SPOTLIGHT The History of Used Rides Europe Peter Theunisz
How it all started We all know that once you’re born into the amusement industry, you will never
be able to completely walk away from it. It is in your blood, and it stays there forever. This is exactly the story of Peter Theunisz’ life and career. Born in the industry in 1968 as a son of a showman, who was a game and the business in one way, or the other. shop and maintained and repaired trucks, vans and cars for showmen in the Netherlands, as well as selling and trading cars and installing miscellaneous options like sunroofs, sound systems, car alarms and so on.
Back to the industry When Peter sold the shop in 1995, he started a
wholesale business specializing in plush and toys, which he mainly sold to game owners and game operators in the Netherlands. That’s how he met his wife Laura, who was also born in the industry, and from 1996 together they owned and operated a Dutch horse carousel, games and a food stand. Unfortunately, in 1999 the main ride was completely destroyed. This was the moment ride, which was a used 1991 “Discovery” in the year 2000. In 2006 they sold the “Discovery” and ordered the KMG prototype “Inversion-12”, which should’ve been delivered in 2008. In the meantime, Peter was asked by KMG Rides to do some rides sales and service (maintenance) for their customers. In 2008 he represented KMG at the IISF Trade Show in Gibtown, and after that show he was asked to stay and do their global sales. The commercial collaboration proved to be a success for both parties, so he stayed with KMG Rides, who manufactures high quality thrill- and family rides.
Becoming a rides broker In 2011 Peter founded a side business called Used Rides
Europe (
www.usedrideseurope.com) as a mediator and rides broker to help showmen sell their equipment in order to be able to purchase a brand new KMG ride. Used Rides Europe became well-known rapidly and the success grew steadily. The company represents showmen who have a ride, game
14 OABA ShowTime Magazine • August 2024
or other equipment for sale from around the globe. The used rides business was booming and therefore the new rides of having a marketplace for amusement rides from all over the world all under “one roof”. The company provides services such as negotiation, translations, paperwork,
Sales rep for KMG and Gosetto In 2013 Peter left KMG Rides as their employee
but stayed loyal to the manufacturer and started selling rides for KMG as their sales agent. That way he was able to serve more ride manufacturers and to expand the Used Rides Europe company. In the years to follow several customers made use of his services and network and the demand for a wider product line grew and that’s why since this past June, Peter now is also the sole sales agent for the Italian manufacturer, Gosetto (www.gosetto. com), in Canada, United States and Australia. Gosetto builds Bumper Car Tracks, Dark Rides, Funhouses and several Kiddy Ride models. Gosetto manufactures
high quality amusement rides, is well organized and provides custom built rides and services. For several years Used Rides Europe, KMG Rides and Gosetto
have been, and will continue to be, members of the OABA, and they support and sponsor all the good work, activities and standards the OABA stands for. These 3 companies understand the need and power of sharing knowledge, perseverance and combining forces and experiences in order to ensure the future for the American carnival industry.
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