AttractionPros Podcast
Episodes
Episode 355 - Mike Rotondo talks about the balance of art and process, avoiding brand creep, and pushing for what's possible
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Rotondo is the CEO of Altitude Trampoline Parks. With a background in various franchise industries, including Tropical Smoothie and Edible Arrang...
Episode 354 - Minisode - The Grocery Store
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This minisode discusses the concept of The Hospitality Mentality within organizations through a real-life scenario at a grocery store. Matt recounts a...
Episode 353 - Mike Lusky talks about embracing history, shifting culture, and the importance of mentors
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Lusky is the Group General Manager of Adventureland Resort, Altoona, IA. With over three decades in the attractions industry, his journey began a...
Episode 352 - Melissa Oviedo talks about sustainable growth, building perspectives, and asking the right questions
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa Oviedo is the Chief Business Officer of BMorrow Productions. Melissa brings a rich background in the attractions industry, having previously...
Episode 351 - Denise Beckson talks about first jobs, recruiting as sales, and government relations
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Denise Beckson is the Vice President of Human Resources and Government Relations at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ. With a wealth of experience spannin...
Episode 350 - Lessons from the AttractionPros Community
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The AttractionPros Podcast has reached another milestone! After nearly seven years, we are thrilled to reach episode 350. To recognize how far we’...
Episode 349: James Jensen talks about going into the future, transformational experiences, and fear is an illusion
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
James Jensen is the founder and CEO of JUMP, the world’s first wingsuit base jumping simulator. If you have ever dreamed of flying like Superman, bu...
Episode 348 - Steve Balliet talks about working for a purpose, from the bean to the bar, and transformational leadership
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Balliet is the Senior Manager of Hershey’s US Owned Retail in Hershey, PA. In his role, Steve runs both Hershey’s Chocolate World location...
Episode 347 - Björn Ingi Knútsson talks about Icelandic tourism, conquering yourself, and managing logistics
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Björn Ingi Knútsson is one of the major reasons that Matt and his friends had such a positive experience in Iceland. He was the group's tour guide a...
Episdoe 346: Zach Blutner talks about the interverse, layers in storytelling and creating a sandbox
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Zach Blutner is the Managing Director of Inter_. Zach has built his career in tourism, museums, attractions, and experiences, all in New York City. ...
Episode 345: Minisode - Taking pictures for guests
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re in the business of creating memories that last a lifetime. While that’s a nice, feel-good statement, it’s also the attractions industry’...
Episode 344: Jill Raff talks about expectations management, screening for values, and reacting vs. responding
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jill Raff is the Founder and CEO of the Jill Raff Group, where she helps organizations work from the inside out by focusing on the employee experience...
Episode 343: Minisode -The Desperation Hire
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The “desperation hire,” also referred to as the “pulse test” or the need for “warm bodies” (please stop calling it that), is a challenge o...
Episode 342: Jon Pausley talks about generational loyalty, leading with positivity and familiar but better
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Pausley is the CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, a gem of a location found in the Northwest corner of Iowa. In addition to the amusement park, t...
Episode 341: Minisode - Out of Office
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you check your email when you’re out of office? That was the question discussed in this week’s “minisode,” where Matt reflected on his tr...
Episode 340: Lessons from Iceland
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lessons from Iceland When you think about vacation spots, Iceland may not come up on everyone’s to-do list, but it did for Matt and a group of frien...
Episode 339: Matt and Josh talk about premium experiences
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode started with a question about what we as an industry might be lacking compared to other industries. It just so happens that Josh and Matt...
Episode 338: Deborah Eicher talks about building unique rides, mentoring young talent, and future-proofing
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deborah Eicher is the International Sales and Marketing Director for RES Rides, a Swiss-based rides manufacturer known for creating unique experiences...
Episode 337 - Dr. Patty Mason talks about a holistic approach to finance, an abundance mindset, and transformational leadership
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Patty Mason is a tax expert & financial consultant who not only supports businesses through sound finance advice and guidance, but also consul...
Episode 336: Matt and Josh talk about getting past the honeymoon phase, using feedback to drive growth, and moving the goalpost
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently, Universal Orlando shared additional details about Epic Universe, scheduled to open in 2025. The news of the upcoming park’s opening spar...
Episode 335: Amanda Verhoff talks about the premium sports experience, understanding the buyer and singing the same song
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Verhoff is the President of the Association of Luxury Suite Directors, an organization dedicated to the premium and luxury seating industry tha...
Episode 334: Jenny Williams talks about an effective media mix, non-profit marketing and tracking the right metrics
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jenny Williams leads attend media, an advertising agency working primarily with cultural and non-profit attractions. As a Media Strategist, Jenny wo...
Episode 333: Dominic Wray talks about micro-businesses, breaking down silos and leaving the island.
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dominic Wray is Parks Director for Vectis Ventures and he oversees all aspects of the operation for Blackgang Chine on the Isle Wight. Blackgang is th...
Episode 332: Steve Thomas talks about lessons from the oil field, guest centricity, and no paper signs
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Thomas is the General Manager at Belmont Park in San Diego, CA. Steve’s background includes working in oil fields in West Texas and Eastern...
Episode 331: Jim MacPhee talks about navigating life, pushing a wet noodle, and emotional & relational intelligence
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jim MacPhee is a retired Disney legend and renowned author of the book Engage, Inspire, Lead. Starting in the watercraft department on the Seven S...
Episode 330 - 2024 Resolutionary Episode
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keep connecting with IAAPA in 2024! Join your colleagues and peers at the IAAPA FEC Summit from January 21st to the 23rd in San Antonio, Texas. Or, p...