Building International Partnerships and Electric Innovations: Dr. Jay Luis Aguilar's Chance Rides Story

🎙️ From Mexico City Engineer to Global Amusement Ride Leader: Dr. Jay Luis Aguilar's Journey with Chance RidesIn this inspiring episode, Dr. Jay Luis Aguilar, Global Vice President of Business Development at Chance Rides, shares his remarkable journey from dreaming of designing roller coasters as a child in Mexico City to leading business development for a 65-year-old amusement ride manufacturer that has delivered over 3,000 rides worldwide. Through candid stories about accidentally discovering his passion for sales during an emergency trip to Tokyo, navigating a catastrophic pricing mistake that nearly destroyed a Japanese partnership, and earning his doctorate while working full-time, Jay reveals how curiosity, listening skills, and cultural respect have shaped his approach to building lasting international relationships—and how Chance Rides is revolutionizing the industry with 100% electric trams powered 80% by solar panels.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Career pivot from automotive technology development engineer to commercial leadership after emergency Tokyo presentationChance Rides history: Founded 1961 with CP Huntington train replica, now celebrating 65th anniversary in 2026Three core product lines: trains (with tracks at zoos), trams (trackless parking lot shuttles), and elaborate themed carouselsCarousel complexity: From classic hand-painted horses to character-themed rides for Universal's Kung Fu Panda and MinionsAll carousel figures are hand-painted by artists with time allocations based on complexity levelMorgan acquisition in early 2000s: How Chance entered roller coaster market for small-to-medium amusement parksPortable carnival market shift: Economic conditions made competing with Europe and Asia Pacific pricing difficultElectric revolution: 100% electric trams launched 2025, powered 80% by solar panels with standard 120V wall chargingLearning from trains to trams: Electric CP Huntington trains since 2017 provided foundation for tram developmentSwedish technology partnership: Collaborated on development while Chance handles manufacturing for electric tramsPost-apocalyptic carousel at Area 15 Vegas: Half-turtle, half-robot figures with unique lighting systemsPrivate equity transition 2023: Acquired by Permanent Equity, a non-traditional 30-50 year investment firmDoctorate earned while working: Completed PhD in business with specialty in how social media impacts corporate decision-making🌟 Jay's Key Mentors & Influences:Harold Chance (Founder, Generation 1): Created iconic CP Huntington train replica in 1961, originally hoping to build 10-20 units—company has now built 439+Dick Chance (Generation 2): Shared company history and family legacy during Jay's transition to leadership roleFormer CEO Carlos (German Automotive Company): Challenged Jay with emergency Tokyo pricing crisis, teaching resilience under pressure and cultural negotiationJapanese Business Partners (Honda, Toyota, Nissan):Aaron Landrum (Chance Rides President)His Wife👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about finding your calling through unexpected opportunities, the art of listening in high-stakes negotiations, and how a 65-year-old company is electrifying the future of amusement transportation.🔗 Connect with Dr. Jay Luis Aguilar:LinkedIn: Jay Luis Aguilar Email: [email protected] Chance Rides Website: chancerides.com Company Address: 4200 West Walker Street, Wichita, Kansas 67209📄 Transcript Available: Building International Partnerships and Electric Innovations: Dr. Jay Luis Aguilar's Chance Rides Story📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com