Lifestyle

Youngest Trickshot Artist Zahidul Islam (RJTRICKSHOT) in an interview

Published

3 years ago

May 27, 2022

When people think of trick-shot artists, there are a few names that immediately to mind. Mike Massey and Florian Kohler come to mind right away. Zahidul Islam aka RJ TRICKSHOT can now be added to the list of trick shot artists who come to mind when gamers think of them.

When did you start doing trick shots?

I started playing pool when I was thirteen years old. I began practicing trick shots when I was 17 years old and have never looked back.

How many hours a day do you practice on average?

In a single day, I can play pool, billiards, artistic, or trick shots for 5 hours.

Who has been the most influential artist in your life?

Mike Massey and, especially, Florian Kohler.

One thing I’ve always loved about your videos is how distinctive they are. How do you consistently come up with new trick shot ideas?

It runs through my head every time I practice. I periodically watch trickshot videos by legend players, notably Florian’s. I keep an eye on him and try to imitate some of his difficult shots. I also write down and save new trick shots on my phone as I think of them. Many of my creations aren’t posted online because many others may claim them as their own. I’m now taping everything I’m doing, and it should be accessible soon. I’m always thinking about how well-developed my idol is and how much patience a trick shot requires. On a good day, it’s easy to make trick shots, but not every day is the same, so artists occasionally give up.

So far in your pool career, what do you consider your proudest achievement?

Florian Kohler’s visit to my house was the most productive moment of success, from my perspective. For two days, he coached and taught me a variety of trick shots while sharing all of his secrets. Being a part of the next pool legend is also quite exciting.

You started off doing trick shots developed by Mike Massey, Florian, and others on YouTube. How do you feel now that your photos are being copied?

This is always fascinating and surprising. Being a part of the pool’s history is a dream come true for me. Any of the trick shots that are available online can be copied by anyone. On social media, I received a lot of encouragement, and one fan told me that witnessing my trick shots had tremendously inspired him. After that, he even brought a pool table, so I decided to give him a free trick shot lesson. He was overjoyed, which was the highest compliment I could have received.

You masse a lot and shoot most of your movies at home. How often do you replace your table’s felt?

It varies entirely on how much I play on any given day. But it’s more likely that my feelings shift every three to four months. Predator Cues, fortunately, sponsors all of my pool products, including the felt.

What recommendations would you provide to someone interested in pursuing an artistic pool career?

Simply take pleasure in what you’re doing. Unlike the ordinary pool, which can become tedious after a while, the trick shot can be exciting to create. It becomes tiresome to drill the same shots over and over. You’ll be OK if you use your imagination!!

Lifestyle

How Private Hotsprings Can Transform Wellness Tourism with Its Lithia-Inspired Innovations

Published

14 mins ago

February 12, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo by Private Hotsprings

By Michelle Snow

Private Hotsprings resort features exclusive infinity-edge pools fed by natural hot springs, attracting wellness tourists to British Columbia’s remote wilderness. Tina and Alex Genzer are expanding beyond hospitality with Lithios Beverages, a drink line incorporating lithia-rich mineral water from the springs. The new venture aims to bring the therapeutic benefits of the resort’s natural waters to consumers worldwide.

Enchanted By Nature

Tina and Alex are familiar with entrepreneurship. Before embarking on their journey to British Columbia, the pair successfully ran a boiler installation and construction business in Toronto, specializing in snowmelt systems. While Alex, a former Air Force pilot, honed his engineering expertise and cultivated a strong public presence with CBC and News Talk 1010 appearances, Tina led business operations with her signature entrepreneurial flair.

Tina Genzer recalls how their lives changed when they discovered the Kootenay region’s natural hot springs. “We were captivated by the serenity of this place,” she says. The couple started acquiring chalets that blend luxury and nature. Today, Private Hotsprings offers three properties: the Cedar Log Cabin with a waterfall and lake access and two chalets featuring the world’s only infinity-edge hot spring pools.

The couple’s leadership style has been instrumental in the company’s growth. The Genzers have carved out a niche that remains untouched by competitors by prioritizing exclusivity and direct customer engagement over conventional review systems. “Our mission has always been to create a serene retreat where guests can unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves,” Alex Genzer explains.

Lithios Beverages

Tina and Alex’s idea for Lithios Beverages emerged during a restorative evening at the hot springs, inspired by the therapeutic effects of lithia-rich waters. Since its successful debut in New York earlier this year, which sold out within days, the brand is now planning to partner with a major U.S. distributor to enter the growing health and wellness beverage market.

The Genzers are well-positioned to leverage this opportunity, as Lithios Beverages aligns with their brand ethos blending the purity of their mineral springs with health-conscious choices. “Lithios is not just a beverage, it is a lifestyle,” says Tina Genzer. “We aim to provide the same rejuvenation and vitality our guests experience, no matter where they are.”

A Rising Tide for Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism thrives on authenticity and connection to nature, two qualities that Private Hotsprings exemplifies. The company has tapped into a lucrative market segment that prioritizes unique and restorative experiences over mass tourism by offering exclusive access to mineral-rich hot springs in a private setting.

Competitors in the wellness industry have begun to explore similar models, but only some can rival Private Hotsprings’ distinctive offerings. The company’s first-in-the-world infinity-edge pools and meticulous curation of guest experiences give it a significant edge.

The Next Phase

Despite these challenges, the Genzers remain optimistic about the future. Their dual focus on Private Hotsprings and Lithios Beverages allows them to innovate within two complementary markets.

The next phase of their journey includes expanding Lithios Beverages across the U.S., emphasizing sustainability and transparency. Lithios Beverages has opened up its next round of funding to scale its operations.

The Genzers are also exploring ways to share their story with a broader audience. “We want investors and guests alike to understand the heart and vision behind what we do,” Tina says. “It is not just about running a business, it is about creating something meaningful and lasting.”

Tina and Alex Genzer have created an example of success that other industry players will undoubtedly seek to emulate by blending luxury with nature and leveraging their lithia-rich waters for global impact.