Amusement Ride Safety Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.1184

Highlights of Qualifications

Eleven years experience as a show/fair manager with lifelong interest in the amusement industry
Proven organizational skills that build an event from the ground up
Ability to run an event efficiently while lowering costs
Special talent for persuasion and problem solving
Strong background in safety of fixed amusement rides
Ability to see the overall picture from concept through successful completion
Hands-on knowledge of virtually all positions within the industry

Professional Experience

Management

Reorganizing failing events, boosting gate receipts resulting in profits
Acting as Liaison between the show/fair/carnival, city departments, committees and school districts
Negotiating creative solutions acceptable to both event manager and government entities
Generating and maintaining good rapport with media resulting in excellent advertising packages
Preparing presentations of event proposals, designs plot plans

Industry Expertise

Familiarity with the vendors/amusement manufacturers and their products
Knowledgeable in all aspects of the manufacturing of rides
Firsthand experience with electrical and hydraulic systems used in amusement rides
Have written and had published articles on amusement rides and rider safety
Have presented training programs to ride operators or rider safety
Pyrotechnician – able to design/construct pyrotechnic hardware
Certificate in surplus line insurance with knowledge of coverage necessary for events

Employment History

1991 – Present, Self-employed, Amusement Ride Safety Expert

1991 – Present, Self-employed, Management Consultant, Event Coordinator

1987 – 1991, Road Manager, Hank Ballard and the Midnighter’s

1987 – 1991, Volunteer Fundraiser, Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Orange International Street Fair

1982 – 1986, Set Designer/Builder/Astro Pyrotechnics, Norwalk, CA, Pyro technician

1977- 1986, Ride Operator, Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland

Education and Training

Fullerton Community College – Ongoing

Certificate – Surplus Line Insurance – 1996

Selection of Published Articles

Reprints of Articles Published in:

Fair Dealer, Western Fairs Association
OABA News, Largest Trade Association Publication for the Carnival Industry
Fun World, I.A.A.P.A.
NARSSO, National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Organization