FEC Masterminds Podcast

Running a Family Entertainment Center (FEC) usually brings certain images to mind: arcades, laser tag, or go-karts. But what happens when your primary attraction is 21,000 square feet of ice in the heart of Florida? We recently sat down with Keith Smith from The Ice Factory in Kissimmee, Florida, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of operating an ice rink as a high-engagement, modern FEC. More Than Just Skating in Circles While many ice rinks focus strictly on

When most operators think about adding a new attraction, they look at the standard mix: redemption games, laser tag, or maybe some mini bowling. But what happens when you decide to bring literal tons of sand indoors so kids can play with heavy-duty remote-control excavators? In Episode 4 of The FEC Masterminds Podcast, Erik and I had the chance to sit down with Eddy Richardson from Arena 5/9 Family Fun Zone. Arena 5/9 is known for pushing the envelope with hands-on, tactical,

Replacing a major attraction is one of the toughest, most expensive decisions an operator has to make. Once you finally pull the trigger and tear it out, what exactly goes into that empty footprint to guarantee a solid return on investment? In Episode 3 of The FEC Masterminds Podcast, Erik and I sat down with Chris Camp from Fun Fore All in Cranberry Township, PA, to talk through the operational realities of massive capital investments. Chris walked us through his facility’s

Every operator in the family entertainment industry knows the struggle of the post-summer slump. The kids go back to school, the weather starts to cool down, and historically, those fall months can become some of the quietest—and least profitable—times of the year. But what if you could take one of your worst months and turn it into one of your absolute best? In Episode 2 of The FEC Masterminds Podcast, Erik and I sat down with Brent from Funopolis Family Fun Center in Commer

The games are flashing, the card readers are glowing, and the floor is always moving. But behind the scenes, we all know what it really takes to keep the doors open and the margins up. Welcome to The FEC Masterminds Podcast—a new weekly show built strictly by operators, for operators. For years, Erik Stottlemyer (Owner of Adventure Park USA) and I have been part of an operator mastermind group, meeting monthly to trade notes, fix operational headaches, and figure out what act