Rinksider Magazine - September/October 2018

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

RINKSIDER The Official Roller Skating Business Magazine Why walk when you can roll?

@mysk8moves

October is...

National Roller Skating Month

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NEWS & COMMENTARY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Rowland, Lori Lovely, Jeff Couey, Keith Loria, Brandon Willey, Susan Geary, Marcie Hill, Sara Hodon, Anne Connor COVER PROVIDED BY iStock Photos. Businesses are welcome to submit photos for

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

consideration for editorial use to editor@rollerskating.com.

Jim McMahon

Must be 350 DPI or greater.

PUBLISHER

COPYRIGHT

Lynette Rowland

EDITOR Susan Geary

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Brian Molony, Kalamazoo, MI, Chairman Cort Wahlig, Newark, DE Jeanne Housholder, Savoy, IL Jeanne Sincavage, Reading, PA Chanel Bellotto, Lakeland, FL

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, Lakeland, FL 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

RSA STAFF

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

Jim McMahon, Executive Director Angela Tanner, Assistant Executive Director Tonya Crenshaw, Accountant Lynette Rowland, Director of Communications Sharon McMahon, Director of Membership Services / Achievement Program / Pepsi Programming KC Perkins, Director of Information Technology

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

IN THIS ISSUE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS News & Commentary President’s Update..............................................................6 Editor’s Note.......................................................................8 In Memoriam......................................................................9

AND THE

20 STEM FIELD TRIPS

Products from the RSA ................................................. 10 Worldwide News............................................................. 12 Rink Ratz.......................................................................... 13 Museum News................................................................. 14 Backspin............................................................................ 16 Roller Skating Buzz......................................................... 18 Promotions....................................................................... 22 SRSTA Teacher of the Year Award............................... 24

26

4200 Miles on Wheels for Charity................................ 47 2018 USRSS American Championships ��������������������� 52 New RSA Benefits........................................................... 54 Mission for Roller Skating.............................................. 56 Roller Skating Foundation Scholarship Form ������������� 58 2019 Convention Details................................................ 61

Groundbreaking Roller Skating K-12 Educational Curriculum Creates New Skaters and Significant Added Revenue for RSA Skating Centers

Marketing

36

What Your Signage Says About You............................. 40

Technology National Roller Skating Month Campaigns ���������������� 32

Connections Affiliate Members............................................................ 62 Classifieds......................................................................... 66

44

Join us online today.

IN ARCADE GAMES AND REDEMPTION Join more than 500 roller skating rink

Rink Maintenance

48

www.rollerskating.org

Tips and Tricks from the Industry

owners on our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/16235807289 Must be an RSA member to join.

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 / 5

NEWS & COMMENTARY

President’s Update

T

his fall has proven to be an exciting time and, as most of you may have already heard, I’m thrilled to share some of the things we have been able to accomplish for you in the last several months.

As you know, negotiations with ASCAP were ongoing for most of the year. The RSA Board of Directors voted to approve the ASCAP RSA agreement, which was a monumental step for the Association. As many of you know, the membership asked that the RSA intervene on their behalf with ASCAP to avoid unecessarily imposed fees on skate rentals. After two town hall meetings, it was determined by the membership input that the fairest calculation for ASCAP fees was a fee structure based upon gross admissions revenue. After months of negotiations, we’re excited to announce that the agreement is now in full force and members can now sign onto the program, which went into effect October 1, 2018. The fiscal year for this new program is October - September of each year. More details can be found on page 54. You may download the contract at www. rollerskating.com/ASCAP. We’re also excited to share that we signed a new member benefit for members from Airgas which provides discounts and other services to members. Details can be found on page 54 or you can visit www.rollerskating.com/Airgas to download the form.

27-28, 2019.

Of course, with this issue, National Roller Skating Month should be in full swing and we encourage you to take advantage of the materials on the RSA website. You’ll find Facebook headers, flyers, posters, customizable coupons, press release, ideas for your rink and a Learn to Roller Sk8 Brochure that coincides with the program.

Make sure that you’re checking your weekly newsletters for important industry news and information. Much of what the Association provides is often provided within these newsletters. For instance, members were notified that on October 17, 2018 there will be a free interactive webinar on the Safety and Risk Management Guidelines which will cover the importance of using the RSA’s online My Skate Repair program.

Sk8Expo went off without a hitch, well, all except for the rogue rain storm that moved a poolside party indoors. We had dozens of members certified in CPR and First Aid, along with a majority of attendees receiving certificates of completion for attending the IALDA Risk Management training seminar.

Our goal of these events is ongoing education about a variety of topics and we highly encourage you to mark your calendars for these events and make certain that you attend.

Convention 2019: Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 28 - May 2, 2019.

Sk8Expo 2019: Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater, Florida on September

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018

To Participate in the Education Committee Safety and Risk Management Webinar: Time: Oct 17, 2018 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/647801833 Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16699006833,,647801833# or +16465588656,,647801833# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 647 801 833 International numbers available: https:// zoom.us/u/adW6sOrvuU If you haven’t heard about the My Skate Repair program, the RSA and JBL partnered together to offer this skate maintenance program to RSA members. This new system was created by rink operators to help simplify the task of documenting skate inspections, maintenance and repairs. The new program is all electronic, no pesky stacks of paper lying around, and is very user-friendly. The MySkateRepair system includes both an app to be used by personnel completing the repairs and inspections and a panel for managers/operators to use for reviewing and reporting.

MySkateRepair will replace all of your paperbased logs, cut down on time needed to document by hand and make your skate maintenance more efficient all around. This program is free to RSA members that currently use JBL as their liability insurance provider and is $300 for all other RSA members.

To schedule a demo, email info@ mySKATErepair.com or contact KC Perkins at (317) 347-2626 x112.

As always, if you have any questions, suggestions or otherwise, please feel free to reach out to the National Office at 317-347-2626.

All skate forward, Jeff Couey RSA President

Attendees at the 2018 Sk8Expo

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

Editor’s Note

W

ith the changing seasons, fall is always the time for new introductions. Whether it’s new cars on the dealer lot, fashion trends, or even the skating business, it’s the time of year when new products are introduced ahead of the busy holiday season.

In this issue of Rinksider, we put together articles on the latest in arcade games, what’s new and improved for your skate room and additional ways to promote National Roller Skating Month, including a new initiative that incorporates the Learn to Skate program. The goal is to teach people how to skate in October so you can sell them skates as holiday gifts in December.

As with every industry, consumer tastes and popularity ebb and flow. In historical photos, skaters in the ‘40s‘60s were mostly working adults and the rink was a place to meet others and escape for a bit.

I skated in the ‘70s and early ‘80s during the disco era. Back then, it was middle and high school kids at the rink on any given night of the week. We were dropped off by our parents, but when we were old enough, we drove ourselves to the rink. Today’s teens tend to go elsewhere once they get a license.

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 855-

Birthday parties became a vibrant profit center for rink operators during the ‘90s as the target demo for FECs skewed even younger. This has led to innovations such as Skate Mate Trainers and the roller skating STEM program to get kids interested in roller skating at an early age.

In the rink where I skate recreationally and teach beginner lessons, I’m noticing a new trend emerging: the re-appearance of parents and their children. I’m not talking about the adult family members who stand around eating cake at a birthday party, or those staring intently into their smart phone while their kid struggles on a pair of Walmart skates.

Instead, this new demographic are families who make a weekly trip to the rink to roller skate. A lot of these parents (and even grandparents) are selfproclaimed “rink rats” from their youth. They want to introduce their kids to an activity they used to enjoy and also remain involved in their children’s activities. It’s much like families who snow ski together (only roller skating is much more affordable and it doesn’t rely on the weather.)

As the seasons change, so do trends in roller skating. Families who skate together are a welcome sign of the times.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your story ideas to Rinksider@ SusanGeary.com. Thanks for reading!

Susan Geary

979-7833.

ANNE CONNOR Anne Connor is a professional Spanish and Italian-toEnglish medical and legal translator and an active member of the American Translators Association. The American Translators Association represents over 10,000 translators and interpreters across 103 countries. For more information on ATA and to hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit www.atanet.org.

MARCIE HILL Marcie Hill is a writer, blogger, trainer and author with over 16 years of experience. With a background of 12 years in human resources, Marcie decided to focus on her writing career where she has posted more than 4000+ blog entries, eight books and has interviewed Dr. Maya Angelou; published in Forbes and wrote 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block and companion guide. She can be reached at msmarcie@sbcglobal.net.

Editor

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 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.

ROBERT JOSEPH LABEDA Bob Labeda passed away on June 8, 2018 at the age of 86 in Sun City, California.

Bob founded Labeda Wheels which became the first company to introduce urethane wheels in the United States.

He began his career as an engineer, and expounded on that after he grew frustrated that his son lost a race due to a broken wheel. Bob quit his job and started making his own wood wheels in the garage. But when wooden wheels and powdered floors lost their appeal, he was stuck with a lot of materials which ended up in the family fireplace.

As technologies improved, Labeda combined forces with BF Goodrich to create the first urethane blended core (ESTALOC): a chemical process designed to prevent de-lamination. They also created the first clear urethane wheel, the first aluminum core, and the first urethane core.

Additionally they became the first company to bring FLEX TECHNOLOGY into the wheel’s design. A new standard was created that the industry follows today.

From that small garage, Labeda grew his business to what is now a state-of-the-art 70,000 square foot facility in Southern California. On a side note, Bob operated a rink for a few years and then closed it.

Labeda leaves behind his wife, Arlene of 61 years and 5 surviving children, Sherri, Curt, Shelly, Kevin and Scott. Their oldest, Mark, preceded him in death in 1976.

“My dad worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known,” said daughter Shelly. “He was so proud of what he created. He worked really hard for his family.”

REBECCA LYNN THURMAN The owner of Heartland Agency, an insurer to Roller Rinks and Family Fun Centers nationwide, has died. Rebecca Lynn Thurman was a business owner for 25 years and loved to have fun in everything she did. She was known for her integrity, and dedication to the RSA as well as her willingness to do all she could for her customers. She truly loved them all.

Becky also loved her family. Her siblings were her best friends and her baby brother and sisters meant the world to her. She loved her three kids and all of her 11 grandbabies and 21 great grandbabies reminding them often that “she was the reason they were all here.”

Becky was a little bit of a rule breaker and rebel, but only enough to have some fun. She LOVED a party, especially if it was for her. Becky was the life of the party who would “be bop” into the room and leave a smile on every face.

Becky put on the full armor of God every morning spending time to read His word and Proverbs each day during her quite time. If you were blessed enough to know Becky well you have felt the pure unconditional love of the Lord her God but you have probably also seen and felt the looks on her face when she knew you were making a poor choice. She would take the time to hear your troubles and even cry with you but in the end would always give Godly sound advice before you were through.

With every hat that Becky wore – Daughter, Wife, Mom, Sister, Aunt Baba, Grandma, Gigi or Friend – she was first and foremost a Daughter of the Most High God. Our prayer for all that knew her, is that you are a child of the Most High as well!

SANDRA JO HEYER Sandy Heyer, 65, of Independence, MO passed away Thursday, August 23, 2018.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, August 29th at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church at 2200 N. Blue Mills Road, Independence, MO 64058 with visitation from 9:30—11:00 a.m. and Memorial Mass following at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem, Independence, 816-796-8600.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sandy Heyer’s Memorial Fund, www. fundrazr.com/sandyheyer .

Sandy was born October 28, 1952 in Independence, MO, one of three children born to Frances and James McClenahan. For over thirty years Sandy and her husband Duffy, operated the B&D South Skate Center while being involved in the community.

Sandy enjoyed traveling with her family, supporting her children and friends, and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren.

Sandy, along with her husband, were long time members of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Sandy had an infectious smile that she was always ready to share with friends and strangers alike. To know Sandy was to love her.

Survivors include; her loving husband of 45 years, Duffy Heyer, son Tony Heyer, daughter Janel (Heyer) Robinson and her husband Ernie, and 4 grandchildren. Sandy is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Kenneth McClenahan and Gary Maybell.

She joined the party in heaven too early for those of us still here but we know she is enjoying curling up on her husband, Tim’s lap. Hugging on her mom and Dad, Roy and Mary Smith. Kissing on her grandchildren Cole and Caleb, and being greeted by all the other family and friends who loved her.

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

STOCK THE SHELF

Products from the RSA Fill er Up! 32 Ounce How We Roll Cups (#32HWR)

Kooky and Friends Folders Roller Skating Folders (#Folders)

These cups aren’t like any other cups you’ve seen. They’re thick, reusable, dishwasher safe and are in 32oz size. Each case comes with 250 cups with lids and 500 straws. The RSA now houses and sells these cups in the national office to ensure you’re receiving the best rates possible.

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.

Cost: $20

Promote it!

Cost: $120.75

Roller Skating is Family/Fun/ Fitness Banners (#RSABAN1/2/3)

Neon Pencils for Your School

Each roll up banner stands 83” tall x 33.5” wide and is attached to a sturdy, silver metal base and pulls out. Comes with a black carrying case for secure transportation and storage.

Fluorescent “Everything Fun Rolled Into One” Pencils (#PENC13)

Cost: $80 per banner

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.

Es Gratis!

Kids Skate Free Invites in Spanish (#KSFCRD-SP) These KSF cards are translated to Spanish and customized with your logo and KSF URL address.

Great promotional hand out to your customers to increase the number of Kids Skate Free signups for your rink. Each postcard is 4.25” x 5.5”, full color, glossy on both sides and include your logo and KSF URL. 5000 custom postcards, shipping included in the cost. Ships from manufacturer. This is an invitation, not a mailable postcard. (Also comes in English version.)

Cost: $21

Label it!

Magnetic Name Badges (#MAGBADGE) These magnetic roller skating name badges come with 10 in a pack and include paper inserts for names.

Magnetic back.

Cost: $175

Cost: $25.00

’re We

Make a Statement!

day at

h Birt

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

ing

hav

a

ty

Par

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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Promo Only Top 20 for August 2018

1. Maroon 5 f./Cardi B - Girls Like You 2. Post Malone - Better Now 3. Cardi B f./Bad Bunny & J Balvin - I Like It 4. Khalid & Normani - Love Lies 5. Ariana Grande - No Tears Left To Cry 6. Marshmello & Anne - Marie - Friends 7. Selena Gomez - Back To You 8. Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa - One Kiss 9. Post Malone f./Ty Dolla $ign - Psycho 10. Drake - In My Feelings 11. 5 Seconds Of Summer - Youngblood

12. Dj Khaled f./Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper & Quavo - No Brainer 13. Alessia Cara - Growing Pains 14. Kygo f./Miguel - Remind Me To Forget 15. Backstreet Boys - Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 16. Ariana Grande - God Is A Woman 17. Bebe Rexha - I’m A Mess 18. Bryce Vine - Drew Barrymore 19. Madison Beer - Home With You 20. The Chainsmokers f./Emily Warren - Side Effects

Chart compiled from national airplay charts and Promo Only feedback Promo Only

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

WORLDWIDE NEWS

National Roller Skating News USOC Denies Inline Skaters Spot at Junior Games

announcement that inline speed would be included in the Junior Olympics.

Even though two US skaters qualified for the Junior Olympics, and their names announced

by World Skate, USOC had already made the determination. Steele said several letters had been written to protest the decision, but every response from USOC has been “no.”

After earning a spot and the opportunity to participate in the Junior Olympics, two USA Skaters have been denied inclusion in the Games, held in The Skate Ribbon is an outdoor venue at Riverfront Buenos Aires, Park in Spokane, WA. (Credit: Riverfront Park) Steele was Argentina. disappointed in the Sabien Tinson Spokane is also home to “The Skate Ribbon,” decision, claiming “we had a great of Albany, New an outdoor venue at Riverfront Park that weaves Nationals and we’re one of the York, took around a fire pit and offers scenic views of the leaders in SafeSport signups and home gold nearby river. The project was complete last fall compliance.” He also reiterated at the World and serves ice skaters in the winter and roller that inline roller speed skaters have Junior Inline skaters during the warmer months. successfully transitioned to the Championships Olympic Ice Speed team.

Steele quelled a rumor that Greensboro, and secured North Carolina would be the 2020 host city for a spot on the Only 12 countries will be Nationals. “It’s not on the list yet,” he said during a Corie Stoddard, Lake Tapps, Washington, US Junior competing in inline speed skating telephone interview in early August.

Olympic Team. secures a spot on the US Junior Olympic in Buenos Aires out of the 58 So did Corinne Team. that participated in the World Stoddard of Chinese Taipei Dominates Championships. The Youth Lake Tapps, Olympic Games ran October 6 through October Asian Games with Gold Washington. This is the Medals 18. The inline speed first year that Inline Speed competitions were Chinese Taipei took home every gold medal on Skating was invited to scheduled for October the table in the last round of races at Jakabaring compete in the Junior 7 and 8.

Sports Center in South Sumatra.

Olympics.

Chao Tsucheng won the men’s and Li Mengchu However, the United won the women’s 20-kilometer road race. China States Olympic Committee USARS also snagged the bronze medal award in the decided that inline speed Nationals women’s 20-kilometer road race. would not participate because the sport has not yet been recognized as an Olympic event, nor is there room to host them during the games. According to Eric Steele, Executive Director at USA Roller Sports, 75 spots for the USA were predetermined and money isn’t the issue, space is. “There are only so many places to sleep in Buenos Aires,” he said.

moves to Washington in 2019 After a competitive bid process, a national search and an extensive review process by multiple committees, the 2019 National Championships have found a home in Spokane, Washington.

Spokane has Sabien Tinson, Albany, New York, takes As a result, each country experience hosting home gold at World Junior Inline was granted chunks of national governing Championships and secured a spot on athlete space with the U.S. bodies of sports. the US Junior Olympic Team. nabbing 75 spots. While However, a major climbing is considered an deciding factor was the Olympic sport, apparently, they’re not going to number of west coast competitors who qualify South America either. for and attend the annual event. Most are from California and Washington.

Earlier this year, World Skate made the

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

MUSEUM NEWS

Wooden Wheels and Powdered Floors

N

ot so very long ago, indoor roller skates came equipped with wooden wheels. Wheels that went “flat,” so every skate shop in every rink had a machine that allowed them to quickly grind down your wheels and make them nice and round and smooth again! By and by, the wheels would become so small they had to be replaced with new ones. If you were a competitive skater, that meant new wheels several times a year, whether for artistic (figures,) speed, or hockey. And oh boy— the NOISE. The noise during a crowded session was deafening. You had to shout to be heard!

And then there were the floors. The rinks used fine maple floors, but there was no such a thing as a coating to give them shine without the slip. So, what to do to keep the skaters from killing themselves on slippery floors while on their wooden wheels? They powdered the floors, of course! The operator would have a chalk-like substance generously sprinkled all over the floor, on both sides of the barriers, and then brushed in. Of course, when the doors were opened and the skaters all took to the floor, the powder was soon floating around in the air, and the floor was slippery. So, the floor would be cleared half way through the session, and more powder would be generously sprinkled. Everyone left the rink with a layer of powder on their hair and clothes, and carried with them the “rink perfume.”

onward and building one of the finest sports.

For a long time, it was probably one of the most successful sports in America.

Be proud of your heritage and honor the past while you forge into the future. I support the museum, and all of you must do so, too.

Museum Trustees at the annual museum board meeting, left to right: Randy Ray, Ed Hughes, Kim Wall, Alan Bacon, Linda Miner, Eric Steele, executive director of USARS, Dianne Braun, Nellie Anderson Lillie, Judith Young Link, Howard “Bud” Engle, Annelle Anderson, and Danny Brown. Trustees not pictured: Charlene Conway, Dominic Cangelosi, Bill Hoefler, Michael Jacques, Jim Link, and Peggy Young

It is my hope that every single club in the USA has made a contribution—however small—to the museum, to maintain and enhance the story of your heritage. None of this history can be lost, nor should any of the wonderful material on view at “our museum.” Skaters should all make at least one trip to the museum in their lifetime!

Just imagine how much harder it was to race, Editor’s Note: or to play a fast game of hockey, or to dance, spin and jump under those conditions. Please Marie Walker is listed as a Titan in George give credit to your “ancestors” who managed to do technically excellent Quicksteps.

For the lady to sail around lifted high overhead with her partner hoping to keep his footing in pairs— please know how much East Market Street Gardens 1920. Pictured are the wooden wheels and trail of you owe powder on the floor, just before the whirl of powder will permeate the air once everyone the race begins. Wooden wheels and powder would still be in use decades involved after this picture was taken. for going 14 /

Pickard’s book, Titans and Heroes of American Roller Skating. Pickard wrote that Walker received her first pair of boot skates in 1942 and went on to become a respected leader in the area of judging. “She was invited to take a position as a member of the first USAC/RS Board of Directors. She was initially the only female member.” Walker was presented with USARS Life Membership in 1992 and “was installed in the USARS Distinguished Service Hall of Fame for her contributions to the federation and to roller skating.” -Alan Bacon

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

Written by: Susan Geary

R

inks try different events to appeal to adults. Walmart adds a new piñata and a Southwest Virginia rink gets free TV publicity for back to school in this edition of The

Back Spin.

EWNB is no more Eight Wheels No Brakes (EWNB) is ending its 10-year run as the tri-state area’s annual adult shuffle skate reunion. Founder and organizer, Rob Cusmano, led the way in national skating parties, using RollerJam and Rollermagic to make it a weekend event. This year the theme is 10 and Out. There are similar parties around the country to take up the slack: Sk8cation, Soul Skate, Rolling in the Carolinas, The Turn Up (formerly All Sweat) and now the Steel City Shuffle. The Steel City Shuffle debuted at the Neville Roller Drome in Pittsburgh this past summer.

Sip ‘n Skate Success Wigwam Skating Center in Terre Haute, Indiana hosted its first Sip ‘n Skate in July. Robert Kramer, operator, says it surpassed projections and only cost $50 in marketing to draw a crowd.

Sip ‘n Skate is an adults-only session with alcoholic beverages available. The event brought out older skaters and “it wasn’t a drunk-fest,”

reported Kramer. But it did bring in 150 paid admissions, including vendors, city councilmen, and the local weatherman.

Midget wresting. Yes, these events are really called that. You can find several organizations online that specialize in them.

How did he do it in an economically depressed town with a small population? Social media, of course. Normally, Kramer plans events like these 90 days out with a strict marketing plan and budget. This time, he wanted to test the waters and not over-saturate his market. He paid for one sponsored post and one boosted post on Facebook. Plus, he was able to organically hit 52,000 people before it was sponsored.

Additionally, he used email and text messaging, which was free.

“I tried to do this last year,” he said. “They travel across the country and they already had an event booked last year.” He wanted to do a late skate on a Saturday. This year, it’s on a Sunday, so there won’t be skating. We’re both a skating and events center,” he says. Weddings and even special events like a Justin Bieber impersonator have occurred.

Kramer said he got the idea for Sip ‘n Skate from Michael Couey of Starlite Family Fun Center where Couey hosts the same event four times a year.

For midget wrestling, he’s anticipating a capacity crowd. With just one month to go before the show, Kramer had already sold 150 tickets online.

Kramer pointed out By hiring a caterer with a that you can liquor license, Kramer did a book the midget revenue share on a portion of wrestling troupe sales. The rink kept all earnings to come and do from admissions and food and appearances, or beverage sales, as well. The you can do a Drawing a more adult crowd, Wigwam caterer had insurance and it revenue sharing is working to host an Extreme Midget made regulating the event much with them if Wrestling event at their center this year. easier. Anyone who showed up they’re already intoxicated was not allowed to in town for enter and had to be 21 or older. “We averaged 2.5 another event. “We’re typically closed on Sunday, drinks,” notes Kramer. so this is extra revenue for us. We compete with another facility and this allows us to have Not knowing what to expect, he put a plea programming that is better and different.” out on Facebook soliciting temporary staffing.

Kramer’s local friends showed up, although Mark Basich, former manager at Orbit Skate Center in Wal-mart Piñata Palatine, came out to assist.

Have you seen the latest product depicting a roller skate?

Perfect for a kid’s birthday party, Walmart is now selling a He was pleased with how wellpiñata in the received it was and how it went. shape of a “We’re planning on doing it again,” quad roller he said. skate. LaLa Pinatas are Moving forward, Kramer plans handmade in to theme their next events to keep Mexico. Like the interest going.

For just under $14, you can now purchase other pinatas, a roller skate pinata at Wal-Mart. there’s a hole for inserting candy at the Midget Wrestling top and a top loop for hanging. They’re not just In addition to the Sip ‘n Skate event, Kramer good for parties, they would also make a great also booked a unique event at the Wigwam.

Kramer reflected on the event and what he learned. “It’s going to help the bottom line,” Overhead was low. Payroll was low. And it gave a reason for people to come skating.”

Wigwam Skating Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, successfully held a Sip & Skate event for the 21+ crowd.

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Souper Bowl of Caring: Tackle Hunger You’re invited to join the Roller Skating Association and The Souper Bowl of Caring to bring food to the needy this upcoming year!

What? Started in 1990, and endorsed by Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, The Souper Firehouse Skate ‘N Play hosted a Back to School Stock ‘N Bowl of Caring is a program that Roll event allowing customers to bring in schools supplies uses the excitement and push for free admission. surrounding the Super Bowl in January to foster party decoration for a Cinco De Mayo fiesta. For a competitive atmosphere to collect collectors, it’s doubtful they’ll ever see a baseball as much food for local food banks as bat - I can’t see myself desecrating it, even if it is possible! So far, the Souper Bowl has just a pinata. You can grab one for less than $14 raised over $10 Million so far in cash and they are available at your local Walmart store. and food donations!

Not available for online shipping.

Several RSA rinks have partnered with the Souper Bowl in the past and Stock ‘n Roll Events Bill Hoefler of Interskate 91 North in Watching my local morning news, I noticed Wilbraham, Massachusetts participated Mason Drew, Manager of Firehouse Sk8 ‘n Play last year, raising about 103 pounds of in Vinton, Virginia, chatting it up on the set of food, and $122 for the charity, with a Good Day Virginia with anchor Kathlynn Stone. one day event!

The station regularly features interviews with When? The Souper Bowl is held advertisers of Growing Up Virginia, a Roanoke around the time of the Super Bowl, area parenting publication that highlights things typically January and February. This is for kids to do in the area. the time of year that many food pantries For Drew, he was on the morning show to need extra food and help. publicize the rink’s second annual “Stock ‘n Roll” For your rink to host an event, the event. These events allow for admission to be organization recommends starting waived with any school supply donation. Last year, the rink donated boxes of office goods, such around the beginning of the year. It’s a very as paper, pencils, folders and backpacks to nearby inexpensive and easy program to run; Bill Hoefler loves the convenience and flexibility to fit the schools in need. Drew took photos and posted them on social media for a second opportunity to drives into his time frame and further establishing his rink’s giving tradition! gain attention for the event.

Where? Your skating center. Get other rinks or businesses around you to sign up too. The Souper Bowl is focused on a healthy spirit of competition. Your customers will have a blast trying to raise more money and food than so and so next door.

Help tackle hunger by holding a food drive at your skating center. All food and funds stay in your community and you simply register what you’ve raised within the Souper Bowl of Caring system. We’ll report how much members have raised after the Super Bowl is over.

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added to the RSA’s total and we can compete with other businesses to help raise more!

Registering organizations will receive a Playbook, poster, charity donation certificate, bulletin insert for churches, letter to parents and more in the mail. Most of these are also available for download at www.souperbowl.org/playbook.

You can run a special night for the program where admission is only $1 when a canned good is also provided, or simply hold an open canned goods drive for the month.

Fun Idea: Put two food bins in your rink labeled with the two competing Super Bowl

teams. Have a night at your rink to donate and compete for which team should win. Hold other sports team themed games all night.

Visit the RSA’s Website for Souper Bowl at http://www.souperbowl.org/profile/1031795 Or visit www.tacklehunger.org.

Should you have questions about getting started, contact Angela Tanner, Assistant Executive Director at the Roller Skating Association National Office at 317-347-2626 or email atanner@rollerskating.com.

How? Visit www.souperbowl. org and create a profile. When you do, list the Roller Skating Association International as your associated organization.

After that, you simply hold a food drive at your rink! The Souper Bowl can help provide the media attention and push that such a large national organization has at its disposal.

Donate the food and/or money to your local food bank, then log back in to report how much you earned and donated. It will be Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 / 17

NEWS & COMMENTARY

Roller Skating news, videos, celebrities & more

buzz

Carousel Skate Center Opens New Massive Play Zone A staple in the Wichita, Kansas community, Carousel Skate Center, owned by Jerry Ottaway, opened a new play zone that expands 60 feet x 18 feet and is akin to the biggest fast-food play space that you’ve ever seen. The company used Amazing Play, based out of Springfield, Missouri, and is considered “soft play” made out of steel and material used to make seat belts. With four stories of climbing, bridges, slides, a suspended hammock and swinging pendulum, more than 100 kids at a time can play on it.

Ross Pollock Roller Skates to Raise Funds for Friend with Terminal Cancer Ross Pollock’s close friend, Zbigniew “Ziby” Jablonski, was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the young age of 38 and passed away in June. In an effort to raise funds for his family, Pollock roller skated 874 miles over 86 days. He finished his journey in August, went through numerous wheels in the process and helped to raise much needed funds for Ziby’s family. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ross-pollock.

Sk8CityJax to Open in Jacksonville, Florida Terry Harris is working hard to open a 29,700-squarefoot facility that will include roller skating, bumper cars, bounce house, arcade, party rooms, concessions and much more, but roller skating will take the main stage with a nightly laser light show with DJ. In addition, the facility will provide STEM programs, after school programs, roller skating lessons, summer camps, community classes, and potentially batting cages, a small movie theatre and stage for stand-up comedy.

HBO Aquires Worldwide TV and Film Rights to United Skates Documentary In January of 2015, we wrote an article about the documentary film, United Skates. Directed and produced by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown, this unique award-winning documentary has since been featured at dozens of film festivals. The documentary spotlights the subculture of roller skating in the African American community and how it has given rise to a variety of musical talents.

Historic Brookpark Skateland Suffers The documentary will screen in Fire the fall in numerous cities. To view the original Roller Skating The 60-year-old Brookpark Skateland in Brook Park, Business Magazine article, visit Ohio suffered a fire on September 19. Firefighters from three townships assisted in putting out the fire and damage www.rollerskating.com/rinksider was significant. No injuries were reported and the cause of and click on the 2015 Volume 24 - Issue 1. the fire has yet to be determined.

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AND THE

Written by: Keith Loria

N

ational Roller Skating Month is here, and it’s in the best interest of all rink operators to help spread the word and use savvy advertising and media placement to call attention to their venue.

That means different things to different people. Most think directly about promotion and advertising.

Traditional advertising (radio, newspaper, TV) is a thing of the past for many people, who don’t see value in spending money on a short spot that will only be seen or heard quickly.

“Although they have the same goal, advertising you pay for and publicity involves a strategic communications plan that, among other things, includes building relationships with the media and pitching relevant stories,” she says.

Tiffany Bradbury, a crisis communicator with the City of Roanoke Fire Department says anytime you can put a face with a story it helps.

Dave Morgan, founder and CEO of Simulmedia, which drives business outcomes for marketers through the power of audiencetargeted television, notes that since roller rinks are regional, and not national, it doesn’t make sense to go the broadcast route.

“For skating rinks, maybe put a spotlight on one of your skaters or talk about how it helps with fitness for kids, that’s a hot topic people care about,” she says. “For TV, it’s important to have something visual that they would be interested in.”

“TV and radio both have a wide reach that can help build brand awareness,” he says.

“Digital marketing, however, is more budget efficient and provides greater ability to target based on interests and activity. That is what makes more sense here.”

As it relates to National Roller Skating Month, Bradbury recommends operators begin promoting it about a month out on social media and try for some TV/radio/ print coverage 1-2 weeks out.

That’s where the media comes in. Local news stations, bloggers and newspapers will write stories about your facility and events if it has a good hook or human interest element to it. And best of all, it’s free!

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Sari Padorr, talent representative for the NWT Group, which represents top media personalities, notes there’s a big difference between paid advertising and publicity.

“With social media, I would use Facebook to host events and create an event that you can share,” she says. “I would tweet several times a day but wouldn’t use Facebook more than three times a day and Instagram once or twice a day.”

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

Many rink owners today opt for social media to get a message across. Rink operators can pitch stories this way or post their own blogs and stories about an event or happening and hope it’s picked up by the local media.

Approaching the Press The best way to get the media interested is to call or email them, only don’t go overboard with the communication. A simple few sentences talking about what’s happening at the rink and why it might make an interesting story is enough.

“Find a reporter at each media outlet that you like or you think would do a good job on a story you are pitching,” Padorr says. “Send the press release to that person as well as to the assignment desk (in TV) or features desk in print. You can find the contact information on their websites.”

All operators should have a comprehensive list of all local papers, networks and bloggers to reach out to. And don’t forget smaller community papers that you find in the local library or even college papers. Journalists are always looking for stories and if you have something unique or fun, it’s a great way to get free advertising about your event and rink.

“It’s important to ask individual reporters when their deadline is,” Bradbury says. “If they are working on a ‘sweeps’ piece, it means

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

they are doing more research and the piece might not air for a week or two. If it’s a story they want to turn that day, I would do the interview in the morning so they have time to put it together. Just ask them what’s best. Print media usually has looser deadlines.”

On Camera If a camera crew does show up to your rink to do a story, put your best foot forward. In other words, be dressed presentably and stand straight. If you have a collared shirt with your rink’s logo on it, that would be best.

The best tip Padorr can give is “to be yourself.”

Bradbury notes being on the news is not the easiest thing for some people as they often get nervous or try to “act” for the cameras.

“It’s important to remember to look at the reporter and not into the camera and have three things that you want to talk about,” she says. “If they ask you something you don’t know, don’t be afraid to say that. You won’t be dealing with anything controversial (more than likely) so it should be an easy story.”

It’s also a good idea to have some other facts or info you want to share that you can hand to the reporter either via email or hard copy.

And remember, although you might be involved in an interview for 20 minutes, chances are you will only be on for about 30 seconds. As long as your message is getting across, you should be happy.

Getting to Know Me A great way to build up a solid relationship with the local media is to invite them all for a press day, and let the reporters strap on the pads and skate. This could lead to a fun firsthand account of the skate, or just a general human interest story.

“If you have a team or group of kids that skate, invite them in for that, or you can do a community event and invite the media to that,” Bradbury says. “The important thing is to get them thinking about your rink as a possible story. On a slow news day, it can be a quick story for them and a great thing for you.”

Padorr says news organizations are on tight deadlines, so it’s essential that you give out cell numbers as contact information, as well as email addresses that you check often so if a question arises you can be reached easily.

“To best accommodate a news outlet, be ready when they are and make sure you have something for them to see and take pictures

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of like props or skaters,” she says. “If you have video that is pertinent to the story, offer that up, as well.”

One important thing—don’t bring the media out to a story and change up that story once they’re there. If you have another story to pitch them, wait until they are done with interviews and taking pictures to tell them about the other story.

Crisis Communications An unfortunate part of this world is that sometimes a serious crisis occurs—like a shooting, armed robbery, or someone dying during a skate session—and a rink operator might need to handle news crews and reporters camped outside the facility.

Scott Sobe, senior vice president and crisis communications manager for kglobal, a Washington, DC-based media and public relations company, says preparing for a crisis needs to begin before it ever happens.

“You should already have an attorney and crisis PR counselor as contacts and consider creating a crisis plan,” he says. “The last thing you want to do is be reactive to a crisis with no plan in place. We have seen many cases of ad hoc reaction to crisis and accidents set the tone for a disruption or loss of business.”

With these in place, if something does happen, the rink owner will have a preapproved (by your attorney or a crisis PR counselor) statement ready to be read or handed out to the media.

One big tip is never start talking to the media after such an event if there is no law enforcement on hand. Tempers can flare and things can get out of hand quickly.

“Do not engage in a question and answer session. Do not touch or be confrontational with media. Tell your employees not to talk to news media at all, especially coming or going from work,” Sobe says. “Express sorrow but not an apology, state you are cooperating with authorities and you will be sharing more information in the future when you can.”

is a public assumption of not caring or being guilty.”

Owners and operators of private property can limit access to the media and ask them to come back later. While this can be a challenge when they are asking questions, it is important to be polite but firm when telling reporters that cameras and video recording are not permitted inside the building.

Martin Levy, president of Martin Levy Public Relations, says it’s important to have the correct spokesperson in these situations.

“Throw egos out the door and make sure you have best person available to address the media,” he says. “Set up time for daily questions and answers to address the media camped out and don’t change who is speaking.” Keeping the same face of the operation will develop a trust between you and the news team and the audience they represent.

Suzan French Gennace, president of Flack Shack, a public relations agency, says it’s important to be honest without revealing too much.

“Do not lie,” she says. “It is better to say nothing than be caught in a lie later. If you are proven to be at fault, apologize, ask for forgiveness and explain what steps you are taking to ensure this never happens again. If you are not at fault, still describe what steps you are taking to ensure this never happens again.”

While a rink operator can approach the news representative proactively, it’s only a good idea if you know them previously and have a good relationship. That said, a crisis circumstance creates a new relationship between you and the news folks and you absolutely need to have professional advisors vet everything you do and say before you have contact with journalists.

“A crisis is not a time for amateurs to be guessing at what to do, these events can end your business,” Sobe says. “Be prepared with an individual crisis communications audit or chip in with other operators or an association to have a crisis presentation to a group that will have individual questions.”

If an accident is significant, expect the news will be around for follow-up stories in ensuing days and maybe even during the anniversary of the accident. All employees should be ready to face cameras and understand they need to walk away.

“But do not run from cameras or push photographers. And do not say ‘no comment’ because you can always express sorrow and say you are cooperating with authorities,” Sobe says. “No comment puts you on the defense and

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

PROMOTIONS

Learn to Skate for National Roller Skating Month

S

ince 1983, National Roller Skating Month has been a way to celebrate and promote a popular American pastime. Scheduled in October to take advantage of what Billy Thompson, national marketing chair and RSA Section 12 director, admits is one of skating’s slowest months, it provides rinks with abundant opportunities to encourage new and existing customers to skate by offering in-rink promotions, discounts, special deals and more.

In recent years, the month has focused on health and fitness – but people didn’t come, Thompson laments. “What worked 15 years ago doesn’t work now. We need to do something to draw people in.”

executive director for the Roller Skating Association International, points out.

says, explaining why the RSA offers rink owners so much assistance.

Tools of Today

Keep it Simple

Leading up to October and throughout the month, the RSA made tools available to rinks to help them promote skating in general and their rink specifically. “It’s their decision on what to use,” Tanner emphasizes. “Everyone uses things differently.”

There’s “nothing unique or shockingly different” about the approach to this year’s national roller skating month, Tanner confesses, although she does say that, “Our goal is to try something new each year.”

Thompson concurs, calling the resources

Believing that people will be more inclined to skate if they know how, and that habits evolve out of knowledge and practice, the Roller Skating Association announced that this year’s theme is Learn to Skate. It complements the Learn to Skate program. Thompson believes it also aligns with RSA’s STEM opportunities as it aims to attract new skaters.

This year’s theme signals a new approach, but may be thought of as a back-to-basics tactic. “Learn to skate” is a simple concept, Thompson acknowledges, but often, it’s the simple ideas that are the best.

Teach kids to skate when they’re young and you’ll have customers for another generation.

Ideas for National Roller Skating Month Are you looking for ideas to help you promote National Roller Skating Month in your rink? Below are a number of ideas that the members of the RSA Marketing Committee came up with for you to utilize.

• Special: Purchase admission for full price on September 31 and it will cover session on October 1st and 2nd. This will get the kids to start skating again.

Special Day Launches the Month To “kick off the month,” Thompson says that the first Saturday of October has been designated Learn to Skate Day. “If rinks have a lesson program, they can offer a free lesson on that Saturday.” The goal is not just to focus on a session, he continues, but to incorporate a free skate lesson as part of a broader plan and to follow up with those beginners in an effort to keep them interested in skating and returning to your rink.

It can “tie in” with the Kids Skate Free program. “It’s easy to generate an additional email,” Thompson observes. It can also piggyback on other programs. “If the rink has a hockey program, they should invite new skaters to it.”

Similarly, skaters could be introduced to the super skater program, Angela Tanner, assistant 22 /

• Skater post a picture or video on social media at your rink, tagging your skating center for a special prize or discount.

• VIP Family Package: includes a ½ hour lesson, session, food and drink for a special rate.

• Lesson voucher with the purchase of a skate mate.

• provided to the membership “recommendations to help with promotion. Everything is optional for the rinks – but we encourage them to use the materials.” Those materials include a kit that contains press releases, flyers and coupons, all of which are downloadable for ease of use. Posters were shipped out the first week of August, Tanner advises.

Information and suggestions about how to use social media are also available. “The month only succeeds if the rink owner succeeds,” Thompson

FREE Lessons

•

Session Lessons: private lessons during session time

•

Session Class: a skate class as part of the session.

•

Group Lessons with scouts, churches, birthday parties.

•

Include skating lessons in a birthday package prior to birthday party, let the kids feel like a hot shot also retain the money of the birthday party.

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY •

Stream cast DJ’s into your skating center with videos across rinks nationwide.

•

Place pictures of skaters on projectors and monitors with congratulatory message for achievements.

•

Adult lessons for adults who want to learn to skate but don’t want to look silly.

•

Food drive or charity skate

•

Lip syncing flash mob video with staff and skaters for social media purposes.

•

Boomerang videos of skater skills

•

Local contest, day meet for speed, hockey, art open to the public.

•

Games • Relay Races • Four corners • Shoot the duck or squat contest • Limbo • Crazy couples and trios • Freeze Frame with last person rolling • Follow the leader with a train or conga line • Trivia question – first person to give the correct answer

•

Shuffle Skate

•

Skate Sale offers • Sessions equal to the value of the skate • Lessons • Classes • Tokens • Discount on next Birthday Party

Members can download a number of digital files to use on social media and within their skating center.

Visit www.rollerskating.com and click on Members Only > Documents > 2018 National Roller Skating Month Tool Kit.

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 / 23

NEWS & COMMENTARY

SRSTA

Karyn Foley-Cormier Receives SRSTA Teacher of the Year Award

K

aryn Foley-Cormier is a true example of what it means to be a dedicated roller skating coach.

She consistently goes above and beyond to get her skaters to reach new levels, both in competition and industry tests.

She pushes her skaters to new levels that they develop themselves, proving time and again that her efforts are worth every minute as she watches her skaters excel.

Karen’s tutelage under John Viola provided her the foundation that a true coach needs to push skaters to excellence, as Viola once did for her.

In addition to her own skill set, she is not afraid to get input from others in the sport to help her expand her teaching abilities and is always the first to offer assistance. Karen’s goal is and has always been to improve skaters and to advance the sport – she has no fear of working with other coaches to help her own students reach their goals. In fact, she is often asked to watch skaters who are under active coaches with a judge’s commission to avoid any bias in judging. This respect and skill set has taken her to nationals time and time again.

Asking other’s input for the betterment of the skater is another one of Karyn’s strengths. Her goal is the improvement of the skaters and the advancement of our sport, and she has no fear of working with other coaches to reach this end, often offering assistance where needed. Other coaches who also judge will often ask her to watch their skaters while they are on a judges’ panels at the same time as their own skaters’ events. This level of respect is shown on both a local and national level.

During the 39 years Karyn has been teaching, she has had national champions and placements

every year. She has taught skaters from beginning lessons up to World Class. Of her skaters not on the podium, more often than not, they were finalists in their events. Karyn has shown that despite obstacles, she is available for her skaters at all times, adjusting schedules when needed to work with new skaters, making sure they received everything they needed. She was able to take six of them to Nationals representing eight champions and placements with five of them in challenged A events having eliminations and finals covering freestyle, solo dance, team dance, figures, and loops.

get involved with judging, refereeing, stewarding, tabulating, or all of them combined. Karyn teaches all levels of beginner classes at the rink and has created new in-between classes to transition from classes to the artistic competitive team up to World Class events. She has recently added the precision team and quartets to the already busy list of figures, dance, and freestyle lessons she gives.

All said, Karyn was nominated and chosen as the 2017-2018 SRSTA Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Karyn!

Along with coaching, Karyn is a National panel judge and judges on all test levels. She is often asked by other regions to judge their local and regional competitions, including Gold Medal test centers. She has been a mentor to new judges on every level and encourages established skaters to

free for every RSA member HR360 (www.hr360.com) is the one attory-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 logtin, email membership @rollerskating.com and ask for your login credentials. You will then have access to 500+ documents and unlimited information for your business.

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STEM FIELD TRIPS Groundbreaking Roller Skating K-12 Educational Curriculum Creates New Skaters and Significant Added Revenue for RSA Skating Centers 26 /

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September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

Skate City in Westminster, Colorado participates in the STEM Program

I

magine if your rink was so busy that you couldn’t squeeze in another session. That’s the “problem” Carousel Skate Center in Wichita, Kansas, faced after joining RSA’s STEM field trip program.

“It has helped fill up weekday slots,” says Angela Dooling, director of STEM education. “We even added hours!”

She credits that success to effective communication, which was far-reaching enough to attract groups from two to three hours away.

With more than 100 field trips booked the first year – a number that increased to 142 the following year – Dooling says the STEM field trips have boosted sessions so much that they are now struggling to find time to do maintenance.

Delaware’s Christiana Skating Center scheduled 22 field trips the first year, says Cort Wahlig, Vice President, and more than 50 the second year. “In fact, we had to turn away some because we ran out of time at the end of the school year!”

One rink did 134 STEM field trips during the 2017-2018 school year.

“It is a huge boost for each of our rinks to fill hours of the day that were typically left empty. By filling those

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slower, daytime hours, our rinks have seen an increase in activity and revenue,” says Kyle Pobur, STEM Director and Marketing Manager at Skate City Colorado.

Many rink owners have lauded the program for improving their image as well as increasing their business. A rink’s public image is augmented after incorporating STEM lessons because the field trips combine education and entertainment.

“This program opens up the opportunity for us to show more of the general public what we are all about,” Pobur continues. “By encouraging chaperones to attend free of charge and getting kids [who normally wouldn’t come skate] to come along on field trips, we have the chance to expose Skate City to people we normally wouldn’t reach. This leads to more skaters in all of our programs and more parties on the weekends.”

counterparts in recent years. Handson learning helps students make meaningful connections with realworld applications and is intended to inspire them to pursue careers in these disciplines.

Complying with the academic goals of the broader model, the Roller Skating Association signed with the United Skates of America to provide exclusive licensing rights to the STEM field trip program only to RSA members. Since it was launched a few years ago, 92 rinks have signed up, according to Karen Palermo, president of USA, which founded the STEM program for roller rinks.

The branches of STEM

“The STEM program is provided to RSA members,” Wahlig explained.

“There are lesson plans for each grade (K-12) that tie in to the rink, like the sound and light system, motion and friction, and engineering, where [students] take apart a skate and reassemble it. We also use ramps to compare the roll of skates with different weights in them.”

Science, technology, engineering and math comprise the STEM program, which is designed to engage students in these vital fields of study because the proficiency of Americans in these areas has lagged behind that of foreign

Lessons incorporate geometry with rink design, Dooling adds, and direct students to calculate the mean, median and mode of skate sizes for reordering, or calculate the speed of skaters. “It’s applicable, which helps them remember

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anticipate that both of these lessons will motivate even more teachers to book field trips, [but] especially the Arcade lesson, as kids are so into arcade games,” Palermo predicts.

One way to earn a faster ROI is by creating packages with an upcharge for food. Dooling reports that 20-25 percent buy the meal plan.

Similarly, Wahlig says his rink offers three price points: around $9 for the lesson; around $12 for the lesson, skating, a slice of pizza and a drink or around $15 for unlimited pizza and drink. With an average of 85-90 kids per field trip, he says it really adds to their bottom line during slow hours.

Investing in the future

Rink owners are not only investing in the program and their business; they are also investing in their community. STEM program benefits include encouraging students to become more creative and innovative, to remain current in an era when technology changes rapidly and to make a difference in the world.

“It’s a great way to increase revenue without a lot of investment,” Wahlig states.

The cost to license the STEM program varies with the rink’s volume level. There is a one-time licensing fee of $3,000 to $7,000 to sign up.

Most rinks recoup that investment quickly, with Palermo estimating that most

Getting started The turn-key STEM field trip program requires rink owners to buy a license in order to use the lesson plans and brochures, which can be downloaded. Licensees receive additional tools to ease the transition into the program – everything from a marketing and promotional perspective, which “really allows you to hit the ground running,” Pobur believes.

United Skates has put together a complete

Students participate in the STEM Program at Christiana Skating Center in Dover, Maryland.

the lessons. It really makes education come to life.”

The program continues to evolve, with two new lessons recently added to the roster of 10 for Kindergarten through 5th grade, 11 for 6th through 8th grade and one for high school. “It’s an ongoing process,” Wahlig acknowledges. “Based on feedback, they now offer additional lesson plans.”

Lessons include: The Science of Roller Skating; Motion and Rink Design; Music, Math and Roller Skating; Super Sound Acoustics and Rink Design; Science of Lighting; Heart Health and Fitness; Formulas, Fraction and Fun; Newton’s Law of Motion; The Science Behind Roller and Ice Hockey; Arcade STEM; and Physics of Artistic Skating.

One new lesson is The Science Behind Roller and Ice Hockey. “In this lesson, the students will learn how STEM plays a very large part in sports – specifically, roller and ice hockey,” Palermo explains. “They learn how three different kinds of motion can make a difference in the outcome of the game.”

Another new lesson is the Arcade STEM lesson, in which students learn about reaction time and what it has to do with arcade games.

They will also learn about probability and electric currents used in arcade games in the facility. “We 30 /

achieve a return on their investment in two to four STEM lessons, depending on the rink’s volume level. Wahlig made back his investment in four lessons, and his renewal the following year in just one. Dooling paid off her investment in three lessons.

Additional equipment ranges anywhere from $1,000-$3,000, depending on what the rink already owns.

Wahlig needed a new projector, for example, as did Dooling. “Even with new equipment – a new projector from Best Buy, a pull-down screen from Amazon, and paper and pencils, the cost is worth it,” she reflects. “It was a no-brainer. And even after paying it off, you still get the support all year.”

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Skating centers are booking these events to capacity with one rink hosting 137 field trips alone in the first year.

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

who is “dedicated and passionate about the program,” someone who is focused on it. “United Skates provides you with all of the tools to be successful,” she emphasizes. “You just need to have a highenergy, enthusiastic educator and person to sell the program.”

Carousel Skate Center in Wichita, Kansas booked more than 100 field trip lessons in their first year!

marketing plan to get the program launched. “The rink operators that do best simply follow the marketing plan and join the monthly conference calls for additional support,” Palermo states.

“It’s easy to get up and running,” Dooling concurs. “The staff is supportive, with monthly calls to educate us on marketing and lessons, and you can always call with questions.”

Wahlig, who first heard about the program at the convention, says, “It was tough reaching out to schools. You really need a dedicated sales person.” The first year, he used an educator to do the legwork, but the amount of work was overwhelming, so he hired college students to email teachers and administrators, send email blasts to camps and follow up with phone calls.

He considers it important to have someone dedicated to sell it.

Dooling, who also heard about the program at the convention, followed the marketing protocol to a “T,” she says, starting by emailing individual teachers. “It took a lot of legwork. I did it all myself the first year and had staff email the second year. This year we learned how to do a Google mail merge to send up to 250 emails a day. It saves time; you just need a data base of teachers, which you can get by checking the school websites.”

Finding people to help reach out to schools eases the burden. Finding effective instructors is critical to the success of the program. Pobur says, “One of the most important things for us was finding quality instructors [who] knew the material and related to the kids well.”

Palermo agrees that the best way to get the most use from the program is to have someone www.rollerskating.org

Engaging an audience It’s been observed that the key to a successful STEM program is engagement with instruction beyond the classroom that enhances the curriculum. Many teachers and administrators are excited to find fun ways to incorporate STEM into their students’ schedules, so the marketing usually pays off.

The program is designed to align with what is already being studied in the classroom, so many teachers view it as an aid to their lesson plans because it allows the teacher to select a lesson that coordinates with the current curriculum. “We often hear from teachers how great it was to refer back to the lesson the students went through at the rink,” Pobur says.

Allowing teachers to collaborate and students to experiment fosters success. It’s the hands-on experience that Wahlig considers so valuable, although he is also impressed by the results of student experimentation. “We challenge them to come up with inventions using skates. There’s always something new.”

skating, they offer a mini lesson at Christiana Skating Center and a free pass to return. Wahlig says about 30 percent of STEM students redeem it.

Business benefits It’s an opportunity to bring in business during day hours when the rink is usually closed, Wahlig points out. “Some rinks have increased their business 18-19 percent. That’s significant.” He says his rink is busy November to December and March through May with schools coming from as far as an hour away. “Schools that wouldn’t do a field trip because they weren’t educational now come for STEM,” he explains, adding that he has seen 90 percent of the schools were repeat bookings and he scheduled 50 additional parties due to the program. He has also been able to add to his “kids skate free” data base.

If a rink owner is willing to put in the legwork and follow the protocol, it’s beneficial, Dooling believes. She says the results at Carousel Skate Center have been “beyond what I expected.”

“If you are willing and able to put the effort into the program, it will be a success for you,” Pobur agrees. “It is a lot of work to get the databases built to market the program properly, but once you have that done, you will see that STEM has a potential to be a cornerstone of your business that can drive customers to all of the programs that you offer.”

Try it, Wahlig urges. “The program is phenomenal; students and teachers are excited. It’s a great program. It works.” It’s been so successful for his rink, he has hired a second educator.

It’s more than “just lessons,” Dooling feels. She says she and her brother had “no idea” that they would be able to attract so many more skaters and grow their family business. “We have repeat skaters. We’re booking birthday parties. It’s a oneof-a-kind opportunity.”

After 45 minutes to an hour of STEM instruction, classes are rewarded with a couple hours of skating in a private session to balance exercise with study. And to instill the habit of Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

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TECHNOLOGY

MARKETING

Celebrate National Roller Skating Month with These Campaigns

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on any promotion and a price point comfortably under $100.

your new customer initiatives to convert first-time walk-ins into regular skaters, such as point-ofsale birthday collectors and offering free WiFi that requires an email address to connect. Once Love at First Skate you’ve acquired a few key data points from these It’s social, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a great new visitors, you’re well on your way to making opportunity to share laughs and make customers for life—who are sure to spin by for memories—so naturally, roller skating and date many more National Roller Skating Months to night make quite the pair. Though the soundtrack come. has changed from the Bee Gees to Britney to Bruno Mars, slipping into some skates and Pick a (Gift) Card, Any (Gift) rounding the rink hand-in-hand with your new Card date, or your long-time love is timeless. Which is For roller skating When the whole month is rink ring leaders like just made for surprises—who yourself, this is a once-aneeds to wait for a holiday? year revenue generating Offering gift cards at National opportunity to get the Roller Skating Month exclusive word out—and get online-only savings is the right customers back through way to reach the customers your doors in droves looking to get a two month for four weeks of fourhead start on their Christmas wheeled highlights bound list. Grab a card for a kid who to leave a major case of may need a fresh pair of skates skate fever. Taking a cue from your onsite store, or from the very roots of swoop one up for themselves what it means to lace up for old times sake (or skate). and go in the first place, Pre-scheduling the gift card let’s get things moving in offer to run for a limited time the right direction with a only creates a sense of urgency, deeper look on how you propelling sales within a can blend the theme of the month where skating is already big month into a series of on their minds. Depending on marketing campaigns setyour price of admission and up for success. products, consider offering a few different pricing why crafting a campaign during National Roller Skating Month that steps up the fluttering hearts options to give your customers a choice like $40 for a $50 gift card or $75 for a $100 gift card factor with a compelling message and discount We Are Family should do the trick. meant for lovebirds has the potential to unlock Roll for one, roll for all. With just the right mix even greater revenue.

When it’s all said and done, National Roller of exercise and entertainment, roller skating is Skating Month is ultimately a reminder to keep it Play up the romance factor, turn the lights one of the rare activities available that consistently down low, and host a retro-meets-modern couples moving while taking the necessary time to reflect pleases a crowd. Take the familiar family of night, complete with admission, skate rental, and on the past. At FetchRev, we understand your four for example. Offering a discounted group customers come first and that the journey of your a champagne (or sparkling cider) toast to love. skate package targeted to moms and dads that business is still being written. With our expert Turn-back-the-clock or turn up the heat with includes admission, skate rental, food (think industry knowledge and exceptional support pizza or hot dogs) and a pitcher of soda provides a playlist that features the hits of yesterday and we can get you on the right track with the right today, and watch as your customers make the a compelling reason to get the whole crew out promotional campaign today. magic happen. for a great night out. Best of all, once they’re in the building, your customers are likely to spend on extra concessions to snack on, skate on over Friends Roll Together BRANDON WILLEY to any additional attractions you may offer such What’s even better than getting one of your Brandon Willey is the CEO as the arcade or laser tag arena, and of course, of FetchRev and has broad come back again in the near future for even more customers back in the door? Watching that knowledge of the local digital customer walk in with their friend, who may family fun. When taking into account the price marketing ecosystem with be brand-new to your rink.

After all, there’ s no of your National Roller Skating Month bundle, extensive experience in email more powerful form of marketing than a personal remember that people are more likely to spend and search marketing, social recommendation.

In honor of National Roller money when they’re also saving money, especially media, retargeting, geotargeting, segmentation, Skating Month, encourage your customers to a family unit balancing a budget. At FetchRev, automation, machine learning and more. He can we suggest offering at least a 20 percent discount bring their friends and family with a two-for-one be reached at brandon@fetchrev.com or by all-inclusive package deal. Now’s the time to boost calling 855-979-7833. s we turn the page from summer to fall, October annually brings 31 days of tributes and tradition in the shape of National Roller Skating Month to both family entertainment centers and skate enthusiasts everywhere. Just as worthy of a spot in the American pastime pantheon as baseball or bowling, this month-long observance is so much more than just another ho-hum reason to hang a hashtag on social media or tip your cap in celebration and call it a day.

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Written by: Sara Hodon

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esides the floor, skates are one of the most important elements of a rink’s operation. Skate manufacturers are constantly looking at new ways to improve their designs so each pair is comfortable and functioning at peak performance for each skater. This means keeping (and improving) what’s working and reassessing (or discarding) what’s not. Ron Creten of RC Sports says overall, rentals haven’t changed significantly over the years, but the industry is starting to make some changes. “I’ve been in this business since 1972,” he said. “Rentals from then to today haven’t changed that much. The wheels are better now. That’s probably been the biggest thing in rentals—better boot manufacturing, particularly in the bigger sizes, for instance for men size 10 and up. Velcro is a big help in the juvenile sizes.”

Test Your Inventory Rink owners should also continually assess their inventory and look at their stock through the eyes of their customers. “In order to charge a good price for the rentals, you must have good rentals,” says Walt Hedrick of Golden Horse Skate Rentals/SkateMate Trainers. “When I say ‘good’, I always ask [rink owners] if they would pay to use their own rentals. If not, how do you expect customers to do so? We need to get every customer to leave the rink excited.” Creten recommends taking it one step further. “I like to tell the operators—walk up to the rack and ask for a pair of skates in your size. Pretend you’re a customer and use your own product. It’s an eyeopening exercise. The key to that today is if you put on your own skates, you’ll need to get more of them [to keep rotating them out].”

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Quality Matters With roller skating remaining a favorite pastime in both large and small markets, manufacturers say it’s more important than ever to have a good quality inventory available to customers. Rentals are a major expense; Creten says more rink owners are starting to reinvest in their inventory. “People are finally putting in new rentals and raising their prices,” he says. “The average rental is about $3; $4 in some markets.

The only time you can raise your prices is if you put in new rentals. If your rentals are five years old you can’t raise your prices.”

Some manufacturers are seeing a slow but steady increase in some of their lines. Will Marion, Vice President of Roller Derby Skate Corp. says their Custom Rental line is one of them. It’s been available for about five years and continues to grow in popularity.

“With a 300 pair minimum, we can construct our QE7 Custom rental in eight different color combinations of the rink’s choosing. We can also use their individual logo if desired. It’s a full leather boot with Cambrelle lining for Sure Grip Rental Skates odor protection,” he explains. The

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

eyelets can be customized, as well. Roller Derby Skate also has two distinct models available—the “Extreme” (an inline boot) and the “Generation” (quad boot), which are one-piece molded boots with carbon fibers in the liner to minimize moisture. Marion is also excited about Tri-Roll, their juvenile model. “It’s the perfect beginner rental,” he says. “It encompasses a low center of gravity and wide wheel base so the toddler can actually skate and not shuffle. Poured polyurethane wheels allow the skater to actually skate with balance.” Infant and toddler skates are not a major market, but parents still recognize their value when the rentals are available. “You come in with the family, and a 3-year-old probably won’t put on a pair of skates with rolling wheels and get on the floor, so you put on the plastic

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

Roller Derby Rental Skates

skates that fit over the shoe. About 99 percent of rinks have them,” Creten says.

Skate Mate improvements Hedrick says there have been some improvements to the Skate Mate trainers, which he predicts will be an even bigger profit center for rinks. The Skate Mate Trainer is essentially a support tool for new skaters, constructed from PVC pipe and mounted on wheels. The young skater can lean against the unit as they skate around the rink until they feel confident and balanced enough to try skating without support.

Most rinks charge an additional fee to rent a Trainer for a new skater. “As a rink operator, I think Skate Mates are probably the number one new profit center in the rink business in the last 40 years. What else could make three people happy at one time? The child using it enjoys skating for the first time, the parent doesn’t have to get their toes run over or bend over for 1.5 hours, and we as operators get a new customer because of an enjoyable experience and make an additional $3 to $5 every time the skater goes out.”

Golden Horse Rental Skates www.rollerskating.org

Hedrick admits although the Trainers do break, they are easy to repair. Using input from rink operators, the manufacturers have made some improvements which have made them more durable.

“They’ve made a small adjustment to the length of the center upright to help with tipping over,” he explains.

Creten says in his opinion, the Trainers have been a positive addition for rinks. “There are people who really don’t like Skate Mate Trainers, but I think they’re one of the best things to happen to the industry. If a kid goes to the rink—especially boys—if they don’t know how to skate or aren’t a strong skater, they don’t want to go out on the floor because they don’t want to look foolish in front of their friends. But if they have the Trainer, they can use that.” He adds, “The bonus on the Trainer is people are making additional money with the rental fees. Rink owners are always looking for new revenue sources.”

Maintenance Matters

so each pair has a chance to dry out,” he adds.

Creten adds, “Turn toe stops, clean bearings, rotate the wheels. Make sure you have insoles in them so it’s a better experience for each person renting the skates.”

Marge Kulak of Riedell Skates says their company is maintaining the status quo, but for proper maintenance, she adds, “After a session, pull the tongues out of each skate and give the boots a chance to dry. Get a de-humidifier for the rental room if necessary. Rotate the wheels on each boot as you would a car; turn the toe stops so they’re not always wearing in the same place.

Inspect everything and do regular maintenance.”

Sizing can be tricky for customers, as well.

Manufacturers have worked out a few solutions.

“People don’t know what size they wear!”

Creten says. “The nice thing is there’s a mat with footprints and sizes on it. Put it in front of your rack and let the customers step on it so they can see what size they are.” Marion adds, “Generally boots are laced with a wide athletic fit, so using the customer shoe size will generally fit as it is somewhat bigger than a sneaker or general shoe.”

Generally, Kulak says, men wear their standard shoe size; women are a size smaller.

Although the rental skate industry hasn’t made many major changes over the years, it’s often the small improvements that make the biggest difference. Thanks to the rise of social media and online reviews, combined with the always-effective word-of-mouth feedback from customers, rink operators and skate manufacturers are more receptive to change than ever before. “Just think about the impact if every time your rentals went out, it created two conversations to potential customers,” Hedrick says.

“Which way do you want [customers] advertising for you? And they will advertise for you, so make sure it’s a positive.”

Inspecting your rentals and doing regular maintenance will go a long way towards extending the life of each pair. Jim Ball of SureGrip International says although their company is maintaining their status quo, product-wise, this year, the single best thing a rink operator can do to keep their inventory in good shape is “rotation, rotation, rotation. Crazy Skates Rental Skates Rotate the rental skates from the top to bottom cubbies so you use them all equally,” he says. “There are more unisex styles than ever before, so rinks have less inventory.

Where a rink used to have 1,000 pairs, they might have about 500 pairs now because of having more unisex styles.” This means it’s even more important for operators to take the time to care for what they have since each pair is being used more frequently. “Rotate them out

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www.rollerskating.org

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MARKETING

MARKETING

What Your Signage Says About You

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en could hardly wait to set up his own business after years of working for a large company. Knowing the demographics of his market area, Ben wanted to market to the large Latino population there. So, he looked up the key words in Spanish and created a beautifully designed website and colorful, eyecatching signage to attract new business from the surrounding Spanish-speaking communities.

Then he decided to hire his former coworker Carlos—who grew up in a bilingual home— to handle potential customers who felt more comfortable doing business in Spanish. The catchy bilingual sign Ben came up with turned heads as well, but not for the reasons he expected.

¿Qué Pasa?

Business was underwhelming at first. Latinos who did stop in to were genuinely surprised to find an employee who could speak their language because the sign out front contained “Spanish” words that were misspelled, missing accents or even non-existent! For instance, the Spanish word “servicios” was spelled as “servicies” instead.

Ben didn’t think much more about it until another Spanish-speaking lady came by to say that she was confused about one type of business offered because of a literal translation of “umbrella” as something to do with the device that keeps the rain off of you, not an encompassing service. While Carlos took the extra time to explain this to her, Ben suddenly realized that his seemingly minor mistakes were costing him business. As soon as he replaced all the signs inside and outside of his office —not to mention reprinting flyers and updating his website—at a substantial cost, Ben’s profits picked up tremendously.

Experienced signage professionals say some of their toughest jobs involve deliberately misspelled words, such as “Korner” or “Qwik,” which are meant to be catchy and attract attention, because they require extra quality-control steps. And if they’re making signs containing foreign languages, they usually ask their clients to have them proofed by a professional translator. Sign creators make sure the design is right, but most are not language experts, as well.

Signage that Sells As a business owner, your signage speaks volumes about you. It’s that first impression that will either encourage someone to step through 40 /

your door—or click on your website—and take a closer look at what you have to offer. Here are some tips to make sure your signage sells: 1. Make your standalone storefront stand out. Your logo and/or trade name should attract attention. Be sure to fully brief your designers: Who is your target customer (walk-in, passerby, drive-by, all of the above)? Ask for their advice about the appropriate font style and size for each piece of information and each kind of sign they make you. Remember to include your address number, phone number and website on the sign as well.

2. Be consistent. Brand recognition is key, and consistent signage will help you build a recognizable brand that people will remember. Make sure your branding is on everything—from the sidewalk signs advertising special sales to the teardrop banners you use at trade shows. If your brand always speaks with one voice, more folks will remember your name for wordof-mouth referrals.

native/dominant language. Make sure to use professional translators with experience in occupational safety. They will not only ensure your signs send the right message; they can also make sure that message fits the sign, as letter-spacing and other nuances may need to change depending on the target language. Note that the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides the “It’s The Law” safety poster in several languages for free at: https://www.osha. gov/Publications/poster.html. And don’t forget that some US states and territories have their own signage requirements.

Check whether yours is one of them at: https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/index. html.

3. Show them the way. Design branded way-finding signs that are concise and As a business owner, the last thing you want unambiguous. Make it easy for anyone to is for your signage to turn people off before you find you and less likely to find one of your even have the chance to meet them. Your signs competitors. say a lot about your business—your expertise, attention to detail and overall competency. A 4. Speak their language. Do many of your well-designed, consistent and flawless message customers speak English as a second across your print and digital media will build language? Consider hiring bilingual staff and announcing loud and clear—on your positive brand awareness, get people in the door, and ultimately boost your bottom line. signs! —that your business can assist them in their native language. If nothing else, consult professional translators who ANNE CONNOR specialize in your industry to ensure Anne Connor is a professional your marketing materials send the right Spanish and Italian-to-English medical message. Studies show that people prefer and legal translator and an active to shop in their native language. member of the American Translators 5. Keep them safe. If you employ people with limited English proficiency (LEP) or cater to LEP customers, you’ll not only help prevent workplace accidents, you’ll also win over staff and customers by having safety signs printed in their

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

Association. The American Translators Association represents over 10,000 translators and interpreters across 103 countries. For more information on ATA and to hire a translation or interpreting professional, please visit www.atanet.org.

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

JBL Trinity has been the longest lasting insurance provider of skating rinks over the past 75 years. We hinge your support on our ability to provide the strongest and broadest coverage you need.

General Liability Policy

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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.

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• Teams, Leagues and Roller Derby • Hired and Non-Owned Auto • Boy and Girl Scouts • Special Events • Assault and Battery • $0 Deductible

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 September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

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IN ARCADE GAMES AND REDEMPTION

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eeping skaters in the rink longer and increasing the value of their stay has long been a challenge of roller rink operators. The arcade area is one of the best ways to keep people in the building, which could lead to further profit from increases in food and beverage sales.

WRITTEN BY: KEITH LORIA

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“Coin-op games are a win-win because it’s added revenue for the rink owner while giving the customer something else fun to do while at the rink,” says Mark Robbins, president of Gold Standard Games, headquartered in Bay City, Michigan. “If you’re buying your own equipment, do a bit of research, come to the RSA or other trade show and see the new equipment, ask your fellow owners about durability and longevity of the

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machines you’re considering.”

Throughout the family entertainment industry, most see Virtual Reality (VR) solutions as creating the most interest.

Nathan Nissen, creative project manager for Bandai Namco Amusement America, Wood Dale, Illinois, says the biggest buzz in the industry is regarding VR and its use in the industry, and many companies are launching VR solutions into everyday arcades.

“We have launched our WePlayVR unit in partnership with AIsolve which is a 10x10 VR cube solution for arcades that want an entire packaged VR experience with multiple experiences available for it,” he says. “Of course, our industry will always

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

Games, Hypoluxo, Fla., says amusement facilities realize the U.S. consumer today has increased expectations and many entertainment options, which is why industry leaders are creating their own unique brand experience(s), versus relying upon a traditional platform, to stand apart in a competitive environment in response.

be buzzing with classic redemption games like coin pushers, as well. We recently launched a smaller 2-player version of our extremely popular DC Comics 4-player coin pusher that is earning very highly for operators across the country.”

Robbins agrees that virtual reality games are the latest and greatest now, but since they are a high-ticket item, they may not be appropriate for roller rinks where you don’t have a huge flow and turnover of customers throughout the whole day.

“There are a lot of new expensive games available, whether virtual reality or redemption games,” he says. “Our niche is to provide wellbuilt games that provide good earnings over the long term, at an affordable price. We hear from many roller rink operators that air hockey is their number one arcade piece over the long haul.”

Bill Freeman is the account executive of Player One Amusement Group in Charlotte, North Carolina. With more than 37,000 games in operation, he says the company is early in the offering of VR products. The platforms that are in this space e.g. Virtual Rabbids from LAI and Hologate from Creative Works are having very successful earnings.

“Another new entrance to the game room arena is the Halo Fireteam Raven game from Raw Thrills,” he says. “Initial returns are very positive and with 50 million home users, has the potential to be a long-lasting success” For the Skating Industry, Freeman says the biggest buzz and return on investment is Ticket Cranes.

“The roller-skating guest has a high perceived value, the win is tangible, and your investment returns in weeks,” he says. “Every skating center that has a redemption game room should have at least one. Quik Drop from Bay Tek Games, Jurassic Park from Raw Thrills, Lane Master from UNIS, Down The Clown and Bean Bag Toss from ICE are having very good earning success.”

“We also see that redemption is becoming increasingly more popular with the street/route/ skate operators who wish to take advantage of the proven profitability of the small footprint FEC model,” she says. “Benchmark is developing concepts with a big presence in a modest space geared toward this market.”

For example, Fireball is now in production and runs have been filling up quickly.

“We attribute its success to this thoughtful approach and updated programming that has produced a unit which is visually more appealing and easily maintained than our other legacy titles (i.e. Slam-A- Winner, Monster Drop),” Rinker says. “Operators who are currently holding on to their old Slam-A-Winners, with duct tape and prayer, appreciate having a sleeker quick play unit in their game room. Fireball employs the famous, and highly profitable, Benchmark Games ball drop formula and refreshes any location’s appearance at a value price.”

The company also has exciting new ticket redemption pieces coming soon, including prototype merchandisers, Gold and Treasure Tree are currently testing, and its Ticket Station is now available with a monitor option to display marketing and other promotional information.

more practical approach.

Nissen notes changing out machines comes down to what sort of customers they are looking to attract for the location. “If it is a rink that attracts primarily an older crowd, I would say staying with retro favorites like Galaga and Pacman are sure fire hits,” he says. “However, there had been a recent emergence of family entertainment centers with rinks that are promoting to a primarily younger crowd, so I would recommend staying at the cutting edge with popular licenses and redemption pieces to draw the short attention span of a younger audience.”

A healthy selection of redemption and video game classics will keep younger crowds coming back and keeps mom and dad entertained with classic hits they grew up with.

Gold Standard Games manufactures games that are considered the staples (air hockey, pool, foosball, etc.) so they’re always popular and don’t go out of style. Still, Robbins says, operators need to keep an eye on what’s working and what isn’t

CHANGE IT UP With new products being introduced all the time, rink operators can’t always bring in new machines whenever they become available—they need to take a

Paula Rinker, sales director for Benchmark www.rollerskating.org

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and replace machines that are past their prime.

“For example, if you have an old air hockey table where the air flow is compromised; goals are starting to fall apart; and it’s causing lots of maintenance time on the part of your employees, it may pay off to buy a spiffy new table, especially one of our Gold Standard models which are known for durability and low maintenance,” he says.

The arcade industry targets the month of November for new product introductions at the annual IAAPA Convention which takes place in Orlando each year.

guest visit.

Some of the newest games on the market today that rink operators should consider adding are Paw Patrol and Super Star from Andamiro; Tomb Raider from Adreneline; Connect Four Hoops and Squiggle from Bay Tek; IceMan from Coastal; Wheel Of Fortune, Bean Bag Toss, Hoop FX, NBA Gametime from ICE; Mutant Ninja Turtles and Halo Fireteam Raven from Raw Thrills; and Lane Master from UNIS.

“My advice would be best demonstrated in a comparison to skates. Your guests are there to skate; however, what if the wheels on the skate do not roll freely or what if only one wheel does not roll freely? We would agree that for that guest, their skating experience would not have been enjoyable. More than likely, they would exchange those skates and express their frustration,” he says.

“So it is with a game room. The games need to work, to be clean and all the lights need to be on.

“As you can see from this partial list, there are a number of good to strong earning new games on the market,” Freeman says. “The challenge is for each skate center to match their demographics and game room size with the right games for them.”

Rinker’s top piece of advice is for a center to find a good amusement distributor partner/ consultant in their area to help determine the correct and most profitable mix of games within their available footprint/space.

Freeman feels rink operators should continually and consistently conduct earnings and performance analysis on their games with nonperformers quickly moved out of the skate center.

“Typically, once to twice a year they should endeavor to refresh their game room.

Strategically purchasing the right game for their demographics,” he says. “One of the easiest areas to refresh is the merchandisers and cranes. Cranes need to contain 100 percent licensed products to maximize earnings, while merchandisers need to reflect the latest new electronic gadgets.”

BEING SUCCESSFUL A rink can add big profits from arcade games if they do things correctly.

“Research what is popular, ask other centers and see what people are talking about,” Nissen said. “If you’re particularly looking at the arcade amusement side of things, I recommend attending AAMA’s Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, which is full of classes and new equipment for amusement operators.”

One of his biggest tips for success is to properly maintain the games.

“There’s nothing worse than a machine being down because every second a machine is down is money you’re not making and another customer that isn’t enjoying that game,” he says.

Maintenance can be integral to success.

Robbins notes this is something that doesn’t take a lot of time, but can make a big difference in earnings and game longevity.

“On air hockey tables, check the goal and rail bolts and tighten as needed. Clean the playing surface with rubbing alcohol or window cleaner. And use OEM or high quality pucks and mallets,” he says. “Inferior generic pucks will fly all over the place and reduce your game’s attractiveness and earnings.”

Freeman shares that when a game room is completed right, it offers added value to your guest and it supplies a healthy revenue stream to the overall business. Additionally, it enhances the party packages and other offerings, and it helps to extend the stay of your

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“They can also give you advice as to the benefits of ticket and card swipe redemption, provide technical support, and often, financing for new game purchases,” she says. “If you prefer to do a revenue share with a route operator, I’d recommend you contact the Amusement Music Operators Association (AMOA) who can give you a referral to a reputable member in your area.”

It is also her opinion that an operator shouldn’t make partnering decision based purely on price.

“Sit down and make a list of things that are most important, and will have the most long term value and impact on your operation such as revenue per sq. ft. analysis, planning and design services, warranties, financing, parts and technical support,” she says. “Have this list handy during your conversations.”

Rinker notes that redemption will become an ancillary revenue stream for any rink business.

“It’s not a question of if your customers will play, but rather, they will walk up to your redemption counter, see the prize they ‘must have’ and begin strategizing what games they will play to earn tickets to win their treasure,” she says. “For this reason, it is my opinion that your redemption counters be a brightly lit, clean and organized storefront which should be front and center of your game area.”

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

SPECIAL REPORT

4200 Miles on Wheels for Charity

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ike Lempko loves to roller blade and has always dreamed of skating across the country. This past summer, the 26-year-old checked that off his bucket list when he left San Francisco and headed for New York City. He documented his 4,200 mile journey on social media and his website, MikeOnBlades.com.

Lempko admitted the main motivation of the trip was the adventure. But he also saw it as an opportunity to raise money for a national initiative called, “No Kid Hungry,” which is run by Share our Strength. Their goal is to end childhood hunger across the country by making sure all kids get nutritious food. The organization works to provide breakfast and afterschool and summer meals to low-income children who may not have access to regular meals. “It’s huge in helping learning rates,” Lempko said.

and most of Colorado. But once he hit the Kansas weren’t born into fortunate circumstances a better border he was no longer allowed on the interstate chance at success. I also wanted to find one that helped on a national scale to reflect my trip across and had to switch to the older U.S. Highways. the country,” he added.

Lempko is traveling solo with a backpack You can follow Lempko’s journey website and sleeping bag. “I’ll probably be hitting every MikeOnBlades.com. fast food, gas station and ditch where I’ll be sleeping along the way,” he said in a video before he set out. His trip was mapped out in advance How to Get Involved taking him through Denver and Lawrence, Kansas. As well as The No Kid Hungry national campaign is run Cleveland and his former home by an organization called Share Our Strength, town of Buffalo. His facebook which is a nonprofit organization that is focused page shows him also getting on solving problems of hunger and poverty in the housing for the night with United States and around the globe. friends, old and new.

This campaign works to provide school Throughout the adventure, Lempko gained media attention for his nationwide skate.

The former Denver Post ad executive breakfast, summer meals, afterschool meals, food skills education, research and policy and advocacy.

In order to make the trip, Lempko solicited financing through the fundraising site gofundme. com with an initial goal of $15,000. He said that 10 percent of the money would fund expenses like lodging and meals, but most of it is coming out of his pocket. He hopes to shift to corporate sponsorships, as well.

When Rinksider caught up with Lempko, he was somewhere between Pittsfield and Detroit, Illinois. It had been raining all morning, but the weather had cooperated through most of the trip.

He plans to make Brooklyn, New York by December, and was only $1,500 shy of his gofundme goal.

For the first 1,000 miles of his trip, Lempko skated the interstate highways from Northern California, through Nevada, Wyoming www.rollerskating.org

•

Get involved by donating.

•

Hold a fundraiser by learning how to hold a bake sale. You can even earn exciting prices for doing so. Some hold an Oktoberfest, hold fitness classes, hosted cooking contests, asked friends to donate for birthdays, etc.

•

Support a rider in one of the Chefs Cycle races.

Visit www.nokidhungry.org to get started today!

was featured on a Buffalo TV Station and on the front page of the Columbia Missourian for his efforts.

He had a few deer issues and wheel problems, “which was to be expected,” he noted. The weather has been agreeable. I had a few close calls with cars but thankfully wasn’t hit.”

“The fact that I even have the opportunity to rollerblade across the country is a culmination of all of the privilege and fortune I’ve been gifted in my life. Not all kids are as lucky, though. So, when I started looking for a charity to dedicate this trip to, I wanted to find one that focuses on giving to kids who Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 / 47

e c n a n e t n i a M nkand Tricks from the Industry RiTips T

he automotive industry schedules preventive maintenance to keep vehicles in top running order. Home owners annually conduct spring cleaning to ensure their homes are in good shape.

In roller skating, major maintenance is usually scheduled during a rink’s slow period, but exactly when that is can vary, depending on location.

For Rollerland Skate Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, that comes during the last two weeks of August. “We do most of our yearly stuff in August [because] our season starts in September,” says Jondon Trevena, operator.

“That’s when we do yearly stuff and major changes.” This year, that includes remodeling the bathrooms.

Written by: Lori Lovely months ago, there have been no new leaks, allowing his crew to catch up with that duty.

Once a year, he also shampoos or replaces the carpets, and sands and recoats the rink floors.

Repeat bookings While Warrenburg likes to check the vent and air conditioner twice a year – before winter and before the busy season – Trevena’s semi-annual

task is to reseal the parking lot. To save money, he says they restripe parking spots themselves.

Quarterly duties for Trevena include outdoor touch-up painting and clearing cobwebs. Because Paradise Skate is located on the fairgrounds, outside maintenance is taken care of, but Warrenburg does like to use extended poles to sweep cobwebs along the vaulted ceilings.

To facilitate whatever work is scheduled, Trevena says Rollerland closes down Monday through Thursday during those two weeks, only opening for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday sessions.

Summer is a slow time at Paradise Skate in Antioch, California. It’s also a time when the rink has plenty of staff, so Jeff Warrenburg, owner, finds time “when we’re slow during the summer” to do maintenance.

Yearly tasks Trevena says they “do maintenance all year round,” but some tasks are best accomplished at specific times of the year. For example, the Rollerland operator says he blows out the amps in May before the summer heat arrives.

He also blows out the fans and compressors in the refrigerator with an air compressor every other month, he explains, adding that when compressors are located on top of the units, there’s less dirt.

Some jobs don’t need to be performed often.

Trevena’s checklist of annual maintenance tasks includes checking the air conditioner: oiling the wheels and changing the fan belt. Although he does routine maintenance himself, he calls a professional if the unit is not working properly.

During the rink’s two-week hiatus, Trevena and his workers touch up paint in the rink, including painting the tiles in the drop ceiling – although since the roof was replaced three 48 /

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In the kitchen

to change the batteries in all the microphones.

Trevena relies on employees who come after school to do maintenance. In the kitchen, that means cleaning ovens.

A roof over our heads

Warrenburg employs a part-time maintenance man, but also conducts regular deep cleaning sessions in the kitchen. The greaseless fryer is cleaned daily, with a thorough cleaning quarterly.

The filter is cleaned monthly.

The refrigerator coils are also cleaned monthly, using a toothbrush. “Dust clogs ruin the compressor,” he explains. Warrenburg buys a special cleaning kit to flush out the ice maker system.

Floor it Carpets should be vacuumed daily to help keep them cleaner and reduce the need for frequent shampooing, Warrenburg advises. Even with daily vacuuming, he hires a company every quarter to shampoo the carpets. An added benefit of a clean carpet is that it helps keep the rink floor cleaner.

“The cleaner your carpet and [skate] wheels are, the cleaner the rink floor is,” he states.

Game time Arcade games at Paradise Skate are wiped down daily, and tokens are collected. Once a week a service technician checks the games.

Trevena is more hands-on at Rollerland Skate Center, fixing and cleaning the arcade games himself. He refills the token machines for the week, checking tickets twice a week and addressing coin jams as they occur.

Not a lot of attention is paid to the roof and the outside of the building, but Michael Scales, sales director, MRB Contractor, “preaches” roof maintenance. He says roofs should be inspected twice a year: after the spring and fall rain seasons – but also after storms and any time a vendor has been on it. At minimum, he says, “you need someone on the roof at least once a year and after storms, lightning, hail or heavy wind.”

The typical life of most roofs is 20-30 years, but Scales says that if it gets hit by hail, it never reaches its full life. Other things can also damage a roof. Limbs should be trimmed to avoid punctures in the roof and to reduce the possibility of seeds dropped from overhanging branches.

“I have seen trees growing on the roof!” Scales exclaims.

“There are often satellite dishes and HVAC units on the roof,” Scales continues. “Vendors who go up to service them may drop tools, nails or screws, which can cause punctures. You should check the roof after a vendor has been on it.” He goes on to point out that 80 percent of roof leaks are not caused by roof failure. Most are caused by inadvertent holes from other contractors, lack of maintenance or clogged debris.

“Look for debris,” Scales advises. “The gutters should drain. If not, it can cause ponding water on the roof.” Gutters are a big issue, he insists.

widely used in low-slope buildings – roofs are common, but Scales says TPO – thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply roofing membranes – are among the fastest growing commercial roofs, and spray foam is also common, with some tar and gravel roofs still in existence.

Because most rinks have flat roofs instead of shingles, they don’t encounter some issues, such as ice dams. But rinks in northern climates deal with roof loading from heavy snow and clogged drains.

Scales, however, cautions against trying to do certain tasks that he considers better left to the experts. “A professional will recognize issues easily overlooked by rink owners.” For example, blocked condensation lines can cause leaks, indicating an HVAC problem.

It’s imperative to check for leaks. Ceilings provide tell-tale signs of leaks. Scales says some rink owners choose to touch up with caulk vs. seal up the area of penetration, but that’s a short-term solution to a mounting problem.

Nevertheless, he says “maintenance doesn’t mean a big hole in the roof. It’s the small things.”

But small things can add up if not addressed, so he advises hiring a professional to inspect the roof and provide an estimate for repairs or replacement.

As Warrenburg says, preventive maintenance is important. “If things aren’t cleaned and maintained, it spreads. The problem grows.”

The roof at Rollerland Skate Center is metal with a slight slant, so not only does Trevena clean debris and gutters regularly, he also tightens the bolts every other year. In the north, EPDM Lightbulbs are replaced with new LED bulbs as – (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), an needed, but Trevena tries to book regular intervals extremely durable synthetic rubber membrane

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TECHNOLOGY

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

USRSS

2018 USRSS American Championships Highlight

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organizations offering both quad and inline competitions.

n June 14-18, 2018, the brand new US Roller Speed Skating Association hosted its inaugural American Roller Speed Skating Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado where more than 190 speed skaters, ages 4 to 60+, from around the country came to put their best skate forward to win part of a purse worth $10,000 provided by Comcast. The competition guidelines ran closely in line with international rules and prepared several top skaters for potential moves to international competitions.

How much does it cost?

• Team charter: 100% FREE • Athlete competitive membership card: $35 • Sanction to hold as many competitions as you would like for one (1) full year: $100 per facility How many sets of rules are there?

One rule set for both indoor and outdoor based on FIRS International Rules.

What kind of track is used?

U.S. Roller Speed Skating utilizes the oval track. This allows more lanes for racing and angles for passing, which makes U.S. Roller Speed Skating more exciting. USRSS rules work for both indoor and outdoor competitions.

Indoor will compete on a 100 meter oval track. Outdoor will compete on a 200 meter oval and road course.

This will allow skaters, coaches, and officials to have one set of rules that will be followed whether it’s a Rookie Series, Point Series, Invitational or International competition.

Both women’s and men’s winners received $2500 for first place, $1500 for second place and $1000 for third place.

The event consisted of 11 age divisions with six individuals winning the titles:

WOMEN • Kelsey Helman $2500 • Jazzmyn Foster $1500 • Jeilyn Godin $1000

How do I participate in local competitions?

Visit www.usrollerspeedskating.com and search for participating clubs near you. If there are none, contact the rinks in your area to start their own clubs to then develop a league so that athletes can compete.

MEN • Jarrett Paul $2500 • Christian Keesler $1500 • Aden Sailor $1000

Who can I call if I need help on getting a team started in my skating center?

American Championships Received Olympic Channel Coverage

Call 317-347-2626 Ext. 105 or email info@usrollerspeedskating.com.

The Olympic Channel aired a 30-minute special highlighting the event, complete with interviews, clips of races, one-on-one discussions with skaters and coaches and much more. This video can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/USRSS How to Become a Roller Speed Skater or Roller Hockey Player 52 /

The U.S. Roller Speed Skating (USRSS) and the Inline Hockey Associations (IHA) membership is affordable, covers both sports, and are 501(c)3

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

NEW BENEFITS

RSA Signs Agreement with ASCAP, Airgas

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your fourth e are quarter pleased to payment announce to ASCAP. that the Instead, RSA Board you will of Directors has approved the new join the new program and pay the ASCAP RSA Partnership, signed by Executive RSA directly for the fees noted Director, Jim McMahon. As many of you know, on the chart below. the membership asked that the RSA intervene on their behalf with ASCAP to fight imposed For any accounts delinquent on nonfees on skate rentals. After two town hall skate rental based fees meetings, it was determined by the membership the fairest calculation for ASCAP fees was a fee • To participate in the ASCAP structure based on gross admissions revenue. program your account MUST After months of negotiations, ASCAP and the be current, with the exception RSA have reached an agreement that protects of unpaid skate rental fees. You our members from additional skate and will need to immediately need to equipment rental fees. To ensure this program’s contact ASCAP directly to get success, we strongly encouraged members that current on your account prior to RSA President, Jeff Couey; RSA Vice their skating center(s) join this program by October 1, 2018.

President, Cort Wahlig; RSA Executive October 1, 2018. This will help solidify the Director, Jim McMahon and John Johnson, Non-delinquent ASCAP accounts strength of our organization to ASCAP. Senior Vice President of Licensing at ASCAP sign this monumental agreement into place.

Annual non-delinquent accounts Once you have remitted payment to the RSA, your ASCAP account will be closed • For those skating centers that per pound of $.275. Standard installation and you will be notified by mail or email of paid annually to ASCAP and includes micro bulk storage tank, fill and cancellation - do not be alarmed, you will be who aren’t delinquent to ASCAP for vent line piping up to 15’, fill box for indoor covered under the new national RSA ASCAP skate rental fees, you may still opt into installations, up to 50’ of flexible beverage program. our program on October 1, 2018 and ASCAP will refund your fourth quarter tubing for gas use and a standard Airgas Sentry You will find a lot of information below, CO2 Monitor for indoor installations only. fees percentage. You may also join on but we have broken it down into three Delivery charges are $9.95 with CO2 Food January 1, 2019. sections. Below the rate chart is a helpful video Grade of 50lbs at $45/each, rental of $7.50/ explaining the information contained below.

Quarterly non-delinquent accounts month and a $20 delivery fee. Helium is also available. Contact Biren Shah at biren.shah@ 1. The first section is for those members • For those skating centers that pay airgas.com or call 800-772-8144. who are only delinquent in not paying quarterly to ASCAP, you will not additional skate rental invoices. pay your fourth quarter payment to ASCAP. Instead, you will join the new 2. The second section is for those program and pay the RSA directly for members who are delinquent in any the fees noted on the chart below. other way with ASCAP. To determine your fee schedule, examine 3. The third section is for those members your gross admissions revenue for 2017 and who are completely current with match to the chart below. To participate, visit ASCAP. This section is broken down www.rollerskating.com/ascap to download the between quarterly and annual paying form. customers.

Please read the following sections to determine which best pertains to your skating center.

For delinquent accounts (ASCAP fees paid, except additional skate rental invoice) • For any accounts currently delinquent on paying additional skate rental fees, the additional fees will be waived provided that you join the RSA ASCAP program no later than October 1, 2018.

• For those skating centers that pay quarterly to ASCAP, you will not pay

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Airgas Offers New RSA Member Benefit We’re pleased to announce that Airgas is now offering a new member benefit to new customers.

Rental rates are $50 with a price

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NEWS & COMMENTARY

MISSION

Couple Brings Roller Skating to Guatamalan Children

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Written by: Marcie Hill

hen David Smith and his wife, Vanessa went on their first missionary trip to Guatemala in 2017 with Manna Worldwide, they had no idea the kind of impact they would make on the residents of the orphanages and feeding centers they visited.

While the purpose of the mission trip was to spread their faith and help local residents meet their practical needs, David brought along skates to share his love of roller skating.

Back in 2017, the Smiths preached the message of how God has a gift for all of us; it’s up to us to find out what that is and to share it with others. David took that message to another level by sharing his love of roller skating. In every location they visited, he skated for the residents and related it to the story about God’s gifts.

David Smith performs on roller skates in front of Guatemalan children.

During their last day of that trip the Smiths stayed at the Guatemala City Manna Orphanage. “When I skated before the kids at the orphanage they wanted to put my skates on. I had 20 orphans lined up ready to try my skates on, no matter how big or small their foot was. I pulled them around the basketball court.”

David was able to make a connection and impact on the kids that lasted until their return visit in 2018.

Motivated by the kids’ reactions, he wanted to give each a pair of their own skates. Upon returning from the mission trip, David reached out to his skating community to request skates for the kids. The response was amazing. He’s had at least 50 to 100 people respond asking how they could help. Skates were shipped to his house where he still has about 50 pairs that he was unable to carry this year.

Vanessa said they “were so moved” by their experience last year they returned to Guatemala this year, in early June for a week.

This year’s trip was a bit more challenging.

David’s family happened to be in Guatemala a week after the Volcán de Fuego erupted on June 3, 2018. While the village the Smith’s helped was not hit by the volcano, it destroyed all the roads getting to it. Instead they had to travel through the jungles of Guatemala, taking nearly four hours to deliver 1,500 pounds of supplies to one village that had yet to receive relief. The journey took them across three raging streams in a Guatemalan school bus for 90 minutes of service since they had to get out of the jungle before dark. “It was crazy; it was exciting; it was a little scary; but definitely 56 /

something I would not take back.”

They visited feeding centers and orphanages in different cities every day.

with the kids, it was “like a beautiful chaos.” He started unzipping suitcases and holding skates

When the kids saw David’s roller skates again, they instantly remembered him and said, “las pantines,” which is roller skates in Spanish.

“It was really cool that many of the kids remembered me specifically from last year because of the skates,” he said. They were ready for a repeat performance.

David was ready for them.

He and Vanessa brought 20 pairs of roller skates to the main orphanage in Guatemala. While visiting the Mayan village of El Arado, they also gifted a pair of skates to the pastor’s son, who has autism.

The skates helped the missionaries “build a rapport and relationship with people” who speak a different language. The looks on the kids’ faces and their responses to skating was amazing.

But their reaction to the experience was priceless.

A Guatemalan boy tries a pair of roller skates.

David brought the skates in three suitcases and as soon as they got to the basketball court and was able to connect

up next to their feet saying, “Yup, that’s close enough. Go with that one.” Each of the people

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY appreciation for the skates: they were lined up against the wall from smallest to biggest. “It was a treasure. They appreciate everything. It was awesome to see their reactions.”

Vanessa explained that Guatemalans are very segregated when it comes to the Mayan people. Mayans are ostracized and forced to live in the mountains; they aren’t allowed to live in the cities. “Mayans are already ostracized but when you have a developmental disability, you’re ostracized within your community.”

David and Vanessa Smith brought roller skates to orphans in Guatemala.

As for the pastor’s son, he immediately began to mirror everything David was doing and “it made everybody’s heart melt.”

David started working one-onone with him, showing him skate moves and dances. His mother, the pastor’s wife, was in the corner sobbing with joy.

inherited the love for roller skating through marriage. Their three girls have their own skates and try their own tricks.

Last year he had an idea during the mission trip: to use skating to spread the love of God as well as grow the global skate community.

Currently, he’s developing a new skate school program to introduce to rinks around the country in order to give kids a more official outlet to be involved locally with their rink and surrounding community.

Globally, David wants to continue to introduce skating to people that have never seen or experienced roller skating and see what happens. “We don’t know what it’s going to be like in 10 or 15 years. Roller skating could be a new thing in Guatemala if it continues.”

They can’t wait to go back to Guatemala next year to see the kids in action. To keep up with the Smith family’s mission, check out their Facebook page, Rolling On a Mission and to learn about mission trips with Manna Worldwide, or visit Mannaworldwide.com.

Not only did they show love to her son, they helped him become accepted in their community. That doesn’t really happen to children with autism. “David’s gift was more than just a pair of skates. It was something beautiful, as his uniqueness made him cool instead of isolated.” “ There was never a plan or agenda to execute this type of project,” says Vanessa. The skates became something unique they got to bring. It gave kids something to do. There’s not a lot to do in Guatemala, especially for the older kids. Missionaries that come typically bring things for younger kids. The older kids really get a kick out of roller skates because they don’t feel “baby-ish”.

A group of Guatemalan boys try out roller skate moves.

in the group partnered with a kid and pulled them around the basketball court.

When the youngsters were called for dinner, he looked around and observed their www.rollerskating.org

According to David, “Skating has always been a big outlet for me throughout my life. A lot of these kids come from rough pasts and that’s why they ended up where they are. I figure if it’s been an outlet for me, who knows who it could be an outlet for. To see the look on their faces when they were trying something new was pretty amazing.”

David has been skating for about 21 years. He started speed skating at age 10 and got involved in jam skating, which he did competitively for nearly 15 years. Vanessa Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 / 57

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

ROLLER SKATING FOUNDATION

Scholarship Application SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A $4000 first place academic scholarship and a $2000 second place academic scholarship will be awarded to the high school seniors who:

7. Must include complete high school transcripts.

8. Must include a 500- to 700-word personal essay explaining how roller skating has influenced your life, your goals for the future, and how this scholarship would help you achieve those goals.

1. Can be certified to be a child of an owner or an employee of an RSA skating center or a child or employee of an RSA affiliated OTHER INFORMATION member.

1. Application should be submitted for the fall semester.

2. Completes and timely submits the scholarship application 2. Applicants must meet the criteria to be considered for this form in its entirety. scholarship.

3. Must have at least a 3.2 grade point average on an unadjusted 3. Completed applications must be received at the Roller Skating 4.0 scale.

Foundation by February 28, 2019.

4. ACT/SAT scores must be submitted with scholarship 4. Application must be submitted the year in which you plan to application and will be taken into consideration when attend college. considering potential scholarship awards.

5. Award will be announced in early April 2019. Winner will be 5. Demonstrates excellence in all areas they choose to engage; posted on www.rollerskating.com. academics, work, volunteering, athletics, community, civic, and faith-based organizations, etc.

DEADLINE 6. Must have three (3) letters of reference, one from each of the Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2019 following: RSA member/affiliate member; guidance counselor; teacher.

RETURN TO

Mail application with essay, transcript, and three letters of reference from RSA member/affiliate member, guidance counselor or teacher to: Roller Skating Foundation, Attn: Scholarship, 6905 Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or email all necessary documents to foundation@rollerskating.com. Questions? Call 317-347-2626 Ext. 107.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Last Name) (First Name) (Middle Name) Home Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip) E-mail Address: _______________________________________________Telephone Number: ____________________________ Check One: __Child of rink owner __ Employee of rink owner __ Child of Affiliate Member __ Employee of Affiliate Member Name of affiliated member facility (if any): _____________________________________________ Membership ID: ___________ EDUCATION BACKGROUND

School now attending: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip) 1. GPA: __________ Out of: __________ 2. ACT Composite Score: __________ SAT Verbal Score: __________ SAT Math Score: __________ 3. College you plan to attend: __________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

Has application been made?

__YES

4. Have you declared a major? __YES

www.rollerskating.org

__NO

Accepted?

__YES

__NO

__NO If so, in which major?__________________________________________________

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September/October 2018 / 59

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

List volunteer positions, employment, honors, memberships, leadership positions, skills, accomplishments and community service.

Activity or Organization Position and/or Responsibilities ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ESSAY

Write and attach a 500- to 700-word personal essay explaining how roller skating has influenced your life, your goals for the future, and how this scholarship would help you achieve those goals.

REFERENCES

Submit a letter of reference from each of the following: 1. Your Roller Skating Association (RSA) member rink owner/operator or affiliate member 2. Your guidance counselor 3. One teacher TRANSCRIPT

You must include a current high school transcript and proof of your SAT/ACT score to complete your application. Note: Please black out your social security number.

AGREEMENT

The information on this application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge.

_____________________________________________ _________________________________________ (Applicant’s Signature) (Date) APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Questions about the form?

6905 Corporate Drive • Indianapolis, IN 46278 Phone: 317-347-2626 Ext. 107 foundation@rollerskating.com • www.rollerskating.com 60 /

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

Call Lynette Rowland at the Roller Skating Foundation at 317-347-2626 Ext. 107 or e-mail foundation@rollerskating.com.

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

NEWS & COMMENTARY

CONVENTION

RSA Convention to be held at Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 28 - May 2, 2019 If you haven’t yet marked your calendar, make sure to save the date for next year’s RSA Convention April 28 - May 2, 2019 at the Tropicana.

Amenities include a fitness center, Glow Spa and Salon, the Tropicana Pool and significant concierge services for guests.

The RSA Convention Committee is working hard to make sure that we provide you with a variety of educational seminars, events and learning tools and ideas to take back Restaurants within this hotel/casino include: to your roller skating center.

• Robert Irvine’s Public House Registration will begin in January on the RSA website and the event • Oakville Steakhouse is open to both members and non• Red Lotus Asian Kitchen members.

• Bacio If you have questions or suggestions, please email atanner@ • Fresh Mix rollerskating.com with your input.

• Savor Brunch Buffet We look forward to seeing you all in Vegas next year!

• Barista Cafe

If you’ve been to Las Vegas before, you know that this hotel is on the strip, which means it’s a perfect location for you to get out and see the sights after a day of learning.

• Starbucks • South Beach Food Court

WE SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE Work with a bank that understands your business.

Talk to us to experience the Live Oak difference.

liveoakbank.com/fec–rsa ©2018 Live Oak Banking Company. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC.

www.rollerskating.org

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine | September/October 2018 / 61

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 BEDROCK CONTRACTING Contact: Jessica VanOsdell Mailing Address: 3775 N. Beach St. Ft. Worth, TX 76137 Phone: 1-800-957-7663 jessica@bedrockcontracting.com www.bedrockcontracting.com

FINANCING/FINANCIAL PLANNING CFG WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES Contact: Michael Puckett Mailing Address: 9840 Westpoint Drive Suite 150 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: 401-580-2070 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

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

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 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

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

CONNECTIONS Phone: 800-442-8483 owner@titecoat.com www.titecoat.com

dtewksbury@mcgowaninsurance.com www.mcgowaninsurance.com

MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP

FURNITURE AND DISPLAY CASES Contact: Nancy Clay DISPLAY CONNECTION Contact: Barry Wides 1389 W. 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-704-8143 displayconn@gmail.com www.displayconn.com

GROUNDS, OFFICE MAINTENANCE & CHEMICALS CINTAS CORPORATION Contact: Dustin Wilkins Mailing Address: 6800 Cintas Blvd Mason, OH 45040 Phone: 317-387-9000 wilkinsd@cintas.com www.cintas.com

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

LEGAL SERVICES CHARLES A. KRUGER, ATTORNEY AT LAW Contact: Charles Krugel Mailing Address: 1001 S. State St.#1904 Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312-804-3851 cak1@charlesakrugel.com www.charlesakrugel.com

CPI ROAD SOLUTIONS, INC. Jay Walerstein 5616 Progress Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46241 317-243-2348 jw@roadsolutionsinc.com www.roadsolutionsinc.com

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

AMERICAN CARNIVAL MART

RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY

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

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

BMI MERCHANDISE

THE STUFF SHOP

Contact: David Katz Mailing Address: 1960 Rutgers University Blvd.

Lakewood, NJ 08701 Phone: 732-363-0212 llotito@bmimerchandise.com www.bmimerchandise.com

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

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

MUSIC FUN EXPRESS

FEC MUSIC Contact: Jim Juniper Mailing Address: 787 Adelaide St. North Suite 2 London, ON N5Y 2L8 Phone: 866-684-8324 sales@fecmusic.com http://www.fecmusic.com

Contact: Lae Phonephakdy Mailing Address: 4206 S. 108th St Omaha, NE 68137 Phone: 800-875-8494 Fax: 800-228-1002 laep@funexpress.com www.funexpress.com

FUNTASTIC NOVELTIES, INC.

SESAC INC Contact: Bill Lee Mailing Address: 55 Music Square East Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: 615-320-0055 Fax: 615-321-6292 blee@sesac.com www.sesac.com

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 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 www.rollerskating.org

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

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

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

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

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

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CONNECTIONS REBECCA’S

LASER BLAST

BONT SKATES

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

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

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

SURESHOT REDEMPTION

LASERTAG.COM BY ZONE LASER TAG, INC.

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

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

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 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

CREATIVE WORKS 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

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

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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

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

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

Contact: Walt Hedrick Mailing Address: 4004 Cedar Creek Ct. Arlington, TX 76016 Phone: 817-781-1898 waltskate@yahoo.com www.usedrentalskates.com

RIEDELL SKATES INC RIDE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 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

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

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

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

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

SKATES US, INC.

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

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

Contact: David Ripp Mailing Address: 415 West Eaton Pike Richmond, IN 47374

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org

CONNECTIONS ROLLER SPORTS USA ROLLER SPORTS Contact: Eric Steele Mailing Address: 4730 South Street Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402-483-7551 Fax: 402-483-1465 ESteele@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 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: Stephanie Goodin Mailing Address: 10700 Medallion Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45241 Phone: 800-543-0862 Fax: 800-542-1496 info@gmpopcorn.com www.gmpopcorn.com

ICEE COMPANY Contact: Curt Ritzel Mailing Address: 23660 Research Drive, Unit A

www.rollerskating.org

FROGGY’S FOG

Farmington Hills, MI 48335 Phone: 803-926-5657 critzel@icee.com www.icee.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

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 Contact: Paul Artt Frisco, TX 75033 Mailing Address: 12021 Plano Rd. Suite Phone: 800-257-3758 160 Fax: 888-614-9559 Dallas, TX 75243 info@globalroofingcompany.com Phone: 972-669-8993 www.globalroofingcompany.com Fax: 972-669-8990 paul@q-n-c.com HELIX LEISURE www.q-n-c.com Contact: Ted Parsons Mailing Address: 2015 McKenzie Dr. SCHWAN’S FOOD SERVICE Suite 106 Contact: Monte Farrar Carrollton, TX 75006 Mailing Address: 9472 Hunters Pond Phone: 469-521-8000 Dr. Fax: 214-260-0976 Tampa FL 33647 tedp@embedcard.com Phone: 813-748-1167 www.helixleisure.com monte.farrar@schwans.com

QUIK N’ CRISPY

MRB CONTRACTORS SOUND SYSTEMS & LIGHTING ACTION LIGHTING Contact: Elwood Bakken Mailing Address: 310 Ice Pond Rd. Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: 800-248-0076 Fax: 406-585-3078 elwood@actionlighting.com www.actionlighting.com

AUDIO LITE Contact: Terry Maxfield Mailing Address: 701 Graham St. Emporia, KS 66801 Phone: 800-255-1015 Fax: 620-342-3338 terry@audiolite.com www.audiolite.com

Contact: Michael Ludwig Mailing Address: 618 S. Beltline Irving TX 75060 Phone: 972-827-8599 Fax: 216-614-4200 michael@mrbcg.com www.mrbcontractors.com

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PARKS MAGAZINE Contact: Scott Borowski Mailing Address: 10 Athens Avenue, Ste 208 Ardmore, PA 19003 Phone: 610-645-6940 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

BETSON ENTERPRISES 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

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

Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

September/October 2018 / 65

CONNECTIONS PLAYER ONE AMUSEMENT GROUP

ted@theisenvending.com www.theisenvending.com

Contact: Bill Freeman Mailing Address: 1920 Center Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28208 P: 386-747-0845 bill.freeman@cineplex.com www.winwithp1ag.com

SHAFFER DISTRIBUTING CO. Contact: Paul Jones Mailing Address: 1100 W. 3rd Ave Columbus, OH 43212 Phone: 800-282-0194 Fax: 614-294-1040 pjones@shafferdistributing.com www.shafferdistributing.com

VIDEO GAMES NAMCO 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

WHEEL AND BEARING MANUFACTURERS

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 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

Phone: 954-917-5451 wayne@hoffmanmint.com www.hoffmanmint.com

NATIONAL TICKET COMPANY Contact: Patrick Carter Mailing Address: Po Box 547 Shamokin, PA 17872 Phone: 800-829-0829 Fax: 800-829-0888 pcarter@nationalticket.com www.nationalticket.com

ANABOLIX SKATE COMPANY THEISEN VENDING CO Contact: Ted Bratulich Mailing Address: 2335 Nevada Ave North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: 612-827-5588 Fax: 612-827-7543

Contact: Mike Elsbury Mailing Address: 7304 Atmore Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46217 Phone: 317-903-6172 mkels71@yahoo.com www.anabolixskate.com

WRIST BANDS, TICKETS AND TOKENS HOFFMAN MINT Contact: Wayne Snihur Mailing Address: 1400 NW 65th Place Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

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. INK FOR SALE

Rink owner/operator retiring. Area listed in top 10 “Best Places To Live in the USA”. 252-241-0512 or sportsworldmhc@msn. com.

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Rinksider - The Roller Skating Business Magazine |

September/October 2018 www.rollerskating.org