Chuck Gardner Retires from Full-Time Role with Brunswick Bowling Products
MUSKEGON, Mich. — August 7, 2026 — Brunswick Bowling Products is proud to recognize the retirement of longtime employee and bowling industry leader Chuck Gardner. Although Gardner is retiring from his full-time position, his passion for bowling, Brunswick and the development of young athletes will keep him connected to the company in a reduced capacity.
Gardner will continue to contribute to the Brunswick Youth Experience and support the DV8 Shootout and Junior Gold Championships, which have become an important part of Brunswick’s commitment to youth bowling.
“Chuck’s passion for bowling and helping others has defined his career,” said Bugsy Kelly, Director of Marketing. “His enthusiasm, relationships, and ability to create memorable experiences have helped shape the Brunswick Youth Experience into what it is today. We’re excited that he will continue working with our youth initiatives and sharing his passion with the next generation of bowlers.”
Gardner joined Brunswick in 2007 as a Product Specialist serving the Southeast. He later transitioned to a role supporting Brunswick’s professional staff, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the sport and his ability to build strong relationships with athletes.
During his years traveling on the Professional Tours, Gardner supported Brunswick’s professional bowlers at events across the country. His behind-the-scenes work helped Brunswick athletes earn numerous titles and Player of the Year honors.
“Chuck has made an extraordinary impact on Brunswick throughout his career,” said Brian Graham, Vice President of Consumer Products. “From supporting our professional athletes on tour to representing our brands throughout the industry, he has always brought tremendous energy and commitment to everything he does. We congratulate Chuck on his retirement and are grateful that he will remain part of the Brunswick family.”
In recent years, Gardner applied his skills as a promoter and ambassador to help develop the Brunswick Youth Experience from the ground up. The program enhances events associated with Brunswick-sponsored youth organizations by creating engaging and memorable experiences for young bowlers, their families and event partners.
“Brunswick has been an important part of my life for nearly two decades, and I am incredibly thankful for the people, relationships and opportunities that have been part of this journey,” Gardner said. “I am excited to spend more time with my family while continuing to support programs that mean so much to me. Helping young bowlers discover their potential and develop a lifelong love for the sport has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
Gardner’s influence extends well beyond his work at Brunswick. Along with his wife, Deborah, he founded the Bowl 4 Life Foundation, which helps young bowlers pursue their educational and athletic goals. Through the foundation’s efforts, young athletes have earned nearly $1 million in scholarships.
Throughout his career, Gardner has been recognized by Brunswick and by organizations across the bowling industry for his service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the sport. His honors include:
- Brunswick Home Run Award, one of the company’s most distinguished and rarely presented honors
- Induction into the South Carolina Bowling Hall of Fame
- PBA Tony Reyes Service Award, 2019
- Alberta E. Crowe Meritorious Service Award, 2022
- Friends of IBPSIA Award, 2023
- BBIA Industry Service Award, 2026
Gardner’s transition marks both a celebrated retirement and the continuation of a remarkable commitment to bowling. In his ongoing role, he will remain a trusted Brunswick ambassador and a champion for the next generation of bowlers.
About Brunswick Bowling Products
Brunswick Bowling Products is a global leader in the bowling industry, providing a comprehensive range of products and services for bowlers and bowling centers around the world. Its Consumer Products division designs, manufactures, and markets bowling balls, footwear, bags, and accessories through its portfolio of brands, including Brunswick, DV8, Radical, Hammer, Ebonite, Track, and Power House.