Exploring Life & Business with Megan Berman of Glow Sticks Golf

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Berman.

Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I spent my childhood split between Euclid, Ohio, and Chardon, Ohio, and from a very young age I learned the value of hard work. As soon as I was allowed to work, I did. At just 12 years old, I began babysitting for a family on my street, often working nearly 50 hours a week. I regularly picked up extra jobs cleaning businesses or family members’ homes, always saving toward my next goal. Working was simply part of who I was.

I attended Ohio University as a business major because I knew I wanted to own my own business someday. During college, I often worked two to three jobs at a time while carrying the maximum course load so I could graduate early. After graduating, I explored a variety of career paths—waitressing, insurance, working as a medical secretary, and even returning to school—but none of them felt like the right fit. For years, I searched for something that truly aligned with me. I had many business ideas along the way, but none felt quite right.

Then, after raising my children and spending countless family vacations playing putt-putt wherever we traveled, it finally clicked. I realized there was an opportunity to bring that same joy to the east side of Cleveland. Not just any mini golf, but an indoor course that could be enjoyed year-round—something especially valuable in Northeast Ohio’s unpredictable weather. As an indoorsy person and a mom, I knew there was a real need for engaging, family-friendly indoor activities.

That’s when the idea for Glow Sticks Golf was born. What started as a simple indoor mini golf concept grew into something more. Through research and many conversations with my husband, we decided to expand the vision to include duckpin bowling and a redemption arcade. A small, former pharmacy space was transformed into a boutique family entertainment center, designed to be welcoming, fun, and unique.

The rock-and-roll theme came naturally, inspired by our love of music and our proximity to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Once everything came together, it just made sense. What began as an idea rooted in family memories became a business built on experience, passion, and purpose.

Today, my long-time dream of owning a business is finally becoming reality and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been a smooth one. Within a year of graduating college, I was diagnosed with kidney disease and told that I would eventually need a transplant. My husband and I—high school sweethearts—had been married only a few months when I became sick, and we were suddenly faced with a great deal of uncertainty about what our future would look like.

Five years after my diagnosis, I underwent a kidney transplant. While the transplant was life-changing, the years that followed were still challenging. For nearly seven years, I dealt with complications from being immunocompromised, which made it difficult to feel stable or healthy enough to fully commit to starting a business. I was often afraid that something could happen and that I wouldn’t be able to show up the way a business—and my family—would need me to.

Fortunately, I have now been healthy for ten years. With that stability came renewed confidence and clarity. I finally felt ready—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to take on the challenge of building something of my own. Those struggles shaped my perspective, strengthened my resilience, and made this opportunity all the more meaningful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Glow Sticks Golf is a boutique, indoor family entertainment center on the east side of Cleveland. We offer glow-in-the-dark mini golf, duckpin bowling, and a redemption arcade, all under a rock-and-roll–inspired theme. Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming, year-round destination for families, parties, and groups—especially during Northeast Ohio’s long winters and unpredictable weather.

Glow Sticks Golf isn’t just mini golf, it’s an experience.

-Indoor & year-round, perfect for Ohio weather
-Glow-in-the-dark course that feels modern and immersive
-Duckpin bowling, which is accessible for all ages and skill levels
-Redemption arcade for added entertainment and replay value
-Rock-and-roll theme, inspired by our love for music and proximity to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
-Boutique feel, designed to be inviting rather than overwhelming

Everything was intentionally chosen to create a space where families actually want to stay, play, and come back.

What I’m most proud of is that Glow Sticks Golf was built with intention at every level. This isn’t a generic entertainment space—it’s a thoughtfully designed, boutique family entertainment center that reflects who we are, what we love, and what our community truly needs.

From the glow-in-the-dark mini golf and duckpin bowling to the arcade and rock-and-roll theme, every detail was chosen to create a space that feels fun, welcoming, and a little different. We wanted Glow Sticks Golf to feel exciting without being overwhelming, and nostalgic while still feeling fresh. Most of all, I’m proud that the brand represents connection—families spending time together, kids laughing, adults hanging out, and everyone making memories under one roof.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was spending entire days at Geauga Lake—and later Cedar Point and King’s Island—with my family. I loved roller coasters, and we would ride them over and over, soaking up every thrill. Those trips weren’t just about the rides; they were about being together, laughing, and sharing an experience that felt exciting and special. Looking back, those days were some of the most fun and meaningful bonding moments of my childhood.

Pricing:

• Mini Golf Ages 11 and up- $12
• Mini Golf Ages 5-10- $8
• Mini Golf First Responders and Seniors- $11
• Duckpin Bowling (up to 5 per lane)- 30 minutes $18
• Duckpin Bowling (up to 5 per lane)- 60 Minutes- $30

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glowsticksgolf.com
• Instagram: glowsticksgolf
• Facebook: @glowsticksgolf