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!
IAAPA Expo Survival Guide: How to Get the Most Out of the Show Floor
IAAPA Expo 2026 is almost here, and this year brings a big change: the show floor is expanding across two exhibit buildings!
Clint Novak of Novak Amusement Solutions and Brandon Willey of LBX Collective sit down to talk about how to make the most of your time at the industry's biggest trade show.
From planning your schedule and navigating the exhibit halls to talking with vendors, discovering new attractions, and making valuable connections, we share the strategies and lessons we've picked up through years of attending IAAPA Expo.
Whether you're a first-time attendee or an industry veteran, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you arrive in Orlando with a plan and leave with ideas you can actually put to work in your business.
28 Sept 2026
Operator Talk: Growth Timing, Lending Pitfalls, and Labor Solutions
With a scheduled guest having to put out fires at their facility, Clint and Erik take over the mic for an open, tactical conversation covering the real-world operational challenges facing FEC owners and operators today. Clint kicks things off by sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of applying for an SBA loan to fund a second location, sparking a deep dive into capital financing. Erik breaks down why building genuine, long-term relationships with local bank lenders matters far more than just walking in with numbers, and how operators can properly prepare their finances before stepping onto trade show floors.
From there, the two discuss the delicate timing of growth—exploring how small, incremental facility refreshes can pave the way for major attraction investments like coasters and kart tracks. They also examine the hidden pitfalls of adding new rides, from utility upgrades and maintenance training to dealing with local building inspectors and ride dynamics. Finally, Clint details the origin of his “Text to Ride” system, while Erik explains how adopting that single operational tweak helped trim six figures in annual staffing costs and elevate guest satisfaction. It’s an unfiltered, operator-to-operator masterclass on avoiding expensive mistakes, managing payroll, and scaling with confidence.
21 Sept 2026
Inside Altitude 1291: Adapting and Scaling with Kyle Allison
In this episode of the FEC Masterminds Podcast, Clint sits down with Kyle Allison, owner of Altitude 1291 in Oklahoma City and a longtime IAAPA FEC committee leader, to talk through the realities of running and evolving a modern family entertainment center. Kyle shares insights from over 30 years in the industry, breaking down recent moves like swapping out VR for a high-energy, unmanned Pixel Floor, and how to introduce hot beverage trends like dirty sodas and mocktails while keeping ingredient costs strictly under control.
They also dive into practical strategies for navigating unexpected market shifts—such as pivoting marketing outreach toward rural communities when local military base deployments cut into regular foot traffic—and how to maximize revenue per guest using targeted text drip campaigns, automated birthday party upsells, and a smarter look at arcade revenue per square foot. Whether you're fine-tuning an existing venue or planning your next location, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for operators.
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