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
May 16, 2024 • 31 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta introduce the "Wheel of Business" for FECs concept, an adaptation from Tony Robbins' "Wheel of Life." They break down seven crucial sections of your business, from vision and leadership to operational systems, guiding you through self-assessment and improvement strategies. This episode has actionable insights to enhance your business's performance and c...
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In this week's edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta is joined by Zach Johnson of Rev'd Up Fun where he shares how to master membership programs! They discuss the strategies behind building thriving membership programs, conquering initial hesitations, and nurturing a community atmosphere within your business. Gain valuable insights for your business with this episode into elevating member experiences and boosting ret...
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May 2, 2024 • 49 mins
In this week’s edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Danny Gruening and Russ Van Natta are joined by Kimberly Schilling as they explore the transformative journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! This episode is packed with valuable insights applicable to personal and professional growth. Hear firsthand accounts from Danny and Kimberly as they share their inspiring experiences, from initial inspiration to rigorous preparation a...
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April 18, 2024 • 18 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening “unlock” the keys to what makes a great Escape Room game master. They discuss the characteristics of an ideal candidate for the role while also providing a few tips and tricks to level up your customer experience. It’s an episode full of enlightening ideas to ensure your guest walk away with a story to tell all about their experience.
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April 10, 2024 • 22 mins
In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening unpack the secrets to operating your business with intentionality. From guest experiences to business strategies and community involvement, they delve into the importance of vision, culture, and flexibility. Discover practical strategies for creating unforgettable customer experiences, cultivating a winning team culture, and becoming a hero in your comm...
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In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening is joined by Jeff Pierce of Atomic City where they talk how his FEC became 'One of the World's Greatest' in just THREE years! They discuss the power of reinvestment and constant evolution while sharing firsthand insights, success stories, and valuable advice from Jeff and Sharlotte's journey of transforming Atomic City into one of the world's greatest family entertainment...
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March 20, 2024 • 27 mins
In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening dive into the critical topic of how to make organizational change less painful. Learn why 50% of changes fail and how you can beat the odds by crafting a solid framework. From adaptive changes to transformational shifts, they'll guide you through the critical steps to crafting the "Why", defining the "How", overcoming resistance, ensuring sustainability...
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March 13, 2024 • 42 mins
In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta is joined by special guest Armando Lanuti as he shares how to grow your business with a Vivid Vision plan. Armando provides key insights on ways to sustainably strengthen your business through succession planning, decision-making frameworks, and creating memorable experiences for customers, clients, and team members alike. Plus, you'll want to stick around to the end when...
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March 6, 2024 • 27 mins
In this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta takes a moment to interview Scott Logan from Grand Station Entertainment to share how to leverage your staff's special skills. Scott shares how he and his team are revolutionizing customer experiences with innovative strategies like 3D printing to enhance arcade layouts, streamline operations, and create unforgettable memories. Plus, learn their secrets to fosterin...
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February 28, 2024 • 27 mins
In this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening discuss the insights they gained from your fellow FEC industry leaders! After attended several events as of late, industry peers have provided us with their knowledge on adapting marketing strategies, embracing flexibility and experimentation, as well as what successful customer engagement looks likes. Plus, they discuss the importance of c...
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February 21, 2024 • 23 mins
In this week's episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening discuss why cinemas are adding FEC components to their theaters and what it means for the industry. From parallels with the bowling industry to insights on guest service experiences, there is a lot to unpack with this new player coming into the mix.
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February 14, 2024 • 22 mins
In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening explore how the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell can be remixed to elevate your FEC business to a new level. From creating emotional connections to serving your community with purpose, discover actionable strategies to enhance customer experiences and drive success.
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February 6, 2024 • 19 mins
In this week's Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening explore "Gap vs Gain Thinking", a mindset set out by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. In their book, they advocate for evaluating progress without blinders and share insights on the demoralizing nature of constantly chasing an idealized future. Danny & Russ emphasize measuring gains, building confidence, and appreciating wins by reflecting on past experie...
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January 31, 2024 • 17 mins
For this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening talk through the importance of cultivating a vibrant company culture. Taking from our own example, we discuss how the team at Creative Works recently embarked on a staff outing at Combat Ops Entertainment. From this experience, Russ and Danny share practical tips on fostering teamwork, creating memorable connections, and maintaining a positive cu...
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January 24, 2024 • 23 mins
For this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening talk about the necessary skill of delegation. From the pitfalls of wanting to control everything to the fear of failure, they discuss common challenges faced by leaders and managers. Russ and Danny talk through real-life example of delegation in action, using a simple four-step framework: "Watch me do it, We do it, I watch you do it, You do it." ...
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January 17, 2024 • 28 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening discuss the benefits of 2 Second LEAN, a book by Paul Akers. Through the lens of Paul's book, we talk about practical strategies for eliminating waste and improving efficiency in any business setting. From identifying the eight categories of waste to implementing the three S's (Sweep, Sort, Standardize), Russ and Danny provide actionable insights ...
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January 10, 2024 • 19 mins
For this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening discuss the importance of tackling the "boring stuff" in both personal and professional life. From morning routines to business operations, this episode covers how embracing discipline leads to freedom and accomplishment. You won't what to miss this episode chalk full of motivation, practical tips, and a reminder that the monsters in our imaginat...
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January 3, 2024 • 25 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening explain how to understand VR categories in a marketplace where the options feel overwhelming. In this episode, learn how to understand your audience, align VR choices with operational strengths, explore appropriate pricing models, and make staff training an immersive and enjoyable experience. They emphasize the need to move beyond the stereotypica...
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December 27, 2023 • 17 mins
In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening discuss strategies for managing stressful seasons, preventing burnout, and fostering a resilient team. They provide useful tips and techniques such as reframing your perspective, the power of rhythms in work-life balance, and the importance of autonomy. You won't want to miss this one to be a better owner/manager for your business and staff.
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December 20, 2023 • 17 mins
In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, join hosts Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening discuss how we implement a 3-tier decision-making filters and how you can use them for your business. From memorable customer experiences to efficient team workflows, this episode unravels the intricacies of creating attractions that resonate with both end-users and businesses.
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