By BILL SNIER
In his nearly 2 1/2 years of operating Ten Back Pro Shops at Park Centre, Triway and Wabash lanes, Frank Testa said “there truly was never a day that I walked in that I wasn’t happy to be there.”
That all changed on Monday in Muskegon, Mich.
The 41-year-old Massillon resident has been hired as Brunswick Bowling Products’ Great Lakes Region product specialist. The appointment became official last week, and Testa already has made the move to Michigan to begin his duties, where he will oversee the region that includes Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and Indiana.
In two companion announcements, Dave Wodka has been promoted to international sales manager and Brian Garland becomes West Region product specialist.
“Originally, there were five specialists for five regions,” Testa said in a phone interview. “But they wanted to give their product specialists a better work-life balance to they created a sixth territory. They kind of chopped up a couple of states from other territories to create the new one.”
Testa had first broached the subject with Wodka during a PBA doubles event they bowled together.
“More than likely, I didn’t think anything would happen for a long time,” Testa said. “That’s how good a job it is. The guys that have them (region positions) love the job and there’s not much turnover.
“But I told Dave that, if you think I’m a good candidate, I would like to talk about the possibilities. He said that if I was serious and willing to move, they would be in touch. That was the start of it.”
It came together quickly as Testa was interviewed just a few weeks after talking with Wodka and officially hired two weeks ago. The problem is, this is not a remote position, except when he is on the road, so it constituted a move to Michigan.
“I can do some work on the road, but when I’m in town, I’m expected to be at the office,” Testa said.
That will trigger several other changes as far as Ten Back Pro Shop is concerned.
SMITH TAKING OVER
Testa’s stepson, Cooper Smith, will operate Ten Back Pro Shop at Park Centre.
“With my new position, I’m not permitted to be associated with the pro shop,” Testa said. “I can’t run it or do the books. I have to remove myself completely from it.”
Smith, a graduate of John Carroll University, has been assisting Testa in the shop. But he also may be entering military service in 2025.
“We still have some things to be ironed out. He has an option of what he wants to do,” said Testa, adding he doesn’t expect any decision until January on Smith’s future. “The shop is going to be his, but if he decides to go into the military, we do have a plan.
“Jesse Gonzales has been helping Cooper so we’re trying to make sure we have a strategy in place. If he has to deploy for basic or officer training, we have a plan where Jesse can take over. But we don’t see why that would occur any earlier than January.”
As for the other shops, Testa said Wabash owner Aaron Shanklin will be looking for a replacement “and it will probably be run by a different entity.”
At Triway, Vince Yoder will be returning to take over the pro shop.
“This worked out for us and him,” Testa said. “I’m very excited to see him get back in the pro shop business.”
As for Park Centre, Ten Back Pro Shop will continue business as usual.
“We have done a really good job of developing a good relationship with management at Park Centre. We want to give them reassurance that nothing is going to change from a quality or hours standpoint from us,” Testa said. “Cooper still will maintain constant hours and keep the shop open for our customers.”
Testa’s wife, Mandi, will remain in Massillon as she looks to transition. She holds an executive leadership position within Cleveland Clinic.
“My family was very supportive of this decision,” Testa said. “Mandi at some point will join me. We’re in a fortunate situation where our kids are older and have the ability to branch out on their own.”
WHY THE MOVE?
Why make the move?
“It’s a stepping stone and opportunity for me to get into the bowling industry, to increase my networking skills and branch out into other areas of the industry,” Testa said. “Did I think it would happen this early? No, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up because if I did, it might not present itself again.”
In the short term, Testa wants to develop relationships with distributors and pro shops in the region.
“It’s a very similar to the dynamic when we started at Park Centre,” Testa said. “People were nervous and a little wary because they didn’t know who or what I was. From Day 1, my goal was to build trust and confidence in my customers and the goal remains the same.”
The ultimate goal for Testa long-term? That’s simple.
“I’m always looking to better myself and my career,” Testa said. “I would love to get into executive leadership at one point, but that’s a long way down the road. Right now, I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
But he will miss the pro shop.
“I’m going to miss the camaraderie with the employees and customers at all three centers,” he added. “It’s been an honor and a privilege and it’s something I won’t ever forget.
“I made a lot of friends and developed a lot of relationships, and I hope to maintain those.”