Billiards Playground was opened in February of 1991 by my best friend and business partner Ed Hall. I started working for him in 1992 as his self-appointed manager.

The facility was a 10,000 ft² building located at 6040 Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was a pool aficionado's dream come true. We had 24 tables including two regulation twelve foot snooker tables. In addition to the table area, we also had a section we called the Hall of Fame Café which featured booths for eating short order menu items. The walls of the café were adorned with pictures of members of the BCA Hall of Fame including many more autographed photos of pro players.

Over the eleven years we were in operation, we hosted countless tournaments and leagues. Our most famous and successful tournaments were the U.S. Open One Pocket Tournaments. These tournaments attracted players from around the world and represented the best of the best. What made our tournament unique is that it was a true “open” tournament. There were no professional association requirements. Anyone who paid their entry fee could play in the tournament.

In 1997 I purchased the business from Mr. Hall and entered the arena of the self-employed. I learned a great deal over the next few years and expanded my personal and professional involvement in the billiard industry by becoming a BCA Instructor. Through my connections there, and my involvement with the tournament and league programs, I was nominated to run for a seat on the BCA Board of Directors as the Proprietor Representative. Through the voting of over 400 proprietor members, I was elected to the seat and served a two year term, was re-elected and served another half term until I closed and sold the business in 2002. During my time on the BCA board, I served on several committees, most notably as the chairman of the BCA Instructors Committee.