Many years ago, a young Jeff Whittle found an audience with a guru of sorts. With a bit of experience underneath his belt and the confidence of youth, Whittle had a meeting with Lonnie Reed of Themed Development Management. With the endeavor to grow his Las Vegas business, Recreation Development Company, Whittle wanted to expand into new territory, such as California and beyond. As a decorative and themed contractor, he was eager to network with colleagues and like-minded contractors, gather more accounts and do more interesting, elaborate projects.
“I sat with Lonnie in his office and told him I wanted to be a theme park contractor, and he explained to me how difficult it was and how it would be even more so on a new company and advised me to proceed carefully,” recalls Whittle. “He was candid, polite and caring. I took his advice and went back to what I was comfortable with, intending to get a few more years under my belt and go back.”