By BILL SNIER
NORTH CANTON — Just putting holes in a bowling ball is not where the value of a pro shop lies.
“It’s being able to discuss the equipment, being able to fit customers properly and get them what they need,” said Jesse Gonzales, a 34-year-old Jackson Township resident who has taken over operations at Ten Back Pro Shop inside Park Centre Lanes.
Gonzales, who remains active in the military and is stationed at the Army National Guard Base at Akron-Canton Regional Airport, brought his love of bowling along with him when he accepted the position in Ohio after moving from Virginia with his wife, Ashlee.
He has taken over from Frank Testa, who left the shop he opened to become a regional manager for Brunswick. It was Testa who trained Gonzales.
“It’s funny because when we moved here, we started bowling leagues at Park Centre and came to Frank for help with equipment,” said Gonzales, a two-handed right-hander. “We started the YouTube page with equipment and I thought it could help promote the shop.
“It also gave me the time to work in the shop and develop my skills, and we really hit it off. It’s been a learning curve for the past two years with (Testa’s stepson) Cooper (Smith). I can say I’m a pretty quick learner. There were not issues from the drilling aspect but I think, most importantly, what benefitted me most in the transition was my knowledge of bowling.”
It was not an easy decision for the Gonzales family to make, especially with a now one-year-old baby daughter to consider.
“I think it took us a month-and-a-half to swallow the fact that we might commit to this. Initially, it was about are we going to be able to do this then evaluating is it worth it?” Gonzales said. “What really pushed us toward this is historically in our marriage when I’ve been deployed my work hours have been pretty extenuating, but very rarely was it something that I actually enjoyed.
“That’s where this came into play. This was just a great opportunity and something I want to do long-term. This gives me that chance to get a free chance as it were to take a hard look at this for the future.”
But operating a business for the first time also has its challenges.
“Often, fitting the customers is pretty easy,” Gonzales said. “It’s the anomalies physically for them that make it difficult. Do they have a hand issue or finger issue? Is there a wrist or elbow problem? Are they unable to do this or that when releasing the ball? That’s what really tests the pro shop’s capabilities.
“And as a first-time business owner, there are all the others things that exist. Ashlee (whose background is in the banking industry) helps a ton with the administration, financial aspects and behind-the-scenes stuff. It allows Cooper and I to concentrate on operations.”
Smith has remained with the shop, but that is only for the short term at this point. He will be leaving for the military himself in January 2025.
“We’re looking at a few people at this time to help fill the gap for me. We’re kind of shopping around,” said Gonzales, who still must work full-time to fulfill his military commitment in addition to his hours in the pro shop.
“We’re not necessarily searching, but I will need some help. I essentially work 8 to 3 at the base, come in hear during my lunch period and then come back at the end of the day. It’s probably 15 to 16 hours a day. It’s a long day for sure, but I think it’s something I’ve gotten used to over the past 15 years of my military career.”
Ashlee also is learning how to perform some of the pro shop tasks with Smith being the primary instructor.
“The work flow is in ebbs and waves and when it comes in fast, it’s really trying to have better time management,” Gonzales said. .”We have been busy, but that’s a good thing. But we have to be on top of it or we will fall behind.
“We can’t be a pro shop that says come back in a week and pick something up.”
With first-time bowlers, Gonzales says his questions revolve around what the bowler’s plans are for the sport.
“We always try to gauge what their plans are. Do they plan on bowling leagues or tournaments? Or are they just recreational players who want something for themselves and just want to go out and throw the ball,” Gonzales said. “But our recommendations from a ball or fit perspective remain the same for all.
“First, identify any issues from a medical standpoint and make sure we have a clear picture of what they can and can’t do. Then, we talk price point because it does matter. We ensure we’re not pushing people toward specific or expensive products. We try to be real honest with people as to what they need and don’t need.”
What has been the biggest adjustment for Gonzales?
In fact, it has been his own game.
“I’m surprised how much my own bowling has decreased,” Gonzales said. “I don’t bowl nearly as much as I used to before I took over.
“It was surprising how busy we are … taking orders, pushing product and doing it effectively.”
The pro shop’s hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Gonzales has four years remaining in his military commitment before he can retire. Is staying as a pro shop owner part of his “retirement?’
“It’s something I enjoy and the people here are amazing to me and my family. I’ve made a bunch of friends through relationships that just develop naturally,” Gonzales said. “For a lot of people, this is a hobby they can do for the rest of their lives and we have all ages of demographics here.”
It’s not something Gonzales saw coming when he was hanging around pro shops and bowling in other cities where he was stationed.
“It’s been a learning curve to be sure,” Gonzales added. “Frank gave me a courtesy heads-up on what might be happening. But the opportunity he gave me provided me with something I enjoy and can build on for the future.”