Origin
Runners Miniature Golf opened in 1999 after being built by David A. Cooper. Dave and his son traveled to multiple miniature golf courses that had been built by a renowned architect, with the intention of having Runners built with their favorite holes. During the process, the architect retired, and some of the hole designs changed because of this. Runners still remains a beautifully built business in Pennsylvania’s best kept secret, Canadohta Lake. Dave was the owner of Runners Miniature Golf for 18 years before he sold it to one of his employees, that would be me, Alex.
My Story
My name is Alex. I am in my early 20’s; go to college, and a business owner. I am the legal owner of Runners Miniature Golf, with the help of a gracious offer of my former boss, Dave.
How Did This Happen?
I am never surprised when people ask me how I became a business owner; I would not believe it either. Sometimes I still do not believe it. It actually started when I was 15. My parents wanted me to get a job, but I did not have a car. Therefore, I took a bike ride to the miniature golf course that my dad and I would spend time together at when I was young. Out of breathe, I walked up to the counter and asked if he had a job opening. He said no, but he would take my name and number. After watching him write it on a scrap piece of paper, all I could think was “He is going to throw that away when I leave.”
After Years
He kept that piece of paper and called me for a job interview. It was such an amazing job, I loved my co-workers, and Dave gave me opportunities to run the course while he went on vacation. I also told him I was going to buy the business and burn down the trees (they shed; think of a dog, but the size of a tree). That was more of a joke out of frustration of constant leaf blowing than me trying to purchase the business. Dave must have thought I really wanted to burn down the trees, so he planned an offer so that I could go to college and afford to own the business. When I told my parents, and simultaneously one yelled no and the other said do it. I did not think I could do it, but after hearing Dave’s plan, it seemed possible. So, if a physically unfit 15 year old asks you for a job, keep their info, and life may change before your eyes.
How Did This Happen?
I am never surprised when people ask me how I became a business owner; I would not believe it either. Sometimes I still do not believe it. It actually started when I was 15. My parents wanted me to get a job, but I did not have a car. Therefore, I took a bike ride to the miniature golf course that my dad and I would spend time together at when I was young. Out of breathe, I walked up to the counter and asked if he had a job opening. He said no, but he would take my name and number. After watching him write it on a scrap piece of paper, all I could think was “He is going to throw that away when I leave.”
After Years
He kept that piece of paper and called me for a job interview. It was such an amazing job, I loved my co-workers, and Dave gave me opportunities to run the course while he went on vacation. I also told him I was going to buy the business and burn down the trees (they shed; think of a dog, but the size of a tree). That was more of a joke out of frustration of constant leaf blowing than me trying to purchase the business. Dave must have thought I really wanted to burn down the trees, so he planned an offer so that I could go to college and afford to own the business. When I told my parents, and simultaneously one yelled no and the other said do it. I did not think I could do it, but after hearing Dave’s plan, it seemed possible. So, if a physically unfit 15 year old asks you for a job, keep their info, and life may change before your eyes.
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