AEM’s Leadership Strives to Educate the Amusement Industry

Over the last twenty years, Frank Seninsky and Jerry Merola have brought
their industry expertise to the pages of many Amusement Industry publications.

What you should do before purchasing your first game or attraction. This article features two new FEC's: Funhaven in Ottawa, Canada and ZCor Entertainment in Minnetonka, Minn.

A Fun Zone For Kids in Montana( Playmeter Sept. 2011)

After extensive research and the guidance of a knowledgeable consultant, Amber Collier has opened a successful 24,000 square foot FEC in a Montana small town.

A Shining Star in Saginaw(Bowling Center Magazine (Fall 2011)

Stardust Lanes was built in 1964 as a 35,000 sq. ft. 32-lane center by Joe Deisler. Five years later, 20 lanes were added, expanding the building to 50,000 sq. ft. In 1987, Gary Richards (the current owner) purchased it. Realizing that league bowling was declining he made a decision that if we were to survive, they had to change the type of business they were in and cater to a broader market.

Customer Service: Is It Really All it Can Be? (Playmeter September 2011)

In today's world, there isn't a retailer or service company out there that isn't touting the merits of it's customer service program. High expectations of customer service set consumers up for disappointment. Delivering great guest service requires looking at the world through the customer's eyes.

How To Expand in a Tough Economy (Vending Times August 2011)

Before expanding your amusement business in this economy, the first step is market research. The initial questions are: What niche can I dominate quickly? Where can I operate most efficiently by using my existing infrastructure? What kinds of locations are out there that could be more profitable?

Understanding the Lending Process (Playmeter August 2011)

Some see the act of obtaining bank financing an impossible task, but the fact remains that banks, and lenders in particular, are in the business of loaning money to balance their own obligations. The key lies in understanding the metrics of the lending business and preparing yourself for what is often a tedious and stressful process.

Family Focused Fun (Intergame Magazine, July 2011)

Last year InterGame spoke with some of the leading figures in the redemption sector to bring you a better understanding of what is happening out there in the field...Now 12 months on, we go back to discover what's new, what's changed and what's in store for the year ahead! Interview with Frank Seninsky

A Day at the Beach: Provo Beach Resort (BCM Magazine, June 2011)

You'll be hard pressed to find an FEC project with a more eclectic array of entertainment options than Provo Beach Resort in Utah. In addition to eight bowling lanes - as well as mini-bowling - the 52,000-square-foot, two-level center includes the following: a double FlowRider, large hot tub, multi-level ropes course (60 harnesses/26 elements), 38-wicket interactive croquet course, 14-horse carousel, four golf simulators, Lazer Frenzy, 70 games, softplay, multiple food/beverage services, birthday party rooms, professional concert stage with seating for 180, t-shirt shop, Toddler Town, pinewood derby racing and more. This ultramodern center with 100 employees opened to the public on January 14, 2011, and has already accomplished what it was meant to do - draw anchor tenants and drive traffic to The Shops at Riverwoods.

Direct or Not Direct? That is The Question! (Vending Times, June 2011)

Shakespeare asked the immortal question, "To be or not to be?" -- and today a lot of manufacturers in the amusement industry are asking, "Shall we go direct or not?" -- which many factory executives believe amounts to the same question. They think their survival may hinge on their decisions.

Valley Becomes A New Alley (Entertainment Center News Spring 2011)

Valley Center Bowl was, up until recently, a traditional 30-lane league based bowling center located on South Main Street in Salinas, California (known as the "Salad Bowl of the United States"). The facility's $1.1 million dollar renovation was completed in early January. It included a complete make-over of the game and billiard space into a new redemption-based game zone with a Lazer Frenzy and room for additional future family attractions.

History Provides Clues to Economic Recovery (Playmeter May 2011)

Jerry Merola CFO of Amusement Entertainment Management LLC. provides his economic predictions for 2011 and beyond.

Assemble a Management Team One Investment at a Time(Playmeter March 2011)

Modeling your business after successful examples will help improve productivity and increase your bottom line.

Industry Owls-A Dozen Main Considerations to Picking the Right Mix of Arcade Games (Tourist Attractions and Parks)

There are many subtle considerations to take into account simultaneously when picking the right mix of games for an amusement entertainment center or game zone. I have divided games into the four general categories: Redemption (ticket dispensing), Merchandise Dispensing, Video (must have a monitor), and Novelty (a catch-all that includes everything else remaining such as air hockey, photo booth, pinball and kiddie rides).

Big Deals on Big Box Space (Playmeter October 2010)

High profile store closings are on the rise and now is the time to take advantage of great deals in the commercial real estate market. There's still more than 300 million square feet of "big box" space that lies vacant across the U.S.

Remember to Sweat the Details (Playmeter August 2010)

Unlike other business models, an entertainment operation is subject to a myriad of changing events, including weather, competition, labor shortages, and even the consumer's philosophies on value and free time. Over the years, I've assembled a list of sensitive elements that simply can't be overlooked.

Take Care of The Big Details (Playmeter June 2010)

Don't delay spending on structural replacements. A quick study of the real estate management industry can produce a series of worthwhile standards that all entertainment operators should consider adopting, as they are intended to allow for continuous maintenance of an operating facility in perpetuity.