About Us

What We Do

Creating the Difference offers a wide variety of products & services:

  • Bowling Ball Cleaning & Maintenance
  • Bowling Performance Products
  • Surface Management
  • Pro Shop Education & Services
  • Professional Coaching
  • Celebrity Coaching

Click here to schedule a lesson or course!

Celebrities We Have Worked With

Nelly
DJ Khaled
Chris Paul

Hope Solo

Too Short

James Harden

and more...

 

Core Values

 

Creating the Difference is dedicated to enhancing the sport of bowling, one bowler at a time. We aim to set a positive example that helps improve players and foster growth within the sport. Through coaching and interaction, we are spearheading a movement in the bowling industry to disseminate knowledge and passion for the game. Our efforts are channeled through various platforms, including our blog and our YouTube channel, which boasts over 700 educational videos featuring ball reviews, product explanations, and more.

Since our inception in May 2015, Creating the Difference, under the leadership of CEO Ronald Hickland Jr, has been at the forefront of innovation in the bowling industry. We have developed a range of products, such as sanding pads designed specifically for bowling balls, multifunctional cleaning pads, and groundbreaking new categories of products like performance soaks. Each product launch is supported by comprehensive educational materials explaining the product's purpose, usage, and impact on the game.

Our successful product line and educational initiatives have propelled Creating the Difference into a multi-million dollar company with locations in multiple states and sales spanning both international and domestic markets. We operate a warehouse in Clarksville, TN, and an Education Center in Hopkinsville, KY, where bowlers can practice, attend classes, receive coaching, and utilize our pro shop services. Our growth has enabled us to collaborate with partners such as Turtle Wax™ as we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings.

At Creating the Difference, we are committed to the continuous improvement of the sport of bowling and the success of every bowler. Join us in our journey to grow the game, spread knowledge, and inspire passion for bowling worldwide.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to inspire individuals to identify and pursue their passions through coaching, education, mentoring, and motivation. By unlocking their potential, we empower them to create a meaningful difference. As an innovative company, we excel at recognizing when change is needed and devising creative solutions to support that change.

Vision Statement:

Too often, we find ourselves chasing a passion rather than creating an action plan to live it. Creating the Difference is dedicated to inspiring individuals to transform their passion into a way of life.

 

 

Leadership Team

Ron Hickland Jr
CEO

Ron's father influenced his lifelong love of bowling. At 15, Ron discovered a passion for engineering. Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, he utilized his expertise to design cutting-edge bowling balls before founding Creating the Difference. Driven by his passion for helping others, he has dedicated his career to improving the sport of bowling through education and innovation.

Ron's expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) earned him a feature on the cover of Black Enterprise Magazine and the honor of giving a TED Talk at his alma mater, Purdue University. As a Gold Medalist in Singles, Doubles, and All Events at the 2024 Pan American Masters Games, he exemplifies the pinnacle of success in the sport. He has harnessed the power of YouTube to create and share over 1,000 educational videos, covering topics from ball reviews to product explanations, making his content a valuable resource for bowlers of all levels. Additionally, Ron travels extensively to bowling expos and international conferences, teaching and spreading his extensive knowledge of the sport. As a recognized motivational speaker, he continues to inspire others with his journey and expertise in the bowling industry.

Dustin Zehner
Vice President of Staff Development

Dustin Zehner graduated from Purdue University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.  He started bowling at age 5.  In 2016, Dustin earned a spot on Junior Team USA by finishing in 2nd place in the U20 Boys Division at Junior Gold. He has been named Player of the Year multiple times by organizations in Northwest Indiana.  Dustin is passionate about bowling and enjoys interacting with and helping grow our staff.


 


 

Education is Creating the Difference