SHORTS
BRASS RING WINNERS AT IAAPA IAAPA Expo, in Orlando, was once again a major success. Here are just a few of the awards given out in 2019. Apple Industries’ Face Place’s Marvel Adventure Lab was selected as Best New Product in the photo booth category, while Bay Tek received 2019 Vendor of the Year and the Brass Ring for Best New Product in the Arcade & Video Games category. Face Place’s Marvel Adventure Lab invites patrons to be featured in a customized comic-book alongside iconic Marvel characters such as SpiderMan, Thor, Black Panther and many others. Scott Avery, Apple’s COO, explained, “The in-house software technology and magical interface create the most unforgettable user-experience ever witnessed.” Over 3,000 show-goers visited the booth. In the arcade and video games section, Bay Tek Entertainment was excited about their success. The company prides itself in the quality and the support they give their customers. Chuck E. Cheese presented the Vendor of the Year to the Bay Tek team. For their Brass Ring selection, it was Connect 4 Hoops that won the prize. “This game has been a slam dunk (forgive the pun),” said Sammy Harrison, marketing manager. “We knew it was a hit when we saw players lining up with their friends and families to play. And not just play once; but over and over again! It’s competitive; it’s social; it’s something you can’t get at home; and we’re thrilled that players around the globe are able to enjoy this together.” The top Family Entertainment Center in the World was given to Cinergy Entertainment’s Amarillo, TX, location. Cinergy, a privately held entertainment innovator, operates FECs in Texas and Oklahoma with additional locations across the country in development. 10
IBI
January 2020
PEOPLEWATCHING Mike Tuccillo has been appointed product specialist for ZOT Bowling Parts. He is a 44-year veteran of the bowing business, including a 10year tenure as the head mechanic at Syosset Lanes on Long Island, NY. His experience runs the gamut from purchasing, service, shipping and receiving, inventory management, to domestic and international sales. Mike Tuccillo “His all-round experience makes Mike the ideal candidate to fulfill ZOT Bowling Parts’ need for a product specialist,” said PJ Rosendahl, president and CEO.
Steve Szabina
PJ Rosendahl has also named Steve Szabina, the company’s sales manager since 2016, as vice president of sales. Prior to coming to ZOT, Szabina had a 14-year tenure as a district sales manager for Ebonite International. This new position will expand his responsibilities to include overall sales for ZOT’s brands and product lines, including ZOT ColorSplash and ZOT Bowling Parts.
BMi Merchandise welcomes Chris Parente as vice president of business development. Parente’s experience spans 23 years in the merchandise industry with Rhode Island Novelty and Little Kids Inc. His strengths cover product development, design, import, sales and international experience. Shelley Fernandez-Katz, president of BMi, said that Parente will be an asset in continuing to evolve as the industry leader.
Chris Parente
APPLE INDUSTRIES EXPANDS ITS SALES TEAM In order to drive national and international expansion of its product portfolio while fortifying its position as the world’s leading photo booth manufacturer, Apple Industries has hired two new sales executives. Shontae Savage joins Apple Industries as senior director of business development and Michael Lavelle joins as sales account executive. Shontae Savage Savage has over 15 years of experience in sports and entertainment working for top-tier global brands such as CBS and the NFL. Lavelle comes with over 15 years with Canon USA and won the 2018 Canon award for Top Salesperson in the U.S. “We are delighted to welcome Shontae and Michael within our growing and successful team,” Michael Lavelle said Apple CEO, Allen Weisberg.