post-tradeshow interview with the RSAtalking to Billy Thompson from the Roller Skating Association

We would like to follow up our tradeshow with some interviews with the different vendors that came to our show.  That was you can hear from the vendors even if you weren’t able to attend the show in person.

We did one a few days ago with Sure-Grip Skate that you can see here.  Today we heard from Billy Thompson.  Billy owns rinks in Charlotte, NC, but he is also the current president of the Roller Skate Association.  Here’s what he had to say:

 

Question 1:  Thanks for taking the time to come to Roanoke for our tradeshow.  How did it go for your company?  Did anything stick out? 

We always enjoy coming up and checking out the deals, seeing the new stuff on the horizon and discussing opportunities for large purchases.

Question 2:  You go to a lot of shows, you travel a lot, talking to different rinks, etc.  What are you hearing from the rinks (or shops)?  Are they excited about the upcoming season?

In store skate sales are down, but a lot of rinks are down as well.  Owners are optimistic and positive and understand that the “Covid Boom” is over, and we are all getting back to grass roots marketing for our businesses. Personally, we are anxious to get the season rolling to see what we need to do in order to sustain growth!

Question 3:  Do you have any suggestions or ideas for the skating rinks that will see this?  Have you heard anything at our show (or at other shows) that is especially interesting that might could help other rinks?  It doesn’t have to be “product” related.

Rinks are finding ways to adapt in the “dip” in revenue, but everyone I’ve spoken with is excited about what’s to come, and understand the challenges that we’ve all faced over the years, and how we’ve succeeded when business may be down.

Question 4:  What excites you about our industry right now?  Does anything scare you?

The unknown upcoming season always excites me.  The anticipation for our large skate parties, the special events we do, as well as the birthday party season really lets us know where we stand in our local area as a destination for customers of all ages.

Question 5:  What else would you like our readers to know?  Is there anything that doesn’t fit into the above questions that skaters or rink owners would find interesting or helpful as we approach the traditional busy season for roller skating?

I would just continue to encourage rink owners and RSA members to utilize ALL the amazing assets our association offers.  From attending shows such as this, down to discussing business and other ideas with other operators.  Opportunities are all over for us and utilizing these shows and meetings to better your business is imperative.