Interview with new GM Jason McClure

Jason McClure is Cedar Point's new Vice President and General Manager. He is stepping into the lead role following the retirement of John Hildebrandt. We had a chance to find out about his background and what's in store for 2014.

http://pointbuzz.com/c/jason-mcclure.aspx

Pretty good stuff! I am actually excited that the damn melt your shoes and soul on a hot day asphalt is being ripped out. I can feel my body seriously bog down on some days and feel the shoes get slightly softer while walking on that lol.

As expected. Shoot the Rapids will reopen - no explanation necessary. It's just "better".

As expected. SteveH continues to beat a dead horse yet again.

^At least he's more consistent than STR is when it comes to it working right. :D

Though I'm going to laugh my derrière off if someone asks Jason about STR during the Winter Chill Out and he gives the same "It will be open" answer.

^pics or it didn't happen. :)

From the interview - he's basically an accountant who "over the years" has spent time in parks (that are now owned by CF - not necessary back then). After a North American park tour last summer, he's got the leadership skills to be GM? Seriously? Contributors to this Forum have much more of the same type of experience - if that is all it takes to do the job.

Except that none of the contributors to this forum have anything remotely close to what it takes......and that's a good thing.

Are you really that upset over John's 13 second mention of Shoot the Rapids that didn't mention the hows and whys of the accident?

No, the amusement park tour did not qualify him for the role. The several years in finance and at least five years of managing a smaller park qualify him.

Well I'm happy over the news of Shoot the Rapids! I'm sure you guys knew that I would comment about that. :) I'm also excited about the announcement of the new restaurant that's coming to Gemini midway! I plan to be there on Media day to check it out.

^^Are you sure they didn't just pick a name out of a hat? ;)

Actually I heard it was down to either McClure or Ensign Smith. They have been impressed with his humorous and upbeat posts for years.

I like what I'm hearing from McClure, personally.

I've been impressed with what McClure has had to say also, I thinkhe will do a great job managing the park.

I'm looking forward to meeting him on the Midway some day. Everyone has their own style, of course, but it will be strange not running into John H. (although something tells me he won't be a stranger to the park); his personable and hands-on approach was second to none.

Mr. McClure seems positively down-right thrilled to have this job...that's very encouraging to see. :)

You don't have to wait that long. Why, you can meet him next Saturday! :)

(edited to reflect the actual Saturday of the event. I can't use a calendar, but I are a college graduate!)

*ding*