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. 150 - How Smart AV Integration and Atmosphere Drive Revenue for FECs with Danielle Hardin

August 19, 2026 • 20 mins
Ep. 150 - How Smart AV Integration and Atmosphere Drive Revenue for FECs with Danielle Hardin by Creative Works
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Ep. 149 - How to Scale Your FEC Business Through A Positive Culture and Guest Connection with Chris King

August 12, 2026 • 37 mins
On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Chris King, Partner and CEO at Monster Mini Golf. With over two decades of experience in franchising and family entertainment, Chris shares how maintaining an unwavering vision, connecting authentically with staff, and treating entertainment as the core deliverable drive sustainable success in the FEC market. "Mini golf isn't our product. Entertainment is our produc...
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Ep. 148 - How to Turn Underutilized Venue Space into Live Entertainment with Jack Slayton

August 5, 2026 • 30 mins
On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Jack Slayton, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Game Show Studio. Together, they explore the shift toward live entertainment in Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and location-based venues. Jack shares how transforming underutilized space into an immersive Hollywood-style game show experience drives customer engagement, creates repeat business, and delivers a ...
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Ep. 147 - Fixing Frontline Retention through Leadership and Culture Secrets with Matt Heller

July 29, 2026 • 47 mins
On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with long-time friend, author, and attractions industry veteran Matt Heller from Performance Optimist Consulting. Matt’s journey in family entertainment and attractions began at age 18 as a ride operator, ultimately leading to over a decade as Senior Trainer of Leadership Development at Universal Orlando Resort. Today, Matt helps leaders across the attractions spac...
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Ep. 146 - The Secret to High-Engagement Socials for Entertainment Venues with Crosse Bearden

July 22, 2026 • 34 mins
On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ chats with Crosse Bearden, Marketing & Events Coordinator at Recoil Trampoline Park in Valdosta, Georgia. Crosse shares his tactical playbook for local community outreach, short-form video content, and practical AI tools. Rather than cluttering feeds with standard promotional flyers, Crosse focuses on content that showcases pure excitement. Short video reels, silly team challe...
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Ep. 145 - Finding New Sources of Inspiration with Danny Gruening

July 15, 2026 • 36 mins
On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with the founder of Action Lab Leadership, Danny Gruening, to discuss finding new sources of inspiration. When you run a family entertainment center, it is remarkably easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of your "why." Danny dives deep into how isolation drains our inspiration and why true leadership relies on cultivating optimism rather than waiting a...
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Ep. 144 - The Multi-Attraction Future of Cinema with Dennis McIntire

July 8, 2026 • 40 mins
On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Dennis McIntire, VP of Strategic Development and Innovation at B&B Theatres. With over three decades of experience spanning marketing, construction, and corporate development, Dennis delves into the realities of blending movie theaters with arcades, bowling alleys, and food services, explaining why traditional theater logic often fails in the entertainment space....
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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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