League Operator Spotlight: Brian & Pat Mosko – Kent, OH
How long were you an APA member before deciding to become a League Operator?
Brian: I have been a member of the APA since January 1988 and Pat joined the League in June of 1989 shortly after we met. I was a bartender at the Host Location where I started playing pool, which is also where I met Pat. I was asked to be a Division Rep by our League Operator (Bernie Pavlock) in 2004 for the two counties that we eventually ended up purchasing.
What made you decide to look into becoming a League Operator?
Brian: Pat and I were approached by Bernie early in 2005 about becoming League Operators, which was a total surprise and honor that he thought that much of us. It didn’t take Pat and I very long to say yes. We had both been self-employed at our own company since 1992, loved playing pool (3 or 4 nights a week) and enjoyed meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life who shared a common interest—playing pool. We knew that becoming APA League Operators
would be a good investment, but it would also require a lot of hard work to make it successful. We officially became League Operators in October 2005.
Did you have to relocate?
Brian: We did not have to relocate. We purchased part of the existing League area that we were
playing in.
Was the process of becoming a League Operator difficult?
Brian: For us the process of becoming a League Operator was not difficult at all. The National Office explained everything we needed to do and when it needed to be done and gave us tremendous support and training. Since we had been playing in the League for so long we were quite familiar with many of the aspects of the APA. We were used to being self-employed so for us it was a natural fit.
Briefly describe life as a League Operator.
Brian: If I had to pick one word to describe life as a League Operator it would be “fun” (with a lot of hard work). I guess that’s more than one word, but true. It can be stressful and nerve-racking at times, but at the end of the day we both enjoy what we do. Our players know that we’re accessible just about any time, except when we’re sleeping.
What do you enjoy most about being a League Operator?
Brian: I remember the feeling I had the first time our team won our LTC and earned a spot in the National Team Championships. Being able to provide that opportunity and feeling to other poolplayers now as League Operators is one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession. Watching players develop as they compete week to week and year to year and develop new friendships and camaraderie through a common interest is an amazing experience. There is no other job like it and no other job we would rather be doing.
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