Editor’s Note: The following article appeared on Missouri State College of Business News and it features Dalton Fischer (Iota Beta/Missouri State 2017) and was reprinted with permission from the author Shania Dedigama.
Dalton Fischer’s fascination with theme parks began when he was a child, fueled by an early encounter with the simulation game, RollerCoaster Tycoon.
Thanks to a quality undergraduate education in the College of Business at Missouri State University — and his persistent attitude — Fischer found a fulfilling job in his dream industry.
He serves as communications manager for the Silver Dollar City (SDC) Company, which includes an internationally awarded 1880s-style theme park, Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruise, White Water outdoor water park and SDC Campground in Branson.
An MSU education
Hailing from Butler, Missouri, Fischer came to Missouri State in 2014 to study marketing. He graduated in 2017 with a BS in Marketing, specializing in sales.
While at MSU, Fischer took advantage of many opportunities the university offered.
“I became a member of Theta Chi Fraternity (MSU’s Iota Beta chapter) and started MSU’s Themed Entertainment Association. This association aimed at building awareness of the themed entertainment industry and providing interested students a forum to share ideas and build their understanding of the industry from a global perspective,” Fischer said.
His educational journey at MSU continues as he pursues a graduate degree.
“I’m currently finishing my online MBA. If all goes according to plan, I’ll graduate in spring 2025,” Fischer said.
"I was honored to be spotlighted by Missouri State's College of Business." Fischer stated, when asked how it felt for his alma mater to recognize his tremendous successes.
"Had I not met the folks I did at Missouri State and in the COB, I may have never joined Theta Chi, let alone another Greek-letter organization. Sometimes it feels like Missouri State doesn't get as much attention as other universities close by in the Midwest, so my hope is this is another opportunity for those who didn't attend Missouri State, or even have it on their radar, to know about the quality education their students receive in Springfield, Mo."
The path to SDC
During his undergraduate years at Missouri State, Fischer was turned down for a SDC internship twice. Instead of giving up, he applied one more time with one remaining semester to go. This time, he applied for an internship in the attractions division.
During his interview, the hiring manager strongly encouraged him to instead consider a publicity internship and that day phoned the senior publicist to get the ball rolling.
“I got the position, and the rest is history at the park!” Fischer said.
Fischer served at Theta Chi International Headquarters as the Director of Communications from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023. Many staff members recall his office being decorated and adorned with rollercoaster posters and decorative knick knacks. As passionate as he was to serve the Fraternity, there was a deeper calling to return to his childhood passion.
"When I returned to Silver Dollar City, I sort of returned to my roots, as it was the first "real job" I had after graduating. I worked the summer of my senior year as an intern, and the company let me work part-time for the fall semester, which wound up being my final semester as I was able to graduate a semester earlier. I'm back in an industry I have a personal affinity for, the themed entertainment industry, but I can also be close to my family, who are less than 3 hours away. A big highlight is applying skills and knowledge I've acquired at other roles since my original departure from Silver Dollar City in 2020, including those I learned while working for Theta Chi," Fischer reflected.
An expert in marketing and communications
As SDC’s communications manager since 2023, Fischer plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s narrative and engaging with diverse audiences.
From orchestrating press conferences for new attractions to cultivating media relationships, Fischer’s responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing SDC’s brand visibility and reputation.
These include pitching newsworthy content to the media, hosting media visits and interviews, assisting with crisis communications, producing content for the content team, writing and distributing press releases and maintaining the company’s online press releases.
“One of my favorite aspects of my position is crafting our capital and product announcements for the park. I’ve been fortunate to work on our press conferences and communications strategies for various rides and attractions,” Fischer said.
"I miss many aspects of working at Theta Chi. Working with your brothers from across the U.S. is something you can't put into words. It was such a rewarding experience to know I was making an impact in the lives of collegians from California to Maine and from Washington to Florida. The best part of the job, for me, was the preparation for and attending the 166th Anniversary Convention in Washington, D.C.," said Fischer recalling one of his proudest moments during his time on staff.
"Hundreds of hours of work (maybe thousands, thanks to my then-supervisor Brother Ben Hill,) paid off when the event started. I remember pouring so much work into the opening video of the Convention. I was worried it wouldn't be received well by collegians. Then, once the opening number of Hamilton hit the speakers, the room grew quiet. After the "Welcome" message played, the room erupted in cheers and applause. I knew our work paid off."
Fischer is still involved with Theta Chi as a volunteer, serving on the Iota Beta's CAB as an adviser to the Vice President. Fischer will also be volunteering during the 168th Anniversary Convention in NOLA for the Ritual and snapping photos throughout the event for social media use and inclusion in The Rattle.
Words of wisdom
Based on his experience, Fischer believes “the only thing you can control is yourself.”
“Know what the important things are in your studies, career and life. Worry about those things but stop worrying about things out of your control and things that don’t matter in the long-term,” he said.
Lastly, we asked Fischer if he had any suggestions for any brothers attempting to break into the themed entertainment industry and he had this to say to prospective fun-facilitators.
"The themed entertainment industry is unique in that many folks who work in it professionally have always wanted to do it. If not, they definitely develop a passion for it once they begin working in the industry. It's an industry where working unconventional hours is common, and that's simply the nature of it. Knowing you're creating memories worth repeating for families from all around the globe is what keeps folks interested in the industry. If I were to give a piece of advice to anyone looking to be a part of this industry, I would advise them to develop their skills in the type of job they would be happy with working at any other place other than the themed entertainment industry.
For example, if your passion is Human Resources, do well in your studies and degree program, and find a niche within it you can excel at. Then, work in that different industry, while keeping an eye on the job market. Finally, when you see the position you want, apply for it. Most likely, you'll be more marketable than your competition.
Also, if you're still in college, I highly recommend working part-time in a park, whether operations, food and beverage, merchandise — anything. You'll learn more than you'd expect about the industry this way than any book, interview or class can teach you."
Congratulations on all that you've been able to accomplish, Brother Fischer. We're proud to have you as our brother and we can't wait to see the great strides you'll be taking forward from here on!