Show Daily - Wed, Nov. 16

Something to Believe In

Ripley's Jim Pattison shares company history, fun facts, business insight
By Amanda Charney

Jim Pattison, president of Ripley Entertainment Inc., shared his philosophies behind running numerous and varied businesses around the world, management advice, and this surprising piece of information:

"We own things like Elvis' underwear," he said. "Is that a 'Believe it or Not!'? I don't know, but it's popular."

The King's unmentionables are among thousands of artifacts, art pieces, oddities, and things you might put in the "other" category the company collects and showcases in its world-famous museums. Pattison said the company has 25,000 exhibits, a few of which were on display right there in the room.

But it's not just the bizarre that keeps Ripley Entertainment going strong.

Pattison attributes much of the company's success to seizing opportunity, embracing change, and surrounding oneself with the right people, all of which was the crux of his address during the Constituency Lunch for Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Video segments about the life of cartoonist and collector Robert Ripley and about the company's diverse property portfolio were the perfect backdrop to Pattison's candid advice.

"When you see an opportunity; don't just file it away. Take a look at it," he said, adding that even in bad economic times, there are success stories—people and companies that tackle new ideas and execute them well. "You can't get away from change, so you might as well embrace it."

It's evident Ripley's development team takes Pattison's advice about new opportunities, as the company boasts a staggering range of attractions: museums, aquariums, haunted attractions, candy stores, Guinness World Record properties, mini-golf courses, sightseeing tours, and much more. And then there's the publishing arm, which just put out the eighth "Believe It or Not!" annual. "It sounds like we know what we're doing, but we don't," he said, getting a room full of laughter. "We manage by chaos."

But on a serious note, his message was clear: Sometimes facilities just need to open their minds, look at things in a new way, and give something a try. "You can maximize revenue in a lot of ways by expanding your mind," he said.

It could be the next big thing—or your very own set of celebrity underpants.