Memory Makers Podcast

For this SPECIAL EDITION of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta talk ALL about IAAPA, the ultimate gathering for entertainment industry professionals. Amidst the bustling show floor, they share insights on turning overwhelming experiences into actionable strategies to ensure you are set up for success after the show!

For this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta hand the reins over to Armando Lanuti as he sits down with Trent Coggins of Recoil Trampoline Park to discuss how he turned an unexpected idea into a booming, profitable business. You won’t want to miss the insights from Trent on how he went from practicing law to becoming the ‘accidental entrepreneur’ behind the thri...

For this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, join Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta as they talk through John Maxwell's acclaimed work, 5 Levels Of Leadership. They discuss the different levels of leadership and how to go from a 'positional leadership' role to a 'pinnacle leadership' role with the intention of becoming a force for good both within your organization and in your community. If you'...

For this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, host Danny Gruening & Russ Van Natta explore essential team-building principles and the art of crafting outstanding customer experiences. This topic was heavily influenced by Patrick Lencioni's "The Ideal Team Player" and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," where he identifies the key elements of self-awareness, trust, healthy conflict, commitment, acc...

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, host Danny Gruening & Russ Van Natta discuss the results of a survey conducted by the AAMA (American Amusement Machine Association) committees, shedding light on the rapidly growing popularity of VR attractions.

In this SPECIAL edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Jeff Gebhart and Craig Wescott of Five Star Parks & Attractions to various crucial aspects of the FEC industry, shedding light on their growth and scaling strategies, focusing on the significance of teamwork, community engagement, and upholding the reputation of established brands. They also dive into the intricaci...

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta share essential marketing strategies for family entertainment centers. They discuss the importance of creating marketing personas, using social media effectively, optimizing your website, and delivering segmented email marketing. You won't want to skip this episode for practical insights to enhance your customer...

For this installment of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta discuss one of the industries most tried and true attractions, Laser Tag! From the excitement of briefing and vesting to the heart-pounding game itself, they'll guide you through every step to provide the experience your guests demand to earn the profits you desire. Plus, learn how these principles can eleva...

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, we're coming to you from the Amusement 360 stage! It's here that we dive into a game-changing concept: "Who Not How." from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. When you find the right individuals to collaborate with, they can take your business further, faster. From improving operational efficiency to fostering personal growth, this episode offers insi...

Tune in to this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast as Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta share their insights with ongoing training and how it can positively impact your family entertainment center. We converse the concepts of 'LEAN Manufacturing', the importance of being intentional in training, and the value of bringing in outside voices for fresh perspectives. Plus, discover how gamific...

On this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, we dive into the masterclass that is running a business in the likes of industry giants Disney and Universal! Discover the secrets to creating "wow" moments, the power of storytelling in entertainment, and the importance of setting clear service expectations. Plus, find out what NOT to do when engaging with your customers!

In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ and Danny keep it real by sharing some surprising truths about your attraction mix that could transform your approach.

In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, the dynamic duo of Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta unveil 3 potent methods that are destined to launch your business to new heights. 🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned entertainment center owner or embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is brimming with actionable insights directly inspired by the works of Jay Abraham.

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta introduce a powerful framework from John Maxwell that will change the way you approach note taking for better implementation. Learn how to prioritize and turn concepts into actionable plans using the "ACT" framework: Apply, Change, Teach. How can YOU as an owner/operator in the FEC or LBE industry benefit from implemen...

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta discuss how technology elevates attractions like laser tag, mini golf, and VR into immersive adventures, bringing stories to life and fostering social connections. Tune in as they delve into the art of weaving storytelling into attractions, making each visit a memorable adventure in today's tech-centric world.

In this installment, Russ and Danny break down the essential factors that influence attraction decisions in the entertainment industry. From understanding size requirements and hourly capacity to pricing strategies, they unravel the secrets that drive successful choices for your venue. But that's not all – there's a fourth ingredient crucial to the mix: staffing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or j...

It's easy for location-based entertainment venue owners to ask "which attraction will make the most money?" But the answer is complicated, because it depends on several factors. First, who is your target audience? Is it kids, pre-teens, teens, or adults? Next, what are your goals? If you want to book more birthday parties, the solution might be very different than a goal to increase dwell time. Th...

The location-based entertainment industry has a lot of employee turnover. Most staff members are high school and college kids working part time, who then move on to the "real world" after a couple years. This causes many business owners to to assume they have little (or no) impact on these kids. But this couldn't be further from the truth. The foundation you set for your employees will last for th...

Have you ever considered what business you're in? Ok, but what about the business you're REALLY in? It's easy for location-based entertainment venues to think they are in the business of their attractions (bowling, or laser tag, or trampolines, or anything else). But really, you're in the business of memories, fun, celebration, and escape. This sounds subtle, but it's a mental shift that can have...