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Jim Seay
Owner/President
Premier Rides, Inc.
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“It is critical to participate in standards development if a company’s central focus is adherence. Only through participation can one fully comprehend not only the requirement but also an appreciation of the origin and background of that requirement.”
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Who is your current employer and what is your current position? |
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I am owner and president of Premier Rides, Inc., in Millersville, Md. |
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Where did you obtain your undergraduate/ graduate degree(s) and in what fields? |
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I earned my bachelor of science degree at Cornell University in mechanical and aerospace engineering and did graduate work at California State University at Long Beach. |
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When and why did you become involved in ASTM International? |
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I transitioned from the aerospace industry working at Hughes Aircraft in 1988 when I joined Six Flags Theme Parks as a corporate engineering manager. In that role, my primary focus was guest safety, especially as it related to ride attractions. As part of my duties, I represented Six Flags at the biannual meetings of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices. |
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In which committees are you active? Are you a committee officer; if so, what group or groups? |
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I serve as vice chairman of the F24 main committee, which consists of some 350 members. I also have varying degrees of involvement in all of the F24 subcommittees. |
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How do you apply ASTM standards in your work? |
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Premier Rides is fortunate to work with the largest theme park companies, including Universal Studios and Disney. Those organizations have the strongest contractual requirements with respect to equipment design and performance; and as part of that, require manufacturers to adhere to ASTM guidelines. Premier’s policy, as part of our internal design process, is to incorporate ASTM guidelines whether the client is large or small. |
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Apart from using standards, are there advantages to participating in standards development? |
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It is critical to participate in standards development if a company’s central focus is adherence. Only through participation can one fully comprehend not only the requirement but also an appreciation of the origin and background of that requirement. Additionally, participating in the process allows participants a unique opportunity to network with peers who have a similar passion for both safety and the amusement industry. |
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What are some of your favorite aspects of your job? |
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Some of my favorite aspects are sharing and observing a successful conclusion of one of our projects, specifically seeing the enjoyment that guests have as they step off a ride that we have developed together with our clients. There is nothing better than to see guests “high five” their friends after a ride and know that you have created a lifelong memory. |
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Are there advantages that you can identify that result from having an understanding of standards? |
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Our clients greatly appreciate our detailed understanding of ASTM standards, and it is certainly one aspect that has allowed a company like Premier Rides to continue to be successful. Additionally, ASTM guidelines are becoming more and more a part of state regulations. A ride installation goes much more smoothly when a state authority is aware that the ride manufacturer knows the relevant ASTM standards. |
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Are there any words of wisdom that you can offer to professionals starting out in your field? |
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One thing is to be passionate and always maintain a high level of interest in the industry, especially towards the guests and those who maintain the ride and develop the ride. Also, get involved as early as possible in the standards process so you can understand the importance of why something is applied. Seek out mentors in the industry who can guide you to success and educate you in the important aspects of industry standards. Meetings are a great location to meet the best and the brightest and you will find people who will gladly fill a mentor role and steer you to the future.
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