Anyone ever meet the top people at the park?

Just wanted to know if anyone has ever met the gods of cedar point, such as Richard Kinzel or John Hildebrandt? Let me know good stories and whatnot.

Yesterday (21 May 2008) I was walking with a mate of mine and along comes Mr Kinzel and Mr Hildebrandt I said hello to them and I spoke to my mate and said should i ask for his picture. he said yes i should. so i did and I asked the both of the Gods. They said sure. I got the thumbs up picture you see as my avatar :D Me and my mate said at the same time that it has made our centuries!

I never got the privelage to meet eathier of them. Back in 2002 I taped and watched over and over again "World's Largest Amusment Park", and Dick Kinzel was in it giving a tour of CP. I must say, looking at the pictures from opening day on this site, he looks much older than he did then. I know it has been 6 years, but it looks like he has aged 10 or more.

But anyway congrads on meeting him. Did you guys talk about anything besides for him taking the pic with you? I have always wondered what I would say to him if I ever met him. Probably just how much I love CP and what a great job he is doing.

I have talked to him several times before. He is a really laid back kind of guy. You can basically talk to him about almost anything.The first time I met him I was so nervous. I worked at Cedar Point and it was training day for Kodak. I saw his car driving by and I HAD to stop him for a picture. I didn't know what to say. I basically said "Can I have a picture of you?" We talked for a little bit and I basically said that he is my idol and that I am amazed that he became the man he is now.

lol. I would be REALLY nervous too. I am going to CP soon and if I saw him I would want to stop and talk to him but I would probably be kind of star struck. I mean I have met celebrities before, but it was no big deal because they wern't really my "idols". But if I met him, I would probably be at a loss for words. lol.

One of the main reasons why he is my idol is because of how he became the man he is.He actually started working at CP and worked his way up.

I like pancakes.

I like pancakes too!!!

Anyways, I have seen Mr. Kinzel and Mr. Hildebrandt on several occasions. Last time was opening day at Planet Snoopy. Before than I saw Dick at Castaway during this past winter. I have ran into Tony and Tyler numerous times. However I see Tony a lot more than Tyler.

Peace, Mikey

Yes and they were human after all. They even breathed the same air as me.

When did they die?

I pushed down Kinzel's lapbar on Millennium Force on a few occasions. I haven't washed my hand since...

In all seriousness... I can understand how people appreciate what he has done for the park, or even Cedar Fair in general. But his recent financial/business planning decisions do not make him nearly the favorable, "perfect" CEO that he once was.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the park, but I've just never understood the cult following some corporate leaders receive. Steve Jobs is another great example of a CEO who gets "worshipped" way too much.

To each their own I suppose.

maverick_owns said:
I am amazed that he became the man he is now.

That is even more amazing when you take into account his inability to let go and to embrace technology.

I have a little shrine to Dick in my basement. My mom let me use a whole corner to put up pictures, posters, drawings, bas-relief, carvings, dioramas, etc., all of the god...er, I mean, man. It's surrounded by candles and Cedar Point knick-knacks. Every morning I start my morning off by praying to Dick, asking for more sunshine, lower gas prices, and a 500 foot tall B&M. I also have a little statue of Hildebrandt, 'cause you know I sometimes think he might be the Son of Dick.

Ensign Smith said:
My mom let me use a whole corner

So you've expanded out of your basement bedroom. Good for you. Is she charging you rent yet, or do you just have to fix her computer and cable when she needs it? ;)

Well, you know, I am forty now, so I figured it was about time I expanded my horizons. As far as rent goes, taking out the trash and mowing the grass are valuable services.

;)

Jeff said:
I like pancakes.

Jeff, normally I'd concur with a pancake reference, but even this is too over the top for me.

The man holds a double standard though.... He does not have a college degree however to work at the park full time you must have one in most positions. I think that is a great person to look up to!!

P.S. I-Hop has amazing pancakes

Their blueberry syrup on blueberry pancakes is really good. :)

Whoever that bald guy (I think its John Hildebrandt is it not?)
He was walking the boardwalk at about 6 or 7 PM on Memorial Day.

Chocolate chip pancakes all the way :)

Steak.