PORTLAND, Ore. – For more than four decades, Larry Schwab has been a fixture in Portland’s bowling community—drilling equipment, fitting bowlers, sharing advice, and creating a trusted space for bowlers of all levels. Now, at age 77, Schwab is stepping away from Larry’s Pro Shop, the business he started in 1984, and passing the torch to longtime friend and bowler Thomas Ault Jr.

Located inside KingPins Portland, Larry’s Pro Shop will continue under its original name, with a new team in place. Schwab’s final day in the shop will be June 22. Following an eight-day closure for the ownership transition, the shop will reopen July 1 with Ault at the helm.
Schwab first opened the shop at Pro 300 on Powell Boulevard after leaving a job where, he said, his employer was mistreating clients. He found an opportunity when a fellow bowler was preparing to enter the military and needed someone to take over his small pro shop. Schwab stepped in—and never looked back.

“I just said, ‘We can’t let this go.’ So I took it over, and that was the beginning,” Schwab recalled.

An avid bowler himself with more than 50 years on the lanes, Schwab grew the business over time, moving locations as the bowling landscape in Portland changed. The decline in bowling center numbers was steep—from approximately 30 certified centers in the metro area in the 1980s to just one today in the actual city of Portland.

“That’s been the hardest part,” Schwab said. “We’ve lost so many lanes, so many centers, but we’ve tried to hang on and serve the bowlers that are still here.”

His shop became known for quality work, personalized service, and a deep connection to the community. Schwab's motto is simple: “We don’t think we’re the best—we just say we try harder.”

Much of the shop’s behind-the-scenes success came from Schwab’s wife, Marilu, who joined the business over 20 years ago and became an integral part of daily operations.

“Marilu is really the strength here in the pro shop,” Ault said. “Larry’s the lovely face, and Marilu is the one who gets her hands dirty in the back.”

She will continue working in a part-time role during the transition, providing familiarity and continuity for customers.

“People are comfortable with her. She’s been here forever. Having her around will make a big difference,” Ault said.

Thomas Ault Jr., a well-known name in local bowling circles, will assume ownership. Ault has been involved in the bowling community for more than 40 years and previously learned ball drilling from industry veterans, including Greg Goman at Hollywood Bowl. He also worked intermittently with Schwab at the shop over the years, particularly during its 20th Century Lanes days before KingPins took over the facility.

“I’ve always respected Larry and what this shop means to people,” Ault said. “Keeping the name is important. It means something to bowlers—and to me.”

While this will be his first time owning a pro shop, Ault has put together a support team and a plan to maintain and enhance the business. Owen Barrett, after receiving certification at the Kegel Training Center in Florida, will become the shop’s new manager. Barrett is receiving instruction on all facets of modern pro shop operations, fitting, and equipment technology.

Ault will also be supported by part-time staff member Scott Howell, as well as Marilu Schwab. The new version of the shop will introduce improvements in organization, layout, and communication.

“I don’t think I’m being rude when I say cleanliness and efficiency can improve,” Ault joked. “Larry won’t punch me—at least not on camera.”

Ault acknowledged that transitions can be challenging and that some customers might be hesitant to stick with the shop under new ownership.

“I think that will happen,” he said. “But keeping Marilu around is key. And for anyone unsure, I’d say just come talk with us. See what we offer. I think they’ll find the same commitment to quality and service.”

He added that the shop will embrace more social media engagement and digital outreach to grow its presence. Still, the core values will stay the same.

“We’re here to fit bowlers with the right equipment, give honest advice, and be part of their bowling success. That won’t change.”
Health issues ultimately led Schwab to his retirement decision.

“My knees are gone, and I can’t keep up the physical demands,” he said. “It’s time.”

He plans to undergo knee surgery, spend more time fishing and golfing, and may even bowl a bit recreationally. But he emphasized that retirement doesn’t mean disappearing from the scene entirely.

“You’ll probably still find me behind lanes nine and ten,” he said. “Watching someone bowl, giving some advice, maybe just hanging out.”

Schwab said he’s proud to leave the business in the hands of someone he trusts.

“Thomas and I go back a long, long way. It’s almost like an adopted son,” he said. “I couldn’t have left it in better hands.”
Asked to reflect on his 41-year journey, Schwab offered this message to the community:

“Thank you for letting me start with almost nothing and grow with you. We’ve made so many friends—hopefully not too many enemies. I’m going to miss it every single day. It’s been an honor.”