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Our Story
CEO and Co-founder
The Pinball Journey: From Dimes to Dreams
The first time I dropped a dime into a pinball machine, it felt like stepping into a new world at the laundromat in Northern Michigan. The machine, a colorful phantom of memories that I can’t quite name, stood as a beacon of joy amidst the mundane task of washing clothes. At just ten cents a game, each quarter I fished from my pocket promised a fresh adventure. The vibrant artwork and mechanical chimes drew me in, a stark contrast to the video games that seemed to dominate every kid’s attention at the time. The tactile response—the clack of the flippers, the zing of the steel ball bouncing off bumpers—was exhilarating. Each game was a dance between skill and luck, and even at twelve years old, I discovered a thrilling baseline familiarity across all pinball machines.
As the years rolled by, my love for the game expanded when I landed a job at a local amusement park during high school. The park was a miniature kingdom of laughter, screams, and the echo of quarters sliding into machines. After clocking out, my best friend and I would routinely retreat to the arcade, where we lost ourselves in electronic wonders. One fateful day, a new addition arrived—a Funhouse pinball machine, gleaming under the arcade lights. With its quirky puppetry and mind-bending maze, we pumped countless coins into it, joining a chorus of friends and laughter. Every tilt and nudge felt pivotal; it was our battleground, our territory.
My childhood was enriched by the wisdom of my father, a man who reveled in devising and repairing all things mechanical. While his workshop was expansive, I had my modest workbench, where I honed my skills. By the age of thirteen, I was not just playing pinball; I was wiring my own outlets after poring over a state electrical code booklet. The thrill of connection sparked from my fingertips, guiding my dreams into reality. Two years later, I had designed a custom digital device for my father’s slot car racing club, igniting a passion for creation and innovation that would shape my path.
Yet, beneath the hum of my projects, it was our shared time repairing pinball and shuffleboard machines that truly cemented our bond. We transformed our basement into a treasure trove of mechanical wonders—two bowlers, eight pinball machines, all lovingly revived from their broken states. I learned to trace wires, navigate schematics, and diagnose problems, often acting as my father’s third hand in our relentless quest for perfection. Each machine had its own history, and together we wrote new chapters through restoration.
The world of pinball continued to bless me as I turned seventeen. Armed with a postcard, I entered a contest for the chance to win a digital pinball machine signed by none other than Ted Nugent, knowing my friends and I had tickets to his concert. To my disbelief, my postcard was drawn! The Nugent machine arrived at my doorstep, barely used but bursting with potential. My friends and I replaced the mundane evenings with thrilling competitions in my parents’ basement, as high scores and victory dances ruled the roost. Our family’s first pinball machine, a simple Tropicana with no flippers, stood as a testament to how far our passion had taken us.
Years later, nostalgia morphed into purpose. My interest in pinball evolved into a full-fledged hobby, and by 2012, I ventured into the world of restoration, purchasing my first project: a Twilight Zone pinball machine. For $700, it was labeled a “player’s game,” dismissed by the seller as irreparable. But I saw something different; I saw potential.
As I delved into the intricacies of restoration, I learned that old pinball machines were not just relics; they were hidden gems waiting for second chances. I dedicated my efforts to understanding every component—from rebuilding the flippers to discovering tweaks that could enhance their playability. I strived to give each machine a new lease on life, ensuring they remained fun without hitting the jackpot of sky-high prices.
In the years that followed, I amassed over 114 vintage pinball machines, forming a team of equally passionate enthusiasts who shared my vision. Together, we sought to return the joy of pinball to eager players without the barriers of affluence. We believed that laughter and excitement shouldn’t be privileges reserved for the rich; everyone deserved the thrill of a well-maintained pinball machine.
However, I have managed to put together a great team of Pinball Machine lovers who share the same views as I do, we buy and restore old and used Pinball machines before selling them.
With every restoration, we keep a shared promise alive: to intertwine memories with mechanics, maintaining the spirit of the game for a new generation. In our workshop, we would often remind ourselves that pinball isn’t just about the scores—it’s about sharing moments, fostering friendships, and creating stories that echo long after the last ball has rolled.
We believe Pinball machines shouldn’t be limited to the rich only, we try as much as possible to restore used pinball machines for sale at very affordable prices. Our prices are gotten from the total cost of buying and restoring each pinball machine plus an 18% margin only.
When buying from us be sure to get the best Prices. Don’t miss out on our exclusive deals today. You can order here.
