How Scary Strokes Brought Family Fun and Growth to Waldorf, Maryland
When LaNeta and Doug Roth launched Scary Strokes—a glow-in-the-dark mini golf course and arcade spanning 11,000 square feet—they hoped to recreate the joy of family vacations in their hometown of Waldorf, Maryland. Although new to the world of family entertainment, this wasn't their first effort to support the local community.
Years prior, the Roths had moved with their young children to a quiet Maryland town where family-friendly activities were scarce. Frustrated by the long trips required to find suitable options, they decided to start a youth flag football league. That initiative grew rapidly, eventually becoming the largest in Maryland—and at one point, the third largest in the world, with 500 participants. “It really showed how much demand there was for kid-focused activities,” LaNeta shared.
As their children grew older, the couple began thinking about ways to stay engaged as a family while serving a broader age range. They reflected on the fun they had playing mini golf on family trips—especially under the lights at night—and decided to bring that experience to their local community.
Combining Doug’s background as a former data technician in the U.S. military with LaNeta’s experience in marketing and HR, the pair developed a business plan. After a year of researching entertainment venues and arcades, they opened Scary Strokes in 2017. The venue quickly became a popular destination and earned recognition as a top spot for family fun.
However, attracting new visitors was an ongoing challenge. Hidden within an industrial park and lacking visible signage, the venue was easy to overlook. The Roths were also learning the ropes of business ownership, having funded the startup entirely with their personal savings. But they were undeterred. “Anything worthwhile doesn’t come easy—you have to expect that from the start,” LaNeta noted.
A major investment in billboard advertising helped them gain traction, but as the business world moved further online, LaNeta realized she needed to strengthen their digital presence. She turned to Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready platform for help. “I knew social media was essential for growth,” she explained. Through the platform, she launched and built a new social media presence, eventually reaching ten times the typical engagement for a new account.
LaNeta found the live sessions offered by Digital Ready particularly valuable. She appreciated learning not just from instructors, but also from fellow entrepreneurs across various industries and backgrounds. “It was encouraging to hear other people’s challenges and successes,” she said. “Even though we weren’t in the same field, their insights were relevant and inspiring.”
In 2024, the Roths received a $10,000 grant through the Digital Ready program, which helped cover much-needed facility upgrades. “Blacklights and LEDs aren’t cheap,” LaNeta noted.
Now, as they consider future expansion amid a tough economic landscape, the Roths have grown their arcade from 17 games to over 40. They’re actively exploring new locations that would offer better visibility and room to grow. “Location makes all the difference,” LaNeta said.
In the meantime, they continue to prioritize their core philosophy: “Every experience matters.” From spotless facilities to attentive service, they aim to create a memorable environment for every guest. “It’s about making a strong impression the moment someone walks in,” she emphasized.
LaNeta also champions the importance of lifelong learning—whether it’s reading, researching, or using free tools like Digital Ready. “I recommend it to so many people,” she said. “Explore it and figure out what speaks to your needs. You can tailor your learning to the areas where you want the most support.”
Above all, she believes the sense of community offered through the platform can be a lifeline for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty. “It helps both new and seasoned business owners see that they’re not alone,” she said. “Others are facing the same challenges.”
Years prior, the Roths had moved with their young children to a quiet Maryland town where family-friendly activities were scarce. Frustrated by the long trips required to find suitable options, they decided to start a youth flag football league. That initiative grew rapidly, eventually becoming the largest in Maryland—and at one point, the third largest in the world, with 500 participants. “It really showed how much demand there was for kid-focused activities,” LaNeta shared.
As their children grew older, the couple began thinking about ways to stay engaged as a family while serving a broader age range. They reflected on the fun they had playing mini golf on family trips—especially under the lights at night—and decided to bring that experience to their local community.
Combining Doug’s background as a former data technician in the U.S. military with LaNeta’s experience in marketing and HR, the pair developed a business plan. After a year of researching entertainment venues and arcades, they opened Scary Strokes in 2017. The venue quickly became a popular destination and earned recognition as a top spot for family fun.
However, attracting new visitors was an ongoing challenge. Hidden within an industrial park and lacking visible signage, the venue was easy to overlook. The Roths were also learning the ropes of business ownership, having funded the startup entirely with their personal savings. But they were undeterred. “Anything worthwhile doesn’t come easy—you have to expect that from the start,” LaNeta noted.
A major investment in billboard advertising helped them gain traction, but as the business world moved further online, LaNeta realized she needed to strengthen their digital presence. She turned to Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready platform for help. “I knew social media was essential for growth,” she explained. Through the platform, she launched and built a new social media presence, eventually reaching ten times the typical engagement for a new account.
LaNeta found the live sessions offered by Digital Ready particularly valuable. She appreciated learning not just from instructors, but also from fellow entrepreneurs across various industries and backgrounds. “It was encouraging to hear other people’s challenges and successes,” she said. “Even though we weren’t in the same field, their insights were relevant and inspiring.”
In 2024, the Roths received a $10,000 grant through the Digital Ready program, which helped cover much-needed facility upgrades. “Blacklights and LEDs aren’t cheap,” LaNeta noted.
Now, as they consider future expansion amid a tough economic landscape, the Roths have grown their arcade from 17 games to over 40. They’re actively exploring new locations that would offer better visibility and room to grow. “Location makes all the difference,” LaNeta said.
In the meantime, they continue to prioritize their core philosophy: “Every experience matters.” From spotless facilities to attentive service, they aim to create a memorable environment for every guest. “It’s about making a strong impression the moment someone walks in,” she emphasized.
LaNeta also champions the importance of lifelong learning—whether it’s reading, researching, or using free tools like Digital Ready. “I recommend it to so many people,” she said. “Explore it and figure out what speaks to your needs. You can tailor your learning to the areas where you want the most support.”
Above all, she believes the sense of community offered through the platform can be a lifeline for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty. “It helps both new and seasoned business owners see that they’re not alone,” she said. “Others are facing the same challenges.”
Companies