In 1990, bowling balls were beginning the transition from urethane to reactive resin. Finger grips were a novelty, and came in any color you wanted, as long as it was white, beige or yellow. Other popular accessories were sticky gels that bowlers put on their fingers, or cork with adhesive backing to get a better thumb grip.
 
Those were horse-and-buggy days compared to today, and the company that led the way in the development of 21st century grip and accessory products was Turbo; and as the Michigan based company transitions to re-brand itself from Turbo 2-N-1 Grips to Turbo Bowling Accessories, the commitment to quality and service is stronger than ever.
 
Today, Turbo’s slogan is “Driven to Bowl,” and its new dynamic logo is symbolic of the roots of the company that were born in the famous Detroit area classic leagues that produced such legends as Joe Norris, Bob Strampe, Ed Lubanski and Dave Soutar.
 
Another Dave also bowled in those leagues – Turbo’s founder Dave Bernhardt. Dave also owns Davalor Mold Corporation, which builds injected plastic products, mostly for the automobile industry. As an avid and highly skilled bowler, he developed a prototype finger grip in 1989 that he knew was superior to anything on the market.
 
His friends and fellow bowlers like Gene Stus and many others who helped him test the new grips agreed, and a company was born. When the first grips started selling in 1990, bowlers really liked the new textures and comfort, but they absolutely loved the hot colors. Pro shops worldwide couldn’t get enough of the new neon pink, yellow, green and orange inserts.
 
From his business experience, Dave knew that starting a company was not enough – he also had to have the right person to run it. That person turned out to be his oldest daughter Lori Tessmar. Her degree in International Marketing from Western Michigan University proved to be the perfect fit for Dave’s new venture.
 
In 20 years, with her dad by her side all the way, Tessmar has turned Dave’s little grip company into a major bowling accessory company with dozens of top quality products, an extensive international distributor network, and thousands of pro shops and loyal fans worldwide.
 
“It is hard to believe it has been 20 years,” said Tessmar. “We are so grateful to our distributors, pro shops, sales and support staff, and especially to the bowlers who support our brand and use our products. We will continue to do everything we can to deliver the innovation, quality and service that has become our trademark for years to come.”
 
That sounds like a great business plan for the next 20 years. For more about Turbo Bowling Accessories.  Stay tuned in for special promotions and offers featuring the New Driven to Bowl logo.