by Martin Palicki, InPark Magazine Publisher
In the previous issue of InPark, I wrote about the importance of having great people working in your facility. Those frontline workers are the heart and soul of every customer-focused business.
But the behind-the-scenes folks are also pretty important too. As I reflect on all of the wonderful experiences I’ve had over the past 20 years of InPark, I realize that much of it revolves around the amazing people on the vendor side of themed entertainment.
Take the photo above. Earlier this summer I took a road trip to Middleton, Wisconsin, to visit the home offices of ETC. I was greeted by Scott O’Donnell (Themed Environment Specialist) on the left and Jacob Coakley (MarCom Specialist) on my right. Above us, they had changed the welcome marquee to my name. And while ETC specializes in LED-powered theatrical lighting, this was the old-fashioned backlit sign where someone actually took the time to hand-place each letter. They even had a photographer there to capture our photos on top of the marquee. You can see some of those pics in InPark’s Instagram feed.
Scott and Jacob then spent the entire day with me, showing me around the offices, the warehouses and workshops, complete with behind-the-scenes access and secrets about the company’s history. Fun fact: The entrance lobby (pictured above) is entirely themed to a city streetscape, and the reception desk, just out of frame over Scott’s shoulder, is a faithful recreation of the famous Nighthawks painting by Edward Hopper.
I learned so much about ETC, but also about Scott and Jacob and what inspires them to work in this industry. Like so many others, they love the business of themed entertainment, creating places and experiences where people walk away smiling, laughing and inspired. Some are drawn to the roller coasters, others more to the theaters, but practically everyone I’ve met in this business is here because they want to be here.
I’m appreciative of Scott and Jacob and ETC and all the people and companies that make this business one of the best to be in. Let’s never forget that!
