute Store.
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 9
NEWS & COMMENTARY
STOCK THE SHELF
Products from the RSA Neon Pencils for Your School
Kooky and Friends Folders Roller Skating Folders (#Folders)
Fluorescent “Everything Fun Rolled Into One” Pencils (#PENC13)
We’re bringing Kooky and Friends licensed characters back with these fun and colorful folders complete with roller skating facts. Includes business card slot on the right hand side. Pack of 25 folders.
These pencils each say “Everything Fun Rolled Into One” and come in fluorescent colors. Each box contains 142 pencils and are great for school trips, trade shows, or just getting the word out about roller skating.
Cost: $20
Fill ‘er up!
Just the Facts!
12 ounce Styrofoam Roller Skating Cups
Roller Skating Fitness Facts Brochure (#B117)
Save time and money with these disposable roller skating Styrofoam cups. Each cup is 12 ounces and includes a fun roller skating image for kids to enjoy. 1000 cups per case.
Infographics are visual diagrams of information, statistics and facts that are wildly popular. These brochures offer a variety of facts about health, fitness, safety and history of roller skating.
Cost: $74 for 1000 cups per case
Cost: $18 for 100 brochures per package.
Let’s Play! The Big Book of Games (#GAMES3)
Label it!
This book is filled with more than 250 games, activity cards, samples, ideas and much more. Includes games for all party types and ages.
Magnetic Name Badges (#MAGBADGE)
Cost: $15.95
These magnetic roller skating name badges come with 10 in a pack and include paper inserts for names. Magnetic back. Cost: $25.00
’re We
ing
hav
a
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y Pa hda t Birt a
Make a Statement! Banners (#RSABAN5 or KSFBAN1) Promote roller skating fitness or your kids skate free program with these roll up banners. Each measures 83” x 33.5” and comes in a retractable stand with portable bag. Cost: $80
Invite Your Friends! Birthday Party Invites (#INVITES) These invitations are customized for you by the RSA to include your logo and rink address. Great product to hand out to your customers who purchase birthday party packages! Choose from 2 options: Purple or Rainbow. Each invitation is 4.25” x 5.5”, full color, glossy on both sides and include your logo and address. 5000 custom invitations, shipping included in the cost. Ships from manufacturer. this is an invitation, not a mailable postcard. Cost: $175
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Roller Skating news, videos, celebrities & more
buzz
Bristol Skate Inn to Reopen Under New Ownership/ Name Gary Easmunt and Debbie Williams recently relocated from Bradenton, Florida and are working to remodel and renovate the former Bristol Skate Inn in Bristol, Tennessee. Completely gutting the building, the couple will include a number of upgrades and amenities. The new name will be Bristol Skateway and will be foregoing the party room concept with a more open feel.
Insta-Skates, anyone? A French company is turning ordinary shoes into roller skates. Flaneurz’ on Wheelz can put wheels on shoes you purchase on your own or from their company, but it doesn’t come cheap - each modified set runs about 280-475 euros ($467-588).
Roller Rink Cocktail Bar Opens in Shanghai Just when you think Shanghai had everything, a roller skating rink cocktail bar opened. From 7 pm - 2 am, the rink will host parties, has only skates with light up wheels, and runs without lights.
Tribeca Film Festival Turns Venue Into Indoor Rink Following the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of “United Skates” - a documentary about the adult, African American roller skating scene in rinks throughout the country, the Metro Pavilion was turned into an indoor skating rink. Rappers Rob Base and Vin Brown of Naughty by Nature took spins around the rink while John Legend, executive producer on the film, and Cheryl James of Salt-n-Pepa chatted about music in the VIP lounge.
Riverfront Park Open for Roller Skating Park officials at Riverfront Park announced that the first attraction to open in the newly redeveloped park was the ribbon, which is open to roller skaters, scooters and other non-motorized transport free of charge. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent one of the 300 pairs of roller skates to participate.
www.rollerskating.org
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 11
NEWS & COMMENTARY
ASSOCIATION OUTREACH
USARS Updates USARS approves officials for Nationals
VOLUNTEER JUDGES (NOT EXPENSECOMPENSATED) Debbie Berg
The following officials have been approved as officials for the 2018 National Championships held in Lincoln, Nebraska:
Diane Brown Rachel Dols Sue Ellis
EXPENSE COMPENSATED OFFICIALS
Bernard Gilliam
STAGE OFFICIALS
Darlene Helflimg
Ed Harney – Meet Director
John Lehni
Robin Haleber – Assistant Meet Director
Paul McElhiney
Bruce Muench – Chief Referee
Marie McGee
Bob Styma – Chief Tabulator/Computer
Robin Orcutt
Louise Neal – Assistant Chief Tabulator
Hannah Patawaran
David Adamy – Referee/Audio
Alfred Percope
David Bialorucki – Referee/Audio
John Rangel
Donald Cormier - Computer/Audio
Diane Rieben
Scott Clifford – Stage and Judge
Victor Rodriguez
Marlayna Harney – Awards/Music Coordinator JUDGES FOR ALL EVENTS John Cawly – Judges Committee Chair Debra Adamy – Judges Committee Patricia Bauler Gary Callahan Michael Jacques Janet Jordan Billy Mastriano
Dennis Walsh Get Safe Sport Trained! Officials and Coaches: If you have not completed SafeSport training in the last two years, please do so as soon as possible. Training is available online at SafeSport.org. Register and fill out your personal information. When they ask for membership, search for USA Roller Sports. Click on USARS and enter the code provided in your March 9th USARS newsletter. Once you are registered and your account is confirmed, you can begin your training.
new locale with criteria and suitability clearly defined -- Including, but not limited to: 1. A large auditorium arena with a clear span and flat surface available for 28 days of consecutive competitive events. Minimum seating 1,750. Maximum 8,000. 2. Accessible office space and sufficient secure storage inside the arena for vendors. 3. Sufficient car rentals, hotel rooms, and airport access to accommodate 3,400 travelers for the duration of the event.
Additionally USARS mentions additional city support received from the local ConVis or Chamber from past events that gave them: 8 official rental cars, complimentary room upgrades for key officials, and a two-tier convention rate for room blocks at the host hotel. Local marketing and media also promoted the event in newspaper, TV, radio and internet advertising. Also noted were 20 VIP Parking Spaces and two VIP receptions. USARS is setting a minimum bid fee at $200,000 payable to USA Roller Sports to be paid in two installments for any city looking to host Nationals. According to Eric Steele, Executive Director, his office has already been reviewing several applications.
Marsha Neary Dennis Nendza Al Taglang Dottie Walsh First Alternate - Bob Behrendt Second Alternate – Judy Graves JUDGES FOR PART OF NATIONALS Scott Clifford Leslie Dunn-Meyers Lisa Friday Holderbaugh David Jacques Cecelia Kelley Robert Maya First Alternate - John Gustafson
USARS seeking bids for future Nationals event venues For the past several years, the National Roller Sports Championships were held in Lincoln, Nebraska. At the shuttered Pershing Auditorium and also the newly opened Speedway Village. Now the 2019 event will hit the road and the organization has been putting out feelers for a
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
NEWS & COMMENTARY
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 13
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Rinksider Managing Editor Susan Geary shares insider news and notes from personalities, rinks and companies in the roller skating industry.
Couey was the DJ at the Hiram rink playing mostly older hits of the 70s and 80s. While the majority of skaters were from the Atlanta area, I did notice skaters from all over, including Maryland, New Jersey, Florida and Virginia.
Skater featured in TV Commercial Get your swagger on was the theme of a One a Day ad that came out in late 2017 and is currently running on cable channels. The 15-second ad features an outdoor male skater wearing a helmet for protective gear, and performing cart wheels, spins, a flying jump, and spread eagle before a crowd of onlookers. “Your One a Day is Showing,” said the narrator.
A Kentucky rink reopens after a winter storm causes havoc. Skating is once again featured in a television commercial, and celebrities continue to roll into rinks. But first, a visit to Sparkles in Georgia for another Reunion Skate.
Of course my curiosity was peaked as to what kind of skates he was on, and I slow-moed the video over and over again. He appeared to be wearing Edea boots, with a Roll-line plate which you rarely see outside of a rink. Taking high end art skates outside is akin to taking a Rolls Royce four wheelin’. View the ad on line: bit.ly/2uAbxPc
Sparkles Reunion National skating parties continue to grow across the country, especially among shuffle skaters who enjoy R&B music. In the Atlanta area, the Coueys have been hosting a Reunion Skate for years (so many that owner/operator Jeff Couey couldn’t remember how long it’s been running.) In early March, Jeff and Ava Couey (owners of Sparkles Hiram), along with his brother, Glenn Coey, and sisterin-law Julie (owners of Sparkles Smyrna) turned the Reunion skate into a weekend event. On Friday, March 1st, Sparkles of Smyrna, Georgia played host. The next day, skaters flocked to Hiram to skate again. While I wanted to attend both, a nasty wind storm stalled my exit from Southwest Virginia and I could only make the Saturday event which attracted 336 paid guests. Michael 14 /
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Snoopy skates into McDonalds Glug glug the milk jug at McDonald’s is wrapped in a cartoon of Snoopy and Tweety Bird on roller skates. The bipedal dog was wearing a pair of red quads wearing headphones (or maybe they’re ear muffs). The slogan reads, “Rollin’ with protein power.” Also noted on the wrapper, please remove label before recycling container. Nope. This one’s a keeper. The milk is on the menu at participating McDonald’s and also comes in a Happy Meal by request.
canceled, and insurance covered actual value rather than replacement value. “We found some great carpet, that was reasonably priced, thanks to Shane at Roller Dome,” Kelly said. But they had to take out the damaged parquet and put in a new subfloor. On top of that her contractor quit. Looking at the bright side, not all electrical needed to be redone, although during the restoration she and Chris decided to upgrade the sound system. They didn’t want an amp, because amplifiers always go out at the wrong time. Instead, they decided on JBL speakers. “It’s sounds amazing now.” Also, the floor contractor she selected, Joe Sempsey, of Sempsey Flooring turned out to be the original installer. He did the sanding. Others stepped in as well, Joe Nazzarro with coating estimates, Glenn Ramsey of Southeastern Skate Supply got the coating to them, and Ryan Maloney and Jeremy Cooper sealed the floor. “It truly took a village,” Kelly said. The closed rink meant they had to keep pushing back a private party for the Girl Scouts but they followed through and were pleased with the group’s turnout during a soft re-opening. The RECA held their official grand re-opening to the public on Easter Weekend.
Kentucky rink is open again after deep freeze A northern Kentucky rink is back open after frozen pipes caused a mess in early January. That’s when most of the middle and eastern part of the US was in a deep freeze for more than a week. Kelly Danner and her partner Chris Morgan run the Recreational & Event Center of Alexandria (RECA), which is about 7 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Selena Gomez rolls into Moonlight Rollerway After Selena Gomez posted photos on Instagram about her recent visit to the roller rink, I called up Adrienne Van Houten, Office Manager at Moonlight Rollerway to find out more. Apparently, Selena just showed up at a public session, and she was “super nice to everyone, took pictures with fans and had a blast,” Adrienne confirmed. She also mentioned that on again/off again boyfriend Justin Bieber threw her a party there many years ago, however Selena doesn’t come in that often.
On January 3rd, water pipes over the rink’s office froze from single digit temperatures that no one expected. Kelly told The Rinksider In other news from Moonlight Rollerway, Adrienne revealed they ended up with last year that Let’s Make a Deal has been trying to give away 4 inches of water in a private party package on the daytime game show. Last year, the office, which also no one won the prize, so it was put away for a future episode. destroyed their sound That day was April 5th, and while there again there was no winner from the system, carpeting, parquet floor that surrounded the rink, as well as the rink audience, awareness was raised from the mere mention of roller skating on floor itself. The rink had just been remodeled last summer with new flooring, the syndicated program, making rinks nationwide the winners. games and vending machines. “I was sick all over again from the damage,” And finally, Marteen just released a music video that was shot at the said Kelly skating rink to the stars. And Kevin Hart just released a YouTube video also The wood floor was saturated to 36% at one point and Kelly had to keep shot at Moonlight with the LA Roller Girls. the building at 80 degrees 24/7 for a week to help it dry out. With single digit temperatures in January, “our electric bill was $4.000 as a result,” she said. Do you have news to report about your rink? Drop me a line. Rinksider@ SusanGeary.com. The restoration was a struggle, because parties and fundraisers had to be www.rollerskating.org
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 15
NEWS & COMMENTARY
MUSEUM
News from the National Museum of Roller Skating Cool Radio Tour takes a spin through roller skating history Did you know the National Museum of Roller Skating was featured recently on a radio talk show? Late last year, Nellie Anderson Lillie, VP of the Museum was interviewed by Mark Burns, producer and host of the show Special Collections, and the segment finally aired in March. The weekly program, produced at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, focuses on museums, parks, archives, historic homes, or other interesting places with distinctive cool stuff. Some of the shows that have already aired spotlight the National Music Museum, The Museum of Bad Art, the Umbrella Cover Museum, Graceland, and the Museum of Broken Relationships. As Burns introduced the first segment of Special Collections about the Roller Skating Museum he went back in time to 1720, where English inventor John Joseph Merlin arrived at a fancy British masquerade ball wearing his newest invention: a pair of roller skates. Because he didn’t include brakes on his skates, Merlin crashed into a giant, expensive chandelier and was quickly booted out of the party. Since then, many others had issues stopping on roller skates, although not into chandeliers. But many more learned how to propel themselves forward on four wheels and mastered the skill of roller skating. “It was a new world of fitness, fun, romance, speed and risk,” Burns announced as he introduced Lillie to the show.
precision bearings. There are different wheels for outdoor and indoor skating,” she said, as she explained the hardness and softness of the wheels and why softer wheels work better outside, and harder wheels, indoors. During the discussion, Burns inserted his own memories of when he skated in the 8th grade. He recalled looking forward to “couples only” during the public sessions so he could hold hands with a girl he liked. At one point in the interview he suggested that rinks were becoming prosperous again, to which Lillie replied, “I would like to think that they never died. If you have a child between the ages of 9 and 14, you’re gonna show up at the roller skating center at some point in your life. Roller skating has been pretty much alive. We all forget when we outgrow that age, we say ‘oh people still roller skate?’” She added that birthday parties brought a different aspect to the industry,” meaning a place for younger kids. Lillie then reminded listeners, “it’s pretty much the first place they were allowed to go to on their own when parents would drop them off at the rink. It’s a first step to independence.” Special Collections featuring the Roller Skating Museum was released on March 10th, 2018, streaming on BYURadio.org and also on SiriusSM Satellite. The interview is available online at bit.ly/2pLmZ5t.
the staff at USARS, but now has an official role where she will continue to conduct tours and manage day-to-day operations. This includes logging in new artifacts, overseeing the membership and renewal list, and digitizing photos from the archives. Cann was a competitive dance and figure skater for seven years at Sunset Rollarama in Tucson, Arizona. Her resume includes 25 years in the mental health field. She also led tours for the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln. Cann also serves as museum interpreter. In a museum, zoo or park setting, interpreters “translate” artifacts, collections and physical resources into a language that helps visitors understand them. Without providing context for the displays of any museum, the visitor’s experience maybe less rewarding and meaningful. She enjoys community engagement and seeing at how surprised visitors are at the depth and history of skating. “ They are blown away,” she said. “ They can’t believe the museum has the first patented skate dating back to 1819. Visitors routinely ask, ‘are you serious?’” Cann and the late George Pickard agree that the history of roller skating is unknown to most people. Their observations show the museum serves a vital purpose for those within the roller skating community as well as to the general public.
During the 26-minute discussion, Burns asked Lillie all sorts of questions, about inline skates, roller hockey, roller derby, and even heelies. They discussed how inline skates were once popular, then later replaced by quads, and are now back for speed and hockey. Lillie explained the difference among the various types of skates, disciplines and what skates and wheels work best for each.
Fundraising News
She also talked about the history of the sport, and of course the artifacts and many skate- and rink-related items housed at the Lincoln museum -- which contains the largest collection in the world. This includes 1,200 types of skates, old costumes, rink stickers and organs.
There will also be a bowling fundraiser during the RSA Convention, held on Monday night, May 14, 9:30-11:30 p.m. at the South Point Bowling Center.
Lillie also described the wheel wall, an interactive exhibit with a historic timeline of how wheels evolved through the ages, and how the most important part of a roller skate morphed from steel, to wood with ball bearings, compound wheels, and now 16 /
May is a big financial month for the museum. Every year at the RSA Convention, trustees are on hand to sell raffle tickets, and this year credit cards will be processed at the booth, the President’s dinner and other places to make it easier for those that don’t carry cash.
Museum hires new staff member Rhonda Cann joined the museum as a parttime staff member in early February. Cann had been assisting the museum while serving on
And if you want to see your donation go even further, consider making a gift during Give to Lincoln Day where the Lincoln Community Foundation will match a percentage of funds raises. In years past, donations were doubled. That fundraiser is held in late May.
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
NEWS & COMMENTARY
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 17
NEWS & COMMENTARY
ANNIVERSARIES
Washington Rink Celebrates 65 Years Jens and Ruth Boeholt have hit a new milestone with the Harborena Roller Rink in Aberdeen, Washington – operating 65 years in the same family. The rink sits on 155 pilings at the confluence of the Hoquiam and Chehalis rivers. It was hand built over a 5-year period by the Boeholt family – led by Jens’ dad, a stone mason from Denmark who helped build the King’s castle there. He laid all the pilings, bricks and blocks on the Harborena rink and fought the city for 5 years during construction over a building permit. Even the one-inch wood floor was cut and laid by the family. The iconic structure features a vaulted ceiling and 50s motif. When the rink was officially dedicated in 1953, the $150 building permit was purchased and bronzed.
Rink (she was a ticket seller) and the two have been married for 63 years. Because their children are not able to take over the rink, it has recently been put up for sale. Jens says after raising 400,000 of the town’s children, the couple is ready to retire. The only stipulation for the buyer is that it must be run as a roller rink for at least 5 years.
Before building Harborena, Jens’ parents ran the Puyallap rink for 22 years until it burned down. His brother was born in the skate rental room among clamp on skates during the Great Depression. Jens met Ruth at the Harborena Roller
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 19
Two Rinks Return to their Glory Days
S
k8 47 Skating & Fun Center of Franklinville, N.J. is an old rink with a new name and improved reputation. Jim Ulrich, the rink’s operator, purchased the building and all its assets after leasing it for the past two years. He started skating at the age of 4. Ulrich is sole owner and has been working around the clock to improve the property. 20 /
By Susan Geary Since taking over, Ulrich added new rentals to the fleet, moved the skate counter toward the back of the rink closer to lockers and benches. In the space where the rentals used to be, Jim put in a new glow party room/ lounge. “On adult night, they love it,” he said. Additionally, he installed two counter tops and a television. The room is also made available for glow parties.
You could say that Jim is learning as he goes. At only 23 years old, he took a huge risk on a property with an unsavory reputation. “I did so much cleaning, you have no idea. It was filthy,” he admitted. “We changed light bulbs because you couldn’t see in here. The former owners let things go for the past few years.” Add to that charges of sex crimes against children (the former owner is currently serving a long sentence), and Ulrich was a bit
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
worried. “When I first started leasing. I was nervous because of the reputation.”
by every few weeks to share his knowledge of the design, layout and mechanicals.
There wasn’t a lot of regular clientele in the rink at the beginning. But over the past two years, Sk8 47 has not only earned more revenue from party bookings, admissions and an expanded arcade. He also launched group skating lessons taught by a certified USARS Coach with numerous national champions and placements. “ The township is thrilled that I’ve turned the place around and I’ve got the support of the community,” Ulrich said.
The walls have been painted with murals. The lockers adorned with planets and rocket ships. And giant popcorn and cotton candy 3D images emerge from the wall.
When asked about the most surprising part of his journey as a first time rink operator, Ulrich thought about it for several seconds and replied, “let me get back to you.”
The rink’s grand opening was sold out all day Saturday and within the first hour of opening Saturday night. Duncan said the line was wrapped around the building. Press coverage was positive as well as the majority of social media comments. Duncan said he was amazed at the number of people who traveled from all over the Denver Metro Area to visit their rink. “ These were not people from the Lakewood neighborhood.”
Like most rinks, the main focus at Roller City West will be on recreational skating. Bookings were already on the calendar for birthday parties but not until April. That was to allow the staff time to adjust to the new business opening along with a large influx of customers before taking on that. And as the calendar fills up, STEM lessons are not far behind. “It’s been trial by fire for the staff,” said Duncan. The City and County of Denver has not had a roller rink within its borders in decades (and still doesn’t). Roller City West becomes the fifth rink to serve the outskirts of Denver, joining four other suburban Skate City rinks in Littleton, Arvada, Westminster and Aurora.
Rink reopens in West Denver suburb The Mile High City has gained a fifth rink, with the reopening of a Lakewood roller skating facility just west of downtown Denver. It had been 22 years since the music stopped at Roller City West when the building turned into a thrift store. Now, as old things become new again, Roller City West is back; with owners who skated at the rink so many years before. The grand opening was over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend less than a year after the couple found out it was available to purchase. Bry Duncan told the Rinksider that he and his wife had been looking at various properties to open a roller skating rink in the Denver area. They had considered a bowling alley retrofit but in the end decided it was too costly to make it work. His wife, Kelli Duncan was visiting a friend who owned a retail shop and learned that she had just bought a bunch of clothing racks from the DAV Thrift Store. “ They’re closing,” she said. Duncan’s wife called him immediately with the news and he drove over to look at the property. The next day, June 2nd, he was negotiating a deal to buy the place. Chado built Roller City West in 1957. It was one of a couple of rinks in the Denver Metro Area. Chado operated the rink with his sons until he sold it to open Fun Plex in nearby Littleton, where Duncan ended up working for about 6 years as a teen. As Duncan planned his exit from more than 20 years in the telecom business as a national sales manager, he and Kelli got to work on renovations. The floor was still there, but needed a bit of work to get it smooth. There were gashes and furniture scuff marks that needed sanding and filling. And the original builder/owner, Bob Chado stopped www.rollerskating.org
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 21
NEWS & COMMENTARY
INDUSTRY NEWS
USARS Moves Forward After AG Settlement By Susan Geary
A
fter a lengthy investigation, the Nebraska Attorney General announced a settlement with USARS for violating parts of the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act: Lax financial oversight and internal procedures which led to abuse by its former director. The settlement requires strict enforcement of non-profit best practices. The court filing stated that lax procedures allowed certain former employees to be reimbursed for expenses that were unrelated to furthering the mission of roller sports. Additionally, board members did not exercise due diligence in requesting and analyzing financial statements. Daniel Russell, Nebraska’s Assistant Attorney General, found that the USA Roller Sports’ credit card was used for expenses unrelated to roller skating. His team investigated credit and debit card usage,
including cash advances, as well as checks and other forms of income. “Due To USARS’ internal accounting procedures, it was difficult to determine with certainty the amount of money which was not spent for charitable purchases,” he wrote in an email. Records were analyzed dating back to 2010. The investigation began after Fred Piper, a longtime accountant and skater out of Atlanta, contacted the Nebraska Attorney General in August 2014. He said he was concerned about the financial health of the organization because leadership kept telling him they couldn’t afford things, such as bringing a live organ to Nationals.
USARS accepted Hawkins’ resignation in November 2015, leaving the position vacant for two years. During that time, board leadership changed and became more actively involved. Eric Steele was hired as the new Executive Director in January 2018. Because the cash advances were paid back, no formal charges have been filed. Steele told Rinksider that Hawkins made a mistake with no malicious intent. “He thought it was acceptable to borrow and pay it back.” The Assistant Attorney General noted that their enforcement of the Nonprofit Corporation Act is civil in nature and limited to seeking a settlement only as the Act permits. However, they do forward information to relevant law enforcement authorities, and would not comment further or speculate on the actions of that office.
Piper also points to additional information listed on Schedule L of the USARS’ 2014 federal tax return. It explained credit card advances taken over a 52-week period by Richard Hawkins, the executive director at the In the court settlement, USARS will time. These cash advances totaled more than now be required to abide by the following $35,000; with repayments of over $27,000, guidelines: and a balance due around $8,725, which was paid off in June 2015. • Set up and implement internal policies
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NEWS & COMMENTARY and procedures. • Establish a confidential hotline to report suspicions of malfeasance or fraud, along with a timely investigation of any inquiries. • Background check all candidates for Directors and Officers, including a credit report. • Require proper documentation on requests for payments or reimbursements. • Require additional signatures with memo documentation or a sufficient description of the expense. “ There was nothing in the consent agreement we shouldn’t be doing anyway,” said Steele. To handle detailed accounting, USARS is switching over from Great Plains to QuickBooks and it’s taken a better part of the year to get it under control. “ The details and minutiae are insane,” he said. They filed an extension with the IRS and are on track to get their 2017 tax returns done soon. Steele also took time to explain the loan that came from the US Foundation for Amateur Roller Skating for $100K in 2014. Emergency funding was necessary to keep the organization running after 6,000 derby members went to flat track. The insurance
premiums were based on numbers that hadn’t been updated. Additionally, as a contact sport, roller derby is more expensive to insure than other disciplines. When USARS lost roller derby, they were paying insurance premiums set for 6,000 participants, but only had about a thousand derby members at the time.
working privately for a rink or coaching students. “We don’t have any control over someone’s privately-owned business,” Steele said. “He has handled it with class and really loved USARS.” Hawkins did not respond to a request to be interviewed for this article. Fred Piper was relieved that the Attorney
Moving forward Eric Steele is working to rebuild trust and get USARS in line with best nonprofit practices based on what he’s learned from his experience with the Boy Scouts. He also wrote a check for $25,000 in early March to the Foundation toward the repayment of their debt. “You can trust USA Roller Sports,” he said.
General uncovered growing financial issues that are now being addressed and rectified. To that end, he has plans to host another online fundraiser to get a live organist back at Nationals for the third year in a row.
Richard Hawkins is no longer allowed to work with USARS in any role, whether as an employee, agent, volunteer or otherwise. This does not, however, prohibit him from
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 23
TECHNOLOGY
TOKEN LAWS... NOT JUST FOR APPEARANCES
By Lori Lovely
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
G
ame tokens are the lifeblood of roller rink profits, but rink owners need to take some precautions in order to avoid legal trouble when using them. “Rink operators don’t want to do anything illegal,” says Frank Seninsky, president and CEO of Amusement Entertainment Management, “but some of them may not be aware of the federal laws regarding the use of tokens.” Historically, the United States Mint/ Treasury Department objected to the use of metal tokens due to concerns that widespread use would lead to their circulation as coinage, which would violate the criminal code. In 1983, the Department lifted its objections, provided certain criteria were met.
Sizing it up
Matters of metal And money In order to subvert slugging, the Treasury Department restricts the amount of alloying material (such as zinc, nickel, aluminum or magnesium) for copper-based tokens. To add assurance that tokens will not be unlawfully used instead of US coinage in vending machines, the amount of alloying material must make up at least 20% of the token’s weight. In addition, the Treasury prohibits tokens from being manufactured from a three-layered material consisting of a copper-nickel alloy clad on both sides of a pure coin or of any materials with magnetic properties that could be accepted by a coin mechanism. Seninsky says tokens manufactured in China often contain more lead content than is allowed in America, but he often sees tokens made of aluminum or brass – although tokens made of brass are more expensive now, due to the escalating value of that metal. The value just for brass content starts at 1 cent, he remarks.
Size is one of the biggest concerns about tokens: if they are too close in dimension to coins, it could result in tokens being used to slug vending and gaming machines unlawfully. “ They wanted to distinguish from US currency There is a black market for tokens, with and transit authority tokens for buses and pay token brokers selling them for 5-15 cents each, phones,” Seninsky explains. on average. “People buy tokens to play games,” Seninsky says, adding that it’s common to see The battle has been waged for many years, “bogus” tokens from other rinks used in his with allowances given and adjustments made along the way. “All tokens are illegal if you want rink – an occurrence he can track because his to look at the restrictions, but it’s been argued tokens feature his rink’s logo. that all coins are illegal, too,” Seninsky says, His strategy is wise. In fact, the Treasury citing choke laws that say anything that fits in Department recommends that tokens be clearly a shot glass is too small. identified with the name and location of the establishment to which they belong, or at least Fortunately, common sense prevails. display some type of identifying mark or logo Seninsky continues, “Under federal law, the to indicate the identity of the manufacturer. amusement industry can use only three sizes: However, in order to avoid confusion, the .984, which is slightly larger than a quarter; design should not resemble any current or past .900 slightly, which is smaller than a nickel; US or foreign coinage. and .990 or .082 – but no one uses it because it gets jammed since it has no weight.” Although they shouldn’t look like coinage, all tokens should have a value ascribed to them The Treasury Department banned tokens for accounting purposes. This aids in creating with specific diameters (in inches): an accurate profit and loss statement in the 0.680- 0.775 game area, or for transfer of the corresponding amount of money into the game account. 0.810- 0.860 0.910- 0.980 1.018- 1.068 1.180- 1.230 1.475- 1.525 One of the most commonly used tokens is the .900 – a diameter that nearly joined the prohibited list, until pervasive opposition led to the Treasury Department narrowing the prohibited ranges to .910-.980, which is just large enough to exclude most that might fit into vending machines. “ There are a lot of old-style token mechanical machines around,” Seninsky says. “For the last 100 years, we’ve been using the same token ‘mechs.’” Other diameter ranges have been similarly modified to avoid posing significant problems under the “slugging” statute. www.rollerskating.org
It also helps in pricing packages that contain tokens. Most facilities offer birthday packages that include game tokens to increase the perceived value of the package; they can also be discounted for “happy hour,” half-price days and hours, or other times when owners want to encourage more business. Packages that include discounted tokens have several benefits, such as adding more perceived value; attracting new customers through word-of-mouth advertising; increasing per capita spending; encouraging more people to play more games; and contributing to creating repeat customers, who may save their redemption tickets for additional benefits.
significant cut off the normal price. If you base your normal price on 25 cents, discount values such as one token for 16 cents, 18 cents, or 20 cents are all reasonable choices.” If a rink owner has a game vendor, the percentage of the total number of tokens that are discounted will need to be negotiated. “Both will profit when there’s a fair agreement.”
Gambling The Treasury Department prohibits acceptance of tokens as payment for any goods or services, other than for prizes or other uses for which they were designed. Nevertheless, some rink owners give them to their employees in lieu of bonuses – but this can be a slippery slope. Tokens should be used only to redeem prizes. “If you allow them to be redeemed for cash, that’s gambling,” Seninsky explains. “If you give back tokens [as change], that’s gambling.” If a customer bought 20 tokens and had four left over that they wanted to turn in, he says the rink owner cannot cash them out. “You risk a $250,000 fine and 15 years in prison – even if an employee handed it out and the owner was unaware of it.” To reinforce the message, Seninsky recommends adding the words “no cash value” to the rink’s logo when it makes or orders tokens. In addition, the Department urges establishments to “prominently and conspicuously post signs on their premises notifying patrons that federal law prohibits the use of such tokens outside the premises for any monetary purpose whatever.”
Profits Rinks use tokens to encourage sales – and to track sales. “You can’t trace which game made money with the debit card system,” Seninsky observes. But with tokens, if the rink makes more money, you know the per capita for games. While some rink owners want to make more money on games, Seninsky points out that tokens also encourage more people to stay longer – which often means they’ll spend more money on food and concessions. Thus, tokens should always be taken seriously. Tokens should always be treated with the same level of care as cash. “Don’t leave them lying around in plain sight!” Seninsky advises, and make sure they’re clean. Tokens can last 20-40 years, but over time, they can become dirty and grimy. “Buy a token cleaner,” he suggests.
“Most center owners base their normal, non-discounted pricing for tokens on 25 cents,” Seninsky notes. From that price, discounts can be calculated. “ The discount should be a Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 25
NEWS & COMMENTARY
FREE MATERIALS
Making RSA Materials Work For You
T
he RSA Promotions Committee works throughout the year to create flyers and ideas that you can utilize throughout the year. This year, they’ve created several flyers, seen here, that you can download at any time on the RSA website. In addition, members can access flyers back to 2014, music videos, commercials, webinars,
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licensed character images, educational manuals, and much more. If you are an RSA member, you have a login that is attached to the email address on file that you used when you registered. If you don’t remember your username and password, all you need to do is email membership@rollerskating. com or call 317-347-2626 Ext. 108 to ask for your details.
Do you have ideas that you would like to see put into place or shared with other members? Let us know what you need in your rink and we will gladly reach out to one of the committees that is associated with your suggestion to see if we can help!
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
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General Liability Policy
OUR COMMITTMENT TO THE ROLLER SKATING ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL INCLUDES: ► Serving as the RSA Endorsed Insurance Provider Sponsor ► Diamond sponsor at each and every Roller Skating Industry Convention and Trade Show ► Kids Skate Free Sponsor ► Roller Skating Manufacturer Associate Member ► Sponsor of local RSA Chapter Meetings ► Roller Skating Museum Sponsor DEDICATED TO THE ROLLER SKATING INDUSTRY: JBL Trinity has a division of underwriting and claims managers dedicated to the roller skating and FEC industry. Thanks to the dedication of these skilled professionals, JBL is at the forefront of the industry. We provide a full menu of insurance coverages to meet your specific needs, including but not limited to: General Liability, Property, Liquor Liability and Workers Compensation. We hope that you will give JBL Trinity an opportunity to quote your roller skating rink or family entertainment center. Visit us on the web at www.skatinginsurance.com to fill out an application.
50 First Avenue Atlantic Highlands, NJ Phone: 1-800-925-RINK www.rollerskating.org Fax: 732-888-4646
• Teams, Leagues and Roller Derby • Hired and Non-Owned Auto • Boy and Girl Scouts • Special Events • Assault and Battery • $0 Deductible
Property Policy
• HVAC Equipment Breakdown • Replacement Cost • Money - In & Out • Ordinance or Law • Hurricane and Wind • $1000 Deductible
• Sexual Abuse and Molestation • Additional Insureds • Schools & PTAs • Rides and Arcades • Medical Payments
• Computer/EDP Equipment • Crime Coverage • Food Spoilage • All Risk - Special • Garages and Sheds
Refer to the actual policy(s) for complete terms/conditions.
Endorsed Provider for the RSA
These coverages are provided by “A-rated” carriers that understand your business and provide the specialized coverages you need. Our industry-wide expertise and claims assistance completes your insurance protection at a price you can afford.
History of the RSA & JBL
In 1995, the Roller Skating Association International met with our CEO, Mr. Joseph DiMattina and a select group of rink and insurance specialists. They combined their knowledge and years of experience and created what is today the RSA Insurance Program. JBL Trinity Group was the RSA Endorsed Insurance Provider for a decade after the birth of the program, making us the longest running insurance provider for the Roller Skating Association. For a short period of time, from 2003 to 2011, there were various other program managers who served in this capacity. In 2011, JBL Trinity was honored with this title once again, along with the task of reconstituting the unity and strength the program once knew.
www.skatinginsurance.com 1-800-925-RINK Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 27
14 and Under Only – A New Direction By Dan Wortman
T
his article is about many things, but mostly about reputation. It could also be about a new direction for our industry and how we are perceived by the public as a whole. Are we an entity that is all things to all ages, or are we a business that caters to the family as a whole and entertains as such? Can we maximize our profit and potential with a somewhat confusing identity? It might sound cold, but I’ve always operated as a profit-making business as opposed to a community service. We all strive to be pillars of our community and work closely with our schools and organizations, but does that mean we have to cater to every age group trying to be the best we can be during every skating session with every age group? It might be time to think outside the box.
and potentially a ding to your reputation. You may spend the next several weeks or months with damage control making every attempt to pound out the dent trying to repair your reputation. Most locations can deal with one or two of these, but there’s a risk that over time your bottom line will be affected. That’s a lot of money to lose year after year along with the lasting impression you leave with the public. It can also give your customers the perception that they need to avoid certain session times.
The Way We Went
In 1993, when we acquired our facility, we knew it was a troubled location, but that it had potential. The reputation was so bad that the city mandated we have two police officers every Friday and Saturday night at a cost of over $25,000 a year. Then we had a thought - what if we didn’t A Different Direction have teenagers? What if we moved to an “all families all the time” model I’ve been in the business for over 40 years, and one thing I’ve found and began marketing to just one customer age group instead of trying to in common in almost every location I’ve worked or visited is that every entice everyone? However, teenagers spend a lot of money, so can we make Friday and Saturday night is nearly full of teenagers and hormones. As it without them? With ages 14 and under and their parents being our owners or operators, we have to control that delicate balance of making all goal, we thought we wouldn’t be losing since we would be getting all of the parents happy and entertaining the teenagers in a manner that will keep families in attendance - families that normally wouldn’t come before. We them coming back week after week. At the same time, we’re worrying about ultimately made the decision that teenagers had to go. safety, security, and reputation issues while waiting for that occasional outburst. No matter how good your management team is, the hormones can take over and you suddenly have an incident that you weren’t expecting 28 /
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
for the Roller Skating Industry? Putting the Plan into Place
Making a Marketing Plan
We put together a plan to fix the reputation first and ease into our longterm goal of only families. Our strict policies, rules and Disney music did the trick. Obviously, the teenagers left on their own. Our crowds started to drop, but the younger and well-behaved kids stayed. Soon, we had families coming in on Friday and Saturday night. Our next step was to change the closing times to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night, which was unheard of at the time. We renamed them both family nights. We made the assumption that if families were going to come, they wouldn’t want their children out later than 9 p.m. anyway.
The marketing plan was family focused, which meant that if it didn’t include children or families, it didn’t make the cut. All of our marketing materials changed to include family graphics and small children, more characters and bright colors. We announced we were an “ages 14 and under and parents facility” and it was reflected on all marketing materials, mailers, voicemail, television commercials and website. We even made sure that every birthday party that was booked was informed that we were a “14 and under” facility and the parents loved it.
It worked! For every teenager we lost, we gained an entire family and more. The new format was well received. Parents felt much safer knowing their younger kids would not be mixed in with much older ages. With this family-only model, our other sessions were increasing, too. Our new reputation soared. Within six months the city released it’s mandate of police officers freeing up that huge amount of money and making more in the process. We have never needed another police officer in 25 years on Friday or Saturday night.
www.rollerskating.org
More Changes Were Needed We built a 25 feet redemption center to replace the six feet one that existed before. We included massive colors and packed it with stuffed animals. We also added new games geared towards younger children. Each session was designed to leave a lasting memory for each family member. We included balloon animals, face painting, cotton candy, etc. We wanted it to feel like a carnival atmosphere. The music was strictly edited and programmed to include Disney music and oldies for parents. We wanted to go overboard at first to make our direction clear and that we were familyfriendly. In tandem with our interior program was our sales effort. We wanted private parties any way we could get them. This was a great way to introduce everyone to the new family atmosphere, music, and décor. We Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 29
wanted to emphasize that we were geared toward a younger audience, not teenagers: All family, all the time.
middle schools. It also happens to be a non-driving age. We started out with ages 10 to 18, but even though we lost the older kids, we picked up many, many younger ones. Our new atmosphere now makes parents comfortable with bringing ages three and up. Our new customer base is The Results ages three to 14 and parents, which allows us to separate ourselves from many competitors such as trampoline parks that cater to all ages at the We can’t offer a better proof of success than this: In our first 12 months same time. This age restriction policy may not be for everyone, especially if we increased our gross revenue by $150,000. you have a light population density and cannot afford to leave out any age group for public skating. But keep in mind, in our business our image and Among the benefits were very happy managers and employees. They reputation is everything and a poor reputation can suffocate your revenue were getting home much earlier on Friday and Saturday nights, and with lifelong effects. they always had a family atmosphere to work in no matter where they were scheduled. The managers could now concentrate on customer A reputation is a delicate thing. It is easy to lose and can be very entertainment and service rather than playing referees. We could now sleep difficult and expensive to get back. at night knowing our staff was safe and happy in their positions. We now have one format no matter the session. Our birthday parties increased with the new atmosphere and nearly tripled on Friday and Saturday night now that all sessions were the same. In our second year, we doubled down with a total interior cartoon and outer space theme, which added another $71,000 to our gross. We then added laser tag, which added another $155,000. We continued to add to the family theme by adding rock climbing in 2000 and adventure birthday parties in 2003. These live character adventures at the birthday table became a giant hit. We’ve since increased the gross revenue by 260% since taking over this facility and host 30,000 birthday guests each year. We’ve had record increases the last six years in a row despite as many as 10 competitive recreational facilities opening since 2012. We chose age 14 as a dividing line because that age is included in our
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NEWS & COMMENTARY
SALES IDEAS
Sales Pro Tips to Sell More Skates
D
o you have an inventory of skates you need to sell quickly? Or just want to boost sales in general? Consider hosting a 5 day pop-up sale using the middle of your floor.
In February, Skate Center of Roanoke Valley, Virginia, set up a sales display with toadstools to get the attention of parents and skaters. The exhibit was set up ahead of a busy weekend and kept there through a Saturday skate classes, birthday parties, an adults only skate, and a Monday night public session. Curious patrons made their way to the middle to try on skates and take them for a spin. Operator Chris Conner noted the rink sold a good number of skates during the 5-day pop-up sale. It’s an idea he got from an Atlanta rink, but hadn’t tried until now. Do you have sales in your skating center? Send us your photos and suggestions to rinksider@susangeary.com!
www.rollerskating.org
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 31
By Lori Lovely
P
eople go to a roller rink for more than just a smooth floor to skate on. They want an experience: a sound and light show. They want to be entertained.
The result was, in addition to some black lights, movables and swarms, a unique “race track” chandelier made up of 640 LED tubes that lights up the area all around the skating floor. It provides color variations, a wave and other effects. It also features 100 programs that sync with the music and can be tweaked to suit.
“People want to relive the disco era – Saturday Night Fever,” says Michael Couey, owner of Starlight Family Fun Center and Star Wholesale Sound & Lighting since 1993. “People want to Johnson says they have a better light show than any night club. It provides see a lot of color: blue, purple, red lights on the floor … It’s cool to skate next the “wow” factor for their rink, setting them apart from the others. “We want to someone who looks purple or pink.” people to walk in and see the floor and the lights,” he says. “Their mouths drop when they do. It never gets old.” They want a fun, festive atmosphere. They want Disney magic, Couey says. “Skaters want an experience. Some rinks put shapes on the floor, but Because the lighting was part of a ground-up project, there was no need skaters – millennials, Gen Xers and even older generations – really like color for additional permits. The electrical outlets were placed where needed immersion.” as part of the renovation, so no electricians were required either. The installation proceeded quickly; from the time work started in June 2017, it took about two weeks.
Unique lighting effects Couey’s lighting company services anywhere in the country, but only to Work order roller rinks. One of those, Wheels & Thrills, in Owasso, Okla., is owned by Robert and Tammy Johnson. “We had planned to use someone else because Couey says it typically takes “about a week” for new installations, longer of a system we saw in Mississippi,” Robert says. “We just loved it … but then for renovations, particularly when changing from fluorescents to LEDs. “It all we went to a show in Georgia in October and saw the Gold Room video.” By depends on how much lighting is being installed.” March, they had decided to hire Couey to do the lighting in their rink. “We Most of the time, a handyman can do the work, Couey continues: no wanted to be different: nothing cookie cutter.” electrician is needed. “They might need an installer for special effects lights; 32 /
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
complete systems require an installer.” For most jobs, no permit is necessary. “It’s easy to swap fluorescents for LEDs,” he says, adding that Star Wholesale Sound & Lighting provides a guide to help with re-wiring. “It’s simple; you don’t need to be an expert.”
LEDs
Couey says they are as powerful as 3-4 bars. “I suggest using 6-8 on a skate floor vs 24 bars; it saves money.” •
True blacklight – LED blacklights go “through” ambient
A poorly lit rink makes a bad impression, discourages return skaters and can leave a rink owner vulnerable to lawsuits. Accidental collisions make up a significant proportion of compensation claims against rink owners. LEDs are more energy-efficient and can help rink owners save on their electric bills. With an operating lifetime of 80,000 hours or more, low-heat LED lamps and LED lighting systems use approximately 15% of the electricity needed to generate the equivalent light level with incandescents, fluorescents or metal halide lights. “Unless you’re adding lights, LEDs will cost less in electric power,” Couey adds.
light, but cost more. Blacklight cannons are unique – and are trending. They provide powerful, controlled light with special effects, such as a strobe or pulse feature set to the beat of the music. Cob wash cannons and mega par can lights are popular, but Couey says one of the latest trends is color immersion. “There have been studies on entertainment venues. It makes your brain feel good; it makes people smile.” It’s customizable, allowing owners to illuminate the rink in pink for princess parties, or in black and red for Star Wars crowds, for example.
LEDs don’t require new plugs or Some rinks use a lighting truss for special effects. “It can wiring … or provide a modern or retro way to update the look of a rink, ballast. “You don’t with a ‘ring of fire,’” Couey says. “It’s very popular; a lot of rinks use need ballast if you them.” It’s also very expensive, but he offers deep discounts for RSA have LEDs,” Couey elaborates, because they are wired direct-to-power. Thus, members. they save expensive compressor time as well as electric power. When using special effects lights, Couey advises rink owners to be aware Simply put, LEDs are more energy-efficient. Couey recommends changing of state regulations regarding flashing lights and color-changing lights. He out four-foot bulbs to LED energy-efficient P8 four-foot bulbs, which he suggests putting up a notice or sign about special effects lighting. offers to RSA members at a discounted price of $7 per bulb. Some power companies may even offer rebates for LED retrofits, adding to the savings. Technically a step down in power, LEDs put out more light than their counterparts. “LEDS are brighter, energy-efficient, have longer life, and give a ‘clean’ effect,” Couey lists. “They don’t get dull over time; they remain solid white. Fluorescents lose light power over time and turn yellow.” In addition to changing lights on the skating floor to LEDs, Couey suggests swapping all lights in the arcade games with LEDs. “It helps increase game play by 20%,” he says. Don’t forget to replace the lights in the showcases with novelty toys and merchandise; it can improve sales. LEDs can be used in many types of popular light fixtures, such as crystal balls, flash, disco and blacklight, which comes in three models just for rinks.
Black light and other special effects lighting There are three types of black light: •
Bars – LED Eco UV bars are used in rinks with lower ceilings (1012-foot)
•
Cannons – are used in facilities with high ceiling to provide a lot of coverage and cover more area. Fewer fixtures equals energy savings.
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Must-haves Every rink owner has a budget, but some must-haves in Couey’s book include: • The Stinger 2 by ADJ – a blacklight that throws shapes, with a built-in laser • The Quad Phase HP – a very bright LED light for large areas that features color changes and throws shapes on the floor and ceiling. “You need 4-6 for a complete light show,” Couey estimates. • The FS500 by ADJ – a light that can illuminate a 40-inch mirror ball. “The #1 question I get is ‘what kind of mirror ball light should I get?’” Couey says. “I sell one almost every day.” He says this is “not your dad’s light. It’s very powerful and hits the mirror ball with a great effect. It’s a specialized light for a big impact.” Regardless of what type of lighting or lighting system a rink uses, it’s important to create a lasting impression that will leave your skaters talking about it for days. Lighting is one feature that will leave a big lasting impression.
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By Lori Lovely
Vendor Bender A
dding vendors to an event can be like adding attractions to a purchase needed items.” festival. Not only does it make for a more impressive display, but it can also draw customers who have an interest in a specific Specialized market vendor’s merchandise. Done right, it can increase revenue for a rink owner and establish the rink as a regular stop or annual While many vendors sell skates, wheels and other skating-related event. equipment, some offer items that appeal to the buyer’s more frivolous nature. One stop for many is the annual spring meet at Wheels Skating Center Linda Brooks Carlyle, owner of RVA Vinyl Designs, provides personalized, in Odenton, Maryland. The invitational is one of the largest in the country. hand-made shirts, vehicle decals and tumblers (cups). Her customized “It pulls from Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and the northeast,” says rink designs are available in basic colors with glitter, rhinestones or holographics, owner Pamela Muegge. The most recent meet, which lasted three days, although she says black and white are still the most common choices. attracted 27 clubs, 255 first entries and 600 skating events, all of which were She got into the business when her kids started skating competitively judged. four years ago. “There’s not much for artistic skating out there,” she explains. As part of the meet, Wheels Skating Center was host to seven vendors, Calling herself “crafty,” she started making items for her children, and soon each of whom paid $150 to set up for the entire weekend. Among the items got requests from other skaters. sold were skates, wheels, T shirts, equipment, tools, boots and jewelry. Now she sells online and on Facebook – and at select events, such as Muegge invites the same vendors every year. “I teach, skate and own Odington and the local show at RVA Skate Academy. “The goal is nationals, the building, so I’ve known these vendors over the years,” she says. Due to but it’s hard to work out the logistics with two kids skating,” Carlyle says. that personal relationship, she doesn’t require a contract or deposit. “It’s a Price is another consideration. Nationals has a range of fees, based on handshake deal.” There have been no issues, she adds. the number of days a vendor participates and if the vendor has a table or a “I just wish I had more space to add vendors,” Muegge continues. “Vendors booth. are a gift to the skaters.” Hosting vendors attracts skaters, she believes. “It’s an Smaller events ask for a small fee: $20-$50 per day is common. But easy way for them to get face time with specific vendors, ask questions and
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sometimes smaller meets are not worth the time it takes to set up, Carlyle admits. Smaller events are sometimes difficult because they aren’t able to provide what she needs for setup. For example, she doesn’t do festivals because she needs to be near an electrical outlet in order to do pressing and cutting onsite, and many small outdoor events are unable to provide electricity.
A well-known vendor with a good reputation can draw customers to an event, but it can also be worth the risk to try a new vendor in order to set yourself apart from the other rinks by offering merchandise not available at other events.
An added benefit of inviting new vendors is that they are often keen to do additional promotion; however, every vendor at your event should contribute Travel distance and available space are other considerations in her decision to marketing it and attracting their regular clientele to your location. The of where to participate. “It would be easier with smaller items, but I need a supplementary exposure can introduce your rink to a new audience and bring table for my cutting machine,” Carlyle reflects. “It’s hard to take all that to an new business. event.” For similar reasons, she prefers invitationals to local competitions. To make it worth her while, an event has to draw a sizeable crowd. However, Carlyle says she considers it a blessing to see the excitement her customers express for her products. “I enjoy making and creating things and I like sharing the custom design creation process with them.” Some designs are kept in stock, but she will work with the buyer on custom designs. Ultimately, she goes where her kids go, she says with a smile.
Traveling show Nashid Mulhammad, owner of Rolling with the Best, has been selling embroidered sweatshirts, T shirts, vests, jackets and skate bags at skate parties for about 15 years. His wife sells skating-related earrings, bracelets and charms. They choose to sell at skate parties rather than opening a store because they like the atmosphere at a rink. “We’re skaters,” he says. “We do it for the love of skating.” Mulhammad has been skating since 1962. “I met my wife in a skating rink. “We go to 4-5 skate parties per year,” Mulhammad continues: Charlotte, Detroit, Orlando, Atlanta and Huntsville. The parties they attend average “a couple thousand people,” he says. “We don’t fly because the inventory is too heavy, so we only go as far as we can drive.”
Vending machines While vendors add a personal touch to sales of unique items, sometimes customers just want to buy and be on their way, particularly when it comes to drinks and snacks. Some rink owners express concern that adding vending machines will hurt snack bar sales, but Muegge says the soda machine at her rink has had no impact on that. Instead, it’s an add-on for people who don’t want to wait in line. “We have a full-service snack bar, but some people just want to grab and go,” she explains, adding that if customers come to the snack bar, they want food – although most of them will add a drink to their order. Pepsico owns the machines in Muegge’s rink; they use standard electrical outlets, so were easy to install. She buys products from the company and stocks them as needed. She says the vending machine is profitable because there’s no staff needed and it’s available all the time – including after snack bar hours.
Vendor success Choosing the right vendor is critical to the success of an event. A vendor should complement the rink’s business by selling items specific to the skating industry – particularly items that aren’t stocked in the rink’s pro shop.
The Evoke Snack 6 features LED lighting, trays for nearly any size package, iVend sensor to reduce service calls, ADA compliant, large product and change bins, logo panel, changeable and ergonomic user interface and accent lighting, 10” touch screen, expandable controls, mobile pay and credit card options and much more.
Knowledgeable vendors are up-to-date on industry trends and can introduce items to a rink’s customers. Sometimes they’re ahead of the trends, adding to the allure of an event and helping it to stand out from the rest.
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By Keith Loria
Inline Hockey Association & USRSS
Gaining Speed
W
hile many in the sport have long attributed USA Roller Sports (USARS) as its official governing body, years of financial distress due to alleged malfeasance from its former executive director has resulted in Roller Skating Association International (RSA) supporting the formation of a new governing body. US Roller Speed Skating (USRSS), which started in 2017, will also host a national competition in Colorado Springs June 14-18. “We’ve been talking for a lot of years about things that will grow the sport and get more skaters—especially younger skaters—in a sport we love and all grew up doing,” says Denise Kerr, a board member with the USRSS. “We know that starts in the rink, and we needed to get the rink owners involved and promote it.” Jim McMahon, executive director with Roller Skating Association International, says through the standardization of rules, coach certification, and official certification, USRSS plans on making a single hub for all US roller speed skaters to grow the sport, educate both speed and non-speed skaters about the sport, and to give all amateur roller speed skaters an even playing field to improve nationally. Not that those with USARS are worried. While numbers fell in recent years, the organization is picking up roughly 25-50 member a week and have gone back over the 1,300-member mark in 2018. “USA Roller Sports is the national governing 40 /
body of speed skating,” says Eric Steele, USARS’ current executive director. “It is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as such and USARS will not give that status up and will remain being that moving forward.” The USARS is spearheading efforts to get more roller sports added to the Olympic lineup of events, and Steele says the organization is well positioned to make that happen thanks to its long history. “Speed skating is the sport that is positioned the strongest to get into the Olympic circle,” he says. “The earliest we can see it going to the Olympics is 2024.” He notes that some of the sports—hockey, figure, derby and slalom—might have some difficulties getting named as Olympic sports that early, but he hopes and expects the time will someday come.
WHY A CHANGE? Undoubtedly, there are some parents and rink operators who are confused about why the RSA
would want to form a competing organization and wondering why there is a need for both. Patty Leazier, a board member with the USRSS, also notes that while there is already a governing body that people know, the organization felt they could better provide a grass roots program that
would allow it to build from its rinks. “The foundation would be built on our rinks and not built on skaters moving around,” she says. “We would establish that base within our own house rinks, and if you can have a strong community and family unit within your team, it’s going to help improve your numbers more.” This would keep mega-teams from controlling the sport. Bobby Bentley, president of the board, notes that the organization is working with others to standardize the rules and build certification programs that will promote fair racing and safe sport throughout, and USRSS will act as the
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
central point to post schedules for all participating roller speed skating organizations so skaters and fans will be able to see what is happening in either their area or an area they may temporarily be located at.
never been exposed to the sport that allow them and the rink owners to work together and improve the quality of the team as they go through the different levels,” Dunham says. “That will make for better coaching.”
Kerr adds that it’s also important that there’s a unified rule set across the board, and that’s a strong mission of the USRSS, making it easier for kids who compete both indoor and outdoor, so there’s one set of rules.
To get involved with a team, a rink owner can call the RSA and someone will help set everything up. Someone from the rink should arrange for a coach and collect interest from skaters, and Dunham will get them chartered and coach cards arranged.
“Now, the coaches know the rules, the skaters know the rules and the parents know the rules,” she says. “We’ve also looked at other sports that are growing, like soccer and BMX and looking at what age group kids are starting to compete at to know what we should be focusing on better.”
“We’re trying to make it more exciting and get more kids involved in the sport and get our numbers growing. There’s a lot of interest and buzz with our upcoming championship, and that will be a great event,” Bentley says. “There’s a lot of raw talent out there and we want to bring it in from those rinks.”
The new organization also wanted to find a better way for starting line qualification that were computer generated and fairer for seeding. “We wanted the fastest skaters making the finals, not just the luck of the draw that you got an easy heat and you made a final, and someone who may have been the fourth fastest was in a hard heat and didn’t make it,” Kerr says. “We also felt we needed a new code of conduct that everyone would follow to bring us up to a new level.” Cost and education were two other things that the RSA really wanted to help with in a new offering. “We are really thrusting education with this,” Lisa Dunham, director of sports organization. “Everyone goes through Protect Youth Sports, and we also go through the CDC Head’s Up training for officials and coaches so everyone knows what to do in case of a head injury. We’re trying to put safety first for our kids.” Teams can be certified for free, and club charters are $100 and that lets them be sanctioned for the year. Membership is $35, coach cards are $40 (compared to $100 in the USARS), and the championships will provide great value. “A lot of these kids skate more than one discipline so our membership will allow them to have both. We are trying to provide better coverage for the rinks through our permit sanctions,” Dunham says. “Once they spend $100 for the first time, it will cover them for the first year and they can have as many events as they want to.” The idea is to build the rinks up as much as possible and get more clubs and teams represented.
ESTABLISHING A TEAM One area that the RSA felt was lacking for a number of years was efforts to assist coaches with establishing teams from the ground up. “Many times people felt overwhelmed and not knowledgeable and we are trying to establish a program where we can develop coaches who have 42 /
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Are You Heading To The Convention? Stop By Booth 101 To See How It Works! Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 43
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Contact Jim McMahon, Executive Director of the Roller Skating Association International at 317-347-2626 Ext. 104 or jmcmahon@rollerskating.com to register your rink! www.rollerskating.org Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 45
R E M M U S E S IN HOU P L E H S M A PROGR S R O T A R E P O RINK K N I R E H T FILL
S
ummer is all about relaxed schedules, more free time, longer days, and gatherings with friends and family. It’s a great time of year, but bringing business into a skating rink can be a challenge when customers have so many other activities and events competing for their time. As a result, more rink owners are partnering with local nonprofits, small businesses, and civic organizations for field trips as well as offering their own in-house programming to keep kids coming in from May through late August. Rink owners have had great success with in-house summer camps. Melissa Barfield, executive director/ secretary/comptroller for Music in Motion Family Fun Center in Summerville, South Carolina, says they’ve run summer camps for about 15 years. “Our camp runs from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and they run for five weeks each. In our camp we teach kids how to skate, how to lace up their skates, and check their skates for problems. We’ll also bring in a magician and open our arcade—we do multiple things for our summer camp kids. We average between 80 and 100 kids per day. Kids usually sign up for the whole summer session,” she says. “Our schedule is breakfast between 8 and 9; for lunch they can either bring a bagged lunch or pay $5 to buy our lunch, which is pizza, a hot dog or corn dog, a bag of chips, water or pink lemonade, then we provide an afternoon snack around 3:00.” Between their camp and regular business, Barfield says summer is their busiest time of year. “We’re the only rink within a 50-mile radius, so we get business from the day cares and school field trips in our off-season. We’re also affiliated with a lot of schools in the area, so we get a lot of field trips from those schools. That’s how we stay busy during the school year.” Besides their camp, Barfield says they get regular business by reaching out to other local summer camps and hosting field trips for their campers. Operators running camps for the first time might get a little sticker shock when the bills come in, but Barfield says that’s to be expected if you want to run a successful program year after year. “Staffing is key for a successful summer camp—you want to make sure you have a kid-friendly staff. And don’t be shocked by the value you have to spend to get your program going. Our motto is ‘You have to spend money to make money.’” As an example, they recently made a substantial investment in a major renovation of their rink floor.
By Sara Hodon 46 /
Frank Torries, owner of FunNation in Lafayette, Louisiana says they are running their first summer camp this year, which will run five days a week from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The camp will give parents an alternative to traditional child care, and like Music in Motion, they will partner with local organizations that oversee large groups of kids (such as day care
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centers and the YMCA) to have another summer field trip option. “We’d like to tie the camp into our STEM programming,” Torries says. “We want to give the kids a taste so when they go back to school, they’ll want to go back to FunNation for STEM.” Although it’s too early to gauge the camp’s success, Torries says that bringing in 30 kids per week for the camps would mean nice additional income during what is usually a quieter time of year. “Kids can sign up for one week, or two or three weeks, or all summer,” he says. “Of course it’s cheaper to do the whole summer. We’re charging $85 per week, which includes snacks and lunch.” Besides skating, campers will have other activities—access to the rink’s new indoor playground, in-house movies, arts and crafts, and more. “We have a big screen TV and five smaller TVs,” Torries explains. “The kids can come in and watch TV in the morning, then go into one of our party rooms to do arts and crafts while the other skating is going on.” Torries says he “jumped in” with the camp and is optimistic about their first year. “For any other rink owners who might want to do one but aren’t sure—give it a try. Offer it for a few days or a week and see how it goes.” He says he thinks parents will appreciate the set program schedule. “Parents like consistency—they know they’ll be dropping off and picking up their kids at the same time and place each day,” he says. FunNation handles registration for their in-house camp; any other groups that bring skaters to the rink are responsible for handling permission slips and any parental consent forms. “If the school puts the kids on the bus, we let them in,” Torries says with a laugh. “Same for the day cares.” Facebook, and we added some information to our TV commercials,” Torries says. “I also take packets of information to our schools for the teachers, but we never know if they get them.” Moxley says they send several mass emails to the day cares they host and advertise in local event newspapers. “We work with about five to eight day cares a week. A lot of the time, the day cares will come four or five times throughout the summer, so we get 40 to 50 day care groups from May to August,” she says. Summer can be a slow season for rinks, but operators have found ways to make the most of this time of year. “The big thing for the summer, in my opinion, is to just be open,” Moxley says. “Kids are always looking for something to do; parents are always looking for somewhere to take the kids. Be open as much as you can. Give kids and families another option for something to do.”
Stephanie Moxley, GM of Playland Skate Center in Austin, Texas, says they are busy in the summer, but “it’s a different kind of busy. We’re busier because we’re open every single day, but the number of people that walk through the door is a bit less. We have fewer staff, but we are staffed every day.” They don’t run an in-house camp at Playland, but Moxley says they get most of their business from local groups who bring their campers, day care students, and guests to their rink for field trips. “We run the Kids Skate Free program on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-6, in June and July we run a Discount Night on Wednesday from 7-10 p.m. when skating is only $6, and we have private day care times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. A lot of field trips come in,” she says. Playland has also had great success with the Kids Skate Free program. “It definitely picks up in the summer,” she adds. “We’ll have a lot more kids register and use the passes in the summer than during the school year.” Rink owners use a variety of platforms to promote their summer programs, namely email blasts and word-of-mouth with the organizations who regularly bring groups to their rink. “We promoted our camp through 48 /
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TECHNOLOGY
CUSTOMER RETENTION
By Brandon Willey, CEO, FetchRev
It happens in every market. The weather warms up and before too long your sunshine is stolen by a large contingent of loyal customers opting for outdoor activities and entertainment. Naturally, one can only stay mad at Mother Nature for so long, right? While the slow seasons of years past may have made you the authority on watching the tumbleweeds roll by and the revenue dry up, refusing to settle for status quo under sunny skies is the first step to developing a strategy that keeps your business going strong no matter what the forecast holds. Let’s take a look at some tried-and-true methods to tame the frustration and get your customers back in the door, spending.
your local Little League or the parks and recreation office to suggest hosting a team night or fundraiser at your facility. Offering a group discount will help keep prices affordable for parents, and entertaining a full roster of competitive, active kids is a winning way to spread your reach. Essentially, it’s networking without pressure. After all, when kids have fun, they’ll tell all their friends and want to come back.
Let’s Book a Party Now and Have a Blast Later
As a child, having a summer birthday may seem like the best case scenario—no school, no homework, and all the free time in the world— but the truth is, kids miss celebrating with cupcakes in class and being Don’t Be Afraid to Take One for the Team surrounded by the company of their friends. For parents, planning a Spring marks the official start of many youth sports seasons, from tee- birthday party can fall off the radar while in the midst of shuffling little ball to tennis to track and field. While wind sprints and push-ups propel ones off to summer camp and scheduling family vacations. Fortunately, the squad out of winter mode and into a championship mindset, team your facility can be a summer birthday savior in a few simple steps. chemistry is fortified by bonding over fun times off the field. Contact 50 /
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TECHNOLOGY First, you’ll need to collect childrens’ birthdays, either the oldfashioned way through signup sheets and waivers, digitally via a FetchRev website plugin, or with a strategically located digital kiosk in your facility. Next, create a birthday party package deal irresistible to parents—like 20% off an all-inclusive party with skate time, activities and pizza. Finally, send your campaign during the early weeks of spring to parents of children with birthdays in the summer months, and create a sense of urgency by setting a deadline. Customers must book within the month they receive the offer to redeem the discount, but have the option of throwing the party any time during the summer months. While this process may sound extensive, the FetchRev platform simplifies collecting data and sending email blasts so your facility has time to focus on what’s important: being the destination for celebration.
the site in search of savings on their next skate session resulting in boosting website traffic by 45% and increasing the average length of time per page visit by 1-2 minutes. As a bonus, word of mouth traveled fast among regular rink rollers and Kate’s management staff were pleased by the positive responses to both the convenience and quality of the offers supplied. Talk about a win-win that’s fully resistant to seasonal limitations.
I’ll Take One Large Order of Fun, Hold the Sunburn Please
Sure, on the surface, the most atmospherically pleasant months of the year can seem like a struggle to sway sun seekers from the beach, water parks or Fourth of July barbecues, but remember: your business Now Entering the Summer of Skate has something unique to offer. Whether it’s a birthday party or simply a reason to beat the heat, keeping the revenue rolling during a challenging No matter your age, there’s very little in this world more irritating part of the year is only a matter of inspiration and execution. With the than having a whole bunch of time on your hands and very little to do— right strategy, a bit of creativity, and unrivaled expertise courtesy of your especially if you happen to be a kid that’s not quite old enough to embark dedicated team at FetchRev, your customers will be gladly trading in their on an epic summer road trip. With so many parents looking to get their flip flops for a pair of roller skates. Additionally, we’re over the moon children off the couch and offline, now’s your opportunity to increase the with excitement about our newly formed partnership with the Roller visibility of your roller rink as a safe, fun, and preferably air-conditioned Skating Association (RSA) and look forward to assisting owners just alternative to inactivity. From two-for-one skate specials to discounted like you in the future with maximizing their revenue goals through better family fun nights, identify your most popular services and promote them marketing. in-store and online all summer long. A prime example of perfect campaign planning and the focus of one of our most recent case studies, Kate’s Skating Rink of Gastonia, North Carolina worked diligently with our team to create a series of online specials with a strategy implemented to embed each as a rotating plugin on their website. Providing a reason for customers to consistently visit
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NEWS & COMMENTARY
MUSEUM
National Museum of Roller Skating Membership It is through the support of the National Museum of Roller Skating members that enables the museum to care for the most complete collection of roller skating artifacts in the world and makes it the source for information on roller skating history. Your membership support is VITAL to the success of the museum going forward. Please consider joining the museum at any membership level. THEY NEED YOU. As a new member, you receive a special
30th anniversary pin, a 10% store discount, and a year subscription to their partner organization’s magazine, USA Roller Sports. Also, they established a members-only tab that allows members to access past skating magazines dating back to 1940 and their e-newsletter, with a special user name and password.
html. Members receive two newsletters per month via direct email. These newsletters help share the collection and maintain communications with interested parties. Thank you for your support. To sign up, fill out and return to the address below.
Examples of the newsletter can be found on the museum website at http://www. rollerskatingmuseum.com/members/member.
Join the National Museum of Roller Skating and Learn the History of Your Business Membership to the National Museum of Roller Skating includes: bi-monthly museum e-newsletter, a 30th anniversary pin, access to the membersonly section of the website, one year subscription to USA Roller Sports magazine, and a 10% discount on store purchases. Method of Payment: ___ Check ___ Visa ___ Mastercard Check payable to National Museum of Roller Skating Credit Card #: _____________________________________________ Expiry ________ Security Code: _______ Name on Card: _______________________________________ Billing address on card: ____________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________ Membership Information (Or gift membership from) Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________ Phone: _____________________________________ Fax: _______________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________
Membership Level
Gift membership to:
Benefactor
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Patron
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Associate Patron
City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______________
Donor
Phone: _____________________________________ Fax: _______________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________
1 year 2 years
___ $500 ___ $950 ___ $250 ___ $475 ___ $100 ___ $185
___ $50 ___ $90
Individual/Family ___ $35 ___ $65 Additional Contribution $ _______
Clip and mail to: National Museum of Roller Skating 4730 South Street Suite 2 Lincoln, NE 68506 or call 402-483-7551 ext. 16 for Visa or MasterCard Orders
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Subscribe to the Weekly RSA Newsletters Your Email RSA Members who have not updated their membership accounts may not be receiving the weekly RSA newsletter. If you are not receiving it or you would like other staff members to receive the newsletter, simply visit the link below and complete the form. Subscribers must be current RSA members.
RSA-ad-040518.pdf
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NEWS & COMMENTARY
BENEFITS
Knowing Your RSA Membership Benefits
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our membership to the RSA is one that comes with thousands of dollars in savings. The discounts, the rebates, the freebies, the promotions - you have access to so many wonderful things at your fingertips every day, that we wanted to take a moment to remind you of the more than 50 different benefits at your disposal. • Pepsi: $500 signing bonus and $1.90 per gallon rebate. • JBL Trinity Liability Insurance: Group discount on insurance. • BMI Music Licensing: 13% average discount • Rinksider Magazine: Monthly magazine free to roller skating centers • RSA Today Weekly Newsletter: Weekly industry update newsletter • CFG Wealth Management: 90 minute access to financial advisor every quarter valued at $1950 per member. • ICEE: New machine for new customers and significant discounts on pricing contract. • Froggy’s Fog: 20% discount with an average savings of $3.99-$20. • Party Center Software: $500 theming bonus for members with a software subscription. • Fun Express: Free freight on orders over $500 • Hertz Rent a Car: Discounts to RSA members using code. • Quik n’ Crispy: Discounts for RSA members valued at $180-$330. • SESAC: Flat annual fee discounted specifically for RSA members. $400 savings
• National Ticket Company: Discount on Roller Roo licensed characters. • Theisen Vending: 10% off first order of vending machines. • When to Work: 10% discount • HR360: Free HR program with over 500 forms, templates, laws, etc. $397 value. • Office Depot: Store purchasing card with significant discounts on more than 300 products. • Helix Leisure: Design and setup of custom card with a system purchase valued at $500. • Sam’s Club: Discounts on a variety of products with membership. $500 in savings. • Trustworkz: One free month of Yext with Web Op Marketing Package and $99 website package / $99 Insights Package valued at $449. • Lasertag 360: Free admission to event at Creative Words for RSA members ($100 value). • State Fair Mini Donuts: Discount on donuts and units ($125 value). • Rebecca’s Toys and Prizes: Monthly sale program with members only pricing. • Consumer Energy Solutions: 10% discount with purchase of upgrade to LED lighting. • Yushan Yijia Inflatables: $500 discount on purchase of giant
Free for Every RSA Member HR360 (www.hr360.com) is the one attorney-reviewed website you need to guide your company through hiring, managing and terminating employees with easy-to-use tools and forms. From supervising employees and staying current with Health Care Reform, to complying with federal and state labor laws - HR360 stays with you every step of the way. To sign up for your free $395 value member login, email membership@rollerskating.com with your member ID number. You will then have access to 500+ documents and unlimited information for your business. 54 /
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NEWS & COMMENTARY • inflatable roller skate with your logo. • STEM Program: Licensing opportunity available to members only valued at $25k-$30k. • Kids Skate Free program: Free to RSA members. • CSA Business Solutions: Discounted credit card solutions for members. • Promotional Calendar: Calendar for RSA members filled with promotional ideas valued at $25. • Promotional flyers: Hundreds of flyers to download and utilize in your skating center. New flyers every year. • Roller skating commercials: Free commercials to edit and use in your skating center and with local television stations valued at more than $1500. • AmeriTrust: RSA endorsed worker’s compensation insurance with discounts and average of 3% dividends to members only. • TRCo Marketing: Program offers promotion of roller skating centers through marketing rewards program. • RSA Convention and Trade Show: Discounts to RSA members on attendance. Educational seminars, trade show, roundtables and more. • ADP: 30% discount on weekly or biweekly ADP payroll services, waiver of set-up fees and one month free. Includes background checks, tax filing, reports and more valued at $1600/year. • Protect Youth Sports: Discount on basic and plus package background checks with a savings of $10 per background check. • Partywirks: Discount on license fee and setup/training for new system valued at $50 per package. • Annual marketing campaign: National Roller Skating Month marketing campaign with press release, posters, commercials and more.
• Achievement Test Program: Complete roller skating training program for coaches and skating centers that are registered through the SRSTA and RSA. Pins, contests and more. • Roller Skating University: Educational program in the form of either seminars or facility tours around the country. Valued at $150 per person. • Schwan’s: Members only pricing on Schwan’s pizza, egg rolls, pies and more. • Sk8Expo: Discounts on admission to Sk8Expo educational conference and trade show. • Section meetings: Meetings throughout the country with fellow skating center owners and operators. • Forms and templates: Free forms and templates for in rink use valued at $60 per form. • Risk Management Guidelines: Guidelines for the industry to limit liability and ensure safety. • Safety Standards: Standards of operation to be used as a general reference for skating center owners and operators. • Locator listing: Your skating center listed on the RSA website for customers to search. Members can add logos, videos, rink details and more. • Advertising discounts: RSA members who wish to advertise will receive up to 25% off standard rates. • Indoor Playgrounds International: 10% discount off new playground. • FetchRev: Members will receive 15% off monthly packages and discounted setup fee. • MySkateRepair: Free for JBL customers. $300 for non JBL customers. • Cintas: Deep discounts on a variety of janitorial and kitchen supplies. As you can see, we continue to add more benefits on a continual basis. We highly encourage you to make use of these items regularly. If you would like to see specific benefits added, simply contact the RSA Executive Director, Jim McMahon at 317-347-2626 Ext. 104 or email jmcmahon@ rollerskating.com to voice your thoughts.
• Educational Manuals: Free manuals created by the RSA specifically for use by members valued at $50 per manual. • RSA webinars: Free webinars presented by various professionals on how to improve your business.
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TM
a roller skating association international program
$4 administrative fee for each child per year to help administer program. $.50 from each child registered will be returned to the skating center. The remainder of the admin fee will go back into program which now provides $5000 in medpay insurance to each child registered.
brand new!
free to all rsa members to utilize as a member benefit! register at tinyurl.com/RegisterKSF
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NEWS & COMMENTARY
MEMORIAL OPPORTUNITIES with the Roller Skating Association Your friends and family have made a lasting
CHOOSE FROM:
impact in the roller skating industry and in
▶
RSA Member Memorial Plaque Plate & Memorial Book Listing
your lives. Now is your opportunity to
▶ ▶
Friends and Family Memorial Plaque Plate
housed within the Roller Skating Association
remember them by purchasing a memorial plate on one of the two memorial plaques offices.
Donation to the Roller Skating Foundation
QUESTIONS: Contact Tonya Crenshaw at honors@rollerskating.com or call 317-347-2626 Ext. 111.
COMPLETE FORM ON FOLLOWING PAGE www.rollerskating.org
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MEMORIAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM Remember family and friends in the roller skating industry with a donation to the Roller Skating Foundation; a plaque in their memory; or a commemorative sheet in the RSA Memorial Album. These are meaningful ways to celebrate someone important to you, as well as celebrate their accomplishments while supporting the Roller Skating Association. MEMORIAL TYPE (CHOOSE ONE) ______ RSA Member Memorial Plaque Plate & Memorial Book Listing: $100 This option is available to RSA Members and includes both a memorial plaque plate and a page in the memorial book. (Information for book will need to be supplied separately and assembled by donor. This can include a photo and one page of written information. Any material submitted will be reviewed by the Honors Committee for appropriateness prior to inclusion to the book.) Name of individual memorialized: __________________________________________________________________ Name and information for plaque plate: (Three to five lines. 30 characters or spaces per line.) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ Friends and Family Memorial Plaque Plate: $100 This option is available to non-RSA members to memorialize friends or family of the roller skating industry. Name of individual memorialized: __________________________________________________________________ Name and information for plaque plate: (Three to five lines. 30 characters or spaces per line.) ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ Donation to the Roller Skating Foundation: $_________________ The RSA will send an acknowledgement of the gift to the family memorialized. Please let us know where you would like this sent and the name/names to be used, as well as your information. Send to (name of family): _________________________________________________________________________ In memory of: __________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: ___________________________ Individual making donation: _______________________________________________________________________ Your mailing address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION _______ Credit Card _______ Check # ___________ Credit Card: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _________ Security Code: _________ Name on Card: _____________________________________ Billing Address on Card: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: __________________________ Thank you for your donation. Please remit to: Roller Skating Association, 6905 Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278. Phone: 317-347-2626. Email: honors@rollerskating.com
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NEWS & COMMENTARY
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Use Your Benefits!
O
Be sure to visit MTIproducts.com for new ventless product releases coming soon!
ne of the things that we hear a lot at the National Office is questions about member benefits. “ What do I really get being a member?” “The only benefit I get is the Pepsi discount.”
“What do you do for the members?” “What’s in it for me?” For starters, your Rinksider Magazine is a wealth of information with every issue. One of the most oft discussed perks that members tell us they enjoy is a feeling of connectedness with others; the ideas they get just from listening in on other conversations; the legal and technical skills they garner from others and much of that is shared in the articles that we publish in this magazine. The benefits of discounts and rebates are consistently growing. The RSA’s national Pepsi program, the group discount from JBL, the free Kids Skate Free membership, the Office Depot store purchasing card, the ADP discounts, the rate cuts on background checks from Protect Youth Sports, the free promotions flyers for download, the products the RSA sells for use in your skating center, the discount you get on BMI, SESAC and soon to be ASCAP music licensing, the weekly newsletters from the RSA, discounts and perks from ICEE, access to a $395 program called HR360 to assist you in your business needs, dividends from AmeriTrust on low workers comp claims, free commercials and videos to use in your skating center - the list goes on and on. You’ll find a list of all of these benefits in this issue of Rinksider Magazine and in the membership benefits booklet that we have available for download on the RSA website under Members Only >> Benefits. They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Our hope is that by reinforcing the incredible amount of benefits and discounts you have access to that you will take the time to utilize them at every opportunity. In addition, we want to hear what you have to say. The RSA is an association that is at the direction of its members and the board that they elect. That being said, it’s important that you take the time to call or email the RSA office with your ideas. Your RSA Executive Director, Jim McMahon, is available by phone nearly 24/7, so all you need to do is call 317-347-2626 Ext. 104 or email jmcmahon@rollerskating.com. We hope you enjoy this issue of Rinksider and look forward to your input!
GIVE TH EM
WHAT THEY AL L CRAVE Nothing compares to the smell, taste and texture of fresh made fries.
Keep rolling!
Lynette Rowland Rinksider Publisher
With AutoFry ventless automatated frying technology you can easily serve hot appetizers without costly kitchen renovations.
lrowland@rollerskating.com 317-347-2626 Ext. 107
Convenient • Reliable • Safe • Affordable 800-348-2976 MTIproducts.com AutoFry.com MultiChef.com
Your Source for Ventless Kitchen Solutions for Over 25 Years. www.rollerskating.org
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CONNECTIONS
2018 RSA Affiliate Member Listings The companies listed below are “RSM” members of the Roller Skating Association International who provide goods and services to the roller skating industry. Company information is updated in each issue of Rinksider for your reference. If your firm services the roller skating industry and you would like information about becoming a member, or you are a current member needing to update your information, call the Association headquarters at 317-347-2626 Ext. 108. If you would like an additional listing under another RSM category, there is a charge of $125 per additional category. Information below is as provided on 2018 RSM renewals. Changes and category updates must be made with Sharon McMahon at membership@rollerskating.com.
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY FETCHREV Contact: Brandon Willey Mailing Address: 1232 E. Baseline Rd. Floor 2 Tempe, AZ 85283 Phone: 855-979-7833 brandon@fetchrev.com www.fetchrev.com
INTERCARD Mailing Address: 1884 Lackland Hill Pkwy, Suite 1 St. Louis, MO 63146 Phone 314-275-8066 sales@intercardinc.com www.intercardinc.com
PARTY CENTER SOFTWARE Contact: Scott Drummond Mailing Address: 1010 Camerado #206 Cameron Park, CA 95682 Phone: 888-804-1166 sales@partycentersoftware.com www.partycentersoftware.com
PARTYWIRKS.COM Contact: Larry McLean Mailing Address: 9450 SW Gemini Dr. Suite 30375 Beaverton, OR 97008 Phone: 877-345-4012 larry@partywirks.com www.partywirks.com
SACOA PLAYCARD SYSTEM Contact: Hiara Elias Mailing Address: PO Box 5258, New York NY 10163 Phone: 214-256-3965 helias@sacoa.com www.sacoacard.com
TIMES TWO TECHNOLOGY Contact: Kendall Cabe Mailing Address: 8 W. Campbell St. Suite 200 WA Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Phone: 708-497-9896 kendall.cabe@timestwotechnology.com www.timestwotechnology.com 62 /
TRUSTWORKZ, INC. Contact: Wesley Anderson Mailing Address: PO Box 379 1025 Rose Creek Dr. Ste. 620 Woodstock, GA 30189 Phone: 770-615-3275 Fax: 888-624-8767 wesley@trustworkz.com www.TrustWorkz.com
CONSULTING & RINK PLANNING
Indianapolis, IN 46256 Phone: 239-784-6861 Fax: 317-579-2440 mpuckett@cfgwms.com www.cfgwms.com
CSA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Contact: David Brewer Mailing Address: 791 Park Manor Drive Smyrna, GA 30082 Phone: 866-400-0272 www.csabusinesssolutions.com dbrewer@csamail.net
SKATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Contact: Daniel Wortman Mailing Address: 3098 E. Bellflower Drive Gilbert, AZ 85928 Phone: 480-748-4191 dtwortman@gmail.com
RC SPORTS INC. Contact: Ronald Creten Mailing Address: 1750 W. 98th, Pillar 18-51A, Lenexa, KS 66219 Phone: 414-559-1121 Fax: 913-894-5179 ron@rcsports.com www.rcsports.com
COSTUMES MASK US INC Contact: David Bragg Mailing Address: 3121 Main Street, Suite F Chula Vista, CA 91911 Phone: 619-476-9041 Fax: 619-476-7346 info@maskus.com www.maskus.com
FLOOR, MATERIALS AND INSTALLATIONS ASTRO CARPET MILLS Contact: Cheryl Pierce Mailing Address: PO Box 1059 Calhoun, GA 30701 Phone: 800-542-4189 Ext. 451 email@astrocarpetmills.com www.astrocarpetmills.com
FINCHUM SPORTS FLOORS Contact: Larry Finchum 2812 Boyd’s Creek Highway Sevierville, TN 37876 Phone: 865-453-3995 larry@finchumsportsfloors.com www.finchumsportsfloors.com
FLAGSHIP CARPETS Contact: Marsha Long Mailing Address: 734 S. River St. Calhoun, GA 30701 Phone: 800-848-4055 Fax: 706-276-0823 marsha@flagshipcarpets.com www.neoncarpets.com
FLOOR SYSTEMS FINANCING/FINANCIAL PLANNING CFG WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES Contact: Michael Puckett Mailing Address: 9840 Westpoint Drive Suite 150
Contact: Kim Wall Mailing Address: 4517 Industrial Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Phone: 260-484-7746 Fax: 260-484-7799 kim@floorsystemsinc.com www.floorsystemsinc.com
OMEGA PATTERN WORKS Contact: Kristin Messick Mailing Address: PO Box 1483 Chatsworth, GA 30705 Phone: 800-241-4908 Fax: 866-375-8633 kmessick@cox.net www.omegapatternworks.com
RINK-COTE/ PORT CITY PAINTS Contact: Roy Spencer Mailing Address: 1250 9th Ave Muskegon, MI 49440 Phone: 231-726-5911 Fax: 231-722-4081 muskegon@repcolite.com www.repcolite.com
ROLL-ON FLOOR PRODUCTS Contact: Joseph Nazzaro, Jr. Mailing Address: PO Box 1778 Hurst, TX 76053 Phone: 800-243-3900 Fax: 817-354-6393 joenazzaro@aol.com www.roll-on.com
SOUTHEASTERN SKATE SUPPLY #2 Contact: David Ramsey Mailing Address: PO Box 336 Mableton, GA 30126 Phone: 800-241-8060 Fax: 770-944-8589 david@seskate2.com www.seskate.com
TITE COAT INTERNATIONAL Contact: Scott Gray Mailing Address: 5365 Dorsey Evergreen Rd. Fulton, MS 38843 Phone: 800-442-8483 owner@titecoat.com www.titecoat.com
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
CONNECTIONS GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE http://www.fecmusic.com CHEMICALS SESAC INC CPI ROAD SOLUTIONS, INC. Contact: Bill Lee Jay Walerstein 5616 Progress Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46241 317-243-2348 jw@roadsolutionsinc.com www.roadsolutionsinc.com
Mailing Address: 55 Music Square East Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: 615-320-0055 Fax: 615-321-6292 blee@sesac.com www.sesac.com
SURESHOT REDEMPTION FUNTASTIC NOVELTIES, INC. Contact: Kris Wall Friesner Mailing Address: 4515 Industrial Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Phone: 260-482-1566 Fax: 260-482-1568 kris@funtasticnovelties.com www.funnov.com
GLOWORKS INSURANCE HANASAB INSURANCE SERVICES INC. Contact: Robert Ferrer Mailing Address: 625 S Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: 323-782-8454 Fax: 323-978-2452 robert@hanasabinsurance.com www.hispcs.com
JBL TRINITY GROUP LTD Contact: Anthony Profaci Mailing Address: 50 First Avenue Atlantic Highlands, NJ 7716 Phone: 800-925-7465 anthonyprofaci@jbltrinity.com www.skatinginsurance.com
MCGOWAN INSURANCE Contact: Drew Tewksbury Mailing Address: 20595 Lorain Road Fairview Park, OH 44126 Phone: 440-263-1882 dtewksbury@mcgowaninsurance.com www.mcgowaninsurance.com
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP Contact: Nancy Clay Mailing Address: 11880 College Blvd, Ste 500 Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: 913-266-5325 Fax: 877-892-4574 nclay@meadowbrook.com www.wcpolicy.com/rsa
MUSIC FEC MUSIC
NOVELTY ITEMS/REDEMPTION PRODUCTS A & A GLOBAL INDUSTRIES Contact: Stacy Johnson Mailing Address: 17 Stenerson Lane Cockeysville, MD 21030 Phone: 800-638-6000 Fax: 800-800-1110 eroach@aaglobal.com www.aaglobal.com
AMERICAN CARNIVAL MART Contact: Matthew Olson 1317 Lindbergh Plaza Center St. Louis, MO 63132 Phone: 800-991-6818 Fax: 314-991-6884 matthew@funcarnival.com www.funcarnival.com
BMI MERCHANDISE Contact: David Katz Mailing Address: 1960 Rutgers University Blvd. Lakewood, NJ 08701 Phone: 732-363-0212 llotito@bmimerchandise.com www.bmimerchandise.com
COAST TO COAST ENTERTAINMENT Contact: Gary Balaban Mailing Address: 1000 Towbin Ave Lakewood, NJ 8701 Phone: 732-238-0096 Fax: 732-238-4404 gary@coastentertainment.com www.cranemachines.com
FUN EXPRESS
Contact: Lae Phonephakdy Contact: Jim Juniper Mailing Address: 4206 S. 108th St Mailing Address: 787 Adelaide St. North Omaha, NE 68137 Suite 2 Phone: 800-875-8494 London, ON N5Y 2L8 Fax: 800-228-1002 Phone: 866-684-8324 laep@funexpress.com sales@fecmusic.com www.funexpress.com
www.rollerskating.org
Contact: Joe Iacona Mailing Address: 23133 Schoenherr Road Warren, MI 48089 Phone: 800-809-4569 Fax: 586-840-4996 joe@gloworks.com www.gloworks.com
RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY Contact: Dan Highcove Mailing Address: PO Box 9278 Fall River, MA 2720 Phone: 800-435-3456 Fax: 508-675-9406 dhighcove@rinovelty.com www.rinovelty.com
THE STUFF SHOP Contact: Mike Hill Mailing Address: 111 Triple Diamond Blvd North Venice, FL 34275 Phone: 800-860-8474 Fax: 941-480-1899 mike@stuffshop.com www.stuffshop.com
SSM VENDING Contact: Judi Heston-Donnell Mailing Address: 1716 West Broadway Rd., Suite 111 Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 877-213-0500 judi@ssmvending.com www.ssmvending.com
THEISEN VENDING CO Contact: Anita Bennett Mailing Address: 2335 Nevada Ave North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: 612-827-5588 Fax: 612-827-7543 anita@theisenvending.com www.theisenvending.com
Contact: Sondra Doyle Mailing Address: 1500 South Hellman Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 909-923-5700 Fax: 909-923-7909 SondraD@folandgroup.com www.sureshot-redemption.com
PARTY SUPPLIES NORTHWEST ENTERPRISES Contact: Gordon Vong Mailing Address: 900 Lunt Ave. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847-806-0034 Fax: 847-806-0577 gordonv@nwparty.com www.nwparty.com
REBECCA’S Contact: Joseph Nazzaro, Jr. Mailing Address: Po Box 1778 Hurst, TX 76053 Phone: 800-777-2235 Fax: 817-354-6393 joseph@rebeccas.com www.rebeccas.com
SURESHOT REDEMPTION Contact: Sondra Doyle Mailing Address: 1500 South Hellman Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 909-923-5700 Fax: 909-923-7909 SondraD@folandgroup.com www.sureshot-redemption.com
PLAY EQUIPMENT AND LASER TAG AMAZING PLAY DESIGN Contact: Darrell Weaver Mailing Address: 1075 W. Kathryn St. Nixa, MO 65714 Phone: (816) 935-3635 amazingplayllc@yahoo.com http://www.amazingplaydesign.com
ARC LASER TAG ARENAS Contact: Lathan Gareiss Mailing Address: 5450 Lee Street Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 Phone: 888-514-0283 lathan@arclta.com http://www.arclta.com
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 63
CONNECTIONS CREATIVE WORKS INC.
RIDE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
RIEDELL SKATES INC
Contact: Kimberly Schilling Mailing Address: 350 Bridge St. Mooresville, IN 46158 Phone: 317-834-4770 Fax: 317-834-4771 marketing@thewoweffect.com www.thewoweffect.com
Contact: Tamara Dean Mailing Address: PO Box 40 Independence, OR 97351 Phone: 503-606-4438 Fax: 503-606-4436 RDCcars@aol.com www.bumpercar.com
Contact: Bob Riegelman Mailing Address: 122 Cannon River Ave N Red Wing, MN 55066 Phone: 651-388-8251 Fax: 651-385-5500 margie@riedellskates.com www.riedellskates.com
INTERNATIONAL PLAY COMPANY INC. Contact: Kathleen Kuryliw Mailing Address: 215-27353-58th Crescent Langley, BC V4W 3W7 Phone: 604-607-1111 Fax: 604-607-1107 sales@iplayco.com www.iplayco.com
LASER BLAST Contact: Carla Ewald Mailing Address: 6118 Gotfredson Rd Plymouth, MI 48170 Phone: 877-338-7889 Fax: 734-418-2017 mike@laser-blast.com www.laser-blast.com
LASERTAG.COM BY ZONE LASER TAG, INC. Contact: Erik Guthrie Mailing Address: 419 Webbs Ln. Dover, DE 19904 Phone: 866-966-3797 Fax: 317-783-3711 erik@lasertag.com www.lasertag.com
LASERTRON Contact: Ann Kessler Mailing Address: 251 Meyer Road Amherst, NY 14226 Phone: 716-836-0670 Fax: 716-836-0535 info@lasertron.us www.lasertron.us
PLAYSMART Contact: Gary Boots Mailing Address: 107 North Missouri Sedalia, MO 65301 Phone: 217-221-4031 Fax: 660-829-0526 gboots@playsmart.com www.playsmart.com
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ROLLER SKATE MANUFACTURERS ATOM SKATES Contact: Josh Haagen Mailing Address: 2750 Williamson Pl NW, Suite 148 Dupont, WA 98327 Phone: 253-301-3460 Fax: 253-301-3611 Info@atomskates.com www.atomskates.com
BONT SKATES Contact: Debbie Rice Mailing Address: 5004 US 41 N, Unit B Palmetto, FL 34221 Phone: 941-722-2668 debbie@bont.com or info@bont.com www.bont.com
CHICAGO SKATES/NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS Contact: Joel Aranson Mailing Address: 376 Hollywood Ave. Fairfield, NJ 7004 Phone: 800-242-7476 Fax: 973-276-8419 skater@chicagoskates.com www.chicagoskates.com
CRAZY SKATE COMPANY Contact: Trent Carter Mailing Address: 5530 West Raymond St. Indianapolis, IN 46241 Phone: 317-222-6105 contact@crazyskateco.com www.crazyskateco.com
GOLDEN HORSE RENTALS/LW SKATES Contact: Walt Hedrick Mailing Address: 4004 Cedar Creek Ct. Arlington, TX 76016 Phone: 817-781-1898 waltskate@yahoo.com www.usedrentalskates.com
ROLLER DERBY SKATE CORP Contact: Will Marion Mailing Address: PO Box 249 Litchfield, IL 62056 Phone: 217-324-3961 Fax: 217-324-2213 wmarion@rollerderbyskates.com www.rollerderby.com
SOUTHEASTERN SKATE SUPPLY INC Contact: Glenn Ramsey Jr Mailing Address: PO Box 12448 Roanoke, VA Phone: 800-444-7528 Fax: 540-342-7873 info@seskate.com www.seskate.com
SOUTHEASTERN SKATE SUPPLY #2 Contact: David Ramsey Mailing Address: PO Box 336 Mableton, GA 30126 Phone: 800-241-8060 Fax: 770-944-8589 david@seskate2.com www.seskate.com
SKATES US, INC. Contact: David Ripp Mailing Address: 415 West Eaton Pike Richmond, IN 47374 Phone: 765-935-7477 Fax: 765-935-7033 david.ripp@skatesUS.com www.SkatesUS.com
SURE GRIP INTERNATIONAL Contact: Jim Ball Mailing Address: 5519 Rawlings Ave South Gate, CA 90280 Phone: 800-344-3331 Fax: 562-923-6965 skates@suregrip.com www.suregrip.com
ROLLER SKATES & DISTRIBUTORS GOLDEN HORSE SKATE CO. LTD Contact: Helen Ou-Chang Mailing Address: No. 8 Xiamei Rd. Xinyang Industrial District, Hai Cang, Xiamen Fujian 361022 Phone: 886-927-151409 helenou8@gmail.com www.goldenhorseskates.com
RC SPORTS INC. Contact: Ronald Creten Mailing Address: 9910 Lakeview Ave Lenexa, KS 66219 Phone: 414-559-1121 Fax: 913-894-5179 ron@rcsports.com www.rcsports.com
ROLLER SPORTS USA ROLLER SPORTS Contact: Richard Hawkins Mailing Address: 4730 South Street Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402-483-7551 Fax: 402-483-1465 rhawkins@usarollersports.org www.usarollersports.org
ROLLER ROO APPAREL SKATERS CHOICE OF FLORIDA Phone: Robert Bentley Mailing Address: 2607 East Olive Rd. Pensacola FL 32514 Phone: 850-478-3994 Fax: 850-478-0590
SKATING APPAREL EXPERT HOSIERY, LLC Contact: Abid Sheikh Mailing Address: 5448 Apex Peakway #115, Apex, NC 27502 Phone: 919-799-7707 Fax: 919-799-7717 info@experthosiery.com www.funtimefootwear.com
SNACK BAR EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES AUTOFRY/MULTICHEF - MOTION TECHNOLOGY Contact: Bess Wightman
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org
CONNECTIONS Mailing Address: 10 Forbes Road Northborough, MA 01532 Phone: 800-348-2976 Fax: 208-393-5750 bcouture@mtiproducts.com www.MTIproducts.com
GOLD MEDAL PRODUCTS COMPANY Contact: John Evans Mailing Address: 10700 Medallion Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45241 Phone: 800-543-0862 Fax: 800-542-1496 info@gmpopcorn.com www.gmpopcorn.com
PEPSI-COLA COMPANY Contact: Tony Grimes Mailing Address: 7701 Legacy Drive, MD 3A-8/5 Plano, TX 75024 Phone: 972-334-2794 tony.grimes@pepsico.com www.pepsiworld.com
PIZZAOVENS.COM Contact: Jason Dees Mailing Address: PO Box 24886 Lexington, KY 40524 877-3367-6836 jdees@pizzaovens.com www.pizzaovens.com
QUIK N’ CRISPY Contact: Paul Artt Mailing Address: 12021 Plano Rd. Suite 160 Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: 972-669-8993 Fax: 972-669-8990 paul@q-n-c.com www.q-n-c.com
SOUND SYSTEMS & LIGHTING ACTION LIGHTING Contact: Al Kottwitz Mailing Address: 310 Ice Pond Rd. Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: 800-248-0076
Phone: 800-255-1015 Fax: 620-342-3338 terry@audiolite.com www.audiolite.com
FROGGY’S FOG Contact: Christopher Markgraf Mailing Address: 302 Rutherford Ln Columbia, TN 38401 Phone: 615-469-4906 sales@froggysfog.com www.froggysfog.com
STAR WHOLESALE LIGHTING AND SOUND Contact: Michael Couey Mailing Address: 55 Thomas Grace Annex Sharpsburg GA 30277 Phone: 678-570-7608 couey18@aol.com
SPECIAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES GLOBAL ROOFING COMPANY Contact: JoB LeRay Mailing Address: 2117 Goliad Circle Frisco, TX 75033 Phone: 800-257-3758 Fax: 888-614-9559 info@globalroofingcompany.com www.globalroofingcompany.com
HELIX LEISURE Contact: Ted Parsons Mailing Address: 2015 McKenzie Dr. Suite 106 Carrollton, TX 75006 Phone: 469-521-8000 Fax: 214-260-0976 tedp@embedcard.com www.helixleisure.com
MRB CONTRACTORS Contact: Ivan Garcia Mailing Address: 618 S. Beltline Irving TX 75060 Phone: 972-827-8599 Fax: 216-614-4200 ivan@mrbcg.com
Fax: 406-585-3078 allan@actionlighting.com www.actionlighting.com
www.mrbcontractors.com
AUDIO LITE
Contact: Scott Borowski Mailing Address: 10 Athens Avenue, Ste 208 Ardmore, PA 19003 Phone: 610-645-6940
Contact: Terry Maxfield Mailing Address: 701 Graham St. Emporia, KS 66801 www.rollerskating.org
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PARKS MAGAZINE
Fax: 610-645-6943 editortapmag@kanec.com www.tapmag.com
VENDING MACHINES AND COIN-OPERATED GAMES AMERICAN CHANGER Contact: Wayne Snihur Mailing Address: 1400 NW 65th Place Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: 954-917-3009 info@americanchanger.com www.americanchanger.com
BAY TEK GAMES, INC. Contact: Holly Hampton Mailing Address: 1077 E. Glenbrook Dr Pulaski, WI 54162 Phone: 920-822-3951 sales@baytekgames.com www.baytekgames.com
BENCHMARK GAMES Contact: Paula Rinker Mailing Address: 51 Hypoluxo Rd Hypoluxo, FL 33462 Phone: 561-588-5200 Fax: 561-493-2999 prinker@benchmarkgames.com www.benchmarkgames.com
PLAYER ONE AMUSEMENT GROUP Contact: Bill Freeman Mailing Address: 1920 Center Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 P: 386-747-0845 bfreeman@bradydist.com www.winwithp1ag.com
SHAFFER DISTRIBUTING CO. Contact: Paul Jones Mailing Address: PO Box 12427 Columbus, OH 43212 Phone: 800-282-0194 Fax: 614-294-1040 pjones@shafferdistributing.com www.shafferdistributing.com
THEISEN VENDING CO Contact: Anita Bennett Mailing Address: 2335 Nevada Ave North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: 612-827-5588 Fax: 612-827-7543 anita@theisenvending.com www.theisenvending.com
VIDEO GAMES
BETSON ENTERPRISES
NAMCO
Contact: Brian Murphy Mailing Address: 303 Paterson Plank Road Carlstadt, NJ 7072 Phone: 201-438-1300 Fax: 201-438-7246 bmurphy@betson.com www.betson.com
Contact: Marko Mladenovich Mailing Address: 712 North Central Ave. Suite B Wood Dale , IL 60191 Phone: 630-238-2232 marko.mladenovich@namco.com www.namco.com
DANDMAT SERVICES Contact: Danny Schutt Mailing Address: 900 McGuire Park St. Ocoee, FL 34761 Phone: 321-231-6411 danny@vendingfloridaco.com www.vendingfloridaco.com
GOLD STANDARD GAMES Contact: Mark Robbins Mailing Address: 333 Morton St Bay City, MI 48706 Phone: 989-893-1739 Fax: 989-893-1809 info@gold-standard-games.com www.gold-standard-games.com
WHEEL AND BEARING MANUFACTURERS ANABOLIX SKATE COMPANY Contact: Mike Elsbury Mailing Address: 7304 Atmore Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46217 Phone: 317-903-6172 mkels71@yahoo.com www.anabolixskate.com
SKATE ONE CORP DBA ROLL ONE DISTRIBUTION Contact: Isaac Oltmans Mailing Address: PO Box 8420 Goleta, CA 93117 Phone: 805-683-4779 Fax: 805-964-0511
Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 / 65
CONNECTIONS isaac@rollone.com www.rollonedist.com
VOLCANIC WHEEL Contact: Soo Kim Mailing Address: 1160 North Central Ave #212 Glendale, CA 91202 Phone: 818-547-9900, 547-9600 sookim@volcanicwheel.com
www.volcanicwheel.com
WRIST BANDS, TICKETS AND TOKENS HOFFMAN MINT Contact: Wayne Snihur Mailing Address: 1400 NW 65th Place Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 954-917-5451 wayne@hoffmanmint.com www.hoffmanmint.com
pcarter@nationalticket.com www.nationalticket.com
NATIONAL TICKET COMPANY Contact: Patrick Carter Mailing Address: Po Box 547 Shamokin, PA 17872 Phone: 800-829-0829 Fax: 800-829-0888
NEW RSA Member Benefit! We are excited to announce a brand new partnership with Cintas that will save RSA members hundreds of dollars on mats, mops, microfiber, soaps, paper towels, dispensers, linens, air fresheners, and a variety of other kitchen and janitorial items. To sign up, contact Dustin Wilkins at wilkinsd@cintas.com or call 740-503-2893.
Classified Advertisements
TO PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE, SIMPLY CALL 317-347-2626 EXT. 107 OR EMAIL EDITOR@ ROLLERSKATING.COM. ADS ARE $1/WORD WITH A $25 MINIMUM.
WE BUY ROLLER RINKS Leaseback option is possible. Our market is nationwide with populations of at least 200,000 people or more in a 5-mile radius. Contact: Joshtraeger@comcast.net (802)254-3880 www. discoverygroup.net )
Subscribe to FREE Newsletters MEMBERS OF THE RSA CAN SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE RSA TODAY NEWSLETTER BY GOING TO
WWW.ROLLERSKATING.COM/NEWSLETTER AND COMPLETING THE FORM!
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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | May/June 2018 www.rollerskating.org