Roller coasters took Dick Kinzel slowly to the top and a $1.24 billion acquisition ultimately led to his direst years. During his 39-year career (25 as president and CEO) with Cedar Point and Cedar Fair parks, he built the world's first 200, 300, and 400-foot tall roller coasters.
He is responsible for adding more than 35 multi-million dollar scream machines to the company's 11 amusement parks. It was he who delivered the first shot in the coaster wars of the 1990s when he built the Magnum XL-200, the first to top the 200-foot barrier.
He brought big, edgy and expensive coasters to Cedar Point knowing that the bigger the thrill ride, the bigger the crowds. His story is one of tenacity, conservatism and risk taking. It's one of big business and one of fun making. Dick spent his life putting smiles on people's faces and fear in their eyes.
For the first time his journey is told in full: from his highs and lows to the laughs and tears, this is the story of the man who brought more roller coasters to Ohio than any other man. This is the official biography of Richard L. Kinzel.
Dick Kinzel: Roller Coaster King of Cedar Point Amusement Park
Publisher: Casa Flamingo Literary Arts
Published: October 16, 2015
Paperback: 124 pages
SBN: 978-0974332468
Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.32 x 8.5 inches
David Dahlman
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Inside Look to the Mastermind of Cedar Fair’s Success
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 7, 2018
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This book gives a great inside look to the man who pushed the limits of technology and grew small theme parks into the giant regional theme park brand known today. This book gives a look at Dick Kinzel as an individual as well as a businessman, and looks at some of his business decisions and his opinions on them. It’s an easy read and absolutely worth every penny.
WaterDummy
4.0 out of 5 stars This is an interesting look at Mr. Kinzel's tenure ...
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2016
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This is an interesting look at Mr. Kinzel's tenure as CEO of Cedar Fair. Some of the details during his time are lacking, but overall there are some very interesting news about Cedar Point that I would have never known had I not picked up this book.
Brian P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Feel the Momentum
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 7, 2016
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This book was a fun trip down memory lane for me. I worked in the rides department at Cedar Point for 4 summers in the mid 90's. Consistently, something euphoric was opening, or something big was being announced. Like the rides he brought in, Dick Kinzel created Cedar Fair's momentum. This book captures that.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 5, 2020
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Gave it as a gift
Justin H
4.0 out of 5 stars Quick and Good Read
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 21, 2016
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Provides some insight into the decisions made by Dick Kinzel and how they had an impact on Cedar Fair and the amusement park industry.
Ike9er
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 10, 2018
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Very good read. Highly recommended for any Cedar Point, Cedar Fair or Amusement Park enthusiast.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Very cool book about the former Cedar Fair CEO & his ...
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 5, 2016
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Very cool book about the former Cedar Fair CEO & his family. If you love Cedar Point as much as I do, you will LOVE this book.