On this edition of Reset and Rise to the Unbreakable With Amanda Moore, we welcome the CEO/Owner of JoPo Grips and his son, Jerry Jr! JoPo Grips was not born in a corporate boardroom or backed by massive investments—it started as a dream, a passion project fueled by a love for bowling and an unwavering belief in innovation. Jerome Penxa (Owner/CEO), a dedicated bowler and design enthusiast, envisioned a revolutionary interchangeable grip system that would enhance consistency, durability, and performance for bowlers at every level. Determined to bring this vision to life, Jerome introduced his idea to multiple people within the bowling industry, but his proposals were met with little enthusiasm. The responses were slim to none—except for one. A major distributor in the United States gave a brutally honest assessment, stating that ”[JoPo Grips] had no chance.” Undeterred, Jerome was convinced that his product could change the game and persisted in securing a meeting with the distributor, leveraging his existing relationship with them. That pivotal meeting took place with two executives from the distributor, Jerome Penxa and his son, Jerry Penxa II (JP), presenting their vision for JoPo Grips. The very next day, the distributor placed their first order. What began as a hobby quickly gained momentum. Initially, JoPo Grips operated out of Jerome’s garage and condo in Metro Detroit, utilizing every available inch of space—from countertops to dinner tables—to produce and refine the interchangeable grip system. In an industry dominated by global competitors, including a major rival headquartered in Michigan, JoPo Grips faced an uphill battle. However, through word of mouth, grassroots efforts, social media engagement, and minimal marketing dollars, the product began to make an impact. The bowling community took notice, and trust in JoPo Grips grew. The “TWIST” system—short for “Thumb With Interchangeable Superior Technology”—became the defining feature of the brand. Bowlers recognized its superior locking mechanism, which provided unmatched durability and reliability compared to traditional interchangeable thumb grips. What started as a local success in Metro Detroit expanded to a statewide phenomenon, then gained national recognition, and ultimately achieved international reach. Today, JoPo Grips is seen on the biggest stages in professional bowling (PBA), with elite athletes such as EJ Tackett and Sean Rash proudly representing the brand. Their endorsement, along with the trust of pro shop operators and everyday bowlers worldwide, has solidified JoPo Grips as a true industry disruptor. The growth of JoPo Grips has led to a transition from a small-scale operation to a fully functional warehouse, where the company now produces a full range of products, including JoPo Outers, spare balls, the Twist Tool, Logo Tape, and an upcoming lineup of pre-cut finger, thumb, and wrist tape. What started as an idea dismissed by many has become a global brand revolutionizing how bowlers interact with their equipment. JoPo Grips is more than just a product—it’s a testament to persistence, passion, and the belief that innovation, no matter how small it starts, can reshape an entire industry.
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