I'm Worried About Our Sport. Investors needed !

[MikeJanis]

I put a post out on FIVE different billiard websites asking if anyone knew of any new rooms opening around them. It was under the heading "***WANTED*** NEW Pool Rooms Opening This Year".

The part that worries me is that there were ZERO responses regarding any new rooms.

Fortunately, I know of at least 5 new rooms (IL, TX, SC, NC and GA) which gives me a little hope but I truly believe our sport is in a constant state of decline. I hope the powers that be ca (get it) realize this and start to do something about it ASAP !

I don't know what the cure is but I do know a PRO-Tour would be a great start. I'm not talking about a Pro-tour in namesake like the UPA but an actual Pro-Tour where you have to qualify to get in and not just put up your entry fee to play. We need a system that is supported by the industry and professionally run. We need to give new and existing players a reason to practice and get better. We need a catch to bring new players into our sport and then give them a reason to excel. We need a reason for new pool rooms to open and provide quality equipment. We need an organization to step up and put this together.

If you are still reading this you will be interested in reading the next paragraph.

Believe it or not, I designed a system, a modest system that could help to achieve our goals. I presented it to other associations and I have a tremendous amount of support for it. However it is still missing a few components. This is where you, an investor can come in. Yeah, it would be nice if someone offered me 10mil and said go do it but that's not about to happen and its not what is needed. What we need is 3mil over 5 years to effectively implement the system and turn a profit. With or without TV this will turn a profit. If you are an investor and have a love for our sport, I urge you to contact me. No investment is too small. Yeah, I know it sounds like I want you to send me money but that's not what I want. Together, with this plan we will take small steps as a group, achieve predicted revenue goals and proceed from there. I would prefer to show you how it can work, make a little money then do it again and again and again.

If you are interested in investing in this venture contact Mike Janis at vikingtour2@yahoo.com or call me on my cell phone at anytime. My direct phone # is 1-800-200-POOL (7665).

My brief resume is; I have successfully promoted, directed, and obtained sponsorship money for over 890 events. I own the Largest and longest running open regional tour in the USA. I already have 41 sponsors for this new venture and I will personally invest $250,000 into this new program over the next 5 years.


Respectfully,

 

[JAM]

I put a post out on FIVE different billiard websites asking if anyone knew of any new rooms opening around them. It was under the heading "***WANTED*** NEW Pool Rooms Opening This Year".

The part that worries me is that there were ZERO responses regarding any new rooms.

It sounds like a very worthy undertaking, Mike, and I wish you great success in this endeavor.

In my area, there are more existing pool rooms closing than new ones opening up.

I did ask a pool room owner in Frederick, Maryland, one time if he would consider hosting a regional tour tournament, and his response was that he had leagues every day of the week there. In his opinion, the leagues is what generates the best income for his establishment. Pool tournaments like regional tours and pro events were of no interest to him, sad to say.

I asked the owner of USA Billiards in Laurel, Maryland, which did close its doors a year or so ago, about hosting pro and/or regional tour events, and his response was that it wasn't a money-maker, too much trouble, and it takes away from his income by way of table time.

Pool rooms today, at least in my area, are not the pool rooms that we all know and love from yesteryear. Instead, they have 50-plus TV monitors and big-screen TVs situated all over the interior for sports events, loud music, and the majority of the patrons are there to drink alcohol and watch sports events. Pool seems to be only an afterthought. These seem more like bars to me than pool rooms.

The smoking prohibition has hurt pool room establishments, though I know many will disagree with me. Here on the East Coast, the smokers do not enjoy stepping outside in the frigid cold to take a few puffs. So they quit coming to pool rooms for long durations because of this. Maybe on the West Coast, where the weather is generally pleasant throughout the year, it may be a different story. I can't tell you how many pool rooms have closed their doors for good because of the smoking ban on the East Coast, but there are MANY.

So pool room owners are strapped, it would seem. Investors from within the pool industry are limited, which I assume is who you would like to target with this very worthy project.

If you were able to interest a non-pool industry sponsor, that would be the ticket. A good business plan might attract the non-pool industry sponsor. Pool industry members are stretched so thin as it is today. They only have so many bucks they can expend for ventures such as this.

If you do have a business plan written out, I would start knocking on doors and making cold calls to sponsors outside of the pool industry. That's where you may find the big bucks to finance this tour. With your proven track record and portfolio, I think you got a good chance to effect a change for the better in pool. Good luck!

JAM

 

[MikeJanis]

So pool room owners are strapped, it would seem. Investors from within the pool industry are limited, which I assume is who you would like to target with this very worthy project.

If you were able to interest a non-pool industry sponsor, that would be the ticket. A good business plan might attract the non-pool industry sponsor. Pool industry members are stretched so thin as it is today. They only have so many bucks they can expend for ventures such as this.

If you do have a business plan written out, I would start knocking on doors and making cold calls to sponsors outside of the pool industry. That's where you may find the big bucks to finance this tour. With your proven track record and portfolio, I think you got a good chance to effect a change for the better in pool. Good luck!

JAM

Jam, I am not looking for sponsors (I have plenty of them. Although, more would be nice). I am looking for investors. Individuals that want to see our sport grow and make money doing it.

Jam, I truly believe in this vision. It is a profitable undertaking and it would be good for the players and the sport in a whole. The only problem is that I don't have enough cashflow to keep it moving. The last thing I would want to do is have it fail after a few events so I want a guarantee of several years before I fully implement the system.

 

[JAM]

Jam, I am not looking for sponsors (I have plenty of them. Although, more would be nice). I am looking for investors. Individuals that want to see our sport grow and make money doing it.

So the difference between a sponsor and investor is that a sponsor would infuse monies into the tour on a regular basis, whereas investors would make one-time monetary contributions? I know that I am not understanding what you mean fully. If you could differentiate between the two, it may help me to comprehend the concept a little better.

Jam, I truly believe in this vision. It is a profitable undertaking and it would be good for the players and the sport in a whole. The only problem is that I don't have enough cashflow to keep it moving. The last thing I would want to do is have it fail after a few events so I want a guarantee of several years before I fully implement the system.

In other words, if I understand what you are saying correctly, you would desire to have the monies established up front before the undertaking goes into full swing.

For those who can afford to invest in this very worthy pool endeavor, it would seem more of a philanthropic venture rather than investing with hopes of a return on the investment, considering pool's track record for turning a profit.

However, that's not to say that it can't be done. I believe if your business plan is a good one, you can and will attract the necessary capital. Targeting those inside the pool industry, though, who do have the means and may be already strapped could prove to be not very fruitful. That is why I suggested going outside the pool industry. It would seem to me there's a bigger pot of monies outside of pool than there is inside the existing pool industry, to include prospective investors.

In hindsight, I am not a successful pool tournament promoter. So my comments may not be as knowledgeable as others, but that's just the way I see it from my vantage point.

JAM

 

[sky..]

So the difference between a sponsor and investor is that a sponsor would infuse monies into the tour on a regular basis, whereas investors would make one-time monetary contributions? I know that I am not understanding what you mean fully. If you could differentiate between the two, it may help me to comprehend the concept a little better.

JAM

I'm not Mike, but I'll try. Sponsors would give money/products and in return, they get advertisement. Investors would give money, and in return, they get profit.

 

[MikeJanis]

So the difference between a sponsor and investor is that a sponsor would infuse monies into the tour on a regular basis, whereas investors would make one-time monetary contributions? I know that I am not understanding what you mean fully. If you could differentiate between the two, it may help me to comprehend the concept a little better. JAM

Jam, an investor would have a stake in the company and would see a share of the profits. A sponsor would simply be an advertiser that only gets exposure for their product.

In other words, if I understand what you are saying correctly, you would desire to have the monies established up front before the undertaking goes into full swing. JAM

Correct.

For those who can afford to invest in this very worthy pool endeavor, it would seem more of a philanthropic venture rather than investing with hopes of a return on the investment, considering pool's track record for turning a profit.JAM

Jam, that is a very biased opinion from someone that is not privy to the actual day-2-day operations of running a tour. In fact, I can not believe that you wrote or think that. Do you actually believe the major events (examples: US Open, Super Billiard Expo) or for that fact even the regional tour events do not turn a profit ? Do you think I sold my other companies just so I could have fun running the Viking Tour? It's not pools track record that should be in question it's the shady promotors record that should be in question. Regarding my track record; well, Res Ipsa Loquitur. <<< (I figured you would like that given your legal background. )

However, that's not to say that it can't be done. I believe if your business plan is a good one, you can and will attract the necessary capital. Targeting those inside the pool industry, though, who do have the means and may be already strapped could prove to be not very fruitful. That is why I suggested going outside the pool industry. It would seem to me there's a bigger pot of monies outside of pool than there is inside the existing pool industry, to include prospective investors.

In hindsight, I am not a successful pool tournament promoter. So my comments may not be as knowledgeable as others, but that's just the way I see it from my vantage point.

JAM

 

[JAM]

Jam, that is a very biased opinion from someone that is not privy to the actual day-2-day operations of running a tour. In fact, I can not believe that you wrote or think that.

I'm sorry that my opinion is offensive to you, as that was not the intent of my response at all.

I have witnessed some events go under because of not being able to turn a profit. Glass City Open is one example. The spectators did state they felt the gate fees were too high. The gate fees, though, were necessary in order for the GCO to make ends meet.

Do you actually believe the major events (examples: US Open, Super Billiard Expo) or for that fact even the regional tour events do not turn a profit?

The U.S. Open and SBE are established pool venues. I do believe they turn a profit. However, according to Barry Behrman, he lost monies on the 2003 U.S. Open, and the added monies to this event came from recent inherited funds he received. In other words, he didn't turn a profit.

Do you think I sold my other companies just so I could have fun running the Viking Tour? It's not pools track record that should be in question it's the shady promotors record that should be in question.

It is evident that you are very passionate about the Viking Tour and this new endeavor. As I stated previously, I think -- and this is only my opinion -- you may be barking up the wrong tree to try to get new investors with infusions of monies from the existing pool industry and/or pool culture.

I don't think shady promotors is as much the problem as the popularity of pool as a whole. JMHO, FWIW!

JAM

 

[MikeJanis]

It is evident that you are very passionate about the Viking Tour and this new endeavor. As I stated previously, I think -- and this is only my opinion -- you may be barking up the wrong tree to try to get new investors with infusions of monies from the existing pool industry and/or pool culture.JAM

Actually Jam, pools culture. The players that regulary invest in their 401K plans and the stock market. You know, the doctors, lawyers and business owners that are also pool players are exactly who I want involved in this venture.

That is why I am starting right here on AZ.

I don't think shady promotors is as much the problem as the popularity of pool as a whole. JMHO, FWIW! JAM

Hopefully when I get this up and running it will help to change all that.

Mj

 

[memikey]

JAM....whilst you may be right about the stretched available funding from within the pool industry and pool interest community, there is absolutely nothing in any of Mike's posts to indicate that he is planning to ONLY target the pool interest community to find these investors.

An educated guess would be that he, as an astute commercial person, is already also actively seeking or planning to seek investors by means and media other than cue-sports websites. There can be no harm at all in putting out the word in pool websites as there are several readers of these forums who may have connections who have conections etc, way beyond the pool community.

Mike Janis.....good luck, it won't be easy.

 

[Blackjack]

I'm not Mike, but I'll try. Sponsors would give money/products and in return, they get advertisement. Investors would give money, and in return, they get profit.

Exactly.

Mike,
About a year ago I was toying around with the idea of creating a tour similar to the one you describe. I came up with the same figures as you have, and my solution was to sell individual shares to investors, minimum investment of $3000. I won't go into all of the specifics, but this investment money was not intended to be distributed in prize money. This was money that would sustain the tour. In addition to the shareholders, there wuld be MAJOR sponsorship contracts, with a minimum 3 year commitment from the sponsoring entity - which in my plan was also responsible for choosing, selecting, and financing a venue that they believed would best promote their product/services. Official products such as balls/tables would be contractually obligated for 3-5 years. The basis for my idea was to COMMIT the sponsors to the tour, and to COMMIT individual and corporate investors.

This plan was shot down before it could get off the ground for reasons I won't discuss in this forum, but I still think that it is the direction that the sport should turn. I commend you for your time and energy to lay the blueprint for such an undertaking. Be careful with who you share any of the specifics with. I would only share the specifics with people that are serious investors. I would also search primarily outside the industry. I say this because within hours of "openly" discussing some of my ideas with one industry business leader, word of my plans was being sent out to others who formed an opinion by what this person said about my plans. In retrospect I should have never discussed certain aspects of the plan with this person at all. In my situation backstabbing took priority over progress - business as usual in the billiards industry.

Is our sport in trouble? Yes it is. Rooms are closing faster than they are opening. I'm sure I'm not the only person that has recently sat in a pool room and seen wall to wall empty tables while there is a waiting list over at the poker tables. The poker and the leagues are not able to sustain a lot of the rooms that are closing, which leads me to believe that it is not paying off financially for most rooms. I've been back here in Florida since April, and since then I have watched two of the rooms here in Kissimmee close (Hurricane's aka Q-topia and Roosters aka Beach Club Billiards) have both went out of business this summer. Both rooms supported the leagues, and they also supported poker. Who supported the rooms? I can guarantee it wasn't the poker players or the pool players. Therein lies the problem with new rooms opening and existing ones closing. Until that changes, good luck. If you need any help with marketing this enterprise, give me a call, that is my area of expertise.

 

[JAM]

JAM....whilst you may be right about the stretched available funding from within the pool industry and pool interest community, there is absolutely nothing in any of Mike's posts to indicate that he is planning to ONLY target the pool interest community to find these investors.

And I never stated that anything was wrong with Mike's post. I respectfully submitted a suggestion, to which it was met with upset and dismay. That was not the intent of my post at all. Yet, my words may continue to be ripped apart and interpreted in a way that will reflect negatively upon me.

FWIW, I don't think there are many investors in the pool community who may have the necessary expendable funds to finance a worthy venture such as this. It is only my opinion, an opinion which seems to have caused controversy, and that is definitely not what I had wanted. Rather, I suggested another target audience in an effort to help Janis' business plan.

An educated guess would be that he, as an astute commercial person, is already also actively seeking or planning to seek investors by means and media other than cue-sports websites. There can be no harm at all in putting out the word in pool websites as there are several readers of these forums who may have connections who have conections etc, way beyond the pool community.

Oh, do you mean to imply exactly what I suggested above which was construed to be a biased opinion?

I guess it only matters WHO is expressing an opinion, rather than the content of the opinion itself.

JAM

 

[MikeJanis]

Jam, I am sorry if i made you feel like I was ripping your post apart. It was not my intention. I was just amazed that you had came to those conclusions.

Your opinion is always appreciated no matter what anyone thinks of it. Especially since your opinions are almost always right on target.

Please forgive me if I made you feel bad... You know I love you.

Mj

 

[MikeJanis]

If you need any help with marketing this enterprise, give me a call, that is my area of expertise.

To call you I would need your # emailed or PM'd to me.

 

[Blackjack]

To call you I would need your # emailed or PM'd to me.

..... PM sent.

 

[MikeJanis]

So, JAM, SKY, MEMIKEY and BLACKJACK how much are you willing to invest ?

You don't have to post it here. Just send me an email at vikingtour2@yahoo.com and we can discuss it in private.

Remember, no investment is too small.

Thanks,

Mj

 

[memikey]

Jam....... no criticism whatsoever of you is intended and your opinion obviously merits as much value as anybody else's.

However if you are going to throw a wobbler due to imagined slights everytime anyone doesn't immediately agree wholeheartedly with you the addition of the above sentence as a permanent disclaimer signature below all posts might have to be considered

 

[JAM]

Jam....... no criticism whatsoever of you is intended and your opinion obviously merits as much value as anybody else's.

However if you are going to throw a wobbler due to imagined slights everytime anyone doesn't immediately agree wholeheartedly with you the addition of the above sentence as a permanent disclaimer signature below all posts might have to be considered

Gimme a break. My opinion was labeled as "biased," and I responded.

My only mistake was expressing an opinion, which was met with upset.

Mike Janis addressed the misunderstanding of my opinion later in the thread.

However, you felt a need to needle me. Your post thereafter is insulting to me, but, of course, that is your intention. Maybe you should put something in your sig line to state that you enjoy instigating, and that your words should always be interpreted as such.

JAM

 

[kevin s]

Mike have you ever considered creating a corporation for this tour and selling private stocks ? Maybe it takes a while to raise the money. More people would capable of investing a few hundred even thousands perhaps. Just a thought.

Also I vote you use the Viking regional tour as a method to qualify for the pro tour!!

Kevin

< wishing I had hit the recent 300 million dollar power-ball lottery so I could help in your effort to start a real pro tour!!>

 

[MikeJanis]

Also I vote you use the Viking regional tour as a method to qualify for the pro tour! Kevin

Kevin, I accept you nomination and I also nominate the Joss Tour and the Tiger Planet Pool Tour. Heck maybe we could even get the Canadian Bacon 9-Ball Tour to. (Canadian Bacon - JK - I just watched that movie with John Candy in it last night. It was hilarious.)

Having all of them on board will help to achieve my goals faster.


As I have said over and over before, "We have everything we need to run a sucessfull pro-tour within our industry. All we need is a way to put it all together for the greater good".

Thanks,

 

[kevin s]

Kevin, I accept you nomination and I also nominate the Joss Tour and the Tiger Planet Pool Tour. Heck maybe we could even get the Canadian 9-Ball Tour to.

Having all of them on board will help to achieve my goals faster.


As I have said over and over before, "We have everything we need to run a sucessfull pro-tour within our industry. All we need is a way to put it all together for the greater good".

Thanks,

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