OUR STORY

It was the summer of ’89

Two teenagers, Curtis Parks and Eli Stovall, crossed paths for the first time while working as lifeguards in New Braunfels, TX. Little did they know that what began as a summer job would turn into a lifelong career and partnership rooted in their love for entertainment.

Fun in the sun quickly turned into a serious job: running a full department at the age of 19. Fortunately, they had managers who invested in them, instilling the non-negotiable foundations of safety, guest service, and desire for constant improvement. This sparked a deep passion for the industry and the pair became deeply invested in learning the ins and outs of what it takes to be the best in business. Their hard work didn’t go unnoticed. The two were given opportunities to lead, manage, and create visible change. This ultimately led to full-time jobs in water park management and operations in different companies. Their careers were just getting started.

While their career paths overlapped from time to time, Parks and Stovall’s friendship remained strong, and their passion for the entertainment industry grew even stronger. Although the two were not always working together, they always found time to reconnect, catch up, and inspire each other.

They discussed their hopes, dreams, and visions for the industry, and discovered they had a passion to break the mold and do things differently together. From their expertise in management, finance, construction and operations, the pair wanted to bring a balanced and coordinated approach to their work.

From here ICON was born. Curtis and Eli founded ICON in 2013 with a dedication to uphold quality, integrity, authenticity and fun.

Their first project, which centered around giant observation wheels, grew to include consulting and advisory services, referrals, M&A support, turn-key management and development projects. Their unique and diverse skill sets were the perfect match to join forces and create something new and iconic.

Today, ICON partners with clients, vendors, suppliers, investors and developers around the world to create experiences that inspire. The team puts a strong emphasis on high quality production, attention to detail, commitment to safety, and lasting relationships. It is through these pillars that ICON is able to turn dream concepts into living experiences.

ICON delivers results to clients that leave guests feeling entertained, happy, and inspired.

Today ICON is much more than Curtis and Eli, along the way they have found kindred spirits with the shared passion, skills, and entrepreneurial drive. Our shared ideals drive our commitment to excellence to our team, our guests, our partners, and our clients.

Testimonials

“As the leader in creating innovative entertainment experiences, it is important for us to have an operating partner that understands the creative development and operation of an experience... and Icon does just that. Icon Attractions has led the way in attraction development, while utilizing creative ways to bring properties alive. Their collaborative approach allows them the ability to build the best team and drive continuous visitation and revenue, all while doing everything with a high attention to quality, detail and most importantly safety.“

Ryan Stana, Chief Executive Officer | RWS Entertainment Group

“We've known Eli and Curtis for over ten years and have had the privilege of working with them on theme parks, water parks and other attractions such as The Wheel at St. Louis Station. Icon Attractions is a successful development, turnaround and management partner because of their keen focus on the customer. They hire wisely and train well to deliver an exceptional experience. Projects are delivered as scheduled and on budget, eliminating the unpredictability we often see in the industry. These guys know what they're doing, which is why they are the first attractions operator we recommend to our clients who are in need. As Bo Peep once said, "I found my moving buddy."

Joni Newkirk, CEO | Integrated Insight, Inc.

“Over the past two years that we have been interacting and working with the team at Icon Attractions, we have been impressed with their understanding of not only the general operational side of leisure attractions, but also their knowledge of ancillary areas of the business that most companies rely on outside assistance. We could go on for days about all the ways they have assisted us but the short is, they are a pleasure to work with, professionals in every sense, and we can think of no one that we would more strongly recommend.“

Chris Davis, Managing Director | ZoOceanarium Group

“When we purchased St Louis Union Station we knew the history and the significance of the building, the architecture, and what it means to the city of St Louis. Built in 1894, Union Station was once the busiest train station in the world and welcomed travelers to St Louis’ World Fair in 1904. We needed a new story to transform the complex into something special and reinvent the old train station. We wanted to make sure we had the best partners and operators to make the complex a success. Icon Attractions was the perfect fit. Both Eli and Curtis are active leaders in the family entertainment industry and well respected in the IAPPA organization. The project has been a huge success and we give thanks to Icon Attractions in developing a solid team, and operational and safety procedures. We would recommend Icon Attractions for any similar project and look forward to working with them as we expand our project and portfolio.”

Steve O’Loughlin, President | LHM

“Icon Attractions has now managed The Capital Wheel for over 5-years. They are extremely attentive to the business, always making refinements and recommendations to the program. 2020 with COVID-19 produced extraordinary challenges and due to their hard work and creativity the impact will be less than 10%. Along with their management duties they have found time to create our on-line retail program as well as a new bricks and mortar location at Tanger Outlets at National Harbor. We look forward to our continued relationship for many years to come.”

Kent S. Digby, Executive Vice President, Asset Management & Operations National Harbor | Peterson Companies

These are some of the brands our projects, parks and plans have allowed us to be part of.
  

We are fortunate to work with the best manufacturers, suppliers, producers and developers in the industry.

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