NORTH CANTON — When Mandi and Frank Testa first got together in 2009, he was working at Perfect Pro Shop inside Spins Bowl Akron.
Frank decided to leave that position to pursue other business opportunities. But his goal did not change.
“I’ve always wanted to become an entrepreneur,” the 40-year-old Massillon resident said. “It’s always been a goal of mine. For years, Mandi and I talked about getting back into the (bowling) business.”
They had discussions a couple of years ago when the pro shop at Eastbury Bowling Center, now operated by Professional Bowlers Association 50Tour pro Tony Johnson, became available.
“We talked about it at the time, but the cards were not in the right order for us to pursue it,” Testa said. “For a couple of years there was a piece of me that wondered if we had missed an opportunity.
“But our patience eventually paid off.”
Enter Ten Back Pro Shop, the name for Testa’s new business venture at Park Centre Lanes. The Testas have set their pro shop grand opening for 6 p.m. on July 5, following the retirement of Bill Reese. They will be working under a lease agreement with the owners.
The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bowling ball drawing and free t-shirts to the first 50 customers.
“It’s not very often that shops like this become available in a center like Park Centre,” Testa said. “A center with a league base as large as it is is a real big positive. The more people that come into the building, the more opportunity the shop has to promote and sell bowling equipment.”
Mandi will control the promotional side of the shop, handling social media responsibilities, with the shop already having a Facebook presence.
“She also will be working with the Park Centre owners to develop and promote the shop,” Frank Testa said. “It’s been our goal to promote the individual advancement of all skill levels with not only custom equipment, but tailored advice as well.
“We thought the name was unique, something fresh and a little more modern.”
EXPERIENCE FACTOR
Testa worked for about two years at Perfect Fit Pro Shop, but has gained most of his experience through close friends Kim and Les Mann at Bowlers Sanctuary inside Kent Lanes.
“They have provided a wealth of knowledge and allowed me to assist them in various facets of their shop,” Testa said. “It has been a blessing to work with them, and I will continue to work with them. Our relationship is not going to change.”
Establishing trust with bowlers and building on that is key for Testa as he establishes his shop’s reputation.
“I have to provide a sense of camaraderie between myself and the bowlers coming in. I think reputation also plays a part in it,” Testa said. “There are a lot of very good players in this area, and I believe I have gained a level of respect from them, and that also comes into play.
“Demeanor also is part of it. I have to come out to the leagues, shake hands with everyone, talk to them and let them know something very special is coming to the shop. In every business, the work that you do says a lot.
“My body of work is very small at this point, so it is important to build relationships now with the people in the center and do the same thing in the fall when the league seasons roll around.”
In many ways, Testa said, he has been training for years for this opportunity.
“Drilling balls with a brand new press will take some time and practice, but it is nothing to the point where I need to stretch out the opening date,” he added. “A lot of it depends on when the new equipment arrives (the press came in recently). We want to make sure we have all systems in place and nothing is missing when the customer walks in.”
DEALING WITH CUSTOMERS
Testa’s philosophy for the shop is simple.
“We want to promote an inclusive environment that not only encourages curiosity, but encourages every improvement for each bowler and celebrates that improvement,” Testa said.
Although he is a Brunswick staff member, Testa said he will treat each bowler as an individual.
“Every bowler is unique; no two people throw the ball the same way, and not two people are able to talk about their games the same way,” Testa said. “It is important that our communication is on the same level as the bowler.
“The most important thing is creating a positive environment while they are in the shop and giving them an experience that they will not forget.”
Testa expects to offer the same deals as other ball manufacturers and staff members in other pro shops through Brunswick. But that will not limit him when it comes to selling equipment.
“When a person walks in, the bowling ball must be tailored to that specific game,” Testa said. “Brunswick, Storm, Roto Grip, etc. have a lot of great equipment, but it’s paramount for us to gain trust that the ball I’m providing matches the bowler’s game specifically.”
IN IT FOR LONG TERM
Testa said he will be offering more opportunities for customers once the pro shop opens. He plans on normal hours between 5:30 and 10 p.m. during the week, except on Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to either 4 or 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
“Bowlers will have more exposure to the shop than in years past,” Testa said.
But, at this point, Testa will continue his full-time employment as a billing specialist with Cleveland Clinic.
“The goal for me is to build the brand up to the point where I can turn this into a full-time position,” Testa said. “The first year will be the tell-tale for that. It would be wonderful to start full-time, but there are just too many unknowns at this point.
“It took us months and years to consider this. The position of the economy and the supply chain problems add a degree of difficulty. We are going to be competitive on pricing. We want to provide a quality product at a price that everyone is comfortable with.”
But the Testas are comfortable with their decision and are eager to begin their new journey.
“I don’t plan on this being a short-time one and done,” Testa said. “We plan on doing this for a long, long time.”