Rock-Ola Open for Business in U.K.

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:44:12 +0000

Rock-Ola Open for Business in U.K.

May 26, 2010 – Torrance, CA – Rock-Ola Mfg. announces today that inventory of world-famous Rock-Ola Jukeboxes is now being stocked in their bonded U.K. warehouse. Authorized dealerships may now have immediate access to purchase from the new Eurocentric location.

In the 4th quarter of 2009, Rock-Ola assumed direct control of product distribution. Since then the firm has set-up accounts with previously established Rock-Ola dealers. With growing brand awareness, Rock-Ola is rapidly adding to its international dealer network throughout Europe. The new factory-to-dealer direct sales plan provides significant cost-saving advantages for resellers of the popular American-made jukeboxes.

“Ready availability of jukeboxes from the new warehouse distribution center allows dealers to save even more on their inventory in these challenging economic times,” said Glenn Streeter, CEO of Rock-Ola.

Rock-Ola Mfg. announces today that inventory of world-famous Rock-Ola Jukeboxes is now being stocked in their bonded U.K. warehouse. Authorized dealerships may now have immediate access to purchase from the new Eurocentric location.

For more information on this and the full line of Rock-Ola jukeboxes, contact:

Andrea Kowalski – Rock-Ola Sales -310.328.3736
sales@rock-ola.com ~ www.Rock-Ola.com

ABOUT ROCK-OLA MANUFACTURING CORP.

Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was founded in Chicago in 1927 by coin-op industry pioneer David C. Rockola. In 1935, Rockola applied his vision and employed his factory, which originally made coin-op scales and pinball machines, to the production of jukeboxes. Rock-Ola branded jukeboxes are thought to have inspired the term “Rock & Roll” – and they have unquestionably left an indelible mark on an industry that literally echoes the name in many parts of the world where “Rock-Ola” is synonymous with “jukebox.” In 1992, the Antique Apparatus Company, which manufactured the first and finest nostalgic jukeboxes, primarily for the home market, merged with Rock-Ola to create today’s best nostalgic jukeboxes. The company is online at www.rock-ola.com.

Frederick Mali Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2009 President’s Award

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:42:36 +0000

Frederick Mali Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2009 President’s Award

Each year the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) recognizes an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President’s Award. This year the BCA has chosen to recognize Frederick Mali. Mali, who passed away at the age of 76 in 2007, was the president and CEO of The Henry W.T. Mali & Co., Inc. (Mali Cloth), the oldest continuously family-run company in New York City, founded in 1826.

“Fred Mali was a great ambassador for the game of billiards, as well as the most gentlemanly individual with whom I have ever done business,” said BCA President Ivan Lee. “I feel it is important to recognize a man who never had an enemy, made an indelible mark on his company and this industry, and always found time for anyone needing his assistance or support. Fred provided direction and assistance to many people in the billiard industry selflessly and willingly. The loss of Fred Mali to the billiard industry is difficult to accurately determine, but his eternal optimism and civilized manner would have been a guiding light in the troubled economic times that our industry faces today. I only regret that this recognition comes to him posthumously.”

Born in 1930 in New York City, Mali was educated at Buckley, Groton, Yale, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mali also served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Paris, between World War I and II. He married Lucretia Obolensky Mali in 1979.

“Fred lived by the simple belief that a man’s word is his honor,” said his wife, Lucretia, who is also the current president of The Henry W.T. Mali & Co., Inc. ”He believed deeply that the only thing you have in life is your reputation, and so he rolled up his sleeves and worked non-stop to ensure Mali’s status as one of the leading companies in the billiards industry. They don’t make them like Fred anymore.”

Mali’s true love was using his engineering mind to improve systems and procedures at Mali and in the billiard industry overall. He personally developed many of the automated manufacturing equipment used to make the Mali Cue line of cues. He also was an expert craftsman with inlays for Pool Cues. Mali was also involved in the early days of organizing the Billiard Congress of America and the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America. Outside of billiards, Mali devoted time to arts and theater, helping design sets for numerous New York City theaters.

“I am eternally grateful to Fred Mali for the support he provided me during our 20 year friendship,” said Victor Stein, author of the Billiard Encyclopedia. “He opened many doors for me in the billiard industry—in the U.S. and throughout the world. And, as far as his reputation, Fred was a respected elder statesman in the billiard business.”

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Rock-Ola Open for Business in U.K.

Frederick Mali Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2009 President’s Award