The end of an era... Jeff Siebert to leave PKI.

It is bittersweet that I report the news that Jeffrey Siebert has resigned his postion of Marketing and Communications Manager at Paramount's Kings Island.

Jeff has been with PKI since 2000, and has been an absolute staple at PKI. Jeff's passion for PKI as well as his attention to overall detail has help guide the park into a much improved, guest focused experience. He will no doubt be missed by his colleagues, coworkers and friends.

Jeff has been one of the most effective supporters of Coaster Enthusiasts and fans of the park. He truly is a great fellow that has left his amazing touch upon those of us lucky enough to share in various festivities, media events and enthusiast events at PKI. I cannot think of someone that is more generous with their time and efforts than he. I'll forever think of his smiling face whenever I enter PKI.

To me, Jeff is PKI. And the friendship that I have with he and his family is probably the greatest reason that PKI continues to mean so much to me.

But don't fret! All is not lost!

The good news is that Jeff will be assuming a position with Schlitterbahn Parks based in Galveston, TX. Jeff will begin work with the the world's most prominent waterpark company on Dec 7th.

Jeff's final day at PKI will be Dec 2nd. His final hoorah, will be this week's Winterfest opening. I cannot think of a better way to send him on his new adventure. It will be a party to end all parties.

On a side note, Jeff has been one of the most dear friends I could ask for. Aside from just being a tremendous buddy, I owe about 90% of my understanding and knowledge about PKI to him. I wish he and his family much luck in Texas.

No worries buddy, I'll be visiting soon ;-)

Shaggy

Yeah, I got the call earlier today, and he will be missed, that's for sure. His early support of CoasterBuzz Club gave us instant legitimacy and credibility, and it would've been a much harder road without him. It's a good move for him though, and I congratulate him on his advancement.

And while we're on the subject of PKI, BeastBuzz 2006 is June 10. :)

Good luck Jeff. I'll miss not seeing him at PKI during my visits, but hopefully we'll cross paths in Tejas! :)

Beastbuzz will be different without him for sure. Who is taking over his job? Maureen?

With Jeff just having resigned, I doubt that decision has been made.

However have no fear! The lovely Maureen will still be there!

Shaggy

I will certainly miss Jeff at PKI, but we will be going to all Three Schlitterbahn parks the day after Beastbuzz 06

So all is not lost.

Best of luck Jeff Siebert

Wow! Someone will have some big shoes to fill. Jeff is a great guy and deserves the best. I am sure he will do well in his new location. Good Luck!

I wish him the best with the waterpark chain. Not that he'll need it. :)

Wow. I hope Jeff and his family enjoy all that is the Schlitterbahn family.

Any word if he might be an attendee of BeastBuzz?

He's probably going to spend the next few weeks just trying to find his stuff in boxes. Kinda early to think about his summer plans, eh?

Thanks for all the good times Jeff, I hope to ride with you someday when you don't have to answer any questions :)

Chuck

When I arrived at BeastBuzz '04, I was casually standing in the registration line when a smiling and very friendly employee greeted me just outside the entrance gate and started a conversation. I thought who is this exuberant person going way and above their way to make me feel welcome at PKI. I had never EVER been greeted like that to a park...very rarely anywhere for that matter. Little did I know it's none other than Jeff Siebert. Throughout the day, he really made BB a blast!

Thanks for the fun, Jeff, and congrats on the new job!

My favorite story was actually on the way down to the Fall Affair at Holiday World. I was driving south on I-71 near PKI and was almost to the exit for the park. Some guy comes screaming up along side of me like he wants to get over then disappears. I was thinking, "What is this idiot doing?" The car comes back, and Kara is in the passenger seat, points, and says, "Oh my God!"

I look over, and there's Jeff waving frantically. Always enthusiastic!

I have to tell this story because it's not only happened recently, but also demonstrates how incredible Jeff is.

Those around here that know me know that I used to be a regular staple at PKI. I lived in Middletown, just a few miles away and visited the park as much as I could. I got to know Jeff well, but I was still a younger enthusiast. He knew who I was and that was about it. We weren't best friends or didn't have any long memorable conversations that he could have kept on specific memory.

Well, in 2002 I moved down to Nashville, TN where I currently live. I can only get up to PKI once or twice a year if I'm lucky. Awhile back our own +Danny, my great friend, was visiting PKI and was having a chat with Jeff. Don't remember what it was about, but he mentioned my name to Jeff. Instantly, Jeff remembered who I was.

Now, it's a stupid little story. But to me the fact that he remembered an enthusiast that lived there a ways back impresses me incredibly.

We'll miss you at PKI, Jeff. But it's good to hear that you will be staying in the park business!

Thanks for not trading to Six Flags ;)

Shaggy:

Are you sure he is going to Galveston? The Schlitterbahn group is based out of New Braunfels. I thought he was replacing Sherrie Brammal who is stepping down, and she works out of New Braunfels. I know they have a new park opening in Galveston, and he will probably spend a lot of time there initially, but I would be surprised if that's where he is transferring to.

*** Edited 11/22/2005 7:14:55 PM UTC by Jeffrey Seifert***

Welcome to Houston.

Just a tad bit short from seeing Astroworld. You would have enjoyed the rich history.

The island is nice, and the Moody location is beautiful. If you have anything snow related leave it behind.. You wont be needing it.

Your coming at the perfect time to allow yourself time to get adjusted to our humidity. It grows on you!

Again Welcome!

Jeffrey:

He specifically told me Galveston. Which leads me to believe that the new postion will be located at and focused primarily on the new park. I'll double check with him tonight at PKI.

Shaggy

The day I met Jeff Siebert is a day I will never forget.

My wife and I arrived at PKI early in the morning for the Son of Beast media day event. What we didn't know is that the event had been cancelled the night before because lightning had struck the ride and screwed up the electronics (the park had sent out an e-mail notifying the media about the cancellation).

We arrived to an empty parking lot and had no idea what was going on. We actually found a way into the park and walked around for a while until a security guard spotted us and asked us what the hell we were doing there. We explained the situation, and he escorted us to Jeff's office.

Jeff was extremely apologetic, but not only that, you could tell he was also truly excited about Son of Beast and about coasters in general. We talked to him for a good half-hour, and it was like talking to a fellow enthusiast.

But then, instead of sending us on our way, Jeff asked David Brandt to take us on a personal tour of Son of Beast! It lasted about 45 minutes, and we actually got to walk on the ground under the structure, and right up to the loop, and around the first helix. Just me, my wife and the VP of operations. Amazing.

After the tour, we went back to Jeff's office and we talked some more. Before we left, Jeff apologized again and gave us four free passes to the park.

I could not believe how incredibly nice this guy had been to two people who had made a mistake.

I never talked to Jeff again in person, but he made a huge impression that morning that I'll never forget. Thanks for the generosity, Jeff, and good luck in Texas.

Well, good luck to Jeff on his new adventures! :)

LOL, the weekend they held CoasterCamp, I don't think Jeff's wife saw him once.....he spent the entire time hanging out entertaining us with games, stories, snacks, videos, knick-knacks, etc. Still ranks as one of my most memorable *events*, and a fantastic b-day present it was! :)