From an interview with Bowling Press Pro (BPP) on October 15, 2003

BPP: So, you (Aleta Sill's Bowling World), have been open for 2 months now…how is it going?

Aleta: It's going great…even better than we initially thought it would be. "Word of mouth" is really helping us. People coming in have just been so thrilled with our service and expertise, that they are telling their friends.

Michelle: It's been going great. Bowlers have been commenting on the attention to detail that we give. For us, it is just a state-of-mind that we have. We have been very thankful for the word of mouth that has been sending more and more bowlers to us.

BPP: Has business exceeded your expectations so far?

Aleta: I know we have something special to offer, but I didn't think the response would be so strong, so fast. It's like we opened the door with momentum coming in.

Michelle: Yes. We opened the shop, anticipating the opportunity to service a lot of bowlers, but we have been overwhelmed with the reception bowlers have given us right away. It is awesome.

BPP: Why do you think it is going so well?

Aleta: because I think people realize that professionals with experience are servicing them. And the service we provide to each and every person is just making them very happy.

Michelle: We aren't doing anything differently than we have been doing it for so many years, being on the lanes with the bowlers, coaching them. We have been sharing our tour experience, along with the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry with everyone we meet. It is just that now we have our own shop to do more than just recommend stuff. We can fully service bowlers ourselves. And it is a great feeling. We want bowlers to be satisfied and treat the decisions that affect their games no differently than we treat our own. We want bowlers to have the best in fit and equipment, and recommend what they need, based on their game. When someone comes in, we like to watch them bowl to recommend the right equipment for the way they bowl. That makes a big difference. They just know how much we care for them. And, I have to say that, as coaches, we have seen the effect that a ball fit has on a bowler's swing. It is profound. And I have watched Aleta's ability to fit a bowler's hand for years, and I marvel at the difference that her fitting recommendations have made on not only alleviating pain, but on a bowler's feel and swing. Being able to have a loose swing is the most important part of the approach.

BPP: Michelle, you recently became the author of a book, Bowling Fundamentals. How did that come about how can someone get a copy?

Michelle: Last fall, Human Kinetics was looking for an author for the bowling book that was to be a part of a Sport "Fundamental Series". They found me and liked my credentials and coaching experience, and asked me to write it. It was released last month. You can find it at Border's or on www.Amazon.com and other stores, or stop in our pro shop, for a "signed" copy!

BPP Note: In fact, during October, you can take a private lesson and receive a "signed book" by the author herself, for only $59!!!

BPP: The PWBA ladies pro bowling tour has been cancelled and there are rumors of it's purchase by a new owner. What's up?

Aleta: Sounds like John Sommer ran out of money to continue to support the tour. There is a guy interested in buying it, and if he does we'll see how he can run it to hopefully make a profit doing it.

Michelle: Lisa [Bishop], who, by the way, works full-time in the pro shop with us (and does a terrific job with the bowlers) took a day off to fly to Arkansas for the meeting between the players and the prospective buyer. She is the Vice-President of the Player's Association. She said that he will know by November if he will purchase the tour. If he does, he has plans to start it up again in August of 2004. That will hopefully give him at least adequate time to plan the tournament schedule, secure sponsor support and allow for the proper promotions for the fall tour.

BPP: What's ahead this fall?

Aleta: Well, this fall, we are gearing ourselves toward the holidays, but in the immediate future we've been asked to go back to Japan to coach. We are going the second week of November. It is a long trip, but we love the opportunity to coach overseas. Before we know it, the holidays will be here.

Michelle: Right. Coming up, it's back to Japan for us. We look forward to another good trip there, despite the long flights. We are also working on scheduling more clinics both before, but mostly after, the holidays. Once we get back from Japan, we will be preparing for the holiday shopping season. We anticipate that being among our busiest of times in the pro shop. We are gearing up and preparing some cool ball, bag and shoes specials!