Interview with Homer Brown, Owner of BumperNets

Homer: BumperNets, Inc. is financially strong and has been very successful. In fact, our business doubled in December of last year over the previous December of 1999 in a mall that was very slow. BumperNets has been in business for about two years and has been operating America’s very first table tennis store and center in Brookwood Village Mall in Birmingham, Alabama. Recently, due to major renovations at this mall, we decided to move to Alabama’s number one tourist attraction, the Riverchase Galleria Mall. Our company was asked to start with a small store in the best location of the mall in the food court until a larger store comes available. We thought a small store would be the best approach and also give us a chance to test our brand as a small pro shop concept, versus the larger store and sport center. 

Homer: We are currently negotiating with Colonial Properties a large well know REIT which owns many malls in the Southeast. We are discussing a great location in this mall which is located in the well known Mountain Brook area of Birmingham, Alabama. We have worked hard to establish the brand and concept with Colonial and they like how our business drives families and players to their mall for parties, tournaments, team building and table rentals.

Homer: Yes, the concept has been registered and we would like to begin licensing the store concept for other malls early next year after we finalize our two company stores in Birmingham, Alabama. These two stores will eventually become training stores for new potential managers.

Homer: Currently I own 100% of the private stock of the company. However, with the potential growth in malls I will be looking for the right investors that believe in the sport and can wait awhile for their investment to grow. Most malls are looking for a proven concept, long-lease obligations, and a strong financial company that knows the business. We believe that we have the experience and are committed to making table tennis grow in the U.S. market. Our mission is to grow table tennis by utilizing regional malls and marketing to the families and players. We also do exhibitions for schools as our community outreach and that drives a lot of business to our store for game tables and lessons. As you know I personally love the sport and believe it is truly a great lifetime sport for all ages and abilities.

Homer: Yes, this will be 33 in a row, as of July, 2001. I hope to share the status with all my table tennis friends on BumperNets in July. I also want to thank everyone for supporting Table Tennis ONE and BumperNets the last few years as we continue to promote the sport of table tennis in the U.S. market. If you want to reach us, give us a call at 800-366-PONG (7664), or visit our web site at www.bumpernets.com.