FEC Industry Experts
Here to answer your questions and help you succeed
*Panel of industry experts is subject to change due to availability of speakers.
*Panel of industry experts is subject to change due to availability of speakers.
As the president of one of the largest manufacturers for FECs, president of Amusement Construction Co. for FECS, and the owner/operator of a 60+ years old family entertainment center, Dutch has experienced the effects of two recessions and the shut-down of businesses due to COVID-19. His unique perspective and insight to how FECs have survived and how some have even thrived will help attendees understand better why the FEC business is a great opportunity even during bad economic times. Dutch is a 30+ year veteran in owning, operating, designing, building and supplying FEC facilities. As the leader of the most diversified supplier to the FEC industry, Dutch has successes and failures around the world and can help you make good choices to help you get your business started right!
Dave is a sales professional at Art Attack with over 10 years of experience helping FEC owners build exciting destinations for their customers. Specializing in Laser Tag, Black Light Miniature Golf, Lighting, Theming and other FEC focused solutions, Dave is positioned to help his customers open new locations and grow existing ones. An interesting fun fact about Dave is he currently lives on top of the world’s most active volcano and channels tectonic energies to help focus his work.
Shane has been in the laser tag industry for almost 30 years during which time he has done everything from birthday parties to General Manager of multiple locations. He was also the Executive Director of the International Laser Tag Association until he moved into his current role with Delta Strike. In each role Shane has had the opportunity to help hundreds of projects get off the ground and work with operators to ensure the highest level of success. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs create successful concepts which provide the guests an amazing experience!
There is an old saying, “Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.” This is absolutely true for me. I walked into a fun center in Lynchburg, VA early in my insurance career because I saw their billboard while driving home from an event I was speaking at for summer camp directors. From that point on I have dedicated my time and career to learning everything about the family entertainment industry I can. There are many types of insurance products in the world but when you immerse yourself in every aspect of the industry you’re ensuring that you become a real master of the profession. In business your reputation is everything. I am proud and honored to have achieved a reputation as a trusted partner. Being hands-on and available at 2:00 am to discuss a claim is what has propelled me from that first fun center in Virginia to where I am now.
Jack has over 37 years of industry experience ranging from FEC daily operations, Location-Based Management, Theme Park operations, Facility Design & Construction, Equipment/Attraction Purchasing, Distribution and Manufacturing sales. He has worked for some of the largest and well-known entertainment venues including Sega Theme Parks, Disney Theme Parks and ESPN Zone where he gained real-world, hands-on operational experience. Jack joined QubicaAMF in 2017, bringing a wealth of knowledge that he is able to leverage with new and existing operators. Jack is currently responsible for New Business Development, FEC & Amusement Sales.
The largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider in the world, QubicaAMF has an installed base of more than 13,000 centers in 90 countries and can provide the perfect combination of bowling equipment, products and service/es for new or existing bowling entertainment centers, FECs, Cinemas or any other facility in the hospitality, retail or restaurant industry.
Craig is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. Born and raised in the Heartland. He earned his Associate of Arts in Retail Merchandising and Management from Des Moines Area Community College.
His start in the industry was early on working in local arcades then eventually joined the sales team of Moss Distributing in 1993 leading the company Sales Team to years of record production. Craig went onto Best Gaming and J & J Ventures Gaming and Amusements in Illinois serving as President of the Illinois Gaming Machine Operators Association (IGMOA) for 4 terms leading the industry in becoming one of the most successful public-private partnerships in our industries’ history.
Craig has a passion for well-organized and efficiently operated new start-up FEC projects.
He and his wife Terri have 6 children and soon to be 6 grandchildren. All but the 2 youngest are back in Iowa. His other interests are golf, football, baseball, friends, and our 2 amazing yellow labs.
Paul began his career back in 2001 with Shaffer in the warehouse and delivery department, where he worked on the front lines of Customer Service, completing installs and representing the company out in the field. He soon moved into Parts and Service sales, gaining a greater understanding of the business and valuable industry experience. In 2010, Paul joined the Amusement Sales team; his knowledge of the coin-op industry from the ground up makes him a very valuable asset to Shaffer Distributing.
Prior to Shaffer, Paul served in U.S. Army and received the Army Commendation Medal for distinguished service. He was honorably discharged after 4 years of service, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After the Army, Paul studied music and technical communications at Kent State University while also serving in the Ohio National Guard. Paul loves to spend his free time traveling with his wife Amy, hiking, golfing, fishing and is a diehard Cleveland sports fan.
Dave Wallace is the President and Founder of Turfway Entertainment, a consulting firm located in Indianapolis, Indiana which helps many groups with many challenges in the FEC world. From concept creations, feasibility studies, operational set up, expansions or modernizing of existing properties, brand health checkups and operational management oversight or long term contracts, he and his team can assist in maximizing revenues, profitability, relevancy and long term sustainability. Dave has over 25 years in operations and has successfully opened 85+ properties to date for independent and franchised businesses. As operators, his team is well versed and has expertise in all your business needs from start to finish.
Sheryl is the go-to authority for companies large and small, helping them attain profitable results, year after year. This marketing pro has more than twenty-five years of solid industry experience. She has broken records for sales and has won numerous awards for achievements in retailing, marketing and operations.
Her company, SherylGolf, provides a full range of services to clients in all types of businesses from across the country and around the world. Her expertise has helped hundreds of business owners with marketing, operations, sales, and staff training. With her vast experience, she has walked a mile (or more) in their shoes, and has lived to tell the story.
Sheryl is the author of numerous articles on marketing and profitability that have appeared in various trade publications. In addition, her books, “The PROs Guide to Marketing” continues to receive rave reviews and are top-sellers at the IAAPA Bookstore and International conferences. Her second book, “FUNdamentals of the Party Business” and her latest book, “The PROs Guide to Group Sales” are helping grow sales around the world.
Her passion and enthusiasm for helping clients is truly contagious, and she will help you obtain the results you want. Her consulting sessions are informative, energizing, fun and help you quickly achieve your goals. She delivers programs that your team will remember and can quickly adapt to your business to help grow sales and profits.