Episode 34 of the Amusement Warehouse Podcast is a special edition, recorded live from the IISA Trade Show in Gibtown. Our first edition features Tom Arnold, Phil Wilson and R.D. Thomas.
Tom Arnold and his family have been a driving force behind the IISA and the trade show in general. Tom holds the tile of Superintendent Emeritus and he still helps with the planning and set up of the show. Learn in the episode about the trade show, the planning that goes into the presentation, what the club does year-round and how much the club and its related organizations do for the industry, especially those that need assistance.
Phil Wilson was a side show operator for 35 years before transitioning into more specialty attractions, His father built fun houses and back end pieces and Phil entered show business on his own after he purchased a girl into a gorilla show. At one time he had 11 shows he was operating at the Ohio State Fair. After selling his shows, Phil purchased specialty attractions such a a Euro Bungy, a Sling Shot and now a mechanical bull. Learn about Phil's life in the business and his adventures with shows of the past and present,
R.D. Thomas is the co-owner of Powers and Thomas Midways. R.D. along with Eddie Powers, purchased Swank's Steel City Shows of Pittsburgh about a decade ago. Both owners grew up on Powers' Great American Midways, owned by Eddie's father and R.D.'s father-in-law Corky Powers, Since their purchase of Steel City Shows, Thomas has expanded and updated the show's ride inventory and added midway amenities and customer service enhancements. The show now plays many events along with Powers' Great American, including some of the largest shows on the Eastern Seaboard,
Hear what the plans for the future are for Powers and Thomas and what they think of the trade show and the state of the industry.
Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast network including Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music.
Follow on your Favorite Podcast Network
Listen Now
2025 Gibtown Trade Show Coverage
- Gibtown Trade Show 2025 Photo Gallery
- Manufacturers Report Sales & Deliveries - Part 1
- Manufacturers Report Sales & Deliveries - Part 2
- Good Vibes from Buyers & Sellers, Coy Heatherly on Games, & Fiesta Shows to Take Delivery of New Ride
- Carnival & Fair News Read Amusement Park News Carnival Industry News Magic Money Gibtown 2025: Carnival Museum Hires new Curator; OABA Hall of Fame Ceremony
- Amusement Warehouse Podcast Episode 34 - Gibtown Special Editon: Tom Arnold, Phil Wilson & RD Thomas
- Amusement Warehouse Podcast Episode 35 - Gibtown Special Editon Part 2: Al Rosenberg, Johnny Doolan, & Francesco Ferrari
- 2025 IISA Gibtown Extravaganza Kicks off with a Whole New Look
- The Rides Return: 2025 Gibtown Trade Show Promises Biggest Exhibit of Ride Exhibits in Recent Years
- OABA & NICA: Facing the 2025 Season with Real Optimisim

Other Amusement Park News
-
3/5/2026
Kentucky Kingdom Expands with New Vekoma Suspended Family Coaster -
3/3/2026
Family Kingdom Amusement Park Positions for Growth with Major Upgrades and New Coaster -
2/26/2026
Texas Bearing Services Helps Carnival & Amusement Ride Operators Bear Operational Costs -
2/26/2026
Zamperla Delivers History-Driven Ride Collection -
2/24/2026
Friends of Rye Playland Launch Preservation Support -
2/19/2026
Catching the Brass Ring: 2026 IAAPA Brass Ring Winners -
2/18/2026
2026 Gibtown Trade Show Delivers Record Results for Exhibitors and IISF -
2/17/2026
KMG, Gosetto Secure Orders Through End of Decade at Gibtown Trade Show
Carnival Industry News
-
3/12/2026
Cold Weather Chills South Florida Fair Finish After Strong Start -
3/4/2026
A New Midway Balance: Powers Great American Transitions It's Route While Revitalizing Family Kingdom -
3/2/2026
End of an Era for Sheridan Amusements as The Larkees Retire -
2/26/2026
Texas Bearing Services Helps Carnival & Amusement Ride Operators Bear Operational Costs -
2/23/2026
Manatee County Fair Draws Crowds Despite Chilly Temps -
2/20/2026
Schantz & Craftsmen Highlight Custom Food Trailers and New Baby Care Unit in Gibtown -
2/18/2026
2026 Gibtown Trade Show Delivers Record Results for Exhibitors and IISF -
2/9/2026
From Strings to Satellites: Magic Money Connects Midway Planning, Guest Navigation, and Back Office Tools In Newest Update













