A Candid Look at RollerTown and the Spirit of Local Business

By Ron Lyons

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Rogers—a true local visionary—and our conversation was a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and community. As someone who’s been in the small business game for years, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to build something meaningful. Ben Rogers, the driving force behind RollerTown, embodies that very spirit, and our chat was full of real stories, unexpected twists, and plenty of insights into what makes local business thrive in tough times.

A Bold Vision for RollerTown

Ben Rogers laid out the ambitious plan for RollerTown—a venture that was always more than just a business. From the very beginning, his vision was to transform a building into a community hub, powered by local support and the energy of real estate partners and athletes from the Dallas-Fort Worth sports scene. Ben’s drive and passion were evident as he recalled the early days: even when a pandemic derailed their initial plans, he and his team, including his talented brother Jonathan, found creative solutions to keep RollerTown alive.

One of the most memorable moments was when, with $35,000 in beer already in storage and no canning line to speak of, Ben and his team pivoted by launching an online pre-sale. I was amazed when he told me that every four-pack sold out in just 57 minutes—a testament to the strong support for RollerTown and Ben Rogers’ ability to rally the community.

The Real Struggle Behind the Success

During our conversation, Ben Rogers didn’t shy away from the gritty details. He described the backbreaking work of manually canning thousands of beers, a process that underscored the reality of building a small business from scratch. It wasn’t a glamorous story; it was real, and it was hard. But that hard work is what gives RollerTown its authentic charm.

As I, Ron Lyons, listened to Ben talk about the ups and downs—from the thrill of a successful pre-sale to the challenges of operating without a canning line—it became clear that his journey is not just about entrepreneurship, but about community. Ben emphasized that none of this would have been possible without the support of local partners, including key athletes and radio personalities who believed in RollerTown. Names like Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Young, and even the entire Dude Perfect crew came up as examples of the deep, personal connections that have helped shape his business.

Local Networking and Community Spirit

One theme that resonated throughout our discussion was the importance of local networking. Ben Rogers believes that, in a small town, the difference between success and failure often comes down to how well business owners support each other. He stressed that real local success requires more than just “support local” slogans—it demands intentional, gracious engagement among community members.

I couldn’t agree more. As we talked about how RollerTown is not just a business but a community hub, it struck me that this is the kind of grassroots networking that can transform the local economy. Whether it’s sharing experiences about overcoming a negative review or offering guidance on running a business more efficiently, Ben Rogers’ approach is all about lifting each other up. And that’s a message I, Ron Lyons, am proud to share.

Behind the Scenes: More Than Just Business

Our conversation wasn’t all about the struggles and strategies. Ben Rogers also shared some personal insights that painted a fuller picture of his life. From his love of local barbecue joints to his appreciation for the vibrant atmosphere of The Square, Ben’s anecdotes brought warmth and humor to our discussion. It’s these little details—his genuine passion for community, his willingness to embrace every challenge, and his commitment to doing things the right way—that set Ben Rogers apart as a true leader.

The Enduring Legacy of Ben Rogers and RollerTown

What makes Ben Rogers so special is his unwavering belief in the power of community. His journey with RollerTown is a story of grit, creativity, and an unshakeable commitment to supporting local businesses. As I reflect on our conversation, I’m reminded that success in business isn’t measured by instant wins but by the strength of the bonds we build along the way.

Ben Rogers and RollerTown are more than just names—they represent a movement. A movement that says, even in the face of a global pandemic, hard work, creative thinking, and community spirit can turn obstacles into opportunities. And as we continue to support local businesses, let’s remember that our success is intertwined. When one of us thrives, we all do.

In our ever-changing world of small business, Ben Rogers stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. His story, from the early challenges to the triumphs at RollerTown, is one that inspires and motivates. I’m Ron Lyons, and I couldn’t be prouder to share this journey with you. Let’s keep building, keep supporting, and keep believing in the power of our local community.

By Ron Lyons

02/16/25