About Us

Growing Bowling Through Education and Innovation

Core Values

Creating the Difference Core ValuesCompany CEO Ronald Hickland Jr also has a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). He utilizes bowling as a way to show STEM in action and make it relatable and entertaining for both students and teachers. Through demonstrations and experiments, Hickland is Creating the Difference in STEM by reaching students who would otherwise not be engaged in the subject.Creating the Difference was founded in May 2015. We set out to help improve the sport of bowling one bowler at a time. Through coaching and interaction, we are creating a movement in the bowling industry to spread our passion for bowling. We strive to set an example for positivity to help grow the sport and the players.

Mission Statement: To inspire people to identify and reach their passion through coaching, education, mentoring, and motivating so they can unlock their potential and create a difference. We are an innovative company who is able to see when change is needed and come up with creative solutions to help.

Vision Statement: All too often, we find ourselves chasing a passion instead of creating an action plan to live it. Creating the Difference strives to inspire people to turn their passion into a way of life.

Leadership Team

Ron Hickland Jr
CEO

At the age of 15, Ron found engineering to be his passion and at the influence of his father, he developed a keen interest in bowling. He has always had a passion for helping others. Ron has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. With a background in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Ron enjoys speaking with teachers and students at all levels to help spark a passion for STEM. After being featured on the cover of Black Enterprise Magazine and giving a TEDTalk at Purdue University, he has become a valued motivational speaker as well.

Ali Strader
Vice President of Operations

Before founding Creating the Difference with Ron in 2015, Ali was a Realtor in Clarksville, TN.  During her time as a Realtor, she honed her marketing skills and ran a successful blog.  Ali always enjoyed bowling with friends and family but was only a casual bowler.  Since becoming involved with Creating the Difference, Ali has joined bowling leagues and bowls in multiple tournaments each year. She enjoys helping people and loves seeing the impact Creating the Difference is having in the bowling community. 

 

Dustin Zehner
Staff Coordinator

Dustin Zehner graduated from Purdue University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.  He started bowling at age 5.  In 2016, Dustin earned a spot on Junior Team USA by finishing in 2nd place in the U20 Boys Division at Junior Gold. He has been named Player of the Year multiple times by organizations in Northwest Indiana.  Dustin is passionate about bowling and enjoys interacting with and helping grow our staff.