May 22, 2014
I recently found out that the first roller coaster (really, the first ride) I sold is for sale. The “Sequoia Adventure” at Gardaland was the first production model S&S Screaming Squirrel to open and apparently Gardaland wants to get rid of it.
I can’t say I blame them, it was not a very good ride at all. It hung guests upside down too long, it could not turn so the vehicle dropped into channel track that was rough, and the coaster really did not do a heck of a lot. To me it did not matter. The day I closed that deal remains one of the happiest of my professional career. I actually stopped and thought to myself- remember how this feels. Now, a lot of sales and projects later I still get happy thinking about Gardaland buying this ride.
It also taught me something about our projects; the little victories matter as much as the big ones and they need to be celebrated. When you have your eyes set on having the next project being bigger and better than your current one you will find yourself disappointed. But, it helps if you also remember to be happy about the smaller things. For our company, it can be a myriad of little things. Just this spring we had a World War II veteran who used to operate the Forest Park Carousel stop by for a ride on the Flushing Meadows Carousel. We also were awarded the contract to supply some decorative stanchions at Six Flags America for their new Rajin’ Cajun Spinning Coaster, which we just finished installing. Last, but not least, we were able to install the embed and first section of the Cedar Point Slingshot before the park opened- even though it had been stuck in customs for over a month! All little things to be sure, but each are important in their own right. If you celebrate the small stuff it helps you appreciate the landmark events even more.
Speaking of big victories, last week we were lucky enough to open the New England SkyScreamer at Six Flags New England. It stands 403 feet above the beautiful Massachusetts tree canopy and offers some spectacular views of the Connecticut River. Check out the amazing video below and enjoy your flight!
-AFS