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"I frankly don't understand, nor see, how absentee
ownership works in this industry. Clearly I can't be
in all three facilities all the same time–that's why we
have good managers–but my staff always knows where
they can reach me or my wife or my manager of facility
operations. We work this business 24/7. Fortunately,
we've been able to take our passion and make it our
job."
Another aspect of Fore Kicks that attracts staff–as
well as customers–is that it is much more than just
sports fields, which makes it an exciting place to work
as well
as a
valuable
and
efficient
venue for
players
and their
families.
"We have
a lot of
amenities at
our facilities–sit-
down cafés, free
wi-fi, concessions,
fitness centers where
they can workout while their
kids are training. We have pro
shops, so if they forget something they can
buy it there. We have party rooms for small
groups to very large groups, a sports bar
with beer and wine so that the adult
teams can socialize after a game."
The inflatable park at the Taunton
facility adds to the variety of activities
Fore Kicks offers. "It's been great
because it gives siblings something
to do while their brothers and sisters
are playing and, from our standpoint,
it absorbs like a sponge all these loose
kids running around your facility that
would otherwise, frankly, be getting into
trouble–climbing, running onto fields. Now we
have a positive rather than a negative 'don't-do-
this, don't-do-that.' Now we can have them really
enjoy something that is, in itself, a business center."