IN MY OWN WORDS
Rehanging the mural from the original Maple Lanes
ball, successfully picking off the ten pins with my weak wrist bending right for that corner pin. I can see Sam Bressi, a retired mason and Dad’s night watchman. Sam did all sorts of odd jobs for Dad once we opened, eventually becoming head porter. He became like family to us. Those early days were inspiring as we didn’t know what lay ahead. My dad and his partners were true entrepreneurs, taking risks into a new venture, hoping to succeed. Thankfully in 1971, Dad struck a deal and his two kids joined him in the family business. We’ve built a reputation on our values, set in 1960, when Maple Lanes was deemed Brooklyn’s Friendliest. We were taught to: keep the bowling center clean; to build relationships; to be creative in our marketing; to give value; and to treat staff and bowlers as extended family. Not much has changed on that front, though another generation has followed me in delivering to our customers and to our staff my dad’s generous spirit and
Maple Lanes relics
kind ways, with a dose of business acumen as well. Dad had a number of sayings that explained how we make a living: ‘We will take a short-term loss for a long-term gain’ (that’s a builder’s mentality of build it right and the rest will take care of itself); and ‘Promote bowling as a life time sport because when you do, many will be bitten by the bowling bug,’ and they will carry you the rest of the way. Here’s a toast to Dad, for his wisdom, his love, and his charm, on September 7, his 112th birthday. It’s my hope that I am half the man he was when facing tough, unknown times with a smile, with smarts, and a commitment to the investment he made in a sport that many love, even in these uncertain times. ❖
John M. LaSpina is president of Maple Family Centers, a past-president of BPAA, a Victor Lerner Memorial Medal/BPAA Hall of Fame member, and currently chairs Bowlers to Veterans Link.
IBI
November 2020
37