Why choose Fireworks America?
ABOUT US
Started by an investment group of pyrotechnicians, Fireworks America is unique in the industry for employee ownership. Centuries of pyrotechnic experience is represented through our ownership group. We desired one thing above all others: Quality. No other company was able to meet our demands of quality products, quality equipment and quality service that we wanted to provide.
WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE BEST QUALITY
Quality Products because we love fireworks and know the good ones, and while you may not know their names we know you will respond to them on an emotional level - ‘Wow, I've never seen anything like that’;
Quality Equipment because we use it day in and day out, having performed thousands of displays, and built and maintained to the most stringent standards in the world, and it adds to the safety of your display;
Quality Service for our clients and our shooters because we expect no less for ourselves. Chances are when you call Fireworks America you are speaking with one of the owners who can make a decision and solve your problem. Chances are the pyrotechnician on your site is a shareholder that cares about providing the safest display possible while leaving you a very satisfied customer.
SERVICES
Our friendly staff at Fireworks America would be pleased to work with you to organize a fireworks display to enhance special events such as:
Large fireworks displays synchronized with radio simulcast
Special Events - sporting events, rodeos, parades, concerts
Weddings & Anniversaries
Indoor or outdoor fireworks for conventions
Set pieces in which pyrotechnics are used to display logos, names or textMovie, television and theatrical special effectsPrivate parties
You name it...we've got the pyro for you!
THE COMPANY
Fireworks America is one of the largest pyrotechnic entertainment companies in the Western United States. The company was founded in 1994 by a group of pyrotechnicians that wanted to create a working environment unlike any other in the industry. Those same individuals knew what it took to produce a top level show and wanted to provide that skill to clients that demanded higher quality entertainment. Although started by small core group, the company has continuously increased in size as other pyrotechnicians saw the difference and came to Fireworks America, where they have the ability to work at a higher level.
THE PEOPLE
Fireworks America’s ownership group is some of the finest pyrotechnicians found in the country. Each member brings a different area of expertise to the company allowing for a diversity of knowledge few, if any, companies have in this industry. Among the group are accountants, fire service personnel, engineers, defense contractors, computer specialists, doctors, civil service managers, fireworks manufacturers and private industry managers. Fireworks America probably has more college degrees than any other company in the industry.
THE MANAGEMENT
Kevin Brueckner, President Manager, Licensed Pyrotechnician
Beginning in 1983, Kevin Brueckner has designed and performed thousands of displays. Prior to founding Fireworks America in 1994, he was General Manager for San Diego Fireworks which make his very familiar with your account. He is a past President of the Western Pyrotechnic Association and Utah Pyrotechnic Association, as well as the author of several industry publications. He served on the NFPA Committee for Pyrotechnics and on the California State Fire Marshal’s Fireworks Committee. He is licenses include California Basic Commercial, Theatrical, Special Effects 2 and Rockets First Class.
Scott Danielson, General Manager, Director, Licensed Pyrotechnician
Mr. Danielson has been in the Fireworks, Special Effects, and Theatrical Industry for 24 years. Scott works full time at the Lakeside Corporate Office and oversees the day to day operations and sales. Scott manufactured products for12 years out of his 20 year career. Scott was also the Lead Pyrotechnician at (NTC) National Training Center. He re-created Battlefield Effects to assist in training aid before US and Foreign Troops were deployed. Scott owned his own Fireworks Company in Arizona for 8 years before moving to California. He is also 1 of 14 people that helped get "Class C" Fireworks legalized in Arizona again back in 2010.
Matthew Biolchino, Southern California Sales Manager, Licensed Pyrotechnician
As a pyrotechnic operator, Matt has been with Fireworks America since it was founded in 1994. Although his formal education and degree are in Automotive Technology, his love for "all things pyrotechnic" has brought him full time to Fireworks America where he has put his mechanical abilities to work on many special effects projects. His experience and employment as a pyrotechnician and pyro trainer at Disney have been invaluable to him and our company as he now oversees show sales and operations over the greater Los Angeles area.
Jim Acker, Northern California Sales Manager, Director, Licensed Pyrotechnician
Jim has been a licensed pyrotechnician for over 25 years and came to us after retiring from a 34-year professional fire service career. He resides in Northern California where he manages our sales and operations for that area. He is rated as a Safety Officer and a certified instructor for the California Fire Service and coordinates much of our training to our operators and the training that we provide to local fire departments. Jim was a founder of Advanced Pyrotechnic Systems, a leading edge design group that manufactures Pyrodigital compatible components and is an expert in the use of the Cobra wireless firing systems. He is licensed as a both Basic Commercial Display (Aerial Fireworks) and a Theatrical Special Effects (Indoor) Pyrotechnician, having performed hundreds of each type of display.
Ericka Strawn, Tracy, Inventory & Production Manager
With a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Technologies, as well as an Associate's in Business Administration, Ericka has many years’ experience in management, dispatch, and logistical production. She is task orientated and attentive to detail. During her studies, she was twice awarded with Student of the Semester in her department. Managing three separate inventories, two for theme parks and Fireworks America’s extensive inventory is no small task and Ericka has proven to be most efficient. Ericka is positive, productive and persistent.
James Riley, Idaho Sales and Operations Manager, Certified Pyrotechnician
James has always loved Fireworks. In 1996 he started shooting & helped hand-light his first show. By 1998 he became an Idaho Operator. He started building firing systems & equipment to inprove safely and overall displays. After 20 years in Construction, Lumber Sales & Home Building. James said he "started his dream job" joining the Fireworks America Team & become our Idaho Sales and Operations Manager. James strives to increase his knowledge and share it with our Idaho Pyros.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gayle Bates, Chairman of the Board
A retired Firefighter, EOD Technician and Paramedic, Gayle has both Basic Commercial and Theatrical Licenses. Having worked for a myriad of companies, Gayle brings extensive stage experience to Fireworks America. He also serves on the Boards of other unrelated companies. He is licensed as a both Basic Commercial Display (Aerial Fireworks) and a Theatrical Special Effects (Indoor) Pyrotechnician, having performed hundreds of each type of display.
Bob Wozniak, Chief Financial Officer, Board Member, Licensed Pyrotechnician
Bob brings a world of professional management experience to the Fireworks America team. Beginning in 1987 he served as the lead pyrotechnician at Sea World, San Diego, retiring in 2007. He is licensed as both a Basic Commercial Display (Aerial Fireworks) and a Theatrical Special Effects (Indoor) Pyrotechnician, having performed hundreds of each type of display. During his career he has been a Senior Systems Engineering Manager at Raytheon, a Systems Engineer for Hughes Aircraft and General Motors and was a Systems Engineer/Analyst for the Department of Defense/Department of the Navy.
Jose Marquez, Board Member, Licensed Pyrotechnician
Jose brings a wealth of knowledge in computers and electrical design. He has designed and implemented the production of the electrical firing systems used at Fireworks America. His analytical mind is quite valuable at the monthly board meetings.
Ken Wagoner, Chairman Emeritus
Ken is employed full time as a Fire Service Engineer, designing fire suppression systems for large corporate structures. A licensed pyrotechnician since 1989, Ken has worked on some of the largest displays in the Western United States. Ken is also one of the most knowledgeable in the company as to the intricate workings of the Pyrodigital Firing System (computer firing).
MISSION STATEMENT
To be the premier pyrotechnic company in the United States by producing exceptional shows using unique and creative ideas, the latest innovations and unparalleled service to our clients. We will not focus on the number of productions; our emphasis is producing the absolute highest quality public display and proximate shows for our clients.
Our vision is to put a smile on the face of every spectator.
GUIDING PRINCIPALS
Our motto is “The Difference is Quality” and we will live by that motto. We will strive to produce the highest quality shows by using the most talented people, latest innovations, and highest quality pyrotechnic products available. People are our most important asset. The safety of our spectators, clients and employees is the most important aspect of our business. We do everything possible to ensure their safety, and will develop safety programs and training methods to minimize risk to the greatest extent possible. We are socially responsible. We will support the communities we live and work in by providing a safe workplace, respecting the environment and appreciating the diversity of all individuals. We are responsible to the company. When we wear the Fireworks America logo we become representatives of the company and the values it represents. To maintain the integrity and reputation of the company, we will conduct ourselves as professionals at all times. We will provide value to our clients. We will establish lasting relationships with them by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member of our team. We will provide value to them through innovation, foresight, integrity and honesty at fair and competitive prices. We will grow profitably. We will seek exemplary financial performance by balancing short term profitability with long-term growth while maintaining flexibility to attain acceptable results in all market cycles.