Believe it or not there was a time when I wasn’t known as or referred to as Roto Schlem at all. In fact, that moniker didn’t come about until about 8 years ago or so if I remember correctly. Don’t worry, I will get you up to speed on that later. Now where were we? Oh yeah, my name or associated name. Yeah, there was a time where I was known as, referred to, or introduced as “the Storm Guy” or “the Storm Rep.” Which was in fact a thing back in the day, for many years I might add. But what’s funny about that is still to this day, I am sometimes introduced as or referenced as “the Storm Guy” or “the Storm Rep” followed by a brief story about them watching me talk to the professional bowlers on the TV shows over the years. Of course, for awhile I played along. Now though, like a few times this past summer, I am quick to straighten out the story that the person introducing me must be watching ESPN Classics or the Bowling History Channel on YouTube or something, because I haven’t been on the tours as the REP in well over a decade now. LOL.
So, if you didn’t know, you now know, yes, I was the Storm Rep/Storm Guy back in the day on the various professional tours. In May of 2001, I was hired as “THE” Tour Rep, as in one, as in singular. There was just me as the Tour Rep for the PBA Tour, PWBA Tour and PBA50 Tour. Back then, none of the tours overlapped schedule wise, so I could easily make to each of the scheduled tour events, as well whatever amateur events Storm needed me to attend. From Megabuck Events to Team USA Trials to Jr Team USA Trials and wherever else in between, I spent many years toting suitcases and traveling the globe as “The Storm Rep.” A few highlights include helping Pete Weber win his last 3 U.S. Open Titles to helping Wes Malott win Player of the Year in 2008-2009. Helping Jason Belmonte win his first few PBA titles, to me breaking the rules and comping Norm Duke bowling balls only for him to make 7 consecutive shows thus leading to him signing with Storm. I have been a part of countless memorable bowling moments over time.
Fast forward to now, like I said, most everyone refers to me or knows me as “Roto Schlem” the Brand Manager of Roto Grip. That name was officially solidified by the cofounder and creator of Storm, the late Bill Chrisman himself, about 8 years ago. I will never forget the day here in the office he was giving some folks visiting a tour and he walked up to me and said “this guy right here, this is Roto Schlem. He oversees the RG Brand. He used to work with our pros years ago, but now he is Roto Grip.” And the rest, as they say, is history.