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On today’s episode we are joined by Jack Herschend, Co-Founder and former CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment. Today, they are considered the nation’s largest family-owned themed attractions corporation. As a part of the family of entertainment companies within the Herschend Enterprises portfolio, their team of more than 10,000 employees creates, develops and operates entertainment, tourism and hospitality properties that currently span 23 locations in six states. Jack takes great pride in owning and partnering in leading theme parks including Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, and Dollywood in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, of which Dolly Parton is a partner. For most of the company's first 50 years, Jack served as Chairman, President and CEO.
In this episode…
You’ll hear Jack talk about his childhood, getting into a Family Entertainment Business, and leadership.
Highlights:
Jack’s upbringing and establishing a good work ethic
The “cave business” and 50 stories worth of steps
“God sent the right people at the right time.”
Opening Silver Dollar City
Jack’s outlook on profitability and debt
Learning the other person’ s perspective and the Big Idea
The biggest successes are dependent on failures
Theme Park Business vs Family Entertainment Business
“Share it Forward”
Honing your phony filter
Key Takeaway:
Life is about partnering with the right people and having faith in God to see you through the up’s and downs.
The WOW Factor
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Jack Herschend
Website: http://www.hfecorp.com/
http://www.hfecorp.com/our-businesses/#Theme%20Parks
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Key Quotes:
“Share it Forward”
“The job of a CEO is encouragement”
“We learn so much from stories”