Following a shareholder decision, Brian Knoebel has been appointed the fourth president in the family-owned park’s history, succeeding his father, Richard “Dick” Knoebel, who has served as president since 1988.
For nearly four decades, Dick Knoebel guided the park as President. He will now assume the role of Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus.
“I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride not only for where we have been, but for where we are going,” said Dick Knoebel. “Brian has grown up with this park in his heart and under his feet, and I have every confidence in his leadership, values, and commitment to what makes Knoebels truly special. His vision for the future honors our past while embracing the opportunities ahead.”
Dick expressed his appreciation to his siblings and longtime colleagues who supported him throughout his tenure. “I want to extend a special thank you to my brother and sister, Buddy and Leanna,” he added. “Being in business with your siblings is not something everyone gets to do, and it is even more rare to do so with such trust, respect, and shared purpose.”
In his first remarks as president, Brian described the decision as deeply emotional and humbling.
“It was the most emotional meeting I have ever been a part of. Hearing the trust my family has in me and the appreciation they have for the role I play in this organization was humbling and not something I will ever take for granted,” he said.
While acknowledging the pressure of living up to the park’s legacy, Brian emphasized that he is not alone. “They, too, were surrounded by an incredible family and a dedicated team, just like the one we are so blessed with today,” he said of the three presidents before him.
“As I step into this new chapter, I promise to give this everything I’ve got, to do my very best to make our guests, our team and my family proud, continuing this timeless hometown amusement resort for generations to come,” Brian Knoebel said.
For nearly four decades, Dick Knoebel guided the park as President. He will now assume the role of Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus.
“I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride not only for where we have been, but for where we are going,” said Dick Knoebel. “Brian has grown up with this park in his heart and under his feet, and I have every confidence in his leadership, values, and commitment to what makes Knoebels truly special. His vision for the future honors our past while embracing the opportunities ahead.”
Dick expressed his appreciation to his siblings and longtime colleagues who supported him throughout his tenure. “I want to extend a special thank you to my brother and sister, Buddy and Leanna,” he added. “Being in business with your siblings is not something everyone gets to do, and it is even more rare to do so with such trust, respect, and shared purpose.”
In his first remarks as president, Brian described the decision as deeply emotional and humbling.
“It was the most emotional meeting I have ever been a part of. Hearing the trust my family has in me and the appreciation they have for the role I play in this organization was humbling and not something I will ever take for granted,” he said.
While acknowledging the pressure of living up to the park’s legacy, Brian emphasized that he is not alone. “They, too, were surrounded by an incredible family and a dedicated team, just like the one we are so blessed with today,” he said of the three presidents before him.
“As I step into this new chapter, I promise to give this everything I’ve got, to do my very best to make our guests, our team and my family proud, continuing this timeless hometown amusement resort for generations to come,” Brian Knoebel said.