Rich Allen: enjoying the ride.

• Author: Little, Candace M.
• Position: Spotlight

Ironically, Rich Allen, CEO of Logan-based S&S Worldwide, Inc., one of the top roller coaster manufacturing companies in the world, doesn't enjoy riding coasters that much--at least not like he once did. For him, the real ride is managing people and processes.

His background is in the meat processing and packaging business, and he will tell you meat and coasters have absolutely nothing to do with each other. But, he says, "Successfully managing people and processes requires the same leadership skills no matter what industry you're in." This managerial spirit comes from almost 30 years of managing one kind of company or another, with the last 12 years at S&S.

The company's major competitors are mostly European, but Allen says because of the company's innovative technology and reputation for excellent customer service, S&S still has a strong presence overseas even when customers may have to pay higher freight costs. Allen is looking forward to launching a European coaster in Germany next spring, where the Nurburgring Race Track will be home to the world's fastest launch coaster--reaching speeds of 135 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

While S&S continues to break world records, Allen is reluctant to acknowledge his own success. "I don't focus on my personal success," he says. "I don't know that I'm particularly successful. I've just had the opportunity during my career to work for and be mentored by very excellent people."

Allen shares three pieces of advice he's learned from his mentors and his own experiences: 1) Understand your industry and your own company; 2) Improve your weaknesses and become knowledgeable in things you don't understand; and 3) Always give your employees opportunities to contribute and grow.

Allen has followed his own advice...