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

As part of the Novak Roadshow, my monthly consulting tour aimed at helping Family Entertainment Center (FEC) operators optimize their businesses, I recently visited a brand-new facility that completely blew me away: The Hub in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Meeting with Philip Glass, who was instrumental in getting the facility open, I got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a massive entertainment complex. Only two weeks into their opening, they are already showcasing some incred

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

We are right in the thick of the spring hiring push. Across the industry, operators are staffing up, bringing in an influx of high school and college hires—many of whom are stepping into their very first job. Once you get these new hires into your system, the next massive hurdle is making sure they are actually ready for the crushing crowds of a busy weekend. When I first started at Fun Land, we fell into the trap that so many Family Entertainment Centers fall into. We used t

In the world of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), there’s a common playbook: hire a general contractor, buy your attractions from a catalog, and call a tech support line when the lights go out. Then, there’s The Castle Fun Center in Chester, NY. I recently had the chance to tour this sprawling facility with their General Manager, Mike , and I walked away with a massive amount of respect for their operation. The Castle is a masterclass in the "Hands-on Ethos." While many f