General Carowinds discussion
By Scott@Carowinds
#24536
I told everyone on the board when I posted for the first time last year that I would not make it a habit. I've kept to my word as this will only be the second post I've made on the site. Sadly, it's also my last.

I have accepted a new position in the financial industry, and my last day at Carowinds will be Friday, June 6. And for you smarta--es out there who are thinking it...no, I won't be coming back again. Saying adios this time is for good.

On one level, the decision wasn't too difficult. As many of you know, I now have a three-year-old daughter and not spending weekends with her continues to become harder as she gets older. Not to mention that between working and spending time with a child when I am home, my wife and I barely have time to talk to each other! The time has come in my life to move on to something new.

On another level, it's terribly difficult. I have made many friends in the industry, the media, and yes, even in the coaster community. This is the park I grew up coming to, and I know more about it than just about anyone (we can arm wrestle over that later if you want, Ken).

I'll miss C3. I'll miss the monthly calls about some guy with a video camera in the park who says he knows me (and I always to admit to knowing him, even if he's wearing a speedo or a lime green suit). I'll miss seeing you guys in the park, and answering all of your questions -even the ones about the hyper under the bridge. I'll miss the occasional email asking all the questions that you know I can't answer.

I'm certainly not going away. With a young child, there will be many visits to Carowinds in my future. If you see me in the park, say hi.

And keep faith in your home park. I promise that a few years down the road, you'll be extremely happy with things that are going on. I know that opinions differ among you about Cedar Fair, but I can promise one thing - they have plans for Carowinds. There's a lot of space to expand, it's a growing market and they recognize the potential.

We're well into the planning stages for C3 this year. I promise that I'll leave you in very capable hands until the next PR person comes along. You'll probably have to train him or her, but I have no doubt that you'll do fine job.

I hate to single anyone out because I'll miss a lot of people by doing this, but I have to give thanks to Jonathan for keeping this site going and giving you guys a place to talk about the Park - the good, the bad, the ugly; and the hopes and dreams you have for it. And to Max, the best asst. regional rep. that a park PR person could ask for.

Thanks to all of you for making my Carowinds experience more enjoyable.

Your friend,

Scott
By RollerBee
#24540
Well, all good things have to come to an end. I would say I will miss you, but I haven't been able to visit. I just hope whoever replaces you, does as good of a job with us as a whole. Scott, did you ever hear anything on my situation? I rue and dread the day my daughter sees a Carowinds ad on TV, and asked to go. On another note, can someone mail me a 2008 park map for my collection, please? PM me for mailing address.
By KenB
#24542
Glad you found something that will work out better for you and your family, Scott. You always did a great job on C3, commercial shoots, and dealing with the media. That had to be an "interesting" job dealing with both investigative reporters AND coaster enthusiasts. <shudder>

Oh, and thanks for whatever part you played with getting Top Gun re-named After Burn - it deserved something better than Flight Deck, even though most of us will still call it TG. Also, glad to have some positive words for the future of the park. I think we all know that's not just corporate spin coming from you, especially now that you're not part of that corporation for much longer. And just think - instead of being there to supervise the opening of the hyper under the bridge, you can be one of us waiting in line to ride it. :D

Best of luck to you in the future!

KenB (The "other" Ken)
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By MarkD
#24544
Adios and great luck to you and your family Scott. I truly know what you have been going thru trying to balance work and family.

We will miss you at C3 but I am sure whoever takes your place will get a good christening by the time that event is over with.

I do have faith in our park but to one who isn’t getting any younger I just get a little impatient. Actually I just want to call the shots :lol: but not pay the bills.

Take care of yourself as you have been a great anchor to our group and I for one shall miss that. I’ll just float along for a while.

Sincerely,
Mark
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By bgwfreak
#24548
*June 7 Wes sends Scott a PM so he can now find out all the future plans, since Scott won't be with the park anymore :wink: * j/k :mrgreen:

Scott I've enjoyed knowing you, and thanks for not walking (running) the other way when you see me coming in the park. :lol:

It's good to hear again that the future looks good for the park, in this unsure economy where parks seems to be going under every day, I'm glad that Cedar Fair is looking down the road for the park.

Whatever you'll be doing in the future, I wish you only the best.

Wes Connell

p.s. You know, you can still come to C3. Just as a guest this time. :lol:
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By Jonathan
#24553
It's sad to see you go, but I'm glad that you have a new job that will work out better for your family. Thanks for being tolerant of this site over the years.

And C3... wow. That event grew so fast into a great one that is locked into my calendar every year. Maybe we'll even see a special appearance at one someday? I have to admit, I wish I never had any part in the snowballing of that hyper under the bridge thing, because now it is just incredibly annoying. Maybe someday, though.

While it would have been much easier and probably better for your sanity and your soul to ignore the very tiny clinically insane segment of park guests known as coaster enthusiasts, you didn't, and I think we're all grateful for that.

Good luck.

Don't be a stranger.
By chargercrazy
#24556
I'm glad to hear that your new job will be better for your family situation. Hopefully we will see you around the park and maybe even at C3 down the road. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions and thank you especially all of your time and hard work that went into C3 over the years.

Best wishes.
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By swampfox43
#24565
Scott@Carowinds wrote: This is the park I grew up coming to, and I know more about it than just about anyone (we can arm wrestle over that later if you want, Ken).


No need for that Scott. I am 100% sure you know more about Carowinds than me.

Although my passion for Carowinds has waned somewhat over the past few years, the memories will always be there. And somewhere in the mix, you and David Mandt (and Max) will always be remembered as those 2 guys that went above and beyond to help create one of the best ever local events in the history of Carowinds.

Good luck to you and your family.
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By coasterbruh
#24622
DANGIT!! Now who's name can I drop that will ravish fear in the park employees?? Have fun wherever you go and you better not come back you're getting to be worst than michael jordan!
By Wendy94
#25453
Hey, I just got on board to this Carowinds Connection. I wrote Scott a few months ago and the email came back.
I was told by a former Carowinds Assoc. from years ago that he had left.

I'll miss our little chats! Hope everything is fine for you Scott, take care!

Wendy94 :)