Pro shop training

This forum is for topics related to pro shop operation and bowling center maintenance.
Usual topics include: shop gear, fitting, drilling and lane maintenance.

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llama
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Pro shop training

Post by llama »

Opening a bowling pro shop.

I fully appreciate that this is not a lucrative business and don't expect to get rich. Its about pursuing my passion for bowling, providing a needed service, and making a few bucks as a part time gig.

I've secured support and some space from the local bowling center. Set up a company, tax accounts, insurance etc. I mostly have the necessary equipment and tools in place. I'm well known in the bowling center. I'm distributing business cards with my contact information. I intend to hold "office hours" by appointment and on low handicap night.

The next nearest bowling pro shop is about 15 miles away. So far, I've received a positive response from bowlers who appreciate the local resource.

I've drilled about 10 balls. Some for myself a few for paying customers.

So far I'm a self taught bowling pro. But I would like to acquire some formal training in the proper fitting and drilling of bowling balls. There are a few threads on this forum. Training program opinions seem to vary.

Cost of a training sessions looks to be about $1000 plus travel. As a business investment, its a bit hard to justify. More of a hobby expense. Want to keep the cost low.

I live in Colorado. The geographically closest bowling pro training is Jayhawk in Lawrence Kansas. The question for the forum is are the other training opportunities such as Kegel or Innovative worth the considerable extra expense (maybe another $1000).
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EricHartwell
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Re: Pro shop training

Post by EricHartwell »

Welcome to BowlingChat

You mentioned seeing a few threads here on the subject.
There is also a Wiki with a great deal of information.

http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... =Main_Page

Lots of information in the Wiki to help your self teachings.

http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... on#Fitting

http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... nformation

Good luck with your Proshop endeavor.
Eric Hartwell

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PAP 4.75" up 1/2"
45* rotation
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16 mph off hand
guruU2
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Re: Pro shop training

Post by guruU2 »

All three are very good with each having their strong points. Kegel is one: one with Randy S and you will get his long-time experience from the Tour, Ebonite and Kegel. Russ Wilson does an excellent job at Jayhawk and will be geared for beginners and closely follow the traditional IBPSIA perspective. Innovative classes are larger thus getting more interactions with the students and large support staff. Traditionally a Brunswick rep will lead the class in November (historically Mo) and Storm VP Hank Boomershine leads the class in April. While I was IBPSIA Educational Chair, I approved of all three. Because my shop is 1 1/2 hours away from Innovative, I generally spend a day observing the Innovative classes and have found the classes very good and 'lively". In addition, many students return to take the second class. If you can afford it and find the time, given your location, I recommend going to Jayhawk then following it up with a trip(s) to Innovative- You will get educated!
-Gary Parsons
If one does not know one's product, one can not manage nor promote the product one does not know.
JimH
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Re: Pro shop training

Post by JimH »

I attended a course run by the IBPSIA at Jayhawk in Lawrence Kansas. I previously attended seminars in Europe run by manufacturers and brought the Ebonite training specialist assigned to Europe to my shop in Ireland to assist in setting up the shop as well as provide training. As Jayhawk is only a few hours drive from where you live I suggest them. You are right when you say you won't get rich running a Pro Shop, enjoy your time helping bowlers.
llama
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Re: Pro shop training

Post by llama »

Completed Jayhawk's Pro Shop class yesterday.

I can highly recommend it. Russ Wilson (the instructor) has commanding depth and breadth when it comes to fitting and drilling bowling balls.

John Hardman and his Jayhawk Bowling Supply staff are top notch industry veterans. Getting to know them is useful to anybody in the bowling pro shop business.

One of my take aways from this experience is fitting/drilling bowling balls is much like practicing medicine. A doctor examines the patient, makes a diagnoses, prescribes a treatment, performs the treatment, and observes the results. Medicine is an inexact science.

A bowling ball fitter, examines the bowler, advises on ball selection, chooses a layout, drills the ball, and then observes the results. Similar to medicine, its a combination of art and science. Each ball/experience will improve your abilities.

And last but not least, the donuts and BBQ at Jayhawk are top notch :)
TomaHawk
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Re: Pro shop training

Post by TomaHawk »

....of the 10 or so balls that you have drilled, knowing what you know now, would you have done anything different? ;)
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