Six times each year, pro shop professionals travel to an unlikely place to get some of the best technical training in the industry – Lawrence, Kansas; the heartland of America. It is home to Jayhawk Bowling Supply, and the Jayhawk Pro Shop Training Program, conducted on-site by Jayhawk Pro Shop Manager Russ Wilson.
The every-other-month-program now has the backing of one of the world’s most respected companies, Turbo Bowling Accessories. Turbo provides Jayhawk all of the measuring devices and accessory products needed for the clinics, and offers special discounts on its extensive product line of accessory products for attendees.
Each school s four days, and most of the students are those interested in starting a pro shop, or those who have been in the business for a few years, but need a refresher course to keep up with the latest technology. Wilson has been the chief instructor since 2006. The course fee is $995, or $895 for members of the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association. (IBPSIA)
The class curriculum includes everything from the basic geometry of bowling balls to a detailed examination of static weights, surface preparations, USBC regulations, and various techniques for fitting and drilling.
“We have people come from everywhere,” said Wilson. “Recently, we had students from Alaska and Bermuda in the same class. We really appreciate Turbo’s support of this program. They are good people to work with, and their inserts and other products make it possible for us to give the students the quality they deserve.”
“Turbo is a charter associate member of IBPSIA, and has always tried to add value and opportunity for pro shop operators to improve their technical skills and business practices, and the Jayhawk Program is an extension of that commitment, “ said Lori Tessmar, President of Turbo Marketing and Sales. “We are delighted to work with Russ and his team and to provide the tools and products he needs for this important educational program.”
Lou Marquez, Director of Coaching and Sales at Turbo, is a member of the IBPSIA Board of Directors. Tessmar serves on the IBPSIA Industry Advisory Board.
