Music & Games

At the Watercooler with Cory Haynes of Amusement Source International LLC

Cory Haynes, co-owner of Amusement Source International LLC, discusses his career path, industry trends and why he started his own game machine company.

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Image by Willie Lawless/Networld Media Group

April 2, 2025 by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Describe your current role:

I began Amusement Source International with my partner Jacob Yeh six years ago to offer the industry a wider selection of game machines and self-serve kiosks. I wanted to be able to show you can make money without spending a fortune and change your machine offering up more often keeping customers coming back more frequently.

What was your first career role and what is one important lesson you learned from it?

I started as a bartender at the first Dave and Buster's when it opened in 1982. I quickly became a manager then a general manager. I worked alongside Dave Corriveau selecting and placing games until becoming the vice president of amusements in 1994 for Dave and Buster's corporate.

What inspired you to work in your industry?

Both Dave and Buster were my mentors and gave me the opportunity to grow this business. I truly believe we helped shape the industry back in the 90s.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

Delivering great product at a great price and seeing our customers return.

What's a common misconception people have about what you do?

Most feel like we are selling cheap Chinese made machines. I laugh under my breath because it shows they don't realize 90% of the machines being purchased are Chinese made. The Chinese are leaders in the industry development, and as along as you have a good partnerships and demand quality you can offer an industry leading one year warranty like we do.

What is one career achievement you're most proud of?

Creating Amusement Source International LLC with my dear friend and partner, Jacob Yeh.

Who is/was your mentor and what's one important lesson you learned from them?

Dave Corriveau and Buster Corley. Both are no longer with us and miss them both very much.

What industry trends do you think are currently over-hyped and why?

Virtual reality, it's still not there. You got some guys working hard to get it established and hopefully they will. In the arcade application it's tough because the headsets are not durable and get abused. The cost to replace is not cheap. Plus no one wants to have an attendant at game.

What industry trends do you think don't get enough attention and why?

Crane machines and other merchandisers. I think they are starting too, but there is still stigma of they are somehow rigged.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

Own your games and machines.

If you weren't working in your current field, what would you be doing instead?

Raising horses.

What do you do to have fun outside of work?

My wife and I foster dogs, we always have a foster or two in our house along with our three "foster fails' — fosters we loved so much we kept them.

Are you involved in any charitable organizations that you would like to tell people about?

Yes, the CRT group a rescue for Chihuahuas, plus our local animal shelter and humane society.

Where did you grow up and how did your upbringing impact the person you are today?

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas by two parents who cared and taught us how to take care of ourselves.

What's one interesting thing about you that even the people you work with every day probably don't know?

I can rope or lasso as some folks call it.

Is there anything else you would like to tell people about yourself or your company/organization?

I want people to know that Amusement Source International stands by everything we sell. If it's not right will do our best to make it right.

About Judy Mottl

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Judy Mottl is editor of Retail Customer Experience and Digital Signage Today. She has decades of experience as a reporter, writer and editor covering technology and business for top media including AOL, InformationWeek, InternetNews and Food Truck Operator.

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Amusement Source International

UNIQUE ARCADE GAMES, PARTS AND REDEMPTION MERCHANDISE SOURCING AND SUPPLY

Amusement Source International, based in Carollton, Texas, imports and supplies arcade games, redemption merchandise, and virtual reality experiences. Founded by industry veteran Cory Haynes, ASI collaborates with manufacturers like Wahlap Tech and Dream Funs to deliver innovative gaming solutions

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