Memory Makers Podcast
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.
Episodes
October 8, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Sara Paz, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Embed, for an insightful in how FEC operators can use data for business decisions and improving efficiency. As part of the Amusement 360 Partner Series, Sara dives into how operators can remove friction, optimize the guest journey, and futureproof their business through smart, tech-driven decisions. From the ris...
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October 1, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Derek Rodner, Co-founder of Uplink Studios, about how to use STEM to enrich your customers. Derek shares how Uplink creates interactive experiences—like esports, golf simulators, and racing challenges—that engage the whole family while sparking curiosity and learning. He also highlights Uplink’s focus on community impact, from youth leagues and summer camps...
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September 24, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta are live from Amusement 360 sharing how FEC owners make a difference in their communities. They share stories that stuck with them like Nic Parks of Level Up Entertainment in Columbia, MO donates his entire professor salary to a children’s hospital and created a fundraiser model that lets community groups keep 50% of arcade card sales. In Pennsylvania, ...
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September 12, 2025 • 19 mins
In this roadshow edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Chris Epstein of Laserforce from the Monster Mini Golf National Convention to discuss redemption, game modes, and secrets to successful laser tag operations. Together, they dive into how redemption is reshaping the laser tag experience, explore innovative game formats that keep players coming back, and share insider tips for operators looking to ke...
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September 3, 2025 • 13 mins
In this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta dives into 5 ways to elevate special events at your FEC. He shares how you can unlock new revenue and stronger community ties by going beyond traditional birthday parties. Russ highlights creative ways to make events stand out, from themed celebrations and STEM-based programs to seasonal attractions, leagues, fundraisers, and local partnerships. By offering experie...
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August 27, 2025 • 33 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta break down what every FEC owner should know about SBA loans. They explain how SBA loans work, the differences between the 7(a) and 504 programs, and what lenders look for in applicants. They also cover realistic timelines, common challenges FECs face along the way, and strategies to make your application stand out. This episode serves as your roa...
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August 19, 2025 • 24 mins
In this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta shares how FEC operators can stop guessing and start growing with the 5 business data points to measure FEC growth. From revenue by attraction and guest traffic patterns to party conversions, labor efficiency, and marketing ROI, Russ highlights the five most critical areas to measure and shows how even simple systems, like spreadsheets, can uncover insights that dr...
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August 13, 2025 • 25 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta talks with Michelle Gruening, Personal Growth & Leadership Coach at Action Lab Leadership and founder of MG Coaching, about how to grow from a manager into a leader. Michelle shares lessons from her own career, including how to delegate effectively, give meaningful feedback, invest in personal growth, and apply the “1-3-1 Rule” to develop problem-solving teams. It’...
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August 6, 2025 • 19 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta breaks down leadership strategies for breaking through stuck points. If you are feeling stuck, you're not alone. Russ dives into practical tools like the “5 Whys” to uncover root causes, reverse thinking to challenge assumptions, and reframing techniques to turn setbacks into growth opportunities. Whether you're navigating internal friction or shifting market dynam...
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July 30, 2025 • 26 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, we hit the triple-digit mark!! In this milestone 100th episode, Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening celebrate the journey so far and take a deep dive into what actually makes an experience unforgettable.
Russ and Danny reveal the five characteristics that define truly memorable experiences. These are the same qualities that turn one-time guests into loyal fans. They share real-wor...
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July 23, 2025 • 11 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening talks about how perfectionism is NOT a superpower, and how chasing flawlessness may actually hold you back. Instead, Danny challenges listeners to embrace the power of mastery, which is built through consistency, discomfort, and purpose-driven growth. He explores the difference between fear-based perfectionism and progress-focused mastery, drawing on lessons from l...
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July 16, 2025 • 44 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta is joined by John Keys, Sales Director at CenterEdge Software, to share revenue strategies for today’s FEC. As part of the Amusement 360 Partnership series, John provides real examples like simplifying group bookings, launching After Dark events, and introducing premium cocktails to attract adult guests. Plus, we talk about taking inspiration from other industries,...
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July 9, 2025 • 32 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Wes Ratcliff, GM of Karting at ROLLER, to explore how FECs can convert one-time visitors into repeat guests. As part of the Amusement 360 Partnership series, Wes shares practical strategies to boost engagement, dwell time, and repeat visits. From expanding offerings to implementing unique programming, the conversation also highlights the importance o...
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July 2, 2025 • 23 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta is joined by Courtney Drahos of Party Center Software to share how to create an FEC marketing plan. As part of the Amusement 360 Partnership series, Courtney offers actionable tips to help operators open strong and grow smarter, from crafting your brand identity to building hype with websites and ads. This episode unpacks must-know strategies for branding, marketin...
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June 25, 2025 • 42 mins
In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Bart Burger of Qubica AMF to talk about the 7 key factors of social gaming. As part of the Amusement 360 Partnership series, Bart breaks down those seven key traits into repeatability, easy participation, tech savviness, small group playability, ease of learning and difficulty of mastering, lighthearted competition, and the role of food and beverage....
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June 18, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, host Russ Van Natta chats with Creative Works’ Head Concept Developer Mike Ficarra about How to Create Immersive Attractions for FECS. Mike shares insights from his work on iconic themed attractions like Masters of the Universe and G.I. Joe, exploring how physical storytelling, guest psychology, and IP preservation come together. He explains “forensic storytelling,” where guests discove...
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June 11, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ and Danny break down The 3 E's of Effective Business Leadership. Those 3 E's consist of Efficiency, Effort, and Expertise. They explain why being effective (watering real plants) matters more than just staying busy, and share their “Done by One” strategy: knock out 2–3 important tasks before 1 PM to stay focused. They also dive into how to keep putting in consistent effort, even wh...
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June 4, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Creative Works Owner and President, Armando Launti to discuss the hard reality of being a business owner. Together, they peel back the curtain on what it really takes to juggle the roles of business owner, team leader, and family person without losing your mind. Armando shares candid advice on ditching the myth of “work–life balance” in favor of a more realistic flow, ...
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May 28, 2025 • 28 mins
In this timely episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by keynote speaker, author, and communication expert Scott Harvey to explore how storytelling creates unforgettable guest experiences in the family entertainment industry. Together, they unpack the primal impact of stories, how they shape culture, and why your team—and your guests—need to feel like part of a meaningful narrative. Scott shares insights from his deca...
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May 21, 2025 • 22 mins
In this timely episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ and Danny reflect on the top 5 lessons we learned at Amusement 360. From Jerry Merola’s optimistic financial outlook on growth in the FEC industry to insightful operator interviews with leaders from Pins and Wheels, Conroe’s Incredible Pizza, and Airway Fun Center, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Whether it's rebranding with intention, creating unique communi...
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