Michael Stevens’ experience is management and marketing in the entertain- ment industry. His great grandfather John Schmidt was Bill Gillette’s boss at the American Brake Shoe factory for WWII work. Bill Gillette recruited John at the inception of Imperial Shows to own/operate the food concessions. Around 1960 Imperial Shows was sold and the Schmidt’s moved to Monarch Shows with their food concessions. In 1972 Michael’s parents joined Farrow’s Amusements with their poppers and cookhouse. His parents purchased Rogers Bros. Shows in 1980. Michael worked his way from serving hotdogs and cotton candy at 8, to ride foreman of the 1924 G/M Spillman MGR at 12, to ride super and driving semi loads from ND to the TX Valley at 16. After home school and high school, Michael attended U of A Fayetteville for a BA in Marketing. He has been certified as an amusement ride inspector (NARSO Level II), Private Pilot (Instrument, seaplane, and complex ratings), scuba, and served as an Army Ranger and first responder in Iraq with honors. Taking the lead from his parents, Michael was the driving force of Funland RBS Shows by contracting, marketing, and managing the show from 6 rides to 22 rides.

Michael’s wife, Michele Stevens, was completing her Master’s Degree in Special Education and running a successful home-based business when she took a management position with Funland Rogers Bros Shows. The following year, Michael and Michele were married.  Desiring to have more time with the family which includes their 9 children, 6 less than ten years old in the home, 3 of whom were in diapers, Funland Marketing and Referrals was conceived.

The Stevens’ partnered with Michael and Rami Packard to push forward with the marketing efforts in the corporate world. The Packard’s have extensive experience owning and operating businesses in a variety of industries which include:  transportation, delivery, training, public speaking, homecare, firework sales, convention planning, promotional, and advertising.  They enjoy the excitement of taking companies to new heights through creative advertising and promotions.  Having worked in the corporate world of Wal-Mart, Michael understands businesses of all sizes and how they each can flourish and grow.  Michael and Rami are the parents of 4 children, home-schooling for five years. 

As past Show Owners, better than any marketing agency, the Stevens under- stand the carnival’s need for a solid marketing effort, not to mention the unique and un-tapped opportunities for an additional income stream. With Corporate experience and an entrepreneur spirit, The Packards offer a warm network into the business sector. Now a member of the OABA as a Vendor/Supplier, rather than a Carnival, Funland Marketing is supporting the amusement industry in a way that was never before possible. The Stevens and Packards make a perfect marriage to represent your marketing and sponsorships team.