Podcast
Memory Makers Podcast
Hosted by Creative Works · EN
Welcome to the Memory Makers Podcast, the show that helps you create amazing customer experiences and make more memories presented by Creative Works. This podcast explores the world of family entertainment centers through the eyes of the people who make it all possible - the Memory Makers. Creative Works' core foundation is based on making "Powerful and Emotional Memories" and they are now sharing that with YOU with insider knowledge, tips & tricks, as well as interviews with industry leaders.
14episodes
Episodes
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Ep. 136 – Designing the Ultimate Guest Escape with Mike Whincup
1w ago00:17:51Tap to summarizeIn 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 launching a highly immersive, beach-themed franchise. We dive deep into the intentionality required to move beyond generic "themed" spaces to create environments that transport guests. Whether it’s painting ceilings "Caribbean Blue" or designing custom fiberglass facades in-house, Mike explains how physical environments directly influence the emotional memories families carry home. "I want people to come in here and forget that they're in Chicago in the middle of winter, and it's going to be bright blue and bright colors." -Mike Whincup Mike reveals the secret to "Do The Beach"—creating a singular, efficient environment that blends soft play, inflatables, and classic attractions into one cohesive world where parents can relax while kids explore.
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Ep. 135 - Mastering Multi-Venue Sales and Community Impact with Danielle Walker of Legacy 925
2w ago00:27:27Tap to summarizeOn 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 Speed to exploring how to "value engineer" custom packages that protect margins while delighting guests. "I believe in question-based selling. There’s a difference between being an order taker and a salesperson. Our goal is guest experience, and if I can ask the right questions and put all the work on me, I make it easy for the guest to say yes." -Danielle Walker Whether you are struggling with point-of-sale fragmentation or looking to move from being an "order taker" to a "consultative partner," Danielle’s insights on question-based selling and community weaving offer a masterclass in growth.
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Ep. 134 - First Impressions of Your Venue
4w ago00:07:41Tap to summarizeOn this solo episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening shares a powerful realization from a recent site visit to Rev'd Up Fun in Detroit, Michigan. Despite being open for eight years, the venue looked as though it had launched just yesterday. Danny dives into how owners and operators often become "blind" to the small scuffs, stains, and wear-and-tear that guests notice immediately. "If your venue is a representation of you as an owner, or you as the operator, or you as the management team—what does your venue say about you?" -Danny Gruening This episode is a vital gut-check for anyone in the family entertainment industry. Danny challenges you to step back and evaluate whether your physical space truly reflects the high standards of your brand or if the "white noise" of daily operations has allowed your excellence to slip.
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Ep. 133 - Proactive Legal Strategies for Family Entertainment Centers with Kevin Lonzo
Apr 1500:35:08Tap to summarizeOn this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Kevin Lonzo, founder of Lonzo Law, to discuss why the traditional "reactive" legal model is broken. Kevin shares his journey from FEC employee to industry-specialized attorney, explaining how attraction owners can protect their dreams through proactive counsel, subscription-based legal plans, and a deep understanding of the "three buckets of liability." "The simple answer is: how do you approach it? You call your lawyer before you put your name [on a contract]. If you are a business owner, you have to think through what you’ve gone through to get that business open." - Kevin Lonzo In the world of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), liability is a core part of the business model. From high-speed go-karts to immersive laser tag arenas, every attraction brings a unique set of risks.
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Ep 132 - Insider Secrets from the Trade Show Floor (+New Studio Set)
Apr 800:33:37Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, we are debuting our brand-new, in-house designed studio set while Russ shares the latest industry insights straight from the aisles of the most recent trade shows. Russ and Danny sit down to deconstruct the massive shifts happening in the family entertainment world, from the psychological changes in how guests book events to the technology that is currently leaving traditional marketing in the dust.
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Ep. 131 - Reimagining Mini Golf with Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus of A Couple of Putts
Apr 100:55:30Tap to summarizeOn this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus, collectively as A Couple of Putts, to discuss their journey from a first date at a sculpture-garden course to competing on ABC’s Holey Moley and founding the American Mini Golf Alliance (AMA). This dynamic duo has traveled to over 14 countries and played more than 600 courses, transitioning from enthusiastic reviewers to sought-after design consultants. "Mini golf is on par with what I think people do with restaurants these days. They don't want to just go to the same chain in every city… They want to go to something that's totally unique and have that special experience." Tom Loftus Tom and Robin argue that the best courses offer more than just a game; they provide a physical escape from our screen-saturated lives. Whether it is through localized themes—like the world’s largest paintball—or high-tech projection mapping that responds to the ball’s movement, successful FEC operators must prioritize intentionality in their design.
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Ep. 130 - Building Better Player Experiences with David Spira of Room Escape Artist
Mar 2500:44:37Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with David Spira, the Co-Founder of Room Escape Artist and the Co-Host of Reality Escape Pod. With over 1,300 games under his belt, David brings a designer’s eye to the "Wild West" of escape rooms. We dive deep into the transition from software design to physical experience design, exploring why "hard" isn't always "better" and how the smallest details—from flickering lights to clean bathrooms—can make or break your guest's memories. "The more that the environment and the things they're doing within it are reinforcing that they're in another world, the better they're going to—the easier they're going to find really surrendering to the experience. And that's what you want." David Spira Whether you’re a veteran operator or just curious about the magic behind the door, this episode is a must-watch in intentional hospitality for any entertainment venue.
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Ep. 129 - The Strategic Evolution of Virtual Reality in FECs with Armando Lanuti
Mar 1800:45:08Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Armando Lanuti, Owner and President of Creative Works, for a deep dive into the changing landscape of virtual and mixed reality. While VR was once viewed as a high-tech novelty, it has matured into a sophisticated anchor for modern family entertainment centers. Armando discusses how the industry has shifted from consumer-grade experiments to robust, commercial-grade attractions that deliver a consistent return on investment. "How do I make this an attraction that's going to last you the five years that you want or more for your investment? Our goal is to make sure the product has the legs for you to get that amortization." Armando Lanuti For operators looking to invest in mixed and virtual reality attractions, Armando provides essential insights on choosing the right hardware, navigating ownership models, and ensuring that new technology complements your overall guest experience rather than complicating it.
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Ep. 128 - Navigating FEC Financing with Jerry Merola
Mar 1100:35:11Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Jerry Merola, Managing Partner at Amusement Entertainment Management, LLC, where we discuss how to navigate FEC financing. Jerry shares his deep expertise on how the financing landscape has shifted post-2020 and why "pre-approval" is a myth in the commercial world. From the necessity of independent feasibility studies to the art of the 10-minute executive summary, this conversation is a masterclass for any entrepreneur looking to turn their entertainment dream into a sustainable reality. "Banks are making an investment not just in a future business model, but they’re making an investment in the individual or individuals that stand behind it. They’re trying to understand the scope and the depth of the investigation... to really understand the viability and sustainability of the business." — Jerry Merola Don't let your project stall at the bank door. Listen now for the blueprint to FEC success!
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Ep. 127 - How to Build a Culture of Connection at Downtown Flavortown, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Bucky Mabe
Mar 400:38:52Tap to summarizeOn this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ concludes our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We finish our series with the one and only, Bucky Mabe of Downtown Flavortown (FACE Amusement) in Pigeon Forge, TN. Bucky shares how their "FACE" core values (Faith, Attitude, Consistency, and Excellence) serve as the 'north star' for a massive seasonal operation, and why they prioritize 'Plus One' moments to turn a standard outing into a lifelong memory. From duckpin bowling and arcade high scores to Guy Fieri’s iconic menu, learn how this 43,000-square-foot powerhouse became the most visited entertainment venue in Tennessee. "When you launch a new concept, you don't really know how the guest is going to treat it. We think we know… but you don't really know until they start showing up. In this concept, people are coming for the food and staying for the fun, as opposed to just coming for the fun and maybe eating." -Bucky Mabe Bucky describes the secret sauce that leads with a world-class culinary brand to create a destination that appeals to an entirely new demographic.
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