Jolly Backer Begins New Career

January 4, 2010 - Jolly Backer has resigned as Stern Pinball, Inc.'s Director of Domestic Sales to pursue interests outside of the coin operated amusement game industry.

Jolly and his family are moving to San Diego, California, where he is taking a senior management position in Yo Naturals, Inc. Yo Naturals combines "Yo Zone" vending machines together with a comprehensive natural and organic food distribution program. The firm specializes in placement of its vending machines in schools, colleges, health clubs and businesses. Jolly begins his new position at the beginning of January.

Jolly was brought into the coin-operated game business by Peter Betti at Betson West in 1981. He held senior sales and management positions at Data East, Sega, Bally, Capcom, and Jaleco. Jolly was at Data East in 1986 at the formation of Data East Pinball, later renamed Sega Pinball and then Stern Pinball. He joined Sega Pinball/Stern Pinball itself in 1995, where he has successfully run the domestic sales department.

Gary Stern says, "Jolly will be greatly missed by everyone in the coin op amusement industry and especially by all his friends here at Stern. He has been extremely valuable to Sega and Stern over the past decade and a half. I realize this is a great opportunity for Jolly. We wish him and his family all the best on this new venture. I know Jolly will be instrumental in making Yo Naturals a success."

Until a replacement is named, please contact Shelley Sax with all domestic orders at 1-708-786-7030 or shelley.sax@sternpinball.com.