Hi!

My name is Brent, and every week on this site I'll be writing about a different topic I come across in today's bowling environment, both as a pro shop operator and as a competitive bowler. In this blog I/we will be discussing everything from ball layouts, to lane play, to building an arsenal, to experiences at tournaments and many other interesting subjects I come across in this great game of bowling. From time to time, we'll even have some guest bloggers.

For my first week, I thought I'd tell you all a little bit about myself and my background.

I'm 38 years old, and have been involved with Gebhardts since 2004. Although I started off working part-time here in 2004 helping out with sales, and all ball work from plugging to resurfacing. It wasn't until an unfortunate situation in my previous career 3 years ago made me change directions. At that point I really got involved and enticed in the more technical aspects of the bowling business from measuring to drilling and running the every day tasks here at the store. I have since come to run the bowling department here, and have for a little over 2 years. Since becoming the lead ball driller here, I have completed multiple bowling technician certification classes run by some of the biggest and most influential people in the game including Hank Boomershine from STORM Products and Mo Pinel of Radical Bowling Technologies. I also seek out any and all seminars and webinars that pertain to the field.

I started bowling when I was 11 years old, and around the age of 14, I really started to focus on it and become more competitive. I grew up here, in the Lehigh Valley, where competitive bowling has always been strong. A lot of very great players have come from from the area, I grew up watching them and learning from them. I found myself hanging around in local bowling alleys and inside their proshops, always seeking more knowledge from the great minds that were around the area. I've loved this great game ever since those early years. Over the years I've put together a decent bowling resume' accumulating 55+ perfect games and over 35 800 series. That, Along with many tournament titles got me inducted into the local association Hall Of Fame in 2018.

I am now still very active in competitive bowling currently with TEAM STORM and TURBO GRIPS. I will be heading to the USBC Open Championships for the 16th time this June. I spend a lot of my time helping friends and other bowlers improve their games and try to get youth bowlers to find their own love for the game. That, plus bowling my local leagues and tournaments keeps me pretty busy. Some of my other hobbies include golfing, cars, sports, and enjoying the outdoors.

I look forward to writing these articles, and hearing input and stories from all of you. If there is ever a topic you want discussed, please let me know.