Meet Tony Wohlgemuth

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tony Wohlgemuth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tony below.

Tony, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

When I was 13 in 1983, my father decided to move back to Switzerland, and the farm was put up for sale. Thankfully, the farm did not sell, and he allowed me to find a way to save it. From that moment, my resilience became deeply rooted in the belief that success is essential to preserving the family farm. It’s not just about pushing through adversity but understanding that each “No” I face is part of a more extensive process that brings me closer to the next opportunity.

I actively seek knowledge and educate myself on the obstacles, navigating challenges with determination. Whether seeking advice from industry experts, learning from those who’ve faced similar hurdles, or leveraging available resources, I prioritize expanding my knowledge and refining my approach.

By learning from key sources with expertise, I gain valuable insights that help me make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and implement strategies to ensure the business thrives. Resilience, in this sense, isn’t just about perseverance—it’s about adaptability and continuous improvement in the face of setbacks. With each lesson learned, I move one step closer to achieving the success needed to grow the business and secure the farm’s future.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My bold journey began at 14 when I was tasked with saving our 65-acre farm from being sold. With access to open land and some farm equipment, my first attempt at generating income was growing corn to sell at the farmer’s market. However, I quickly learned a harsh lesson about competition when an old farmer set up beside me and kept lowering prices. Mowing yards and plowing garden plots for neighbors provided some income, but it wasn’t nearly enough to cover the interest-only payment on the farm’s loan.

As the reality set in that I might have to move to Europe and leave behind my friends, desperation turned into inspiration. In the mid-80s, horror movies were all the rage, and one summer night in 1985, while camping with friends, a midnight dare to enter an abandoned farmhouse led to a terrifying experience—one that sparked the idea to create a haunted attraction. Crafting an environment that felt like stepping into a horror movie, we started drawing in thrill-seekers, and a following quickly grew.

That single idea became the foundation for something much bigger. The goal to save the farm led to the creation of **Kersey Valley Attractions**, a brand that has expanded far beyond its haunted beginnings. What started with five teenage boys taking a dare has, over the past four decades, grown in size, complexity, and quality, evolving into one of America’s most famous Halloween destinations. We built upon our vision year after year, growing from a minor scare into an immersive experience that employs over 350 people annually.

Today, **Kersey Valley Attractions** is a year-round destination featuring **zipline tours, escape games, axe throwing, and outdoor laser tag**, in addition to three major seasonal attractions—**Maize Adventure**, **Spookywoods**, and a **massive out-of-the-car Christmas experience**. What began as a mission to save the family farm has turned into a thriving business that continues to grow, ensuring the legacy of that first-midnight scare—and the farm itself—lives on.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that impacted my journey most were **resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving**. For those early in their journey, here’s how you can develop and improve on these critical skills:

### 1. **Resilience – Learn to See Challenges as Opportunities**
– Understand that setbacks are part of the process. Every “No” or failure is a stepping stone to the next opportunity.
– Stay committed to your vision, even when things are unplanned. Remind yourself why you started, and let that fuel your persistence.
– Surround yourself with a strong support system—mentors, peers, or friends—who encourage you to keep pushing forward.

### 2. **Adaptability – Stay Open to Change and Growth**
– Always be willing to pivot. If one strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something new.
– Keep learning. Industries evolve, and those who succeed are the ones who stay ahead of trends and continuously expand their knowledge.
– Be receptive to feedback. Whether from customers, mentors, or competitors, listen, adjust, and improve.

### 3. **Creative Problem-Solving – Think Outside the Box**
– Develop the mindset that there’s always a solution—you must find it.
– Expose yourself to new ideas. Read, watch, and experience things outside of your industry to inspire fresh approaches.
– Test and experiment. Some of the best ideas come from trial and error, so don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.

The key is **to keep moving forward**. Success isn’t about avoiding failures—learning from them, adapting, and finding new ways to achieve your goals. Whether building a business, starting a new career, or chasing a personal dream, these skills will help you turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was **allowing me to try and save the farm instead of selling it outright**. Rather than deciding for me, they trusted me to take on the challenge, which instilled a deep sense of responsibility, independence, and problem-solving that shaped my future.

Being put in that position at such a young age forced me to think creatively, develop resilience, and take ownership of my success. It wasn’t just about saving the farm but learning how to overcome obstacles, adapt to challenges, and build something lasting. That trust and opportunity ultimately led to the creation of **Kersey Valley Attractions**, proving that sometimes the greatest gift a parent can give is **believing in their child’s ability to succeed**.

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Image Credits

photo credits: Neil Jester

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