Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Jimmy Patrick and I am the owner of the LTA Depot which stands for Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles. We’ve got family fun for all ages. Some of our attractions include bowling, laser tag, and arcade games! Whether it’s time to make some family memories, plan the perfect date night, hang out with a group of friends, or throw an amazing birthday party LTA Depot has all the fun you need!
How did you get the idea for your business?
Our family has been in the bowling business since the late 60’s. The first center they were involved in was the original Murfreesboro Lanes on Broad Street. In 2008, I began the vision of Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles. Once I found an old Warehouse I began drawing up the master plan. LTA opened in 2010 with a restaurant, bar, billiards, bowling, arcade, and bumper cars! We knew Murfreesboro was ready for us.
How did you make your first sale?
We made our first sale when we open the doors. We also get involved with schools and the community and give out free passes.
What is unique about owning and running a business in Murfreesboro?
Running a business in Murfreesboro is unique because we saw the growth in the market and it also gives a small-town feel with a big-town connection.
How do you advertise your business?
We advertise our business through inside marketing as well as getting involved in the community.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
Making sure we take care of our staff and everyone involved in our business it’s something that keeps us up at night. We want to ensure we have a great environment for our customers and employees. We changed a few things to make the business run smoothly. This can be seen through our renovations and change in the business plan. With these changes, we are able to run with fewer employees but still have a good environment for them to work in.
What is one way you’ve had to pivot or change course to grow your business?
Since we were shut down for covid, we used that time to remodel everything and better our business layout, so that we could handle everything with fewer employees.
If you could wave a magic wand and make one problem go away in your business what would it be?
After covid hit, we had a hard time with staffing. Therefore, if we could wave a magic wand to make that problem go away things would surely improve in that area.
If you could travel back in time to the day you started your business, what advice would you give yourself?
I would say be more motivated and understand how difficult it can be to run a family business.
Where do you wanna go with your business?
I would like to have virtual bowling with cool features. Getting the right software and working with the right company will hopefully be in the future!
What is one business lesson that you have learned that you are willing to share?
A business lesson that I have learned is that it is very important to have motivation! Not only do you want to be motivated, but you also want to make sure your staff is in a good environment so they are motivated to do their job as well.
What’s a podcast, book, or website you’d recommend that has inspired you to grow your business?
VaynerMedia has inspired me to grow my business!
What do you use for a daily to-do list?
I use Google Calendar for my daily to-do list and for my business!
What social media apps do you use that other businesses could use?
PhotoRoom is a social media app I would recommend other businesses to use!
Learn more about LTA Depot by visiting their website!
