Memory Makers Podcast

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

Ep. 143 - How to Beat the Budget and Outsmart the Layout of Your FEC with Katie Ross

July 1, 2026 • 21 mins
iscuss how to beat the budget and outsmart the layout when designing your FEC. Katie brings over a decade of commercial and attraction design experience to the table, sharing insider secrets on how to turn physical spatial limitations into standout features, design with a "Pixar mentality" that satisfies both kids and parents, and phase out big projects to protect a budget while leaving room for future growth. "How do we take thi...
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Ep. 142 - Why Small Footprint FECs Are Growing in Popularity with Clint Novak

June 24, 2026 • 45 mins
On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Clint Novak, Owner of Novak Amusement Solutions and Planet Novak, to unpack the hidden opportunities within small-footprint family entertainment centers (FECs). As traffic patterns shift and large-scale buildouts become increasingly expensive, the mid-sized and smaller market models are having a massive moment. Clint shares his firsthand experience launching Planet No...
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Ep. 141 - The Science of Shopping Applied to Family Entertainment Centers with Paco Underhill

June 17, 2026 • 41 mins
On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Paco Underhill, global retail expert, founder of Envirosell Inc., and bestselling author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping. Paco shares his journey from hanging time-lapse cameras off 60-story skyscrapers to discovering how minor physical adjustments radically alter guest habits. He shares the critical differences in demographic comfort, the psychological weigh...
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Ep. 140 - Why Your FEC Staff Needs an AI Force Multiplier Right Now with Armando Lanuti

June 10, 2026 • 30 mins
On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Armando Lanuti to strip away the confusion and look at AI through a practical lens. As a business owner, you do not need to become a master programmer to reap the benefits of this technology. At its core, AI serves as an elevated search engine and a powerful time-saver, helping you tackle everyday challenges in your Family Entertainment Center (FEC). From optimizing...
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Ep. 139 - How to Eliminate Self-Imposed Limitations and Scale Your Entertainment Venue

June 3, 2026 • 28 mins
On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ and Danny dive deep into the self-limiting beliefs and self-imposed boundaries that trap Family Entertainment Center (FEC) owners in the daily grind. Pulling insights from industry events like Amusement 360, the duo challenges listeners to take a hard look at how their own mindset, business identities, and daily habits directly dictate their venue’s growth potential. "How am...
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Ep. 138 - The Power of Story-Driven Architecture and Design with Doug Wilkerson

May 27, 2026 • 32 mins
On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Doug Wilkerson, Principal and Creative at Dynamic Designs Inc., to unpack the critical elements that transform a physical location into a living, breathing experience that generates deep emotional connections. With over three decades of experience designing immersive environments for global giants like Walt Disney World, Legoland, and Main Event Entertainment, Doug ...
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Ep. 137 - Designing the Visual Magic of Attractions with Martin Kuntz

May 20, 2026 • 21 mins
On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Martin Kuntz, one of the longest-tenured employees at Creative Works to discuss how he designs the visual magic of attractions. Over his 15-year career with the company, Martin has worn nearly every artistic hat imaginable—sculpting, painting murals, and working as a key member of the design and engineering department. Martin shares what it was like to ...
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Ep. 136 – Designing the Ultimate Guest Escape with Mike Whincup

May 13, 2026 • 17 mins
In 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,...
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Ep. 135 - Mastering Multi-Venue Sales and Community Impact with Danielle Walker of Legacy 925

May 6, 2026 • 27 mins
On 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 engin...
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Ep. 134 - First Impressions of Your Venue

April 22, 2026 • 7 mins
On 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 ...
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Ep. 133 - Proactive Legal Strategies for Family Entertainment Centers with Kevin Lonzo

April 15, 2026 • 35 mins
On 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 ...
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Ep 132 - Insider Secrets from the Trade Show Floor (+New Studio Set)

April 8, 2026 • 33 mins
On 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...
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Ep. 131 - Reimagining Mini Golf with Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus of A Couple of Putts

April 1, 2026 • 55 mins
On 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...
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Ep. 130 - Building Better Player Experiences with David Spira of Room Escape Artist

March 25, 2026 • 44 mins
On 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 fl...
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Ep. 129 - The Strategic Evolution of Virtual Reality in FECs with Armando Lanuti

March 18, 2026 • 45 mins
On 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 ...
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Ep. 128 - Navigating FEC Financing with Jerry Merola

March 11, 2026 • 35 mins
On 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, ...
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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

March 4, 2026 • 38 mins
On 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 m...
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Ep. 126 - Cultivating "Second Mile Service" at High 5 Exchange, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Jenny Emley

February 25, 2026 • 28 mins
On this special episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ continues our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We are next joined by Jenny Emley, one of the visionaries behind High 5 Exchange, who shares the heart behind their success, "Second Mile Service." This principle, inspired by Chick-fil-A, challenges team members to look past the basic re...
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Ep. 125 - Crafting a Culture of Service at Uptown Alley, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Chris Barton

February 18, 2026 • 24 mins
On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ continues our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We are joined next by Chris Barton, Assistant General Manager of Uptown Alley in Surprise, Arizona. Chris shares how this 60,000-square-foot powerhouse has evolved from a bowling-centric hub into a diverse entertainment destination. "The...
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Ep. 124 - Inside Star Lanes Polaris, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Doug Mechling

February 11, 2026 • 31 mins
On this special episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ kicks off a special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We first sit down with Doug Mechling, owner of Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, Ohio. Doug takes us behind the scenes of their 35,000-square-foot facility, sharing how they transformed a former Circuit City into a premier bowling-anchored de...
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