Memory Makers Podcast

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by industry titan Kevin Williams—publisher of The Stinger Report and consultant at KWP. Kevin unpacks why traditional definitions limit our thinking, how modern tech reshapes physical venues, and why operators leave serious revenue on the table. "We are dealing with an audience now that has been born with a silver internet connection in...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Renee Welsh, CEO of Embed, to unpack the honest human reality behind system overhauls, AI, and digital tools. Renee shares practical frameworks for handling friction, building psychological safety, and setting intentional criteria so your organization gains real capabilities without unnecessary burnout. "But it's not just about impl...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with John Keys, Sales Director at CenterEdge Software, to discuss how family entertainment centers can transform tense guest interactions into lifelong loyalty through intentional staff training, active listening, and simple system processes. Turning friction into loyalty requires giving your team the proper tools, repetitive role-playin...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Armando Lanuti, President and Owner of Creative Works. Together, they strip away the corporate speak to reveal what really brings guests through your doors, how rising real estate costs drive attraction design, and why frontline staff shape guest memories more than shiny hardware. When discussing the industry’s obsession with labeling...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Kay Anderson, Founder of Prana Play in Carmel, Indiana. Inspired by raising her own family, Kay opened a family entertainment center uniquely engineered to welcome both neurodiverse and neurotypical children simultaneously. Kay breaks down the practical mechanics of sensory-balanced venue design, highlighting how critical choices—like...

ns, to reveal a powerful growth engine local venues constantly overlook: public relations. Kevin knows you do not need to spend millions of dollars on a massive facility overhaul to catch the attention of journalists or local creators. By capitalizing on timely pop culture moments, engaging local micro-influencers, and building simple relationships with local media contacts, your venue can earn hi...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Creative Work's Concept Artist and Illustrator, Kimberly Holbrook. You will recognize her as one of the creative forces behind some of Creative Works' most dynamic 2D and 3D animations, prop designs, and interactive Laser Tag Launch Room experiences. "It's important seeing what people are gravitating towards so that as they open up...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by David Pascoe, Business Development and Sales Executive at LAI Games. Drawing on over 15 years of industry experience—including servicing arcade machines across Walt Disney World properties and directing amusements and attractions for Andretti Karting & Games—David breaks down the essential balance between business analytics and guests...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Josh Liebman, ICAE—Guest Experience Strategist, Founder of Liebman Leisure Group, Co-Host of the AttractionPros Podcast, and Author of The Hospitality Mentality. Josh shares tactical strategies for de-escalating tense situations, empowering frontline staff, and building an intentional service recovery system. "We can only fix the pr...

Ep. 150 - How Smart AV Integration and Atmosphere Drive Revenue for FECs with Danielle Hardin by Creative Works

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Chris King, Partner and CEO at Monster Mini Golf. With over two decades of experience in franchising and family entertainment, Chris shares how maintaining an unwavering vision, connecting authentically with staff, and treating entertainment as the core deliverable drive sustainable success in the FEC market. "Mini golf isn't our pr...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Jack Slayton, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Game Show Studio. Together, they explore the shift toward live entertainment in Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and location-based venues. Jack shares how transforming underutilized space into an immersive Hollywood-style game show experience drives customer engagement, creat...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with long-time friend, author, and attractions industry veteran Matt Heller from Performance Optimist Consulting. Matt’s journey in family entertainment and attractions began at age 18 as a ride operator, ultimately leading to over a decade as Senior Trainer of Leadership Development at Universal Orlando Resort. Today, Matt helps leaders...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ chats with Crosse Bearden, Marketing & Events Coordinator at Recoil Trampoline Park in Valdosta, Georgia. Crosse shares his tactical playbook for local community outreach, short-form video content, and practical AI tools. Rather than cluttering feeds with standard promotional flyers, Crosse focuses on content that showcases pure excitement. Short...

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with the founder of Action Lab Leadership, Danny Gruening, to discuss finding new sources of inspiration. When you run a family entertainment center, it is remarkably easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of your "why." Danny dives deep into how isolation drains our inspiration and why true leadership relies on cultiva...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Dennis McIntire, VP of Strategic Development and Innovation at B&B Theatres. With over three decades of experience spanning marketing, construction, and corporate development, Dennis delves into the realities of blending movie theaters with arcades, bowling alleys, and food services, explaining why traditional theater logic often fa...

iscuss how to beat the budget and outsmart the layout when designing your FEC. Katie brings over a decade of commercial and attraction design experience to the table, sharing insider secrets on how to turn physical spatial limitations into standout features, design with a "Pixar mentality" that satisfies both kids and parents, and phase out big projects to protect a budget while leaving room for f...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Clint Novak, Owner of Novak Amusement Solutions and Planet Novak, to unpack the hidden opportunities within small-footprint family entertainment centers (FECs). As traffic patterns shift and large-scale buildouts become increasingly expensive, the mid-sized and smaller market models are having a massive moment. Clint shares his firsth...

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Paco Underhill, global retail expert, founder of Envirosell Inc., and bestselling author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping. Paco shares his journey from hanging time-lapse cameras off 60-story skyscrapers to discovering how minor physical adjustments radically alter guest habits. He shares the critical differences in demographi...

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Armando Lanuti to strip away the confusion and look at AI through a practical lens. As a business owner, you do not need to become a master programmer to reap the benefits of this technology. At its core, AI serves as an elevated search engine and a powerful time-saver, helping you tackle everyday challenges in your Family Entertain...

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ and Danny dive deep into the self-limiting beliefs and self-imposed boundaries that trap Family Entertainment Center (FEC) owners in the daily grind. Pulling insights from industry events like Amusement 360, the duo challenges listeners to take a hard look at how their own mindset, business identities, and daily habits directly dictate their venue...

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Doug Wilkerson, Principal and Creative at Dynamic Designs Inc., to unpack the critical elements that transform a physical location into a living, breathing experience that generates deep emotional connections. With over three decades of experience designing immersive environments for global giants like Walt Disney World, Legoland, a...

On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Martin Kuntz, one of the longest-tenured employees at Creative Works to discuss how he designs the visual magic of attractions. Over his 15-year career with the company, Martin has worn nearly every artistic hat imaginable—sculpting, painting murals, and working as a key member of the design and engineering department. Marti...

In this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with a man who wears many hats in the family entertainment industry. Mike Whincup is the Chief Ride Designer at Galaxy Multi Rides and the COO of Do The Beach Franchising while at Amusement 360! Mike shares his unique journey from growing his family’s legacy as the world’s largest mechanical bull manufacturer to launchi...

On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Danielle Walker of Legacy 925 while at the Amusement 360 Event. Danielle shares her fascinating transition from the trade industry to the high-octane world of go-karting and multi-venue entertainment. We dive deep into the mechanics of managing sales for an entertainment district that houses everything from K1 Spee...