Tim O'Brien

Dick Kinzel Tim O'Brien

Roller coasters took Dick Kinzel slowly to the top and a $1.24 billion acquisition ultimately lead to his direst years. During his 39-year career (25 as president and CEO) with Cedar Point and Cedar Fair parks, he built the world's first 200, 300, and 400-foot tall roller coasters. He is responsible for adding more than 35 multi-million dollar scream machines to the company's 11 amusement parks. It was he who delivered the first shot in the coaster wars of the 1990s when he built the Magnum XL-200, the first to top the 200-foot barrier. .

He brought big, edgy and expensive coasters to Cedar Point knowing that the bigger the thrill ride, the bigger the crowds. He made sure Cedar Point remained the "Amazement Park" and the Roller Coaster Capital of the World.

His story is one of tenacity, conservatism and risk taking. It's one of big business and one of fun making. Dick spent his life putting smiles on people's faces and fear in their eyes.

For the first time his journey is told in full: from his highs and lows to the laughs and tears, this is the story of the man who brought more roller coaster to Ohio than any other man. This is the official biography of Richard L. Kinzel.