FEC Masterminds Podcast

Clint Novak
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Welcome to The FEC Masterminds, the ultimate podcast for owners and operators of family entertainment centers. Hosted by active operators Clint and Erik, we cut through the corporate fluff to bring you real talk from the front lines. Every week, we interview a new industry leader to uncover what makes their location unique and trade the blueprints that build better businesses. No sales pitches—just real operators sharing the exact strategies to help you scale and grow. A rising tide lifts all boats. Subscribe now and join the community!

  1. 3d ago

    Turning Laser Tags Into Frights: Inside Ziggy’s Funland

    In Episode 16 of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint and Erik head out to the Midwest to chat with Joe and Ben from Ziggy’s Funland. Starting from absolute scratch on a derelict, overgrown plot with hidden mini-golf holes and missing poles, Joe and Ben spent 19 years building Ziggy’s into a masterclass of space efficiency. In this episode, they break down how they pack a punch into just 3.4 acres—including an arcade split across two buildings based on ceiling height, an outdoor tactical laser tag arena, and a custom-brewed golden ale created in partnership with a local brewery. In this episode, we cover: The Ground-Up Build: How they cleared out an abandoned property with chainsaws to salvage 16 out of 18 buried mini-golf holes and built a thriving FEC from nothing. Seasonal Pivots & Haunted Trails: How they transform their 150,000-square-foot outdoor tactical laser tag field into a massive Halloween haunt that doubles attendance. Space-Saving Arcade Logistics: Managing low 36-inch doorways and 12-foot ceilings by strategically sorting tall and short games across dual buildings. Unique F&B and Community Touches: Partnering with a local brewery for an exclusive 5.3% golden ale and boosting birthday party engagement with a community Polaroid board. The ROI of Scares: Budgeting for low-cost pneumatics, utilizing intense jump scares, and hiring local talent to double haunt attendance year-over-year. Whether you’re looking to maximize a small footprint, execute a seasonal haunt, or learn how to squeeze every ounce of profit out of your acreage, this episode is packed with brilliant operator insights! Listen & Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to level up? Drop us a line or apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/

  2. Sep 7

    From Bowling Center to Indoor Theme Park: Inside Neb’s Fun World

    In Episode 15 of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint and Erik sit down with Jeff England, the fourth-generation owner-operator of the legendary Neb’s Fun World in Oshawa, Ontario (just outside of Toronto). Unlike many operators who enter the industry from the outside, Jeff grew up as a "bowling rat" in a family business that spans four generations (with his kids already representing the fifth!). In this episode, Jeff takes us deep behind the scenes of how Neb’s Fun World has continuously evolved—including a massive COVID-era "Franken-building" construction project where they built a giant 53-foot-tall structure right over top of their old expansions to keep doors open. In this episode, we cover: Next-Level Theming: Why Jeff and his family decided 15 years ago to move away from "empty box" setups and turn Neb's into an immersive, indoor theme park experience. In-House Engineering & Software: How Jeff writes his own PLC logic, builds custom automatic scoring systems from scratch for their 52 bowling lanes, and creates unique ID-tag security doors for staff training. The Canadian Bowling Conundrum: How they built custom convertible machines that seamlessly handle both traditional Canadian five-pin and American ten-pin bowling on the same lanes. Reinventing Redemption: Why they ditched the traditional crowded retail store counter for a hybrid kiosk system that saves valuable square footage for money-making games while slashing labor bottlenecks. The Mansion & Future Expansion: An inside look at their massive 10,000 sq ft multi-level indoor expansion featuring a brand-new custom laser tag arena and a 46-person Triotech stand-up motion theater. Whether you’re looking to scale your footprint, rethink your arcade layout, or marvel at what operators can build when they roll up their sleeves, this episode is a masterclass in independent innovation! Listen & Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to level up? Drop us a line or apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/

  3. Aug 17

    Calvert Drive-In: Reimagining a 70-Year-Old Kentucky Icon

    Welcome back to another episode of the FEC Masterminds Podcast! This week, Clint Novak and Erik Stottlemyer are joined by a special guest, Seth, the innovative third-generation operator of the historic Calvert Drive-In Theater. Seth took over a beloved Kentucky icon—a classic 1953 drive-in theater—and has been strategically transforming it from a simple, seasonal cinema into a dynamic, year-round Family Entertainment Center. In this episode, Seth breaks down the challenges, the wins, and the future of combining retro cinema nostalgia with modern FEC amenities. Tune in to learn: The Challenge of the Digital Shift: How Seth and his family navigated the costly transition from 35mm film to digital projection (and saved their screen in the process). Diversifying Revenue Streams: The critical decision to add a large indoor arcade in 2023, shifting the business model from seasonal to year-round and from night-only to all-day fun. Elevating the Food & Beverage Game: Why Seth brought in professional restaurant equipment (the legendary flat-top grill) and the massive payoff of offering high-quality food, like their popular $5 cheeseburgers, as a standalone destination. The InterCard Advantage: A deep dive into why Calvert Drive-In chose InterCard for their arcade operations, how it has improved cash management, and how the simplified system was designed with future cashless integration for food and gate entry in mind. Creating 365 Days of Revenue: Insights on balancing a 10,000 sq ft retro arcade with seasonal movie operations to maximize the footprint and profitability of their venue. Whether you operate a traditional bowling alley or arcade looking for new ideas, or are looking to reinvent a unique outdoor venue, Seth’s strategic pivot provides actionable lessons on diversifying for long-term success. Listen now! #FECMasterminds #CalvertDriveIn #DriveInTheater #FEC #ArcadeOperations #FoodAndBeverage #InterCard #Podcast

  4. Aug 3

    From Bouncer to Boss: Inside The Factory Gulf Shores with Sarah

    In Episode 13 of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint and Erik welcome their very first female guest to the show—Sarah, the General Manager of The Factory Gulf Shores! Located right in the heart of the booming Alabama beach market, Sarah shares her incredible journey from starting out as a regular floor bouncer to climbing the ranks and managing a massive, family-owned entertainment destination. In this episode, we cover: The Path to GM: How Sarah worked her way up through the ranks, took a few "side quests" (including a stint as a student pilot flying gyrocopters!), and ultimately found her true calling back at the factory. Massive Facility Layout: A look inside their multi-faceted operation featuring main-court trampolines, massive climbing walls, a flight simulator, batting cages, and a booming arcade. The Pub Six Synergy: How partnering with an independent, on-site restaurant and bar (Pub Six) gives parents a place to relax and watch live feeds of the park while enjoying great food and drinks. Social Media Momentum: How Sarah teamed up with local creators to overhaul their social strategy, driving massive views on TikTok and organic foot traffic through creative tactics like hiding jump passes in the local mall. Weathering the Tourist Spikes: How an indoor air-conditioned facility handles the massive summer tourist rushes and rainy day floods in a bustling beach town. Whether you're managing seasonal staff, trying to crack the code on social media marketing, or looking for ways to enhance guest experience, this episode is packed with great operator insights! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to level up? Drop us a line or apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/

  5. Jul 27

    Grocery Carts to Water Park Empires: Brian’s 20-Year Journey at Metropolis Resorts

    In Episode 12 of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint and Erik sit down with Brian from Wisconsin's massive Metropolis Resorts. Transitioning from a family grocery and food service background that spans decades into the wild world of family entertainment, Brian takes us behind the scenes of building a 22-acre resort destination right off I-94 between Chicago and Minneapolis. In this episode, we cover: The Evolution of Metropolis: How a 55,000-square-foot fun center (Action City) grew into a massive 111-room hotel, indoor water park, and trampoline park ecosystem. The Independent Hotel Advantage: Why staying unflagged gives Brian's internal marketing team the freedom to drive custom campaigns without corporate franchise restrictions. Massive Expansions: An inside look at their current 55,000-square-foot expansion featuring a drop tower, spin coaster, new go-kart track, and 15 lanes of bowling. Unique Retail Strategy: Why treating their redemption counter like a high-end resort gift shop—where everything is available for cash or tickets—maximizes secondary spend. The Marketing Edge: Leveraging a deep background in digital marketing to insulate the resort from economic booms and busts. Listen & Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to level up? Drop us a line or apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/

  6. Jul 13

    Behind the Beanie: Comic-Con Booths, Retro Arcades, and Why We Still Do It

    In this episode of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint and Erik ditch the formal guest format to go deep on the "spaghetti plate" of running an FEC business. From working booth duty at Fredericksburg Comic-Con to the absolute chaos of freight logistics, no topic is off-limits. In this episode, we cover: Community Engagement: Why physically showing up at local expos and Comic-Cons is worth the labor cost for brand recognition. The "Rewind" Project: A behind-the-scenes look at the construction of Planet Novak’s new retro arcade—including the battle for the perfect "Tron-esque" aesthetic. Logistics Nightmares: How a 52,000lb freight delivery disaster taught us that sometimes it's cheaper to just rent the forklift yourself. The Point-of-Sale Struggle: Why the industry is a "never-ending saga" of finding the right software to handle everything from membership databases to birthday bookings. Permitting & Resilience: Clint and Erik trade war stories about "illegal gambling" accusations and building permitted coasters without a county permit. Whether you’re dealing with ghost kitchens, broken lift gates, or just trying to stay sane while growing your empire, this episode is a reminder of why we do what we do: We sell fun. Listen & Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to level up? Drop us a line or apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/

  7. Jul 6

    From Bankrupt Auction to FEC Success: Turnaround Secrets with Dave

    How do you take a bankrupt go-kart track and turn it into an 18% year-over-year growth machine? In this episode of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint and Erik sit down with Dave from Grand Island Fun Center. Dave shares his journey of transitioning from a college student helping his dad at an auction to becoming a decade-long solo owner-operator. We go deep into the "outside perspective" of running an FEC—including the tough choices required to keep a park relevant. Dave pulls back the curtain on why he made the difficult decision to remove underperforming assets like batting cages and Water Wars, and how focusing on high-impact attractions like outdoor tactical laser tag helped shift his park’s reputation. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Power of a Rebrand: How Dave overcame a "dump" stigma left by previous owners through new logos, signage, and targeted marketing. Asset Management: Why Dave decided to cut his losses on batting cages (saving on maintenance and liability) to focus on higher-ROI go-kart experiences. Ghost Kitchen Strategies: How Dave uses "Taste of the Fair" as a ghost kitchen on DoorDash to drive extra revenue without increasing on-site operational friction. The Hiring Edge: How Dave achieved an impressive 3.5-year average retention rate for seasonal staff—a rarity in the amusement industry. Connect with the Hosts: Clint Novak: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/ Erik Stottlemyer: https://www.adventureparkusa.com/ Listen & Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to level up? Drop us a line or apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls: https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/

  8. Jun 29

    3 Locations, 100 Employees, and Zero Regrets: Turnaround Secrets with Ed

    How do you stand out in a brutally crowded market of nineteen competing adventure parks? You throw out the corporate playbook, buy a drop-fog machine, and lean heavily into aggressive guerrilla marketing. In this episode of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint Novak and Erik Stottlemyer sit down with fellow mastermind member Ed, who is fresh off closing on his third family entertainment venue in Minnesota. Ed takes us behind the scenes of his 36-year journey in the amusement industry—starting from his early days as a roller rink DJ (where he was once fired and rehired by a different manager) to managing a rapid expansion across three vastly different venues: Zero Gravity (an indoor adventure park), Summerland (a seasonal 9-acre outdoor park), and his newest acquisition, The Fun Lab (a full-scale FEC). Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Turnaround Playbook: Why Ed views his venues as "reclamation projects" and the hard sacrifices required to pull off a successful business turnaround. The "Bring Your Own Food" Birthday Model: How cutting out pizza delivery pain points and letting parents bring in their own Costco or Little Caesars food allowed Zero Gravity to boost party capacity by 30% to 40%. WrestleMania-Style Birthdays: How Ed built an interactive Northern Lights party room with custom printed wall graphics and a ceiling-mounted down-shooting fog machine for under $4,000. The Pixel Floor Phenomenon: Ed’s experience as an early adopter of the operator-free Pixel Game Floor (by Laser Force), why it instantly paid for itself, and why he’s ripping out VR to install another one at his new location. Cross-Pollinating 100+ Employees: How Ed structures management and teams across a 75-mile geographical spread. The Radius Marketing Wave: How Ed and other mastermind members are achieving 6x to 8x ad spend returns on Meta and Google Ads using Radius. Plus, we talk about why roller rink operators make some of the best guerrilla marketers, the absolute power of close-knit mastermind networks, and the reality of living on "weenie water soup and ramen noodles" during a major business growth phase. Novak Amusement Solutions (Clint Novak):https://www.novakamusementsolutions.com/ Adventure Park USA (Erik Stottlemyer):https://adventureparkusa.com/ Zero Gravity Adventure Park (Ed):https://www.zerogravitymn.com/ The Fun Lab (Ed):https://thefunlabmn.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjhH0o01j-QOfYaL_4xrxA Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2klCyxlYbcGKFxdOQx15DV Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fec-masterminds-podcast/id1895404878 Are you an FEC owner looking to step up your operations, swap "gold nuggets" with other operators, and scale your business? Apply to join our off-the-air Mastermind calls by visiting Novak Amusement Solutions today!

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About

Welcome to The FEC Masterminds, the ultimate podcast for owners and operators of family entertainment centers. Hosted by active operators Clint and Erik, we cut through the corporate fluff to bring you real talk from the front lines. Every week, we interview a new industry leader to uncover what makes their location unique and trade the blueprints that build better businesses. No sales pitches—just real operators sharing the exact strategies to help you scale and grow. A rising tide lifts all boats. Subscribe now and join the community!

Information

  • Creator
    Clint Novak
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Clint Novak
  • Show Website
    FEC Masterminds Podcast

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