John Dorek was an innovator when it came to bowling. John was a proprietor at Edina Bowling Center, Celebrity Lanes, Southdale Pro Bowl, and Chanhassen Bowl. He was the first in the world to offer baby-sitting in a bowling center. One of the first to have high school gym classes during school hours. One of the first to start "learn to bowl" classes.

John acted as a bowling instructor for hundreds of adults and juniors. He formed the first high school bowling league that the Minneapolis Proprietors approved and which later was enlarged to the current club bowling statewide. He was the first to start Celebrity Leagues with people like Billy Martin, Jim Kaat, Herb Carneal, etc. and their wives.

He helped form the Sunday night All Star Bowling on WCCO-TV, was the first commentator, and then employed by WCCO-TV as a emcee/commentator. He was also one of the commentators on the first eight years of Bowlerama. John was one of the originators of the CBA and was its tournament director the first 15 to 20 years. He also was tournament director for the ladies CBA.

John held many BPAA offices including president of the Minneapolis Proprietors (including the year the national All Star tournament was held in the Twin Cities. He was also State BPAA Secretary, etc.

As a bowler he never practiced but still had a high average of 200. He was the proud captain of Schmidt's Team that won the league championship with teammates Ed Maehren, Leo Mann, Norm Abrams, and Bud Johnson. Had the highest three game league total of 733, which was high for the first year and a half.

John was not just into bowling. John was a part owner of the Minneapolis Lakers basketball team along with nine other businessmen who raised money to keep the team here. He was on the Board of Directors and the smaller Executive Committee until the team moved to L.A.

His first love was baseball where he was offered contracts with two pro teams. John is a member of the Minneapolis Bowling Hall of Fame and the CBA Hall of Fame.