The FEC Masterminds Podcast Ep1: The Origin Stories
- Clint Novak
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
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 actually drives revenue. We realized there wasn’t a great place for operators to just talk shop without the corporate fluff. So, we decided to build one.
Every Monday, we’ll be sitting down with a different facility owner to trade the blueprints that build better businesses. But before we start passing the mic, we wanted to dedicate Episode 1 to sharing our own roots in the amusement industry.
In Episode 1, we dive into:
The Tilt-A-Whirl That Started It All: Clint’s journey from taking a random parking lot photo to becoming the General Manager of a massive FEC, managing a $1 million go-kart expansion, and eventually opening Planet Novak.
Building from Scratch: Erik’s experience growing up in a 1980s Putt-Putt franchise, leaving a corporate career, and the chaotic reality of building Adventure Park USA from the ground up (including fighting to get the Wildcat roller coaster built).
The "Why" Behind the Grind: The exact moments that make all the broken card readers and weekend staffing stress completely worth it.
What to Expect: A preview of the real numbers, honest conversations, and actionable strategies coming in future episodes.
Join the Mastermind
If you operate a family entertainment center, an arcade, or a multi-attraction park, this community is for you. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we are here to share the exact strategies to help you scale and grow.
Listen and Subscribe on your favorite platform:
Is it time for a fresh set of eyes on your facility? Through Novak Amusement Solutions and the Novak Roadshow, we travel the country conducting hands-on operational audits to help FECs optimize their floor, increase per-cap spend, and streamline operations.
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