Eric Debricht
I’m a founding member of the Texas Pinball Festival. I’ve played pinball and video games my whole life. I got into the coin-op business when I bought a soda machine in highschool. Shortly after, I started Coin-Tech and I’ve been buying, servicing and selling pinball machines and arcade games ever since. We are currently based in Arlington, Texas.
Contact: 817-226-4263
Ken Kemp
I began playing pinball when my grandpa would take me to get a burger at the local store. I still remember playing Spirit of 76 and Freedom there. I fell in love with pinball again in college by playing games like Cyclone, Elvira and Funhouse.
I’m a school principal in a small town now and pinball is a way to get back to my roots and relax. I joined the Texas Pinball Team in 2007 with the intention of growing the pinball tournaments. Every year, this event gets bigger and requires more volunteers and machines. But, as an avid player, I love the friendly competition and atmosphere.
Contact: ken@pinballrebel.com
Website: pinballrebel.com
Paul McKinney
Got started in the 70′s. I used to save my lawn mowing money and ride my bike (candy apple green with banana seat and sissy bar) to the local 7-11 to play Joker Poker. At the time you had to be 18, but the counter clerk let us play anyway.
My favorites are almost anything that needs saving, love great art-Pins and Neon. I have owned from a 1932 World Series through some new Sterns, but I think my favorites are CFTBL, IJ and MB, great colors and play.
Shannon Smith
I’m one of the founding organizers of the Texas Pinball Festival. My history is in computer electronics and engineering. I love restoration projects, be they pinballs, juke boxes, coke machines or muscle cars. I even competed in Show Car Circuit.
I’m an avid roller skater when I’m not busy.
Contact: info@sspinball.com
Website: www.sspinball.com
Ed VanderVeen
I began collecting and restoring arcade video games in 1999. I joined the Texas Pinball Festival team in 2003 to run the video game tournaments. It was at the TPF where I found my passion for pinball beginning with my first, a Gottlieb “The Amazing Spider-Man”. I’m married to fellow organizer (and better pinball player) Kim VanderVeen.
Favorite pins: Monster Bash and Stern Spider-Man
Website: http://www.edslastresort.com
Contact: evander685@yahoo.com
Kim VanderVeen
I married into pinball and love it (and my hubby)! I’ve been helping out with the show for 4 years, but this is my first year as an organizer.
I’m a coupon queen in my spare time.
Favorite pins: Lord of the Rings and Monster Bash
Contact: kim@texaspinball.com
Website: http://www.facebook.com/kimcoupons