WELCOME TO RETHINK BOWLING
“Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is foolish. If you want to change the outcome, you've got to rethink your strategies.”
- Chuck Lande
Welcome to ReThink Bowling, where innovation meets tradition, and passion for the bowling industry drives our mission. Founded by Chuck Lande, a seasoned bowling industry veteran, successful entrepreneur, and award-winning bowling proprietor. ReThink Bowling is not just a website; it's a dynamic platform committed to reshaping the future of bowling.
Our Founder: At the helm of ReThink Bowling is Chuck Lande, a longtime bowling enthusiast with a remarkable track record in the industry. Chuck's passion for bowling, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and accolades as a bowling proprietor, sets the foundation for this groundbreaking initiative.
Our Mission: Our primary goal is to provide thought leadership that transcends the boundaries of conventional norms within the bowling business. We aim to catalyze a grassroots initiative to breathe new life into an industry facing a decline, offering strategic insights, innovative solutions, and a fresh perspective.
Candid Discussions: ReThink Bowling is more than just a platform; it's a safe space for candid, transparent, and professional discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the bowling industry. We invite industry leaders, enthusiasts, and stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, fostering a community committed to the industry's revival.
Unfiltered Perspectives: As a former industry insider, Chuck shares his views and opinions without reservation. ReThink Bowling is where real-world solutions are offered without fear, addressing critical issues head-on. The opinions expressed here are straightforward, devoid of sugar coating, and aimed at sparking meaningful change.
Controversy and Open-Mindedness: We acknowledge that some topics discussed may be controversial, and readers may have differing opinions. At ReThink Bowling, we embrace the diversity of perspectives within the bowling community. Our aim is not just agreement but to open readers' eyes and minds to possibilities, fostering an environment where constructive criticism paves the way for industry improvement.
ReThink Bowling is not merely a website; it's a movement. Join us in reshaping the future of bowling, where passion, expertise, and a commitment to progress converge. Together, let's challenge the status quo and breathe new life into an industry we love.
We look forward to sharing our ideas and we hope you will share this blog with others who are passionate about the bowling industry.
New to the Blog? Read these articles first to see how it all began...
My Passion for the Bowling Industry
“Not only are bloggers suckers for the remarkable, so are the people who read blogs.” - Seth Godin
Welcome to Rethink Bowling!
My involvement in the bowling industry dates back to my adolescence the mid-1970s, when my parents leased out a small restaurant inside a Dallas area bowling center. I spent countless hours after school working in our family run business and eventually joined a youth bowling league around the age of 12 and I’m proud to stay that I am still actively involved in the industry more than 40 years later.
I have witnessed the remarkable evolution of bowling firsthand. Over the years, I have seen numerous changes, some of which have propelled the industry forward while others have posed challenges. Amidst these transformations, one thing has remained crystal clear to me:
The bowling industry is the greatest industry in America.
At the heart of this industry are the dedicated, hard-working bowling proprietors. They are the hands-on, small business owners who possess an authentic passion for the game. Tirelessly, they work to provide their local communities with wholesome entertainment while trying to generate a reasonable amount of profit for their investment. These proprietors are the lifeblood of bowling, and their commitment shines through in every aspect of their operations.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible and passionate people who serve as youth coaches, league directors, or volunteers on local and state boards. These dedicated individuals selflessly offer their time to coach aspiring youth bowlers, advocate for the sport, and contribute to the overall growth and success of bowling. Their unwavering support and commitment are the backbone of our beloved sport.
But it doesn't stop there. The bowling community, as a whole, is a tightly knit, extended family. Throughout my journey as an employee, professional bowler, proprietor, and consultant, I have been blessed to meet thousands of people who share my love for the sport or my fascination with the business side of bowling. From fellow bowlers to industry professionals, these individuals have become friends and associates and many still play an integral part in my life. My memories of bowling leagues as a youth are etched deep within me, so are the years that I spent bowling competitively across the southwest, the memories that I made as a bowling proprietor and as a consultant in the bowling industry. Looking back, I take pride in the enduring friendships I have maintained over the past four decades and more and I look forward to new friendships and business relationships that are still waiting to be formed in the future. Like I said, the bowling industry is truthfully the best industry in the world.
However, I must acknowledge the bittersweet truth that accompanies our industry, As of this writing the industry continues to see a steep, steady decline in sanctioned league participation as well as the closure of more and more traditional bowling centers. As these cherished establishments bid farewell, we celebrate the cherished memories created within their walls while mourning the loss they represent to their local communities.
At the same time, bowling is thriving as a form of social, active entertainment. Over the last two decades more and more entertainment venues are opening around the country and around the globe. Bowling centers were once seen as a “smoke filled, dark, dingy establishments” but today’s modern facilities are “clean, bright, and exciting venues that are bringing in more and more new participants into the game.
I feel strongly that the industry is entering a crucial time in its history. If things are done properly then the stage can be set for a bright, prosperous future that could reverse the trends of declining participation in organized play. Unfortunately, a few wrong moves could seriously jeopardize the industry that we all care for so much.
At Rethink Bowling, I celebrate the resilience, camaraderie, and spirit that make bowling such an extraordinary industry. Through my website, I aim to provide valuable insights, thought leadership and the ability to share my opinions openly. Whether you agree or disagree with me on the topics I hope that you enjoy the content on this site.
Join me as I embark on this journey of rediscovering and reimagining the sport I hold dear. Together, let's embrace the legacy of bowling, honor its past, and forge a future that will continue to captivate generations to come.
Don’t you think it’s time to ReThink Bowling?
Most Recent Articles
My Passion for the Bowling Industry
“Not only are bloggers suckers for the remarkable, so are the people who read blogs.” - Seth Godin
Welcome to Rethink Bowling!
My involvement in the bowling industry dates back to my adolescence the mid-1970s, when my parents leased out a small restaurant inside a Dallas area bowling center. I spent countless hours after school working in our family run business and eventually joined a youth bowling league around the age of 12 and I’m proud to stay that I am still actively involved in the industry more than 40 years later.
I have witnessed the remarkable evolution of bowling firsthand. Over the years, I have seen numerous changes, some of which have propelled the industry forward while others have posed challenges. Amidst these transformations, one thing has remained crystal clear to me:
The bowling industry is the greatest industry in America.
At the heart of this industry are the dedicated, hard-working bowling proprietors. They are the hands-on, small business owners who possess an authentic passion for the game. Tirelessly, they work to provide their local communities with wholesome entertainment while trying to generate a reasonable amount of profit for their investment. These proprietors are the lifeblood of bowling, and their commitment shines through in every aspect of their operations.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible and passionate people who serve as youth coaches, league directors, or volunteers on local and state boards. These dedicated individuals selflessly offer their time to coach aspiring youth bowlers, advocate for the sport, and contribute to the overall growth and success of bowling. Their unwavering support and commitment are the backbone of our beloved sport.
But it doesn't stop there. The bowling community, as a whole, is a tightly knit, extended family. Throughout my journey as an employee, professional bowler, proprietor, and consultant, I have been blessed to meet thousands of people who share my love for the sport or my fascination with the business side of bowling. From fellow bowlers to industry professionals, these individuals have become friends and associates and many still play an integral part in my life. My memories of bowling leagues as a youth are etched deep within me, so are the years that I spent bowling competitively across the southwest, the memories that I made as a bowling proprietor and as a consultant in the bowling industry. Looking back, I take pride in the enduring friendships I have maintained over the past four decades and more and I look forward to new friendships and business relationships that are still waiting to be formed in the future. Like I said, the bowling industry is truthfully the best industry in the world.
However, I must acknowledge the bittersweet truth that accompanies our industry, As of this writing the industry continues to see a steep, steady decline in sanctioned league participation as well as the closure of more and more traditional bowling centers. As these cherished establishments bid farewell, we celebrate the cherished memories created within their walls while mourning the loss they represent to their local communities.
At the same time, bowling is thriving as a form of social, active entertainment. Over the last two decades more and more entertainment venues are opening around the country and around the globe. Bowling centers were once seen as a “smoke filled, dark, dingy establishments” but today’s modern facilities are “clean, bright, and exciting venues that are bringing in more and more new participants into the game.
I feel strongly that the industry is entering a crucial time in its history. If things are done properly then the stage can be set for a bright, prosperous future that could reverse the trends of declining participation in organized play. Unfortunately, a few wrong moves could seriously jeopardize the industry that we all care for so much.
At Rethink Bowling, I celebrate the resilience, camaraderie, and spirit that make bowling such an extraordinary industry. Through my website, I aim to provide valuable insights, thought leadership and the ability to share my opinions openly. Whether you agree or disagree with me on the topics I hope that you enjoy the content on this site.
Join me as I embark on this journey of rediscovering and reimagining the sport I hold dear. Together, let's embrace the legacy of bowling, honor its past, and forge a future that will continue to captivate generations to come.
Don’t you think it’s time to ReThink Bowling?