Newsroom
Welcome to Ripley Entertainment's official Press Site! Here you will find the latest news from all Ripley attractions as well as the latest corporate happenings.
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Ripley's VP of Communications, Tim O'Brien can be reached at obrien@ripleys.com or in his office at 615-646-7465 or on cell at 615-496-5949.
News Articles
Ripley Entertainment Names Ryan DeSear Manager of the Year
Posted by Tim O'Brien on May 21, 2007GATLINBURG, Tenn. (May 21, 2007) - Ripley Entertainment, Inc., a global leader in the attractions industry for more than 85 years, has named Ryan DeSear, attractions manager for Ripley Entertainment of Sevier County, Manager of the Year. With more than 64 attractions in 11 countries and more than 13 million guests annually, receiving such recognition comes with distinct honor for the 1991 Gatlinburg-Pittman High School valedictorian.
"Given the broad reach and continued popularity of Ripley's attractions all across the globe, to receive this honor is truly a blessing," said DeSear. "With so many new attractions opening throughout the industry each year, it's refreshing to know that the Ripley's Sevier County attractions continue to thrive."
Criteria for receiving the Manager of the Year award include a combination of market share, community involvement, guest and employee satisfaction ratings, marketing decisions and willingness to mentor others.
"Ryan exemplifies the type of team member Ripley Entertainment is proud to attract," said Jim Pattison, Jr., executive vice president of Ripley Entertainment. "He has worked his way up, knows our industry, has helped grow our businesses, is a leader, very community-minded, represents our company well, and is a wonderful family man and very deserving of this honor."
DeSear began his career with Ripley's in 1995 as a part time photographer and worked his way up over the years through various positions including maintenance, supervisor, assistant manager, manager, and assistant general manager. In 2002, DeSear was promoted to his current position as general manager where he is responsible for admission sales at eight different Sevierville and Gatlinburg Ripley's attractions.
After graduating from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, DeSear went on to graduate from University of North Carolina in 1995. He married his high-school sweetheart, Suzanne, and together they have a son, Jackson Alexander. Suzanne, who also works for Ripley Entertainment of Sevier County, was a previous Manager of the Year recipient for her role in accelerating admission sales at Ripley's Haunted Adventure.
"I would not have won if it weren't for the efforts of my staff, particularly my senior staff consisting of Suzanne DeSear, Amanda Caton, Karin Simms and Steve Simms," said DeSear. "I look on this honor as a staff award - they really are the driving force behind my fortunate success."
Ryan DeSear
Ripley Entertainment of Sevier County
865.436.5096 x2211
Monthly Arhives
Man Swallows Sword Underwater: Becomes First in America to do so - and Survive!Posted by Tim O'Brien on May 18, 2007
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Presents First Attempt at Underwater Sword Swallowing at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle BeachPosted by Tim O'Brien on May 16, 2007
13 Quirky Family Vacation Experiences at Ripley AttractionsPosted by on May 1, 2007