Jim Lesser 31, founder of JDL Management in Philadelphia, maker of three of the top 10 arcade games in the world
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Description: Sportsmarketing and promotion
Start-up: 1998 with $550,000to $600,000
Sales: $7 million projectedin 2001
He's got game: "Weredesign old games and do promotions. With Super Shot, we addedflat-screen TVs that have Reggie Miller or Vince Carter talkingtrash at you. High scorers get flown to the NBA Finals and competein a tournament for $50,000 in cash and prizes. [This year'swinner played] against Vince Carter on the Late LateShow."
That's a lot of start-upcapital: "I funded it with money from my clubbusiness and other promotions I'd done, and went to the bankfor the rest."
Is technology the enemy?"Actually, I see the opposite. You can pay $40,000 for a newgame that's obsolete in one year, but our games have beenaround for 90 years. Technology will not overtake them, becausethey're physical, interactive games."
High stakes: "Youcan't be concerned with the naysayers. If you believe somethingis special, you have to be willing to roll the dice."
Contact Source
- JDL Management, 610) 668-9930, fax: (610) 668-9935
