EDITORIAL
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At the AMOA Council of States
Meeting 2016 with Jack Kelleher
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PLAY METER
H
ow can I cover 31 years at Play Meter in one editorial? A great deal has hap-
pened in the industry and at Play Meter since September 1985 when Gaunt-
let and High Speed were the popular games and I joined the coin-op world.
My background included writing and editing the Pan-American Life Insur-
ance Co. in-house employee magazine, writing radio and print advertising campaigns,
and doing newsletters.
Nothing could have prepared me for the first trade show I attended in 1986 when
cranes began making an impact. Suddenly, the whole exhibit floor erupted in a myriad
open-
of lights and sounds from the games and the jukeboxes, like an amusement park open
ing for the day.
After two hours of meeting people and walking through some of the exhibits, I was
sent on my own to cover a section of the show floor. Raleigh Rossow of Brady Distrib
Distrib-
uting was just coming down from a ride on the Max Experience, which really shook up
the player. I had unsuccessfully tried to get a photo of the game in mid-motion. As he
exited the game, perspiring profusely, I boldly asked if he would ride it again so I could
get a good photo. He graciously got back into the seat. Raleigh later shared with me
how he approached the show and evaluated equipment with clipboard in-hand.
I learned right away that people in the industry are helpful, patient, and welcom-
ing to newcomers. Mary Fugihara of Atari spent time with me discussing equipment
and answering my questions. When I was assigned to write a feature on pool tables,
Chuck Milhem (then President of Valley Recreation, and one of the kindest people in
the industry) took my call right away and gave me a primer on pool tables that I will
never forget.
It is impossible to list all of the good people in the industry I have come to know
like family, and will greatly miss. Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way
by sharing information (on and off the record), pointing me in the right direction,
taking my calls, and ultimately, making me look good in print.
Also, thanks to Play Meter Publisher, Carol Lally; President, Carol Ann
Lally; Advertising Director, Carol Lea LeBell; Art Director, Jane Nisbet;
Office Manager, Renee Pierson; Assistant Editor, Tim Meyer (who is
moving up to Editor); and Assistant Art Director, Eric Dolese. It’s been
an honor and a pleasure to work with you.
Lastly, thanks to our loyal readers who support Play Meter and
appreciate our efforts to keep the industry well-informed; and thanks to
the other members of the trade press for their fellowship.
Some of the highlights of the past 31 years:
• Celebrating major anniversaries with my co-workers: 20, 30, 35,
and 40 years of Play Meter covering the amusement industry. What a
walk down memory lane.
• Covering the exploding legalized video gaming market of the
early ‘90s including a regular column titled, “Video Gaming Out
Out-
look.”
• Attending more trade shows, conferences, and seminars than
I can count, all adding to my understanding and knowledge of the
industry.
• Visiting the Rowe jukebox factory in Grand Rapids, Mich., in
1989 for a special tour in conjunction with the 100th anniversary
of the jukebox.
• Traveling to Washington, D.C., on two occasions in the ‘90s when the
national associations (AAMA and AMOA) scheduled visits with legislators (pre-curser of
today’s targeted visits to Capitol Hill).
• Attending the AMOA Council of Affiliated States Meetings where you get an
understanding of issues affecting the industry around the country.
• Having the privilege of knowing Sol Lipkin and Steve Kordek, who reached 104
and 100, respectively, always with a zest for life and an unmatched work ethic.
• Interviewing Susan Walker, Director of the South Dakota Lottery in Pierre, S.D.;
interviewing Wayne Cimorelli of the Coin Castle (at 11 pm) in Seaside Heights, N.J.,
during a whirlwind tour of the Jersey Shore (five cities in two days).
• Witnessing the change from 45 rpm jukeboxes to CD jukeboxes to digital down-
loading jukeboxes.
• Never missing publishing an issue when Hurricane Katrina laid waste to New Orle-
ans in 2005, wiping out 32 years of Play Meter archives and sending staff to five differ-
ent states for temporary living/working quarters.
• Receiving assistance from industry members while in Chicago after Hurricane
Katrina, proving that the coin machine community comes together to help each other in
a time of crisis. s
6
JULY 2016