By Matt Cannizzaro
ARLINGTON, Texas – Peter Somoff of Federal Way, Washington, has been named president of the International Bowling Pro Shop & Instructors Association, the organization announced this week.
The appointment comes after Nebraska’s Dwyane DaMoude stepped down. DaMoude had been IBPSIA’s president since 2020.
Somoff is an IBPSIA Master Instructor and USBC Gold coach, who joined the IBPSIA Board for the first time in 2019 and became vice president in 2021.
He has spent decades contributing to the bowling industry as a competitor, pro shop operator, coach, and expert in all pro-shop-related topics, most notably traveling the world conducting training and seminars on behalf of Storm Products Inc.
As the new president, Somoff will focus on growing IBPSIA membership and membership value, while creating an environment where everyone knows their opinions will be welcomed and heard.
Establishing the organization as the ultimate resource for a broader audience also will be a priority. That may include pro shop operators, proprietors, or novices looking for assistance, access to the pro shop or other equipment, information sharing, new levels of education and training, and more.
“IBPSIA used to be a place to go to get information, but that has changed in many ways,” Somoff said. “You can see so much online now, so we have to continue to change and grow and try to be more things. The more we can offer, the more value people will see in being IBPSIA members, and the more others will want to be involved.”
The new IBPSIA vice president was selected by a board vote on August 16, and David Bolt of Champaign, Illinois, will fill the role. Both office terms will continue through the end of 2022.
Bolt has been involved in the bowling business for 35 years. As the proprietor of two centers, which includes running the pro shop in both, he is familiar with all aspects of a successful facility and how all the components work together.
He has been part of the IBPSIA board for nearly a decade and served as the organization’s president in 2016 and 2017. He’s excited to be back in a lead role as IBPSIA continues to evolve.
“IBPSIA is headed in the right direction, and I’m looking forward to being involved with what’s ahead,” Bolt said. “You have your main lines of sight and interaction in a bowling center, which typically are the main counter and snack bar area, but the pro shop is just as important in serving the customers, getting feedback in a more private environment, and growing leagues and events. It’s definitely an area that deserves time and resources.”
DaMoude will remain on the IBPSIA Board of Directors through the end of 2022 when his two-term limit concludes. He has served a variety of roles with IBPSIA since 2018.
Outside of his pro shop expertise, he is a longtime USBC-certified coach and advocates for youth and high school bowling.
He also has been a big part of the growth and success of Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln, Nebraska, over the last two decades and recently was named as the head bowling coach at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska.
Additionally, board member Tom Wicker of Dallas recently resigned to focus on other projects. His place on the IBPSIA board will not be filled until the next review of applications and selection of the board in the fourth quarter of 2022.
“We know our sport and organization are in a constant state of growth and evolution, and we are grateful for those who continue to serve and contribute,” said IBPSIA Executive Director Steve Szabina. “We want to wish Dwyane and Tom the best in their new endeavors and celebrate those stepping into new roles, where they’ll help us continue our progress and introduce new benefits and initiatives.”
About IBPSIA
The International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association is for pro shop operators, instructors, and industry supporters, who value education and the benefit of standardization throughout the industry.