Join host Lee Keaser & Taylor Tussing for a landmark episode of the Professional House Bowlers podcast as we celebrate a golden milestone: the 50th Anniversary of Pla-Mor Lanes! We are honored to sit down with the man who started it all, Linus Hartings, for a conversation that spans five decades of strikes, spares, and business evolution.

In this deep dive, Linus takes us back to 1973, sharing how he transitioned from a construction worker to a bowling proprietor after getting his start cleaning coolers and oiling lanes. You’ll hear the fascinating story of how Pla-Mor quickly expanded from 12 to 16 lanes to accommodate a massive waiting list of teams and the strategic pivot to add a drive-thru window—a decision that not only increased revenue but became the business's lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond the business, Linus opens up about his personal love for the game. He discusses his simple, effective approach to bowling and his upcoming trip to Reno, Nevada, where he will celebrate his 50th year competing in the USBC Open Championships. We also explore his lasting legacy as a pioneer of High School Bowling in Ohio, detailing his fight to get the sport recognized by athletic directors who initially turned him down.

From the days of hand-oiling lanes to the fateful broken leg that accidentally paved the way for the next generation of ownership, this episode is packed with history, humor, and heart. Whether you’re a league regular or just love a good underdog success story, tune in to hear how Linus Hartings built a community staple that has stood the test of time.

In this episode of the HBP, the guys sit down with Josh Hawes, a left-handed veteran who recently hit the "big 4-0" and has over 30 years of experience on the lanes. Josh shares stories from his early days sleeping in bowling alleys to his time in the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA), where earning patches for every achievement was the highlight of youth bowling.

The conversation gets technical as Josh, a self-described "urethane guy," defends his use of the controversial equipment on house shots. He provides a masterclass on:

• Pattern Manipulation: How he uses urethane to "stretch the pattern" and carry oil down the lane to benefit his reactive equipment later.Surface Adjustments: Why he frequently hits his Purple Hammer with a 500-grit pad to maintain a consistent base.The PBA Decision: An honest look at why he is canceling his PBA card after four years to avoid being tiered into higher divisions at USBC Nationals.
• Josh also reflects on his evolution as a bowler, moving away from his "speed-dominant" days and the heavy-drinking culture of his 20s in Toledo toward a more focused, strategic approach in Coldwater. From winning tournaments with a "plugged" Jackal Ghost to navigating the physical challenges of age, Josh offers a raw and insightful look at the life of a dedicated house bowler.

In this edition of the Professional House Bowler podcast, host Taylor Tussing & Lee Keaser were joined by guest Brandon Rehmert for a candid look into the world of competitive bowling. The duo dives deep into the evolution of a bowler’s journey, beginning with Ramers’ early days at Woodcrest Lanes and his experience as an "OG" member of the inaugural bowling team at Mississinewa Valley, where they were immediately thrown into the gauntlet of the Western Ohio High School Bowling Association. They reminisce about the brutal learning curve of competing against powerhouse teams like Coldwater and the misery of two-and-a-half-hour bus rides.

The conversation shifts to the "eye-opening" transition to collegiate bowling at Wright State and Urbana. They discuss the humbling reality of moving from high school success to a world where "every single pair has three or four guys shooting 240s," and the mental toll of bowling on complex PBA patterns versus standard house shots. Rehmert shares the heartbreak of a near-perfect game on a cheetah pattern—losing a 300 to a "6-9" leave on the final shot—and the "Elvis knees" that come with the pressure of a silent bowling center.

From discussing "burnout" and taking time off to the frustrations of missing ten-pins and the "lucky" runs that define tournament wins, this episode captures the essence of the sport. Whether it's state titles, the "discount window" of opening in the ninth frame, or the legendary status of drinking hose water on a hot day, Taylor, Lee & Brandon offer a raw, humorous look at what it truly means to be a professional house bowler.