Rides, slides and a "hamster wheel"
SOMERVILLE, N.J. — If the saying, “jack of all trades” is true, then Stephanie Magnani is a manager of all things. Responding to a headhunter’s invitation and intuition, Magnani applied for a position with Rides 4 U after graduating from Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and has not looked back since. “To this day, I still thank her,” Magnani says of the headhunter’s gut feeling about her. “When she called me about the role, she said she had a good feeling about me. She believed I would be good for the role because I was organized and liked talking with people. I did not know anything about the industry or the company, but I was intrigued. When I interviewed with Len (Soled), I realized I had found the very place I was meant to be.”
Serving as the marketing and project manager for the New Jersey-based carnival, parks and family entertainment center (FEC) ride supplier, Magnani says others are surprised to learn where she works. “When they hear me say I work for Rides 4 U, they often ask if I spend my day just riding amusement rides. It always makes me laugh.”
She describes herself as the middleman for Rides 4 U’s projects, clients and events. “I have a degree in psychology, yet I have learned how to work with engineering documents and electrical drawings. I coordinate the shipping and delivery schedules for our clients, the colors and designs of rides with our team, and have learned how every little detail makes a difference. I never thought I would learn so much or that I would be able to have technical conversations about rides. I truly love going to work.”
And while FECs and carnivals are the company’s focus, Magnani shared she has been involved with client projects such as installing a single ride in someone’s backyard and even supporting the installation of a slide in the middle of Times Square in New York. “We do some crazy things,” she explained. “We supplied the giant Toboggan Run slide that was part of Super Bowl Boulevard in New York City for Super Bowl XLVIII. Our whole team then went into the city and rode it together.”
Rides and slides aside, the Rides 4 U team is what Magnani loves most about her role. “We really are one big family. Starting with Len and traveling through the entire team, everyone loves what they do. Rides 4 U has been there for me in every way possible since I began. The team was there when I met my husband, when we got married and when I had my son 17 months ago. They still are. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
“When I began at Rides 4 U, it was September,” she remembered. “We were two months away from the IAAPA Expo and I was tasked with coordinating our team’s travel, our booth and the rides we’d have on display, and the many logistics for the week. It was a lot to take in in a short amount of time. I adopted a bit of a “fake it ‘til you make it” mentality, worked hard and learned. When I made mistakes, Len and everyone on the team was fair and helpful. Their support made me want to do well for them. That first Expo was amazing. There was so much to see and take in. I saw firsthand how big the industry really is. I still get excited when we are preparing for IAAPA Expo, Gibtown (IISA’s annual trade show), a new client or special event.”
“I love the people I work with and get to meet,” she continued. “Everybody in this industry is supportive. We work in a fun business, and it’s really cool to see how others react to our rides. For example, when we added the ‘hamster wheel’ car with our spinning coaster, we created something unique. When we brought it to IAAPA Expo everyone would stand and watch because it was so different. People of all ages — all over — love watching it. The line of people who stand and watch is often just as long the one for people waiting to ride.”
When she’s not working, Magnani loves visiting the carnivals and parks. “I look at everything a little differently now,” she explained. “When I first started at Rides 4 U I never really thought about where amusement rides come from. Now, I see everything from our perspective and the industry’s. We have a local carnival that is supplied by Amusements of America, and I’m so proud when I can tell family and friends, ‘We supplied this ride’ or I can talk about something new we did with them. When I visit fairs and parks, I challenge myself to identify the ride manufacturers that created the rides.”
Magnani also now enjoys sharing rides with her toddler. “We visited Turtle Back Zoo last summer and rode the carousel for the first time as a family. My son kept looking around, taking in everything. Soon after that, we visited Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, and he rode the kiddie train. He watched the other people and the lights as he rode around. It made me appreciate more than ever that I help create memories for families just like mine.”
While Magnani recognizes not everyone finds their professional passion straight out of school, she knows she’s found her place. When asked if she has advice for new graduates and others who are considering entering the industry, she says only three words are needed. “Go for it,” she encouraged with a smile. “I want everyone to know, they will not regret their decision. This industry has great opportunities and great people. I continue to be excited by all we do and plan to remain here for a long time.”
—Susan Storey
