We're Looking for a Few Good Operators (Under 40)

They say you don’t exist — or at least not in any sizeable numbers. They say the industry is drying up with little to no fresh blood, new perspectives or confidence in the future. We know there are 20- and 30-somethings in the field, diligently pounding the pavement on the street and in tradeshow aisles. Step out of the woodwork and share your reasons for entering into the coin-op amusement industry — and staying. What are the positives about the business? As a member of coin-op’s younger class, what’s your opinion on the divides between generational stances and ways of looking at the problems we all face? The role of the operator? The industry at large?

The Operator's Vote

The race is on. The calendar is speeding toward Super Tuesday, February 5, when voters in 22 states descend on polling stations to vote for their candidate to lead the Democratic and Republican Parties’ race to the White House. (For the record, that’s you operators in Ala., Alaska, Ariz., Ark., Calif., Colo., Conn., Del., Ga., Idaho, Ill., Kan., Mass., Minn., Mo., N.J., N.M., N.Y., N.D., Okla., Tenn. and Utah.)

If you’re engaged in this primary process — or have already participated in the Iowa and New Hampshire caucuses or elections in Nevada, South Carolina or Florida — are coin-op issues on your mind in the voting booth? Have candidates specifically spoken to your needs and interests as a small business owner directly or indirectly? How did that affect your selection of a candidate? What concerns and causes will be on your mind as operator and citizen come the presidential election this fall?